The driver in the golf cart is being sought for striking a marble stone marker at the Veterans Memorial Park off Paige Place near Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages, causing $1,500 in damage to the memorial on Saturday, Sept. 20. Video of the incident showed the cart overturn after striking the sign.

Throughout October, Town of Lady Lake staff are proudly wearing pink to raise awareness for breast cancer. Together, we stand in support of survivors, honor those we’ve lost, and encourage regular screenings and early detection.

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Note: This Festival of trees picture is from last year.

Community invited to participate in Library’s 3rd annual Festival of Trees

The Lady Lake Library is inviting the community to participate in the third annual Festival of Trees, a heartwarming celebration that welcomes families, schools, non-profit organizations, and businesses to showcase their holiday spirit.

The Festival of Trees is an opportunity for participants to decorate their own Christmas trees, which will be prominently displayed at the Lady Lake Library from Nov. 17, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and the deadline to submit is Nov. 12. Trees must be decorated on Nov. 14 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Patrons will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree throughout the season beginning on Nov. 24. Votes will be tallied with an award given for best design.

“This year is especially exciting as we celebrate the completion of our library renovation. What better way to showcase our beautiful new space than with the Festival of Trees?,” said Library Director Aly Herman. “Your festive display will be enjoyed by hundreds of local families throughout the season—and it’s a wonderful way to show off your creativity and community spirit. We hope you’ll join us again this year to make the Festival of Trees extra special!”

The cost to participate is $20 per entry, donated to Friends of the Lady Lake Library, and free for non-profits (501 c3s), municipal or government agencies and schools. There is a limit of one tree per organization, family or individual. Space is limited. For an application visit the library in person at 225 W. Guava St. or contact Library Assistant Kourtney Fehr at 352-753-2957 or Kourtney.fehr@mylakelibrary.org.

The Lady Lake Library strives to enrich lives, build community, foster success, provide entertainment and promote lifelong learning. To learn more, follow the library on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lakelakelibrary225.

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This is a picture of the business people attending the Lady Lake Business Luncheon. They are discussing business and making friends at the same time. The Luncheon was held at the Water Front Inn, the Villages.

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Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill opened their restaurant to accommodate the Lady Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and its members. Everything was excellent, from the many delicious menu options to the fast & friendly service. If you’re looking for a beautiful view, a delicious menu, and excellent customer service for your next event, look no further than Eaton’s Beach.

Villages Community Watch was instrumental in helping LLPD make these two arrests. It is another great example of the positive working relationship we have with Community Watch.

A man and woman were arrested for felony charge for visiting a construction Site. The two in there 50’s arrested had different last names. That is all the information at press time.

The next meeting of the Lady Lake Garden Club is Wed October 1st at the Lady Lake community Building 237 W. Guava St, Lady Lake, FL. Members and guests share in refreshments at 1 PM and the meeting begins at 1:30 PM. The program will be presented by Horticulturist Elly Carroll on “How to Grow and Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids” All interested gardeners and prospective new members are welcome. If you would like more information, contact Teri Mallory, President at 781-630-2108 or terinp@verizon.net.

The Lady Lake Police Department issued 91 warnings and 59 citations during a weeklong traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speed-related crashes.

From July 14–20, officers dedicated approximately 80 hours to traffic enforcement as part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s annual Operation Southern Slow Down. The campaign is a multi-state initiative involving law enforcement agencies across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee.

During the enforcement, Lady Lake police issued 39 citations and 91 written warnings for speeding, 13 citations for aggressive driving, and seven citations for seatbelt violations. No DUI arrests were reported during the campaign.

The goal of Operation Southern Slow Down is to curb dangerous driving behaviors that continue to be a leading factor in traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities across the state. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, speeding and aggressive driving contributed to 437 traffic deaths in Florida in 2023.

“This campaign gives us an opportunity to remind drivers that speeding and aggressive driving put everyone at risk,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “Enforcement is just one piece—awareness and personal responsibility are just as important.”

The Lady Lake Police Department encourages all motorists to drive within posted speed limits, wear seatbelts, and avoid aggressive behaviors behind the wheel.

A 53-year-old man was arrested on Friday after he forced his way into a 78-year-old woman’s home, attempted to steal her purse, and injured her during the struggle.

Lady Lake Police officers responded to a home on St. Andrews Boulevard around 3:28 p.m. on Aug. 8 after the victim reported that a man had knocked on her door asking for her vehicle keys. Police say he then pushed his way inside, grabbed her purse, and tried to find the keys.

The victim bravely fought to hold on to her belongings, stating  “You’re not getting my car keys.” She was able to push the suspect back outside and call 911. Police responded quickly and located the suspect nearby on St. Andrews Blvd. The victim was able to identify the suspect at the scene.

The victim suffered swelling and redness to her hand.

Craig Steven Johnson, 53, who is listed as homeless, was taken into custody and charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery, robbery by sudden snatching, and battery on a person 65 years or older.

Johnson told officers he had been fleeing from law enforcement when he broke into the home.

The victim sent a letter to the Lady Lake Police department thanking all five officers involved in making the arrest. “Because of their fast response and my detailed description of this person, he was apprehended within 20 minutes or so…” she wrote.

“This was a frightening and unacceptable attack on one of our senior residents,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “I am proud of the quick response from our officers, which ensured the suspect was apprehended before anyone else was harmed.”