News Features
Sheriff Looking To Expand License Tag Reader Program
Short Film Finds Production Home In Umatilla
Filmmakers are in Umatilla this week working on a short film that is expected to be a part of the upcoming Orlando Independent Filmmakers JOLT challenge.
‘The Persistence of Time’ is expected to be a nine-minute piece about a pair of time-traveling detectives who are sent to investigate a cold case murder in 1956.
Among the sets of the film is Umatilla’s Fox Den Country Inn, and crews were in town early this week shooting scenes at the historic downtown motel.
The i
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Worth A Short Drive To Visit Navy Aviation Museum
By Asa Newby
If you were a reader of my column back in the day—or maybe just back in the spring of 2021—you may remember an article where I discussed the "Valiant Air Command," a vintage warplane museum in the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Florida. That article covered many attributes of the museum, but our visit was rushed by the lateness of the day, and we were given just forty-five minutes to literally jog around the property in order to glimpse the highlights of the collection. This left us unsatisfied, and we resolved
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Young Umatilla Permaculturist Showing The Way
Imagine going out your home's door to pick a fresh bag of fruit and vegetables to eat daily. Now imagine those items are packed with nutrition, vitamins, minerals, and natural immune system boosting elements that no store offers. Sound pretty good?
We visited such a garden in a most unexpected place this week. Nestled 1,000 yards or less from the shores of Lake Umatilla, in a shady oak hammock, we stepped into a lush food forest brimming with tropical and sub-tropical plants. This is no everyday garden, in fact, upon first glance, it looked mor
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Officials Decry Continued Destruction In Forest
Regular visitors to the Ocala National Forest know it is not uncommon to see areas that have been vandalized or otherwise negatively impacted by other users. A decades-old problem, the issue has only grown more severe as the forest becomes more and more popular as more people move to Florida and discover the unique outdoor opportunities of the Big Scrub.
This week, it was reported that a vehicle was vandalized while parked near Blue Sink, a once popular recreation area in the forest. Blue sink is technically closed to use, but like
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Umatilla/Eustis Wastewater Connection Nears Completion
Umatilla and Eustis’ new wastewater connection is nearing completion, with officials with the City of Umatilla this week voicing hope that the new system could be up and running in October.
For several months, contractors have been working to construct a wastewater line from Umatilla's wastewater plant on Golden Gem Drive south on SR 19 to Eustis and east on CR 44, where it will connect with a Eustis wastewater facility. The estimated $7 million project will allow the city to mostly abandon its current wastewater operations and inst
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New Leadership Takes The Helm At Altoona School
Sales Tax Holiday Is On! What Is Eligible?
The State of Florida's annual Back To School Sales Tax Holiday is underway, with a variety of school-related items available for purchase tax-free through August 7. The annual holiday is authorized through state legislative action each year, and has become a fixture on the calendar during the last decade.
Here is a breakdown of the holiday, via answers to some frequently asked questions about the holiday. Information courtesy of the Florida Department of Revenue:
2022 Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
F
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K-9 Takes Down Man Fleeing From Stolen Vehicle Chase
An Altoona man is facing a variety of charges this week in connection with the theft of a vehicle, a subsequent chase, and eventual apprehension by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office K-9 animal.
Dennis Imhoff, 36, was charged with grand theft auto, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and resisting without violence after deputies made contact with him at his Lake King Road home on Tuesday, July 19.
Lake County Sheriff's Office deputies came to 18736 Lake King Road on that date during the mid-morning hours to
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American Pride Month In Lake: Flag Retirement Ceremony
Lake County is wrapping up its first Pride in America Month, and on Tuesday morning hosted a special flag retirement ceremony. The event was held in front of the historic Lake County Courthouse and featured a short ceremony before dozens, if not hundreds of flags, were retired by burning.
"We are the only county we know of," said Lake County Chairperson Sean Parks during remarks that noted Lake County's unique place in providing a month-long celebration of the nation. "One day just isn't enough," Parks said, refe
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Old Ways New Again - Homestead Gardening Gaining In Popularity
What is a Homesteader? In the old days, it meant someone striking out into the wilderness to carve out a new place to live. And while the wilderness has mostly been settled in 2022, the idea of homesteading is alive and well. In fact, homesteading has a new incarnation that is simply said “a renewed interest in being self-sufficient.” Modern homesteaders are trying to grow, restore, harvest, gather and become more self-reliant. This rebirth of desire for self-sufficiency and learning the arts of agriculture and hands-on crafts is a lovely tip of the hat to the More...
Royal Trails Man Arrested With Bomb Making Material
A search warrant of a Royal Trails home found booby traps, incendiary devices, and a large stash of bomb-making materials that reportedly were being gathered for an eventual, large-scale explosive event.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the home of Markus Fricke at 30927 Tulip Avenue, in the East Lake County area of Eustis on July 15 after a resident there fled the home when they became concerned about what was being assembled and statements by Fricke that he was planning to commit suicide by blowing himself up in the ho
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Area Congregations Among First To Seek Exodus From Methodist Church
A years-in-the-making split of the United Methodist Church, delayed in recent years due to COVID and other factors, has officially begun. In Florida, churches tired of waiting for a broader settlement to leave the church for the new, Global Methodist Church, have filed suit seeking separation.
One hundred and six United Methodist churches filed suit in Bradford County last Friday against the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The lead plaintiff is Grace United Methodist Church in Lawtey, Florida, founded in 18
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Arrest Made: May Murder In Altoona
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office this week arrested an Altoona man on manslaughter charges in connection with a fatal shooting in May on East Altoona Road. Jesse Hill, 42, resident at 19331 East Altoona Road where the shooting took place, is facing charges of manslaughter and tampering with evidence in connection with the fatal shooting of Ernie Wilburn.
The incident occurred on May 4, at Hill's and Wilburn's residence at 19331 East Altoona Road. Deputies responded to the home after receiving two calls from Hill, calls that re
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School Grades Released - In Depth Coverage
Area School Grades - 2022
Eustis Elementary: C
Sorrento Elementary: C
Eustis Heights Elementary: C
Seminole Springs Elementary: B
Round Lake Elementary: A
Mount Dora High: B
Tavares High: I
Tavares Middle: C
Umatilla High: B
Mount Dora Middle: C
Triangle Elementary: D
Tavares Elementary: C
Umatilla Elementary: B
Umatilla Middle: C
Spring Creek Charter: C
Eus
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Christmas In July - Baking When You Are Less Busy
Baking Christmas cookies in December is time-consuming when moms and grandmas have many extra tasks pulling at their time. We often reach New Year's longing to have spent more time in the kitchen baking, instead of time in stores shopping. We know time management is part of the issue, but sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day.
Fast forward to July, when the hot sticky hours drag on endlessly because the springs are full, the yard is hot, and friends are away on vacation. Now is the easy time to turn frowns upside down, by schedulin
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Man Drowns In Lake Yale Over Weekend
On Monday, July 4, the body of a missing boater was recovered in Lake Yale. The had been missing since Saturday when a boat he was in capsized.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Lake County Sheriff's Office responded to the Lake, which lies between Eustis and Umatilla, around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday. One of two boaters in a small, Jon boat style craft was recovered safely, but the other occupant could not be found.
