Villages/Lady Lake
Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s and the Attorney General’s Office warn that scam artists will use the COVID-19 pandemic and the fear it has caused for many to take advantage of Florida consumers, especially the state’s vulnerable elderly. It is important to remain vigilant during this time. With many schools and businesses closed, there is plenty of downtime for people right now. Social media activity will increase to pass to the time. Predators will attempt to capitalize using various methods. Here are some of the scams that are being reported nationwide:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online. Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the Food and Drug Administration website for more information.
- Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out at the time of this article. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer. Visit the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/checks-government for more information.
Leesburg commissioners approved ordinances that opens the door for Villages to expansion of their massive retirement community Leesburg. It’s about Tax revenue!
Ordinances for annexation, rezoning, a comprehensive plan. They affect parcels in the Villages of West Lake of 2,845 acres generally located near County Road 48, County Road 471 and the Florida Turnpike area.
Commissioners approved development agreements for the 1,382-acre parcel. The agreement for Area A establishes procedures for both the city and The Villages Land Co. as the development moves forward. It calls for the area to be fully developed over the next 30 years and it sets design standards, land uses and processes moving forward.
The agreement also calls for up to 7,900 residential homes and 535,000 square feet of retail space. Some of the property also can continue to be used for agricultural. Continue reading
CORA Physical Therapy 8768 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages. CORA Mulberry Lane provides state-of-the-art treatments with licensed clinicians laser-focused on superior outcomes, and passionate about personal care. The highly trained staff specialize in Pre- and Post-op Rehabilitation, Vestibular Treatments, Fall Prevention and Hands-On Manual Therapy.
By Bob Rountree on February 15, 2020
PLANT CITY — The 85th annual Florida Strawberry Festival opened to large crowds despite frigid weather on Thursday, Feb. 27, but the forecast calls for a slow but steady warming trend and clear skies over the festival’s 11-day run, which ends on March 10.
See all events and more at: https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-festivals/florida-strawberry-festival-plant-city/
Lake Sheriff’s Detectives Use DNA To Nab Suspect In Robbery Of World War II Veteran
Detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating a robbery to a 97-year-old World War II veteran since July 2019. The hard work and persistence of the assigned detective paid off when a positive DNA match was made linking the suspect, 29-year-old Kevin Eugene Leeks, Jr., to the crime.
In July, the 97-year-old victim, Mr. Willard VanOrder, drove his lawnmower to a convenience store in the Okahumpka area to purchase groceries. Upon returning home, he was met at the back door of his residence by a suspect armed with a gun. Family members later found Mr. VanOrder unconscious with head injuries and it was discovered that his wallet was missing.
Detectives located a Black and Mild cigarillo tip at the scene of the robbery and collected it for processing. Continue reading
Chamber February Nothing But Networking Luncheon at Carrabas. We had so many people I think we overwhelmed the Restaurant, but we got it done, the meeting went well, the food was good. Bread was not served, I was disappointed, since that is one of their signature things on the menu. All of the networking went well. We had visitors from the local high school talking to our Chamber business people about what their business plan is. Most people I talked to were happy! March meeting will be held at the OutBack Restaurant, March 5th 11:30 am. Check the Lady Lake Chamber website for the monthly scheduled events.
The Lady Lake Police Department encourages drivers to be safe, follow the rules of the road, and remain focused when operating a motor vehicle upon the roadways of the State of Florida. One of the common causes of crashes involves distracted driving. Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or mind off of driving. One of the most dangerous distracted driving behavior is texting and driving, as it encompasses all three of these elements. However, texting and driving is not the only cause of distracted driving. Other common causes include eating, tending to children, grooming, or checking the GPS system. When a driver is not focused on the road, it limits their ability to perceive a hazard and delays their reaction time to avoid a crash. The Lady Lake Police Department urges drivers to stay focused on driving when operating a motor vehicle.
On multi-lane streets, roads, and highways, drivers are required to operate their motor vehicle in the right half of the roadway except when passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction. Drivers must not continue to drive a vehicle in the far left lane when being overtaken by a faster moving vehicle, unless the driver is preparing to make a left turn at an intersection. Additionally, Florida law requires you to Move Over a lane — when you can safely do so — for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles and tow trucks or wreckers. Continue reading
Business owner Kathy Haviland of Tri-County Senior Outreach Services, was holding an 8 year anniversary celebration and Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, Feb 20 from 4-6 pm at Harbor Chase in Wildwood (1477 Huey St., Wildwood). Kathy Haviland, Blake and Kate Gallaher from Luxury Diamonds and John Sokol from Bikes and BBQ 4 Autism, are coming together to present a $1500.00 check to Dream Acres for Autism (an organization that trains service dogs for autistic children). Photo by Gregg Malanczuk.
Lady Lake Area Chambers Morning Networking at Outback Steakhouse on Hwy 441 in Lady Lake. Photo by Janet Fraley.
According to the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there have been 102,756 total hit and run crashes in the State of Florida between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. These hit and run crashes resulted in 21,511 injuries and 215 fatalities. The Lady Lake Police Department has responded to 61 hit and run crashes in 2019, three involving injuries and one fatality.
In Florida, anyone driving a vehicle involved in a crash is legally required to stop at the scene of an accident and provide the following information to the other driver or anyone else involved. You must provide this information whether the other person is a passenger, pedestrian or cyclist.
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle registration number
- Driver’s license or permit, if available
Florida’s laws also require drivers to provide their licenses to police on the scene and provide “reasonable aid” if necessary. This may include physically carrying an injured person away from the crash, if possible, calling 911 or transporting someone to the hospital (See Florida State Statute 316.062). Continue reading
