LADY LAKE — The Lady Lake Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting into an occupied vehicle and an armed robbery.

Investigators have identified Jeremiah Mykel Ackon, 18, of Lady Lake, as the driver of a vehicle involved in a shooting that occurred on May 19. At approximately 5:14 p.m., a maroon Nissan SUV entered the parking lot shared by Affordable Lock and Security and Vape Nation, located at 356 and 358 U.S. Highway 27/441. A male exited the rear passenger seat of the vehicle armed with a semi-automatic handgun, ran toward the roadway, and fired approximately 10 rounds at a vehicle traveling east on Griffin View Drive before returning to the SUV and fleeing the area. No injuries were reported.

The unidentified rear-seat passenger involved in the May 19 shooting remains outstanding, and detectives continue to investigate that case.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Ackon as the driver of the vehicle. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on a charge of Principal to Shooting Into an Occupied Vehicle. The vehicle involved in the shooting has since been recovered.

During a separate investigation, detectives determined Ackon is also believed to have been involved in an armed robbery that occurred at Vape Nation, 358 U.S. Highway 27/441, on May 30. A firearm was used during the robbery and has not been recovered.

“These incidents involved brazen acts of violence that placed innocent members of our community at risk,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “We are asking anyone who knows where Jeremiah Ackon may be to contact law enforcement immediately. Do not approach him. Our priority is locating him safely and holding those responsible accountable.”

Ackon should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is urged to call 911 immediately and avoid making contact. Anyone with information regarding Ackon’s whereabouts is asked to contact Lady Lake Police Department Investigations at 352-636-5687 or 352-705-3877, or Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

LADY LAKE — A man wanted on felony drug charges in Marion County was taken into custody Wednesday in Lady Lake following a coordinated effort involving federal and local law enforcement agencies.

On June 10, members of the United States Marshals Service located and detained 20-year-old William Lamont Knights at a residence on East Primrose Lane in Lady Lake. Knights was wanted on an active Marion County warrant related to fentanyl possession and the sale of fentanyl. Lady Lake police officers responded to assist with the arrest and deployed their drone. Officers transported Knights to the Lake County Jail without incident.

“This arrest is another example of how strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies help keep our communities safe,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “We appreciate the work of the U.S. Marshals Service and our regional partners in locating and taking a wanted individual into custody.”

Lady Lake – The Town of Lady Lake is announcing that Commissioner Amanda McLea recently graduated from the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO), a course from the Florida League of Cities’ premier educational program designed specifically for Florida’s elected municipal officials.

Commissioner McLea completed the first level of IEMO training, which is specially designed for newly elected officials and those with less than one term in office. The comprehensive 16-hour course provides participants with an intensive academic program focusing on the numerous aspects of municipal government. Topics of the course include municipal government structure, introduction to municipal finance, council relationships, and more.

IEMO class sizes are kept small, which allows participants to network and share ideas with other elected officials in a personal group setting. By creating an environment in which challenges and best practices are shared, many IEMO graduates have been able to develop solutions to local problems.  Continue reading →

Lori Gonzalez was arrested yesterday on a warrant for 31 counts of Animal Cruelty. This is regarding an investigation that was opened on April 13th at 28304 Atlantis Rd. in Tavares. Thirty-one cows were found to be it what appeared to be emaciated condition on Ms. Gonzalez’s property. Further investigation including evaluation by a veterinarian concluded that the cattle were severely neglected. A warrant for 31 counts of animal cruelty was obtained, and Ms. Gonzalez was booked in to the Lake County Jail on a total of $77,500 bond. She posted bond early on the morning of May 7th and was released pending her court appearance.

LADY LAKE— The Lady Lake Police Department has named Sgt. Charles Gehrsitz as its 2025 Officer of the Year, recognizing his leadership, professionalism and commitment to the community, during a special ceremony commemorating Law Enforcement Month at the Town Commission meeting on Monday.

The Officer of the Year recognition honors an individual who exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement and makes a lasting impact on both the department and the community it serves. Gehrsitz was honored in partnership with American Legion Post 347.

“Law enforcement is not just a profession—it’s a calling,” said Chief Steve Hunt. “It demands integrity when no one is watching, courage in the face of uncertainty, and compassion when people need it most. Sergeant Gehrsitz represents the very best of those values—not only in performance, but in character, leadership and commitment to this community.” Continue reading →

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Town of Lady Lake is inviting residents and visitors to “The Big Bang,” the community’s Independence Day celebration, taking place Saturday, June 27 at 6 p.m. at the Guava Street Athletic Complex.

This free, family-friendly event promises an evening full of excitement, entertainment, and patriotic fun.

Highlights of The Big Bang include:

• Fireworks spectacular – The sky lights up at 9:15 p.m. with a dazzling display sponsored by the Benchmark Group, The Orane Blossom Gardens Lions Club and American Legion Post #347.
• Live Music – Dance the night away with performances by Tabasco
• Watermelon Eating Contests, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake. Fun for all ages with separate contests for kids and adults.
• Arts & Crafts Table – Get creative with hands-on activities for the whole family.
• Food Trucks & Vendors – Satisfy your cravings with a wide variety of delicious options.
• Kid Zone – Packed with fun including bounce houses, slides, and a foam party sponsored by Dream Finders Homes.

Continue reading →

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At this week’s Town Commission meeting, Mayor Ed Freeman presented the National Arbor Day proclamation to Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske, recognizing the vital role trees play in keeping our community healthy, beautiful and thriving.

Trees provide cleaner air, cooler temperatures, wildlife habitat, erosion protection and lasting beauty throughout Lady Lake. They also enhance property values and contribute to the character that makes our town so special.

Residents are encouraged to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands — and to plant trees that will benefit generations to come.

Together, we can continue growing a greener, healthier Lady Lake!