"The victim stated that an additional occupant, an adult male, w
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Free Lunches Return In County Schools
Lake County Schools no longer qualifies districtwide for the program that has allowed all Lake students to eat free breakfasts and lunches at schools since the 2018-19 school year, but the district will use other food service funds to cover the costs for all students to continue to eat free for at least another year.
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 that allows the nation's highest poverty districts and schools to serve all students free meals without the burden of co
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Some Areas See Over Five Inches During Wet Weekend
There was very little need to worry about unintended fires starting from Independence Day fireworks this year.
Another weekend of dousing rainfall in north Lake County was a welcome sight for anyone worried that a stray spark from the ever-growing number of private firework shows would start a wildfire. A wet start to the 2022 rainy season has left the area with soil moisture levels rarely seen in early July.
This weekend’s rains were devoid of the lightning, wind, and power outages that descended on the a
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LAKE COUNTY DETECTIVES MAKE LARGEST FENTANYL BUST IN LAKE COUNTY HISTORY
Independence Day Holiday Schedule: Boat And Street Parades, Fireworks
A new tradition in Astor is expected to see explosive growth this year, as organizers are expecting the second edition of the community’s Independence Day lighted boat parade to more than double in size. To be held this coming Saturday, July 2, on the St. Johns River, the event is free to join, isn’t judged, and is just a chance to celebrate the holiday in a uniquely River Country way.
“It’s just something I thought would be fun,” said Patti Small, who conceived the event that started last year with 19
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Bridges Through History On Local Rails
By Asa Newby
It is perhaps fitting that my reappearance on these pages would feature trains or railroads in some form; it's nice to know I haven't changed! There are still adventures to be had, though, so I'm still here to share them.
On a quiet avenue next to Lake Eustis, the rusty pair of rails that run along the shore recently served as entertainment for us boys in a moment of distraction. Walking along the wooden ties and smelling the sticky creosote, we came upon a very rare sight indeed; a
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Old Picture Leads To Time Capsule Find
What once was lost, has now been found.
Members of the Calvary Chapel of the Lakes congregation in Umatilla put on their archeology hats on Wednesday, June 22, to find a time capsule that had been buried back when the church was still known as the First United Methodist Church of Umatilla. The time capsule had been buried on August 16, 1992, and was originally scheduled to be opened one hundred years later.
But it had been forgotten until a member of the Collins family, Leslie Oaks discovered the capsule’s
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Health Department Ending Some COVID Programs - Cases Decline This Week
The last day of operations of all three Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) Covid-19 vaccines and testing sites will be Thursday, June 30. The schedule until that day will be as follows:
•DOH-Lake Community Health Site located at 560 W. DeSoto Street, Clermont, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
•DOH-Lake Leesburg Site located at 2113 Griffin Road, Leesburg, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
•DOH-Lake Umatilla Site located at 249 E. Collins Street, Umatilla, Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8
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State Restricts Parking Near Dona Vista Businesses
“It’s a waste of government money.”
Bea Carlson, owner of Bz's Happy Plants in Dona Vista, this week is struggling with new Florida Department of Transportation signage that eliminates the historic parking in front of her nursery. Carlson, who has operated at the location for many years, is concerned the new restrictions will negatively impact the ability of customers and delivery trucks to access her location.
She’s not alone. Next door, Barbara Walker’s Signature Designs emb
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Couple Welcomes New Addition To Growing Collection
Collecting is a time-honored tradition. From spoons and pens to classic vehicles and, yes, tractors, North Lake County residents have a rich history of preservation. On Sunday, Umatilla resident Rusty Robinson was seen tootling along SR 19 atop he and wife Martha's newest edition to their growing tractor collection, a 1962 Oliver model 1850.
"It got here Friday," Robinson said of the tractor, which was shipped from Iowa, just a few miles from the Oliver plant where it was manufactured. The tractor is the second Olive
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Work is progressing on a new bridge over the St. Johns River in DeLand. The Florida Department of Transportation is in the midst of a $45 million project that will see a new permanent span built over the river on SR 44, and replace the current draw bridge at the location.
The project, not slated to be completed until late in 2023, so far has featured two large dirt berms being built on either side of the river, and concrete pilings being installed in the river. More recently, large support structures have been put in place.
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New Minister Seeing Growth At Altoona Baptist
Two months into his time as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Altoona, Robert ‘Bert’ Hickman is enjoying getting to know the community and his congregation. A Georgia native, Hickman brings 11 years of pastoral experience to a congregation that has deep roots in the community and which is looking to embark on a new era of service.
“I came to a church that was holding its own, and now we’re seeing growth,” Hickman said this week from his office at the historic church campus. He has found the church f
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Summer Fun: Container Gardening
Container gardens can be a whimsical and charming part of your garden while being practical as well. We used to enjoy going to Uncle Donald's Farm when the boys were little. Every old container that would naturally kick around a barnyard was made into a planter or container garden at that place. Old washtubs that had sprouted rust holes, were put to use in a new life as flower pots. Old baskets, wheelbarrows, rusty tools, and even old pots and pans would be home to ferns, spider plants, ivy, and more, depending on where they came to rest.
Of cou
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Work Begins On Area's Newest Ace Hardware
Work has begun on the newest Carter’s Ace Hardware store in the area. To be located north of downtown Eustis along SR 19, the 15,000 square foot store is the latest addition to the growing chain of family-owned stores, with the Carter family operating in a footprint that will soon include 11 stores stretching from Apopka to Crystal River.
Dubbed ‘North Eustis’, the store is envisioned to serve customers in that growing area as well as service residents along CR 44 west to Grand Island. Along with stores in Umatilla, down
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City Pool Reopening Celebration Set For Saturday
An energy not seen in many years, or even decades, has arrived at the City of Umatilla’s city pool complex. The pool is just reopening for its first full summer season after undergoing an extensive rehabilitation over the last two years, and the public is being invited to a special open house this coming Saturday to help celebrate the improvements.
The city has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the complex, rebuilding the pool from the plumbing up, upgrading its decking surfaces, rehabbing its bathhouse, installing
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Grant Funding Park Improvements
A $100,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant from the State of Florida is funding a variety of recreation upgrades in Umatilla. Two town parks, Cadwell and Southside, are receiving upgrades from the funds.
At the Southside park facility, located along SR 19 and north of Ball Park Road, the city is replacing a basketball court, will add playground pieces, and install upgrades to the dugout facilities at the baseball field there. Cadwell Park, located downtown along Cassady Street, will receive new playgr
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Future Development In Umatilla Could Be Less Dense
Where Umatilla stands with potential housing units and how it might grow in the future are an ongoing topic of discussion inside city hall. With long-dormant infill lots finally being built on, and the city regularly hearing from developers looking to bring large projects into the city limits, city leaders have been more and more vocal about development in the city and what it should look like going forward.
At a meeting of the Umatilla City Council on Tuesday, May 17, members heard a city staff presentation on potential housing units alr
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Summer Reading Time - Lots To See In Area Libraries
When we were very young, we always loved going to the library, and that passion has carried into adulthood. Though we’ve graduated from the children’s books to more advanced material, visiting our local libraries remains one of our favorite summer activities. During a recent visit to W.T. Bland Public Library, located in Mount Dora, we were delighted to see all of the different ways that they are helping visitors to foster new interests, making themselves into a gathering point for a community united by their love of discovery.
