More than a dozen suspects arrested in undercover child sex sting operation dubbed Treasure Florida’s Kids II.
Man Arrested, Accused of Sexually Assaulting Teen While She Slept
LEESBURG, Fla. – Leesburg Police arrested a man Saturday afternoon after being accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl while she slept according to an arrest report. Officers responded to Leesburg Regional Medical Center after receiving a call from a woman stating that her daughter had been sexually assaulted. Upon arrival, the victim told officers that she was asleep on her couch when she woke up to a “thrusting motion”. The…
Clermont Home Invasion Suspects Arrested After One Dies
CLERMONT, Fla. — Officials have identified the 22-year-old suspect shot by a tenant during an armed home invasion Sunday morning. Aswad Emmanuel Velazquez of Sanford died at Celebration Hospital in Kissimmee, shortly after he was taken there by his three co-suspects, said Sgt. Fred Jones on Monday, a spokesman for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Isiah Velazquez, 19, who is Aswad Velazquez’s brother, as well as Tareak Ilarreza, 18, and Lawrence Omar Alexis, 22,…
Governor Scott Declares State of Emergency
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Emily early morning of July 31. The declaration came when Tropical Depression Six was upgraded to Tropical Storm Emily. Thirty-one Florida counties are affected by this order, including Hillsborough County. A state of emergency allows the state more flexibility to work with local governments in preparations for the upcoming storm. Florida’s National Guard is…
Bob Evans Hosts “Dine To Make a Difference” for the HS/SPCA
LAKE PANASOFFKEE, Fla. – The Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County is pairing with the original Bob Evans restaurant for “Dine to Make a Difference” Tuesday, August 15th. The event is intended to raise funds for the HS/SPCA’s public assistance programs, such as their free meals for hungry pets fund. Donations will also be used to help pay for veterinary care and sheltering needs for animals in need. The “Dine to Make…
Law Enforcement Responds to Trump’s Call to Not be “Too Nice” to Suspects
TAVARES, Fla. – Local officials have stopped short of criticizing President Donald Trump’s recent speech where he encouraged law enforcement officers not to be “too nice” with suspects during their arrest. But they were quick to point out they do not intentionally try to injure suspects during their arrests. “Leesburg officers are trained to treat all individuals, including arrestees, with respect and dignity,” said Lt. Joe Iozzi, Leesburg police spokesman. “That…
Lake County Animal Shelter to open Sundays for adoptions beginning in August
TAVARES — In an effort to continue the Lake County Animal Shelter’s upswing in adoptions, the shelter will be open on Sundays for adoptions only beginning Aug. 6. Located at 28123 County Road 561, Tavares, the shelter’s Sunday hours will be 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., staffed mainly by dedicated volunteers. “Increasing hours in just one of the many ways we are working to make visiting the shelter a more pleasant and…
Lake County Transit announces changes to Route 1 service in Leesburg
TAVARES — To improve public bus service at key locations in Leesburg, Lake County Transit is announcing service enhancements to its LakeXpress Route 1. Route 1 Eastbound Leesburg Regional Medical Center is now a timed point location. Bus drivers will remain at the stop to pick up passengers and depart at the scheduled time. Route 1 Eastbound and Westbound Passengers will benefit from a reduced arrival and departure time at Lake-Sumter…
Johnson’s Pizza Pi Kicks Off Grand Opening Tuesday
LEESBURG, Fla. – A new restaurant is in town and is making waves, or more accurately pizzas. Johnson’s Pizza Pi first opened its doors on July 1 and received a large outpouring from locals praising their pizzas and sandwiches. Now, only one month later, owner David Johnson announced their grand opening will be held on August 1. Locals can stop by as soon as the doors open at 10:30 a.m. to…
Veterans, Military and Seniors Pet Adoption Discounts Now Available in Sumter
Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County Shelter Manager, Anne Miller, recently announced two new adoption programs. “To show our appreciation of our veterans and active military, our Society will honor them with a $25 discount on all pet adoptions through our ‘Pets for Vets’ adoption program. In addition, we have also created a ‘Seniors for Seniors’ pet adoption program designed to help not only the senior citizens in our community but also the senior animals…