Villages/Lady Lake
Attendees of the Lady Lake Annual Gala at the Brownwood Hotel & Spa came dressed to impressed for the masquerade theme! The evening included a silent auction, live auction, wine toss, delicious food, drinks, and entertainment!
During the Board of directors installation the annual awards were presented by Leslie DiCesare, Executive Director of the Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Chris Semans Leadership award
Jeanette McIntosh Out Reach award
Patrice DeHaven Ambassador of the Year award
Tina St Germain Volunteer of the Year award
Just one week ago today, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody honored our School Resource Unit and its vape-detection canine, Samba, with the Back the Blue Award for Samba’s outstanding performance in detecting vapes and THC in our schools. Today, Samba and her handler, Erica Stamborski, who also received the Back the Blue Award, again proved Samba’s value and demonstrated why she’s deserving of such a prestigious honor!
Earlier today, K9 Handler Stamborski and Samba responded to Leesburg High School for a routine scheduled visit to proactively walk areas of the campus. K9 Samba alerted to a backpack in the media room, which was absent of any students at the time, in an area where students typically leave their belongings. A search of the backpack was conducted, and located inside was a loaded Glock 9mm handgun, which was later determined to be stolen out of Lake County. This alert led to a felony arrest of a student by officers with the Leesburg Police Department.
In addition to locating the firearm, Samba also found three vapes and a cigar in other backpacks.
We are incredibly proud of K9 Samba’s and Handler Stamborski’s efforts and their unwavering dedication to ensuring a safe learning environment for children in Lake County.
(Pictured left to right: Handler Erica Stamborski, K9 Samba, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Captain Michael Marden, and Sheriff Peyton Grinnell)
LADY LAKE — Residents are invited to connect with Lady Lake Mayor Ed Freeman during a special “Meet the Mayor at the Market” event on Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lady Lake Farmers & Crafts Market, located at 250 Rolling Acres Road.
This casual gathering provides an opportunity to discuss local topics, share ideas, and hear updates about news and events in the community directly from the mayor.
While there, visitors are invited to peruse the market, which features a wide range of offerings including fresh produce, baked goods, preserves, handmade crafts, and artisanal products. Food truck vendors will serve options such as barbecue, hot dogs, and international cuisines.
The market is accessible by golf cart via The Villages at Palermo Place through Chula Vista or Del Mar Drive.
The Lady Lake Farmers & Crafts Market is held every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to support local vendors while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
For more information, visit www.ladylakefl.gov or contact market@ladylake.org.
Lady Lake, FL – The Lady Lake Police Department celebrated several milestones during last night’s town Commission meeting, including the department’s annual recognition awards, the introduction of new officers, and nearly reaching full staff.
The Department proudly recognized several officers for their outstanding contributions and service to the community. Chief Steve Hunt reflected on the department’s growth and success in overcoming recent challenges.
“The department was at a crossroads not long ago,” said Chief Hunt. “Thanks to the unwavering support of Mayor Freeman, the Town Commission, and Town Manager Lawrence, we’ve been able to not only retain our valued officers but also attract top talent from across the nation. This has ensured our ability to continue providing the high level of service our residents deserve.”
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards recognizing the exceptional efforts of the department’s team, including:
Officer Joshua Higgins and Sergeant Heather Couch: Meritorious Service Award for actions that saved a life. They were able to de-escalate a situation with a suicidal caller and convinced the individual to surrender a fully loaded handgun, saving his life. Continue reading
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