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Summer Flower Season - What's In Your Garden?
Sue and Rick Kiefer live in one of Umatilla's more historic homes. It is a beautiful rural backdrop for the never-ending garden that Rick tends. When he isn't planting vegetables, he is improving the landscape. Over the years, he has cultivated oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, nectarines, and lots of sunflowers as well as other pretty flowers. Sue is very busy as well. She is the lady who runs Tall Pines Soapery and makes things to wash with that look incredible. At present, Rick is having success with his variety of sunflowers including some red ones called Red Sun, More...
Memorial Day Services Well Attended Monday
Memorial Day was observed throughout Lake County on Monday, with several special services held throughout the day. The public turned out in large numbers to recognize those who lost their lives in military service to the country.
The day began with a sunrise service in Mount Dora a the AW Peterson Gun Shop. Elected officials including Lake County Property Appraiser Carey Baker and state senator Dennis Baxley were on hand for the event, which included the retirement of flags through a flag burning ceremony. Attendees were invit
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Memorial Day Activities, Riderless Horse Presentation
Memorial Day will be recognized at a sunrise service on Monday, May 30. The event will be held at Peterson’s Gun Shop in Mount Dora. There will be guest speakers, playing of Taps by AJ Rohe, and other activities will convene beginning at 6:15 a.m.
Lake County Commissioner Leslie Campione will serve as keynote speaker.
Included in the ceremony will be a bagpipe performance by Bob Cunningham.
Peterson’s Gun Shop is located at 4255 West Old US 441.
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Big Week Of Rain, Totals Near Ten Inches
North Lake County experienced storms and heavy rains throughout the second half of last week, with rain totals approaching 10 inches in some areas. The rain ended a spring drought that had persisted through April and Much of May.
Through last week, over nine inches of rain was reported in reader gauges west of Umatilla. A Florida Forest Service rain gauge in Leesburg reported over eight inches on Thursday and Friday alone, and rain tracker and Pittman resident Johnny Bates logged almost 7.5 inches for the week.
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Smoke, Smell Brings Responders To Post Office
Lake County and City of Eustis fire engines joined Umatilla units in response to a 911 call Tuesday morning at the Umatilla Post Office. Employees reported seeing smoke and smelling hot electric at the office around 9 a.m.
Eustis deployed its ladder truck to access the post office’s roof, where air conditioning units could be accessed and inspected.
No injuries or damage was reported.
Cast Iron And Blackberres - A Great Combination!
We had a nice note from Myrtle Quinn this week. She has an easy do-it-yourself pickle tip to share. She takes 1 qt. of store-bought Dill Pickles and pours off all the juice into a pot. She then slices the pickles back into the jar in smaller bites. She then adds 1/2 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tsp. of mustard seeds to the juice. Bring it to a low boil and then pour it back over the pickles in the jar. Let them refrigerate for 2 or 3 days and you will have a fine homemade tasting pickle with more pizzazz. Myrtle has been enjoying her pickles this way for years. Thanks for sharing More...
This crash occurred on SR 19 in Altoona Friday late afternoon. The crash, which took place about a quarter mile north of the Ravenswood Road intersection, involved these two trucks in a head-on collision. It was reported that two people were airlifted from the crash, but the Florida High Patrol had not made any details available as of press deadline on Tuesday.
More...Humane Society Marks Resident's 16th Birthday
Years ago, when Pug’s Pub was still open near downtown Eustis, the bar was home to ‘Mere’ cat, the business’s mascot and regular sight among patrons. When that establishment closed, Mere needed a home that didn’t involve dogs chasing her, which led to her moving in at the Humane Society of Lake County’s shelter in Dona Vista. Years later, Mere is still going strong, and on Saturday the shelter celebrated the cat that is believed to be 16 years old.
“When the bar closed, Mere needed a place t
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Big Scholarship Awards For Class Of 2022
Umatilla High School’s Class of 2022 was honored during a special awards ceremony last Friday, May 13. Members of the class were recognized for academic and athletic achievement, as well as received dozens of local and institutional scholarships.
“We’re going to give away around $250,000 today,” said principal Brent Frazier in kicking off Friday’s festivities. Frazier also announced this year’s Valedictorian - Allison Shields, and Salutatorian - Grace Kessinger.
Here&rs
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Effort To Save Wildlife Carvings Continues
Umatilla’s Cadwell Park wood carvings have been in various states of repair/removal in recent months, as the city looked to preserve what it could of the unique wildlife art carvings. Termites and other pests, as well as Florida’s heat and rain had conspired to bring a large amount of decay to the carvings, leaving the city scrambling to preserve what it could of the popular art pieces.
In recent weeks, carvings that had been removed and ‘restored’ have found new homes on the back porch of the city’s Cadwell
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Next Up: SR 19 Project Through Eustis Planned
Mother's Day Stabbings, Suspected Homicide In Altoona
Two separate incidents of violence in Altoona during the past week left one person dead and two others airlifted for hospital treatment.
The first incident occurred on Wednesday, May 4, at 19331 East Altoona Road in Altoona. Deputies came to the scene in the morning hours in reference to a deceased person at the home, and found the body of Ernie Wayne Wilburn, 44. Witnesses at the home could not provide an explanation as to what had happened to Wilburn.
“Detectives say that the circumstances s
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A Wild(Life) Week With Panthers, Bears In The News
The reclusive Florida Panther for years had mostly been confined to a range in South Florida. However, as its population has slowly grown, so have reported sightings in other areas of the state. While local sightings have been rarely reported and sometimes questioned, when a panther was killed on I-95 several years ago in Flagler County it became clear that the state’s largest predatory cat had increased its range and could be assumed to also be in the expansive Ocala National Forest.
And today, even closer.
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Another Big Firm Planning Umatilla Move
One of the area's fastest-growing companies this week announced plans to move its operations to Umatilla. RCM Utilities, currently based in Eustis, has purchased an estimated 10 acres in Umatilla with plans to construct a 30,000 square foot building to house its three-dozen employees.
“We’re laying the groundwork to move back into town,” said Chris Creech on Monday. Creech, who founded RCM in 2018 said Umatilla is where RCM “needs to be.”
"Most all of us are Umatilla peo
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Effort Underway To Mark, Find Confederate Gravesites
Properly marking and identifying gravesites is a time-honored tradition. However, with passing years and patchy record availability, keeping everything just as it should be can get complicated. This week, the City of Umatilla is working to unwind questions around four buried veterans of the Confederacy after an effort was undertaken to mark the long-since buried men.
The city operates two cemeteries in town. However, some of those buried in what are now city cemeteries predate the city’s legal founding in 1904. As such,
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Combo Pizza Hut/KFC Slated For Umatilla
Plans to replace Umatilla's current Pizza Hut with a combination Pizza Hut/KFC are moving forward. The City of Umatilla on Tuesday released preliminary drawings that indicate a new combination building will be placed on Pizza Hut's current location, with Pizza Hut being carry out only in a section closest to SR 19 and KFC having a drive-through at the rear.
The project is set to have its first appearance in front of the Umatilla City Council on May 17, when a request will be brought forward to allow for the drive-through.
