Villages/Lady Lake
LADY LAKE – The Town of Lady Lake invites the community to its inaugural “Rock That Resolution” event, set to take place on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Snooky Park, 120 W. Lady Lake Blvd.
This new community event is designed to inspire attendees to start 2025 on the right foot with motivational and fun activities to help stay on track with their New Year’s resolutions. Whether you’re looking to travel more, start a new hobby, go back to school, improve your financial health, enhance physical and mental wellness, volunteer, or read more books, the Town of Lady Lake is here to help you “Rock That Resolution” with a perfect mix of entertainment and resources to reach your goals.
The event will feature:
- Free mini classes include Tai Chi at 11:30 a.m., yoga at 12:30 p.m. and Zumba at 1:15 p.m.
- Live music from the “Think Big” Band
- Delicious eats from local food trucks Lil Fatz BBQ, Weirsdale Weinery, and PDixon Desserts
- Exciting bounce houses for kids
- Opportunities to connect with organizations, resources, and vendors to support your goals.
LADY LAKE – For the 20th year, Lady Lake has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. To receive the prestigious designation, a Tree City must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita and on Arbor Day observation and proclamation.
According to Tree City USA, a commitment to tree helps lead to cooler temperatures, cleaner air, higher property values and healthier residents.
“It is a great honor to receive Tree City USA designation for the 20th year,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske. “It represents our dedication to protecting the town’s historic trees and collaborating with residents to plant and nurture new ones, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Together with community partners, Lady Lake plants trees annually at various locations during its Arbor Day celebration every April. In 2024, the town joined Lake County in planting several trees outside Lake County Fire Station 52 in Lady Lake.
The Town hosts a tree raffle annually, offering winners $200 gift certificates to purchase trees at a local nursery. The Lady Lake Tree Raffle is made possible by the town’s tree bank, which is funded by developers who are required to donate if they cannot meet the town’s stringent tree code.
The Town’s land development regulations require developers to put money into the town’ tree bank to mitigate any tree loss. This is a way in which the town enforces responsible development and tree conservation.
PHOTO: Mayor Ed Freeman (left) and Commissioner Mike Sage (right) assisted in planting trees at Lady Lake’s Arbor Day celebration at Lake County Fire Station 52 on April 25, 2024.
Feb 1
Tavares African American Heritage Festival
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wooton Park in Tavares
The festival goal is to create events that serve the community, promote education, preservation and celebration of the African-American culture.
Feb 2
Exploration Hike
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM P.E.A.R. Park (Gateway) in Leesburg2/23/24/65/4 Plus More
Join staff on an early evening walk while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park. Hike Intensity: Light. Reservations required.
Feb 4
Who Lives Here?
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake May Reserve in Eustis
Explore the natural communities and plant species which support the animal life at the preserve. GPS N 28.52.20.05, W 81.37.47.6 Continue reading
“Leading the Way: The 2025-2026 Board – Stronger Together, Building the Future!”
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. 26, 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 Chamber has it’s last business referral luncheon for 2024. Approximately 50 business people attended. Many businesses attending bring a door prize, those that do put their business card in for the drawing. Everyone had a chance to introduce themselves and tell what they do. We draw out of another basket when we come in that tells us what table we will sit at. People love to bunch up with the same people, this way it is random. I met three new people sitting at my table this month. We ate at Glenwood Country Club. The room is nice, the food is good, not to expensive, service was good and I won a door prize. It was fun for me. I took pictures of everyone that was at the assigned table. I come from Dunnellon to the Villages so it’s about hour and a half or less. I have several clients in the Lady Lake Chamber.
LADY LAKE – The Lady Lake Library is thrilled to announce the winner of its 2nd Annual Festival of Trees contest: Sheltering Hands! With more than 250 votes cast, this year’s event was a resounding success, drawing new visitors to the library to admire the beautifully decorated trees. Congratulations to Sheltering Hands for their outstanding display, which captured the hearts of the community.
The Festival of Trees is a beloved annual tradition that invites families, schools, non-profit organizations, and businesses to showcase their holiday spirit by decorating Christmas trees, which are displayed at the Lady Lake Library throughout the holiday season. This year’s trees will remain on display through Jan. 3, 2025, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy the festive décor. Continue reading
Jan 1
Happy New Year Hike
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Wolf Branch Sink Preserve in Mount Dora
Ring in the New Year with a hike at Wolf Branch sink. Hiking intensity : vigorous.
Jan 3
Exploration Hike
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ferndale Preserve in Montverde
Join staff on a morning exploration of habitats and species at Ferndale Preserve. Hike intensity: Vigorous. Reservations required.
