The Lady Lake Police Department is investigating two separate fraud cases reported over the weekend involving senior residents who suffered significant financial losses after being contacted by individuals posing as trusted institutions. In both cases, the victims were persuaded to transfer money under false pretenses – and in total lost nearly $72,000.

While detectives are actively investigating, police are reminding residents, especially seniors and their families, that scammers continue to use increasingly sophisticated and convincing tactics to trick victims into sending money.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing more than $2.9 billion to imposter scams, with older adults bearing a disproportionate share of those losses. In 2024, consumers reported losing more money to scams where they paid with bank transfers or cryptocurrency – as is the case with these instances of fraud

Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt stressed the importance of awareness and prevention:

“If someone calls, texts, or emails you claiming to be from your bank, a government agency, or a major company and asks you to move money, buy gift cards, or send funds through bitcoin or wire transfers, end the conversation immediately,” he said. “Legitimate organizations will never demand payment this way. When in doubt, hang up and call the institution directly using the number on your bank card or official paperwork.”

The Lady Lake Police Department encourages family members and caregivers to speak with their loved ones about fraud prevention. Anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been the target of a scam should contact the Lady Lake Police Department at 352-751-1560.

The Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market is thrilled to announce its grand opening this fall, welcoming vendors to participate in this vibrant community event.

The market will be held every Tuesday through April starting Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex, located at 250 Rolling Acres Road. The Jiffy Feet Band will perform live from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

With the goal of providing visitors with the best assortment of high-quality, homemade products, the Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market continues to actively seek vendors throughout the season.

The market promises to be an enjoyable experience for both vendors and visitors alike. Attendees will have the pleasure of perusing through an extensive array of fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread, local honey, art, crafts, and much more. The market is accessible by golf cart, bicycle, motorized scooter and wheelchair!

The Town invites small businesses specializing in food, art, crafts, and unique handmade items to be a part of this thriving market that attracts thousands seasonally. To apply to become a vendor, complete the vendor application on the Town’s website at or email market@ladylake.org.

New this year, visitors may sign up for Market text alerts by texting LadyLakeMarket to 38276.

Welcome to Clearview Imaging center located at 3325 Wedgewood Ln. The Villages. Stop by and sign up for a free heart scan

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The Lady Lake Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 9th Annual Business to Business Expo. 50 businesses were in attendance for this speed networking event, with a twist. Vendors had the opportunity to market to local businesses and the community, and as part of their vendor fee, they also received an updated headshot. Thank you to our event sponsors: Water Oak Country Club Estates, Merideth Nagel and The Legacy Legal Team & Concierge Title, Trustco Bank. Thank you to our headshot sponsor: Citizens First Bank.

TAVARES — Nearly 43,000 students were expected to report to Lake County Schools classrooms on Monday, Aug. 11, to kick off the 2025-26 school year.

Here’s what’s new:

A-rating: Lake is starting the school year as an A-rated district for the first time since 2008! Lake students showed improvements in all tested areas, and the district more than doubled the number of schools that earned an “A” for the 2024-25 school year compared to the year before. In 2023-24, three district-operated Lake Schools earned an A. In 2024-25, seven did. The A-rated district operated schools for 2024-25 are Cypress Ridge, Treadway, and Villages of Lady Lake elementary schools; East Ridge Middle; East Ridge and Mount Dora high schools, and Lake Virtual School.  Continue reading →

LADY LAKE — Step back in time for an unforgettable evening of glitz, glamour, and memories at the Town of Lady Lake’s Roaring ’20s Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Held at the Lady Lake Community Building, located at 237 W. Guava St., this year’s event invites fathers and father figures to treat their daughters to a dazzling night inspired by the jazz age. Dress in your best flapper dresses, feathered headbands, pinstripes, and fedoras for a chance to win the costume contest and take part in a fun selfie challenge with great prizes.

The evening includes dancing, dinner, and themed décor that will transport guests back to the 1920s.

Tickets are $10 per person and must be purchased in advance by Wednesday, Sept. 10. Tickets are available at the Lady Lake Library and Town Hall during regular business hours.

“This event is such a special opportunity for fathers and daughters to spend quality time together in a fun and festive atmosphere,” said Amy Alicea, Events Coordinator for the Town of Lady Lake. “We can’t wait to see everyone dressed to the nines and ready to dance the night away!”

For more information, contact Amy Alicea at 352-205-2826 or email events@ladylake.org. Visit www.ladylakefl.gov for updates on this and other upcoming events.

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.

For more information on Operation Southern Slow Down, visit www.flhsmv.gov.