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Historic Church Coming Back To Life
In service to the Cassia community since the 1880s, the Cassia Baptist Church had all but closed in recent years. With just one person turning up on Sundays to sit outside during the worship hour, it appeared the historic building’s future could be in doubt. However, there has been a rebirth at the little country church, which today is enjoying the beginnings of what is hoped to be a lasting revival.
“We had 56 people for Easter,” said church pastor Mark Douglas on Saturday while giving a tour of the facility. 
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Farm Bureau Makes UES Donation, Talks Farming Challenges
Lake County Farm Bureau hosted its annual active member dinner on Monday evening, April 25. Nearly 100 Lake County farmers gathered at Sunsational Farms in Umatilla for a night of raising the profile of Lake County’s farming community.
“We have to band together in times like these,” said county board president Michael Hill, noting the many pressures facing farmers today, including environmental, regulatory, and economic challenges growers have to overcome to stay in the industry. “Tonight, we recognize our ac
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Richard Greer Announces New Book: Crossing Paths Finding Hope
“I wrote the book because we all need hope. We long to have hope in our life.”
Umatilla pharmacist and area resident Richard 'Doc' Greer is a well-known face in North Lake County, having served thousands of people from his Umatilla Drug Store location over the years. Greer's caring nature and desire to help people while bringing them closer to God has resulted in a lifetime of experiences that are being recalled in his first book, "Crossing Paths Finding Hope: Inspired By True Stories".
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County Tourism Revenue Soaring
Tourism revenue is skyrocketing in Lake County. Officials with the county’s economic growth department this week reported that the county’s income from its Tourist Development Tax has reached past pre-pandemic levels as the county is reaping the benefit of a public that is itching to get out after being limited during the COVID 19 pandemic.
“Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue in the tourism industry has rebounded to pre-COVID numbers due to pent-up demand,” said Tracy Garcia, Interim Executive Director of Econom
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Man Found After Two Days Lost At Alexander Springs
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the US Forest Service on Tuesday located a man missing since Sunday in the Alexander Springs area. The man was found near midday.
"Lake County deputies and officers with FWC located Mr. Anjab while searching the area on foot," said John Herrell with the Lake County Sheriff's Office said on Tuesday when announcing the find. "He was located about one-tenth of a mile into the woods from the shoreline where he was last seen." Herrell said the man "is significantly dehyd
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Breaking: Search On For Man At Alexander Springs
From The Lake County Sheriff's Office:
SEARCH IN ALEXANDER SPRINGS
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the US Forest Service, is currently searching for a 40-year-old man in the Alexander Springs area of Altoona after the man reportedly became separated from his group yesterday afternoon. The man and two others were apparently canoeing in the area yesterday when the canoe overturned. According to the parties involved, two of the men were able to get back in the canoe; however, the missing man was unable to. The men repo
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A Week In Pictures - Lake County Fair!
How Many People Do You Know At The Fair?
Check Out The This Week In Pictures Tab To Find Out!
Locals Shine In Fair Competitions
STEER SHOW RESULTS
Overall Grand Champion - Dafaney Williams
Reserve Grand Champion - Emma Pridgen
Best Lake County Native Calf - Joseph Willis
4-H Grand Champion - Defaney Williams
4-H Reserve Grand Champion - Isaac Robbins
FFA Grand Champion - Emma Pridgen
FFA Reserve Grand Champion - Joseph Willis
Class 1 4-H Best In Class - Braden Sredl
Class 1 FFA Best In Class - Tyler Dunaway
Class 2 4-H Best In Class - Charles Hendley
Class 2 FFA Best In Class - Joseph Willis
Class 3 4-H Best In Clas
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Resident Wakens To Find Intruder Taking A Bath
A Umatilla woman is facing charges this week after entering a home in the early hours of Tuesday, April 5, and taking a bath. Amand Toler, 33, was charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling after entering a home at 16632 Lake Smith Road through a window, undressing, and taking a bath.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Umatilla Police Department officers responded to the home around 1:15 a.m., who had remained in the tub even after the residents had confronted her about why she was in the home.
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Walk For Life Raises Huge Amount
A large crowd turned out on Saturday morning for the Life's Choices Annual Walk For Life Event. Plenty of local faces were on hand, including Umatilla Mayor and Mrs. Kent Adcock, all walking to support mothers choosing life for their unborn babies. The event was at Ferran Park in Eustis, and the event raised over $52,000! Among the people recognized for their fundraising for the event were the Lott family, who raised $2,775 to take first place in the family category, and the Goodknight family, who took second place in the children's category. They More...
Bad Timing: Rain Puts Fairgrounds Under Water As Midway Tries To Set Up
“It’s a big deal.”
Lake County Fair manager Stacey Wade isn’t a performer at the fair, but her juggling skills might make her a candidate for a stage should the need arise. Wade spent the weekend and the early parts of this week working with her midway provider, Lake County, the fair board, former manager CE ‘Happy’ Norris, and state regulatory officials to quickly undertake work that was thought to be done months ago. Thanks to yet another heavy rainfall on an already soggy fairgrounds, the layou
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Wettest March In 20 Years Leaves Area Saturated
The wettest March in years left Lake County soil saturated in the past week. Another rainy weekend left the county in lowest, or wettest, range of the Keetch Byram Drought Index, a tool used by the Florida Forest Service to gauge potential fire risk. The month closed as the wettest March in at least a decade, with the Florida Forest Service’s (FFS) Paisley weather station recording 8.6 inches of rain, the most since 9.15 inches was recorded in 2001.
Historically, March has been known to produce little to no rain. FFS data
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Lake County Fair Ready For Annual Run - Details Here
The 101st Edition of the Lake County Fair opens this Thursday, April 7. For the next ten days, the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis will be bustling with daily activities, including youth livestock shows, live entertainment, creative arts exhibits, and of course a large midway full of rides for all ages.
This year, in addition to the regular livestock shows, the fair has expanded its entertainment schedule. Them Sweeney Boys, and Robinson's Racing Pigs return this year, and are joined by new acts including the Space Adventures Thril
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Florida's Natural To Close Umatilla Facility
Officials with Florida’s Natural this week announced the company plans to sell its Umatilla plant. The company, which employs just over 80 people at the SR 19 facility at the south end of town, is planning to consolidate its packaging and storage operations at its home facility in Lake Wales.
“We have decided to put it up for sale,” said Nikki Hayde, Senior Marketing Manager for Florida’s Natural. “This is a way for us to help our overall performance and help our growers.”
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Sheriff Speaks On Rising Drug Use, Growing County
Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell visited Umatilla on Monday, speaking at the regular Monday lunch meeting of the Umatilla Kiwanis Club. With over 40 people in attendance, the sheriff spoke on some of the current issues facing the office and Lake County.
"It's good to be back out in the community," Grinnell said, noting that the regular practice of conducting town hall-style gatherings has been mostly put on hold during the last two years due to the COVID pandemic.
Citing data that indicates Lake Co
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Didn't Know It Would Live Through That!
We want to thank Winifred Begley of Eustis for submitting the information for this week’s gardening column. Her experience with ponytail palms, Beaucarnea recurvata, the elephant's foot, may help some of our readers. This drought-tolerant native of Mexico is often grown as a house plant or potted plant. The trunks can grow to 15 feet tall and can live for 350 years. They are endangered in the wild in their native habitat because of habitat destruction (according to Wikipedia) and an over harvesting for commercial propagation.
