Villages/Lady Lake

Lake County Events March 2025

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Mar 5

Restoration Ecology

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake Norris Conservation Area in Eustis

What does a natural community look like? What is an altered ecosystem.

Mar 7

Exploration Hike

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ferndale Preserve in Clermont

Join staff and explore the habitats and species of Ferndale Preserve. Hike intensity: Vigorous. Reservations required.

Mar 8

Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey

7:30 AM – 11:00 AM Pasture Reserve in Groveland

Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.

Mar 8

AdventHealth Great Clermont Triathlon

7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Waterfront Park in Clermont

The 41st Annual Great Clermont Triathlon, Florida’s traditional season opener featuring an International distance triathlon, International Aquabike & More

Mar 12

Water Wednesday (lakes, rivers, and streams)

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Hickory Point in Tavares

Discover the fascinating wildlife that inhabits Florida’s lakes, rivers, and streams, from fish to amphibians to birds. Sustainable Activity:

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Lake Sheriff’s Undercover Detectives Arrest 29 and Rescue 4 Human Trafficking Victims in Recent Operation

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The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau recently conducted a three-day human trafficking operation, dubbed Operation Forced Labor. Operation Forced Labor was conducted at an undisclosed location in the central part of Lake County from February 6-8, 2025. The focus of the undercover operation was the identification, safe recovery, and stabilization of human trafficking victims. Detectives from the Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg, and Mount Dora Police Departments, along with detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security, provided significant assistance throughout the investigation. During the operation, detectives worked in an undercover capacity using various known prostitution websites to solicit prostitutes and individuals looking for services provided by prostitutes. Continue reading →

Lake County Detectives Issue Homicide Warrant for Justin Fout

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On February 20, 2025, Lake County deputies responded to 31504 Colby Pl, Sorrento, in reference to a person-shot complaint. Responding deputies located the victim, Justin Kates (DOB 01/27/1988), deceased with a gunshot wound, lying in the roadway. Witnesses reported that the victim and suspect, Justin Joseph Raymond Fout (DOB 06/25/1993), were involved in a verbal altercation prior to the suspect shooting the victim. The suspect was last seen fleeing the scene driving an older model white Dodge Ram van with a female passenger and person of interest, Patricia Neeley. The van should have front and rear end damage, red transfer paint on the rear, a black spray-painted rear right door, and a busted-out rear left door window. Detectives are working closely with outside agencies, following up on investigative leads and seeking the public’s assistance for information related to Fouts’s whereabouts. A Lake County arrest warrant for the crime of Murder in the Second Degree has been issued for Fout.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Justin Fout is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-2101, local law enforcement, or Crimeline.