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On December 19th and 20th, 2023, detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investiga-tions Bureau, in conjunction with our City/County Investigations Bureau detectives from Mt. Dora, Eustis, Leesburg, and Clermont Police Department, conducted an undercover operation utilizing an un-derage confidential informant. The confidential informant attempted to purchase an alcoholic beverage or a vape from convenience stores throughout Lake County.

As a result of the operation, detectives visited 71 stores throughout Lake County, 29 of which sold to the underage buyer. Out of those 29 stores, 66% of the time the clerk did not ask for identification to verify the correct age, and 34% of the time the clerk requested identification; however, they still sold the alcoholic beverage to the minor even though their license clearly identified them as underage. Additional-ly, of those 29 sales, 25 individuals were issued a misdemeanor summons to appear in court, three indi-viduals were physically arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail, and one received a warning. Also, of those 29 individuals, one subject was the same individual who sold a vape to an underage con-fidential informant during the last undercover operation in March 2023. Continue reading →

12/28/2023On December 27, 2023, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau executed a lawful search warrant at the residence of 38945 Pine Street Umatilla, Lake County, Florida. Detectives with Homeland Security and the Mount Dora, Eustis, Leesburg, and Clermont Police departments assisted with the six-month investigation, which stemmed from Crimeline tips and complaints from concerned citizens that indicated the main subject of this investigation, Robert Donaldson (DOB 02/06/1977), was distributing large quantities of narcotics from the residence. In the early morning hours, the Lake County SWAT Team secured the residence and Robert Donaldson, Joana Silva (DOB 04/08/2001), and Lashonda Gaston (DOB 03/12/1979) were located inside. Once the scene was secured, detectives conducted a search of the residence. Continue reading →

Leslie DiCesare Executive Director of the Lady Lake Chamber was super excited that Santa and Mrs Claus visited her at the Log Cabin. She will always have that picture of Santa in 2023. Don’t worry Leslie, you’ll see them year.

Leslie DiCesare presenting Check from the Lady Lake Chamber outreach fund for $700 Dollars to your Humane Society

It was a great scene to have a Lady Lake Christmas Parade with Santa with a sleigh full of gifts. Texas RoadHouse had a enter, the Iron Dragons were there, the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake, Mr. Handyman and the Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce. Pretty good turnout Lady Lake has been having a parade every year. Lady Lake people come every time so don’t miss next year. Watch for picture next year.

Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson

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