W
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New COVID Cases Drop To Pandemic Low Here
Lake County reported 149 new COVID 19 cases during the week of March 14-20, according to the Center for Disease Control. The number shows a continued decline in new cases, a trend that has continued since mid January when the county reported over 6,400 new cases in a single week. Overall, the current weekly case count is at its lowest level since the pandemic began.
Other trends are continuing in the right direction, also, as the county’s testing positivity rate in testing dipped to 3.61%, below a historic goal of 5%. Wh
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After Delays, Westervelt Name Now Towers Over UHS Football Field
After months of discussion, planning, and installation delays, Tuesday saw the long-anticipated completion of the new scoreboard at the Umatilla High School football stadium. A partnership between the school, its athletic boosters, and the Umatilla Kiwanis Club, the sign was part of the larger naming of the football field in the name of former principal John Westervelt.
Westervelt served as principal of Umatilla High in the 1980’s, and continued to volunteer at the school and within the community as a member of the Kiwanis club unti
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Lowe's Volunteers, Funds Make Improvements At City Pool
Thanks to a $2,500 grant of supplies and labor from the Lady Lake Lowe’s Home Improvement store, the Umatilla City Pool has received more renovation. The facility, which saw its pool and pool deck refurbished last year, last week was treated to a renovation of its bathhouse area as part of the Lowe’s Heroes program.
"We do one big project a year," said Clay Tew, manager of the Lady Lake store. Tew was on hand last Thursday as a crew from the store jumped into painting the bathhouse. Additional work was to
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Familiar Local Faces Seek To Boost Ukraine Support
Many area residents will remember the former Nicky D’s restaurant in Umatilla. Some may even know that the restaurant’s co-owner, Stephanie DiAngelis, is of Ukrainian descent. As that country continues to defend itself from a Russian invasion and its people struggle under the weight of the onslaught, Stephanie and her husband, Nick, have created a way for locals to support the struggling nation and its people.
The Nicky and Stephanie DiAngelis Ukrainian Freedom Fund is now active at United Southern Bank, with donations a
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Umatilla To Buy 50 More Acres Of Land At Airport
The City of Umatilla is looking to expand its municipal airport footprint in a big way. The Umatilla City Council on Tuesday night approved a Florida Department of Transportation grant that will fund the city's purchase of 47.58 acres of open land just to the east of the airport and across Skyline Drive.
The FDOT has approved a $1,025,000 grant for the purchase. The land is currently owned by members of the Martin family, descendants of the late Bob Martin, who lived on land adjacent to the parcel under discussion.
&nb
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Rainfall Totals Pile Up From Week Of Wet Stuff
What a difference a week makes. A deluge of rainfall over the past week erased Lake County’s current rainfall deficit, filled area waterways, and left enough soaked soil behind that the risk of wildfire has decreased substantially.
With rainfall totals rising over eight inches in some areas of the county, the rain was just what was needed to quell a fire danger that had been rising steadily in recent weeks. Significant rainfall fell throughout much of the north and central portions of the state in the la
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FDOT Undertakes Repairs To SR 19 U-Turn Problems
Florida Department of Transportation contractors have begun the process of widening sections of SR 19 between Umatilla and Eustis to pave driving areas created by recent changes in traffic patterns. The estimated $4 million project features the closing of some median crossings and creating new turn lanes, lanes that when used to make U-Turns on the road have created large dirt areas.
The turn lanes have been constructed in such a way that it makes it hard for large vehicles, and especially vehicles with trailers to make a U-Turn on the ro
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Rising Prices Taking Toll On Local Economy
North Lake County has not been spared the national hike in the price of gasoline. Per gallon costs have jumped over $.50 in the past week, rocketing past $4 per gallon.
The jump has placed prices at their highest in over a decade, with the largest jump coming since mid-February. According to Gasbuddy.com, the Orlando area's average price for a gallon of gas on Monday was $4.08. That's the highest since at least 2012, the earliest year available to search.
The increase is placing a pinch on all
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SR 19 Project Set To Move Into Umatilla
In early April the section of SR 19 running through the city limits of Umatilla will begin to look at least a little similar to the project that has been underway for several months just to the south. The Florida Department of Transportation is set to begin a road project running from the south end of town north to Palmetto Street, with modifications planned that some residents may feel is similar to the $4 million project to the south that has been a big community topic for several months.
City officials this week conf
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548 Homes Proposed At Former Pine Meadows Golf Course
At its meeting this Thursday night, March 3, the Eustis City Commission is expected to consider a plan that looks to put nearly 550 homes on property of the former Pine Meadows Country Club. The project, which covers just over 240 acres, looks to develop 548 homes over the next decade in three phases, beginning in 2023.
Due to the land’s low-lying topography, much of the development is being envisioned in a central corridor of the project, which has pushed density in those areas to a level that includes some lot sizes at just 40 fee
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Shop 'Til You Drop: Over 70 Yard Sales Saturday
Umatilla’s biggest day of commerce returns from COVID exile this Saturday, March 5, when the Friends of the Umatilla Public Library hosts the city-wide yard sale. Based out of the Umatilla Public Library, the event, now in its 21st year, has grown to be a huge day of commerce in the community, with dozens of yard sales at the library and throughout the community bringing bargain hunters from all over to the community.
The library is located at 412 Hatfield Drive, near the First Baptist Church of Umatilla.
Area
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Park Carvings Fall Victim To Rot/Pests
“It’s unfortunate, but it is what it is.”
The City of Umatilla on Monday had to remove or drastically cut back three of its estimated 12 wildlife carvings in Cadwell Park. The carvings, believed to be part of the largest collection of such creations in one place in the state of Florida, had fallen victim to the elements and had deteriorated to the point that safety was a concern.
“We’ve been trying to shore them up, but they do have a lifespan,” said city manager Scott Blanke
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Propane Leak Brings Evacutations, Road Closure
CR 450W (Ocala Street) was closed for parts of Monday evening as emergency responders managed a propane gas tank leak near the intersection of Ogden Avenue. No injuries or damage was reported, but the road was closed for nearly two hours as responders ‘burned off’ leaking gas.
The incident began around 6 p.m., when a property owner became aware that a large propane tank behind his house was leaking after a recent fill. The odor of the gas led to a response from Umatilla and Lake County fire units, as well as Umatilla Pol
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Party Time In Eustis This Weekend: GeorgeFest Arrives!
The biggest community celebration of the year arrives in Eustis this week, when the annual GeorgeFest celebration returns for its 120th installment. Downtown Eustis will be buzzing for several days as it plays host to entertainment, a carnival, fireworks, the annual Washington's Birthday parade, and a Sunday live concert featuring Eustis native and 'Commodores' founder Thomas McClary.
The event is the longest-running celebration of George Washington's birthday in Florida, and the second-longest in the country. This year's event carr
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Results From Big Cooking Competition
It was a rollicking good time on Saturday, when the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce and Sunsatianal Farms combined to host the annual Big Orange Day with its chili and BBQ cookoffs. Nearly two dozen entries joined the fray, with a large crowd coming out to spend the day at the agritourism locale and enjoying the offerings of some of the area’s best cooks.