Jan 4
Umatilla Garden Club
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Connect with local garden enthusiasts and cultivate your green thumb!
Jan 4
Big Sit
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM McDonald Canal Boat Ramp in Mount Dora
A “Big Sit” is a semi-competitive birding event where participants count all the birds they can see or hear within a 17-foot circle.
Jan 5
Exploration Hike
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM P.E.A.R. Park (Gateway) in Leesburg
Join staff on an early evening hike to get some exercise while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park. Hike Intensity: light Reservations required
Jan 6
Take Flight, Birds of Winter
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake May Reserve in Eustis
Many bird species use Florida in the fall, winter and spring as a stop to rest and refuel on their way to some place else. Hike with staff to see if you…
Jan 8
Choo-Choo Babies
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/81/151/221/29 Plus More
Bring your baby, aged 0-15 months, to the library for a sweet and simple lapsit program featuring Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy.
Jan 8
Toddler Train
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/81/151/221/29 Plus More
Quick-moving storytime for quick-moving toddlers aged 16-36 months featuring Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy.
Jan 8
Water Wednesday
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Hickory Point in Tavares
Learn about wetland mammals and the ecosystems they call home. Sustainable activity: Identify and match wetland mammals with their adaptations. Reserva…
Jan 8
Kids Crafts
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Relax with crafts. After-school enrichment for KG-5th.
Jan 9
Storytime Station
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/91/161/231/30 Plus More
Ride the reading train into Storytime Station. This literature rich experience will bring books to life through story and song. Storytime Station is b…
Jan 10
Umatilla Literary Society
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
In Literary Society book lovers get together and discuss whatever they are reading. They compare notes, make lists of new titles to try, and encourage e…
Jan 11
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM PEAR Park – WCA in Leesburg
Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.
Jan 11
Paddling Adventure – Lake Norris
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lake Norris Conservation Area in Eustis
One of the best paddles in Lake County, join staff for a guided tour of the Black Water Creek, part of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System.
Jan 15
Kids STEM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Fun after-school enrichment for grades KG-5th.
Jan 16
Wildlife of Pine Meadows
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Pine Meadows Conservation Area in Eustis
Pine Meadows is composed mostly of wetland habitats which attracts a number of species which rely on these ecosystems to survive.
Jan 17
The New York Rockets – Mount Dora Music Hall
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Mount Dora Music Hall in Mount Dora
The New York Rockets are coming back to MOUNT DORA THEATER Quite possibly the best 120min of 50’s, 60’s music
Jan 17
Zeroing in on Specific Soft Skills for the Workplace
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
In this training we cover communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, customer service, conflict resolution, respect & civility.
Jan 18
Tracks and Scat
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Ellis Acres Reserve in Paisley
Who goes there and who left that? Join staff on a discovery of what animals left their signs, from bears to bugs.
Jan 19
Flatwoods of the Green Swamp
10:30 AM – 12:30 AM Pasture Reserve in Groveland
Join Parks’ staff on a hike and learn about the fire, flora, and fauna of the pine flatwoods ecosystem. Hiking intensity: Light. Reservations required.
Jan 24
Stories of Water – Scrub Point Preserve
10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Scrub Point Preserve in Clermont
Join us for a casual hike as we share the Story of Water at Scrub Point Preserve. Hiking intensity: moderate. Reservation Required.
Jan 25
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM Ferndale Preserve in Minneola
Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.
Jan 27
Growing Tomatoes IFAS/Master Gardener
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
pre-register
The Lady Lake Library had Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus greeting children. My favorite picture is this one. It is always touch when you see and infant and a young child in a Christmas setting. They are all excited about Santa coming to town. (Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas) Thank you Lady Lake Library
In partnership with Target and the Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake, the Lady Lake Police Department brought holiday joy to 62 children in the community through the annual Santa’s Heroes and Helpers event on Saturday at Target in Lady Lake. Local schools played an essential role in identifying families who could use a little extra help this holiday season.
The Lady Lake Police Department provided 14 dedicated helpers, including both sworn officers and support staff, as well as two incredibly generous Town of Lady Lake volunteers who stepped into the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake and Target contributed more than 50 $100 gift cards, while additional funding was covered by unused cards from last year’s event. PetSmart also joined in the spirit of giving by donating stuffed animals for all participating children.
Again this year, the Lady Lake Police Department was honored to be joined by the Fruitland Park Police Department, which contributed funding, staff, and participants. The two departments work closely together, not only in public safety efforts but also in community-focused events that bring joy to area families.
