Villages/Lady Lake
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.
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!
The Lady Lake Police Department arrested a man March 29 after he fled from officers following a traffic stop attempt.
Officers were alerted around 4:34 p.m. to a license plate reader hit on a white Chevrolet Suburban traveling on U.S. Highway 27/441. A records check showed the vehicle’s owner, Bradley Seymour, 51 had active warrants in Lake County.
An officer located the vehicle a short time later and attempted a traffic stop. The driver did not stop and continued driving through multiple streets in Lady Lake, at times operating the vehicle in a reckless manner. During the incident, the vehicle left the roadway and entered private property, coming close to a bystander, before continuing through a hotel parking lot and back onto U.S. Highway 27/441.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies deployed tire deflation devices, which the vehicle struck. Officers saw a tire fly off the car and smelled burnt rubber as it slowed to a stop near 625 First Ave., where the driver got out and ran. Officers apprehended him near a fence line. Continue reading
LADY LAKE – The Town of Lady Lake is bringing back one of its most exciting family events with a new twist. The third annual Survivor challenge returns on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Snooky Park, 120 W. Lady Lake Blvd., now welcoming both mother-son and father-daughter teams to compete.
This expanded edition invites even more families to take part in a day of action-packed fun inspired by the hit television show Survivor. Teams will test their skills through a series of engaging, age-appropriate challenges designed to encourage teamwork, friendly competition, and lasting memories.
“After such a strong turnout and positive feedback from last year, we’re excited to grow this event and welcome even more families,” said Amy Alicea, Events Coordinator for the Town of Lady Lake. “By adding father-daughter teams, we’re creating more opportunities for families to connect, compete and enjoy a fun day together in our parks.”
Participants will outwit, outplay, and outlast through a variety of games, with challenges also organized by age group to ensure everyone can join in the fun. Mothers and sons and fathers and daughters will face off against similar teams and not compete against each other.
Each ticket includes picnic-style food and the opportunity to win prizes throughout the event. Call 352-205-2826
Space is limited to ensure the best possible experience, and early registration is encouraged.
Hotel Eastport held Lady Lake Area Chamber After Hours
Last Month we had missed a picture of the Best Booth at the Cheese Festival.
We missed a picture of the best Booth it was the IDW “The Big Cheese Best Booth”
The Lady Lake Chamber April business luncheon was held at Grandview Country Club. As you can see by the pictures there were many door prizes. About 50 members attended. Attending businesses help meet new people in business and learn more about others businesses, so they can refer them to a friend or a future customer. The food and service is always great at Grandview Country Club.
LADY LAKE – The Lady Lake Police Department is proud to announce the arrest of Donald Eugene Fields II, one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. Fields II was apprehended Saturday, Jan. 25, following a routine traffic stop conducted by Lady Lake Police Sgt. Michelle Bilbrey. The arrest took place at approximately 9:15 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27/441 and Rolling Acres Road.
Sgt. Bilbrey discovered that the vehicle’s license plate was not registered to the car Fields was driving. This proactive policing effort resulted in the identification and capture of Fields, who is facing federal charges of child sex trafficking and state charges of child rape. Fields had been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in May 2023.
Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt commended Sgt. Bilbrey and the department for outstanding work. “Sometimes, an everyday traffic stop turns into a real game-changer. This is a reminder that every officer, every day, is out there making a real difference,” said Chief Hunt. “Every traffic stop is an opportunity for justice. What starts as a routine encounter can quickly turn into a pivotal moment, where an officer’s sharp instincts and dedication to service lead to a significant arrest—keeping our community and in this case, the nation, safer.” Continue reading
LADY LAKE – The Lady Lake Police Department, in partnership with American Legion Post #347, are hosting the second annual “Shred it and Forget it,” a free drive-through shredding event to help protect seniors from scams.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. (or until capacity is met) at Post 347, located at 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd. Residents are invited to drive through with a limit of two banker boxes of documents to be shredded, free of charge. The event is open to all area residents and will be held rain or shine. Last year, approximately 1,000 people attended, successfully shredding 20,000 pounds of documents.
The event is another opportunity offered by the Town in its ongoing efforts to help residents avoid scams and fraud.
“This shredding event gives residents a simple, secure way to dispose of sensitive documents and protect their personal information – especially during tax season,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “Properly shredding old financial records, medical paperwork and other confidential materials helps prevent identity theft and keeps private information out of the wrong hands.”
“Shred it and Forget it” is made possible with the assistance of Veterans Memorial Post 347, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 347, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 347, and American Legion Riders Chapter 347.
What can be shredded: Continue reading