A series of awards were presented to participants at the end of the event, with the following winners announced:
Rifle Raffle: Kim Ludwig
Alcohol Raffle:&n
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BBQ, Chili Cookoff + Dozens Of Vendors = Big Orange Day Saturday!
Umatilla's biggest eating event of the year returns this Saturday, February 19, when the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Sunsational Farms hosts the annual BBQ and chili cookoff. The event, featuring dozens of cook teams and market vendors, will be held in the shadow of The Big Orange, at 40541 Roger Giles Road in Umatilla.
The fun begins at noon, when Susational Farms kicks the gates open on a vendor market and family fun day. Running until 6 p.m., the market features a wide variety of items for sale, with children
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114-Home Development Taking Shape
A planned 114-home development near Southside Umatilla is the latest plan to come alive in town, though formal action on the development has been pushed back a few weeks. The development, named Woodsong, sits on a previously approved but never developed site at the southeast corner of Pine Street and Tenth Avenue.
The property, on just over 39 acres, was initially approved for houses in 2005, but never was developed. Today, the site is eyed to have just over four units per acre, with housing lots proposed at 54 feet wide by 120 feet
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City Declines To Close Street After Public Outcry
Tuesday night’s community input session and further discussion during a meeting of the Umatilla City Council showed little public interest in closing Owens Lane, as residents in the area seeking the road remain fully open and council members agreeing. Instead, expect the city to take a more aggressive look at maintaining the clay road that runs between Ocala Street and Lake Street, alongside Umatilla Elementary School.
Closure of the north section of the road had become a top in recent months, with officials citing traffic, maintenan
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COVID Cases Trending Down In Lake - Hospitalization Update
Newly reported cases of COVID 19 continue a steady decline in Lake County. Data released on Friday, February 4, indicate 2,485 cases recorded during the week, down from 3,599 the week prior and 4,358 two weeks ago. Twenty-five deaths were reported, the first since January 21, when 16 were reported.
According to CDC data, Lake County’s positivity rate on those tested continues to hover around 28%. There have been 181 new hospital admissions in the past week, a number that shows a decline from previous weeks highs of around 22%.
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What's All That Smoke? Prescribed Fire Season Heats Up
Smoke descended on large swaths of North Lake County on Friday, as a prescribed burn was conducted in the Ocala National Forest. The burn was one of dozens expected during the coming months that will cover thousands of acres, and is part of the ongoing effort to improve habitat and reduce fuel to fires started by lightning or other causes throughout the year.
On Monday, February 7, the US Forest Service was again burning in the area of CR 445, southwest of Forest Road 69 and south of the Alexander Springs recreational area. The fire, expe
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Habitat For Humanity Fixing Up Area Homes - For Free
Habitat For Humanity may be known for helping construct homes for low-income families, but this week an estimated 40 existing homes throughout the county are getting improved through Habitat’s Preservation and Repair program.
Early this week, crews were in Umatilla painting homes and clearing away overgrown brush, with nearly 30 volunteers undertaking projects. Similar crews were busy in Mount Dora and South Lake County.
"Habitat Lake Sumter's Preservation and Repair program works to preserve the exi
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Public Meeting: Owens Lane Closure Considered
Months of on and off again discussions about closing a portion of Owens Lane in Umatilla will take the next step toward potential action. The City of Umatilla has announced a public meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 15, to solicit community input on the proposal.
The city has considered closing a section of Owens Lane that runs from Bayless Street north to Lake Street. The section includes a border with Umatilla Elementary School and Crescent Lake. In previous discussions, reasons for the potential closure include a red
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Worst Freeze In Years: How Much Damage?
With temperatures dipping into the low 20’s or even lower in certain locations, North Lake County saw a weekend of frigid temperatures not seen in several years. A hard freeze descended on the area early Sunday morning, raising concerns for area agricultural interests that had already dodged one bullet the previous weekend.
It has been at least five years since temperatures in North Lake dipped into the teens, but at least one forest-area location reported just that early Sunday morning, when a low of 18 degrees was recorded.&
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Man Charged After Driving Equipment Off Construction Site In The Middle Of the Night, Crashing
Driving a piece of heavy equipment off a construction site in the middle of the night is bound to draw attention. Crashing it into a power pole across the street might garner even more notice. And telling police that you had been requested to undertake the activity could prove to be a hard sell.
Jordan Meadors, 25, of Umatilla is facing a variety of charges in connection with such an incident, which occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, January 30. Meadors was charged with loitering and prowling after he went onto the constructi
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Investigation Continues Into Sexual Assault Of UHS Student
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the search for a suspect in an alleged sexual assault that occurred on Thursday, January 20. Officials are searching for a black truck that could be connected with an incident where an Umatilla High School student was approached while walking away from school.
There sheriff’s office released the following information on the incident:
“On January 20, a juvenile female was walking from Umatilla High School at roughly 2:30 PM when she was honked at by
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Teen Charged After Shots Fired In Parking Lot
A Umatilla teenager is facing charges after reportedly firing shots at a light in the area of a Circle K convenience store at the intersection of SR 19 and CR 42 north of Umatilla. Noah Wheat, 18, of Umatilla and a juvenile were allegedly involved in the incident, which occurred just before midnight on Wednesday, January 19.
Reports state Umatilla Police Department officers arrived at the convenience store in reference to a shooting in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Wheat, who initially stated severa
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Freezing Weather Puts Spring Fruit Crop At Risk
Temperatures plummeted to their lowest level of the winter so far in North Lake County early Monday, with northern areas reporting as low as 25 degrees before sunup on January 24. The cold snap left bird baths frozen, rooftops and windshields sheeted in ice, and tropical plants damaged.
Area agriculture appeared to escape the cold mostly intact, with only the spring peach and blueberry blossoms at risk from low temperatures. Area peaches are currently in bloom, and blueberry crops could be even further ahead, causing concern as more
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Frozen Landscaping? Time To Plan For Spring
By Holly Newby:
A Garden With Good Bones
If ever there was a week to look at your garden’s “Good Bones” this is it. After the freeze the elephant ears are flat, the perennials are pooped and the lawn is golden brown.
What seems like a messy clean-up, with frozen poinsettias and azaleas alike, may be just the planning opportunity of the year. There is basically an 11-month growing season in Florida so there aren't many weeks of not mowing in which to plan.
Up north in Vermont
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Local COVID Update: Lake Sees Record Cases, Schools See Jump, Hospitalizations Below Last Summer
Lake County’s COVID numbers continued in the wrong direction in the last week, with 6,412 new cases reported for the week ending Friday, January 14. That is an increase over last week’s then-record high of 4,107. Lake County’s positivity rate on those tested for the virus was reported by the Center for Disease Control as 35.32%.
The CDC also reported 14 deaths during the period, and 209 new hospitalizations. Fatality data can represent deaths from over longer stretches of time, and may not reflect just the wee
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Large Medical, Rehab Clinic Opens In Umatilla
The most extensive medical and rehabilitation facility to call Umatilla home is opening this week at 925 North Central Avenue. Acumen Clinical Services, Inc. has taken up residence in an estimated 8.500 square feet in the Save-A-Lot plaza, bringing to the community an expansive, state-of-the-art equipped facility that will offer a variety of physical and occupational therapy, as well as urgent medical care.
"We are here to serve the community," says Dr. Rachelle Alcide, DPT, who is opening the facility with her husband Marty Ric
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Morning Frosts Arrive With Coldest Weather Of Winter So Far
Storms rolled through North Lake County early Sunday morning, bringing rain and high winds. The system, which blanketed the state, spurred tornados in south Florida, but North Lake appeared to avoid any serious damage.
Wind gusts were reported as high as 30 miles per hour at a weather station located at the Umatilla Municipal Airport, and power outages occurred in localized areas, including the Shockley area of Altoona.
The system moved quickly through, and by mid-morning the rain was mostly over, with gusting w
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County To Activate Cold Shelters Tonight
With temperatures expected to drop on the evening of Monday, January 17 and Tuesday January 18, Lake County will activate shelters for those vulnerable to cold weather.
Trinity Assembly of God, located at 200 Urick Street in Fruitland Park and LifePointe Church, located at 3551 E. Orange Ave. in Eustis, will open both nights from 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following morning. Masks are required at all cold weather sheltering locations, and the Florida Department of Health will be conducting COVID-19 screenings at each shelter as well as offering hepatitis A, fl More...
Locals Fill Testing Sites, Record COVID Cases Here
The omicron variant of COVID 19 continues to grow in Lake County. In the most recent data from the State of Florida, released on January 7, indicated Lake County had 4,107 cases reported in the previous seven days, up from 2,814 the previous week. To date, this week's report represents the most new cases in the county for a single week since the pandemic began.
Residents have flocked to testing sites, and on Monday a line of over 100 cars could be found at the Lake County Fairgrounds as people sought out clarity on their COVID status.
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Mixed Returns, But County Grad Rate Slips Slightly
Lake County’s 2021 graduation rate was reported this week at 90.6%, slightly higher than the statewide rate of 90.1% and surpassing Superintendent Diane Kornegay’s goal of 90% for a second year in a row.
Lake’s graduation rate was 77.8% in 2017, when Kornegay was chosen to lead the district. At that time, she said one of her primary goals was to help the district reach and exceed a 90% graduation rate. The district reached that goal in 2020 when the graduation rate reached 91.2% and it stayed above the goal in 2021
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A Dainty Fern And Heirloom Plants
By Holly Newby
One of the plants we have had in our garden the longest is a Maidenhair fern. Also called by common names such as Southern maidenhair and venus-hairfern, it can be found growing in the wild of Florida from the Panhandle to the keys, anywhere limestone rocks and seeping water are found together.
Imagine our surprise in going swimming in a sinkhole in Tallahassee many years ago, only to find ourselves climbing up walls of limestone covered in dangling maidenhair ferns.
Widely cu
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You Can Help Family Of Josh Carpenter:
Gator's Announces Fundraiser
Gator's Restaurant in Umatilla has announced a fundraiser for the family of Josh Carpenter. Christina From Gator's shared the following:
"We are doing a community fundraiser bingo Saturday January 15th 3-5 pm ( all are welcome) at Gators of Umatilla. There will be raffle baskets and baskets donated by the Baseball Community as well. We ask that people please rsvp to ensure we staff properly. They can call the restaurant @ 669-6969. For more details speak with Christina." Gator's is located at 9 North Central Avenue in Umatilla.
Carpenter was kille More...
Tragic Start To New Year As ATV Crash Kills Local Business Owner
It took less than 23 hours for the community to pour over $10,000 into a gofundme account set up for a Umatilla resident, parent, and businessman who died just after midnight on January 1 when he crashed while riding an ATV style vehicle on Lakeview Street in Umatilla. Josh Carpenter, 36, of Umatilla died from his injuries at AdventHealth Waterman after a crash on Lakeview Street in Umatilla.
Florida Highway Patrol reports state the incident happened around 12:30 a.m. Carpenter sustained fatal injuries after the ATV he was riding we
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County Schools Reopen With Few Changes Amid Record COVID Surge
Lake County Schools students returned to the classroom on Tuesday, after several weeks off that saw an explosion of COVID cases throughout the county. With 2,844 new cases reported in the county during the week ending December 31, Lake County is an unprecedented surge in cases, though how dangerous the omicron variant may be is unknown as serious illness and death - so far - appear to be less with the current variant than earlier iterations of the COVID 19 virus.
To date, public officials across all local jurisdictions have declined to ma
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Woman Jailed After Campsite Crash, Child Injured
A North Carolina woman is facing charges after an incident in a forested area near Deerhaven. Sarah Smith, 33, of High Point, was taken into custody after a child was involved in a traffic crash around a campsite area off Clay Lake Road.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office reports state deputies responded to the remote area of Northeast Lake County in reference to an assault and possible battery with a deadly weapon. Upon arrival, they met with two male subjects, one of which reported being a passenger in a vehicle that Smith was driv
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Ball Drop History - By Sailors, For Sailors
By Atticus Newby
Just a week after Christmas Eve is New Year's Eve, the final day of the year. Like Christmas, we have a number of traditions that we enjoy for welcoming in the new year, and one of the most popular is staying up until midnight to watch the Times Square Ball drop and cheer "Happy New Year" when the seconds run out. The Times Square Ball is the most famous example of a time ball today, and likely the only one that most Americans have ever seen, but there is a lot more to time balls than being a part of our New Years' tra More...
Security Light Argument Leads To Murder/Suicide
A dispute over the brightness of a security light led to two deaths Monday in Paisley. Timothy Patch, 59, was shot dead in his driveway at 26402 Fisherman’s Road in Paisley, apparently by his next door neighbor, Eric Hilderbrand, 62, who was discovered by investigators dead in a chair at his home, from an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound.
Deputies arrived at Patch’s home around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 27, in reference to a shooting. They discovered Patch dead in his driveway, just below a security light that
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For 140th Birthday, Area Church Will Offer 1882 Service
Worshippers of all faiths are invited to take a step back in time this coming Sunday, January 2, when St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Eustis will conduct a service as it would have been held in 1882, the year the church was first built. Beginning at 10 a.m. at 317 South Mary Street, worshippers will see what it was like back then in what is today Eustis’ oldest church.
“It is a completely different style,” said the Reverend Matthew Perreault in announcing the special service, which will mark the church’s 140th year of ser
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Camellias Offer Holiday Blooming Options
Ed Lisle has a green thumb, and a good sense of humor. He and his wife Josie have a lovely lakeside home in our little town. We have mentioned his ability to grow pineapples before, about the beautiful table arrangements that he used to make for the Taste of North Lake County Restaurant Showcase out of tropical foliage, and even about some of his palmetto hat projects, but this week he topped them all. He stopped by our office with the most lovely and delicate handmade corsage made out of flowers and foliage from his yard. In the old days, ladies were very fond of corsage More...
Locals Pour Out Goodwill As Christmas Nears
Amid the stress of holiday shopping, a new COVID variant, and the general tension that seems to envelope much of life in the past year, North Lake County residents have shown their capacity to embrace the goodwill of the Christmas holiday. Stories of strangers buying people's groceries, and of strangers' paying for others' meals in area restaurants have abounded during the holiday, as have the many varied acts of kindness that hundreds, if not thousands of people, have participated in. In North Lake County, the heart of Christmas has been beating loudly in 202 More...
Former Jungle Den Restaurant/Lodge Demolished
The Astor-area landscape changed in a big way in the last week, when demolition crews took down a former restaurant and lodging facilities at the former Jungle Den location. The demolition is part of an ambitious plan to redevelop the riverfront property into a large camping and recreation facility.
Located north of Astor on the St. Johns River in Volusia County, the property has sat nearly vacant for many years, with mobile home renters serving as its main residents in recent years. In the future, it is conceived to include hundred
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Suspicious Package Results In Downtown Eustis Evacuation
Parts of downtown Eustis were evacuated for several hours on Friday, December 17, while responding emergency units worked to evaluate and eventually remove a suspicious package found near the Bay Pharmacy at 2 East Magnolia Street. The package was eventually found to be nothing more than an empty box.
The incident began around 7 a.m., when an employee at Bay Pharmacy arrived to work around 7 a.m. and noticed the package tied to a garbage can near the front of the business. She took a short video of the box, and forwarded it to pharm
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By Mick Vonk
Ron Smith, Amy Toman, and I participated in a field trip to UF Horse Teaching Unit concluding a 10-month equine remote on-line course we took. Each month’s lecture varied from feeding, pesky parasites, poison in the pasture, pasture management, manure management, horse behavior, vaccines, and colic.
UF has two properties they use for equine studies; the 65-acre Horse Teaching Unit that we visited and the 320-acre Equine Science Unit. The Horse Training Unit is home to 30 broodmares, 4 stallions, a herd of g
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A Sandspur Hill Cracker Christmas
All Jacob ever wanted to do was tend the sheep like his father and Uncle Levi. He would beg his mother to let him go with them into the hills with the village flock. She had allowed him to go lately when his chores were done. He was really looking forward to next week. For seven days, it would be his family’s turn for watching the sheep at night. No way, his mother put her foot down. There was no way he could be out in the wilderness after dark. The night was cold and there was no telling what might have happened in the long More...
Umatilla Christmas Festival Judging Results
Umatilla Cracker Christmas Judging Results
Dog Jog-
1st- Cammie Sasser with R, TJ and GG
2nd- Laura Merritt with Harlo
3rd-Amber Williams with Mico
Best Overall
Float-Altoona Eagles 4H
Marching Unit- UHS & UMS Bands
Decorated Car- Miss Lake County
Best Horse Unit- Neigh Bells
Four People Shot, Can't Or Won't Say What Happend
Was there a shooting in the Umatilla area Friday, December 10? After an extensive investigation, Umatilla Police concluded that while there may have been a shooting, it didn’t happen in Umatilla.
“It had nothing to do with Umatilla,” said department chief Adam Bolton, who described the department’s role in the situation.
“Three or four dudes walked into the hospital with some wounds,” Bolton said, triggering an investigation. The subjects spoke limited English, making m
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Umatilla Christmas Parade, Festival Coming Saturday
Umatilla’s Biggest Day of the year arrives this Saturday, December 11, when the annual Cracker Christmas Celebration returns for a full day of community Christmas celebrations. Organized by the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce with the support of the City of Umatilla and a host of partners, the event will bring the largest crowd of the year to the community.
The morning fun starts early, with a 9 a.m. Dog Jog up the northbound lanes of SR 19. The lanes will be closed for much of the morning for parade activities, and the public is
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Man Facing Charges After Dog Found Dead
A Eustis man is facing animal cruelty charges after officers responded to a Dixie Avenue apartment. Jonathan DiazCapo was jailed after officers responded to an apartment at 2201 Dixie Avenue and found a dog dead and inside two garbage bags.
Officers responded to the scene on November 30 around 9:30 a.m. after a complaint call came in about an argument inside the apartment and sounds that could be consistent with harming an animal.
Responding officers demanded to see the dog during their investigation, and
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Harris Family Celebrates 60 Years At Oil/AC Business
“Sixty years. And I’ve been here for all of them.”
Jim Harris was all smiles Friday, as Harris Oil and A/C celebrated 60 years of operation. Founded in downtown Mount Dora and making a stop along the way on Highland Street, the business has resided on US 441 in Mount Dora since 1988, serving the community with quality oil, gas, and self storage facilities.
“We’re now fourth generation, “ said Nancy Harris on Friday, as the business was set to host a large customer appre
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Results From Street, Boat Parades In Astor
Lil Miss Astor - Brystal Powell
Lil Mister Astor - Jesse Spence-Lightfoot
Individual - George & Nancy Corbett -- First
Mike & Brenda Buckley - Second
Group - Lake County Airboat Club - First
Blackwater Yacht Club - Second
School - Spring Creek Band - First
Spring Creek K-Kids - Second
Business - Castaways on the River - First
&
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Local Woman Set To Appear On Disney Cooking Show
The streaming service Disney+ will debut a new show, “Foodtastic” on December 15, featuring three contestants in competition to create ‘extravagant scene work and larger-than-life sculptures made entirely out of food’, according to Disney. Among the contestants on the show will be Umatilla resident Tammy Mashburn, owner of an edible art business and a body shop assistant manager.
Mashburn, who hails from Eustis originally, has been making custom cakes for over ten years, and is a self-taught award-winning cake artist.&nb
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Astor Street, Boat Parades On Saturday!
The Christmas season will take center stage in River Country on Saturday, when Astor rolls out the red carpet for a full day of holiday fun. Beginning with a street parade in the morning and culminating with a lighted boat parade on the St. Johns River after dark, Astor will be buzzing all day with holiday spirit.
The fun begins at 10 a.m. when the annual Christmas street parade departs from the parking lot at the Drifters restaurant and heads up Front Street. The parade will meander its way toward Ann Street and the Astor Community
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4:30 a.m. Fireworks Leads To Arrest
The pre-dawn hours of Thanksgiving Day were interrupted in Umatilla when a reportedly intoxicated man began to shoot off fireworks near Umatilla Middle School. Jordan Light, 38, of St. Matthews, South Carolina who was a guest at a home at 305 Kristen Court, was charged with disorderly intoxication after the incident that also involved a confrontation with a neighbor.
Umatilla Police reports state an officer was at the Umatilla Circle K convenience store around 4:30 a.m. and heard a large boom. A few minutes later, he heard another,
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Fire Destroys Home Of Well Known Local - Community Stepping Up
Customers of Umatilla’s Ace Hardware will remember former longtime employee Jon Wilson’s smiling face and desire to help. Now, the community is stepping forward to return the favor, as Wilson looks to rebuild his life after his home was consumed by fire.
Lake County Fire Rescue responded to Wilson’s home at 45631 Palm Street in the Lake Kathryn area just after midnight on Tuesday, November 16. They found the mobile home in flames, with Wilson, three sons, two cats, and a dog safely outside.
&nb
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Get Ready For Light Up Eustis!
This Friday, November 26, the City of Eustis will host the 34th Annual Light-Up Eustis celebration in historic downtown from 5-9 p.m. with a light-up ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will include live entertainment, a 75-foot snow slide, a stilt-walking Toy Solider, Dancer the live reindeer, food trucks, vendors, and strolling carolers by the Caroling Company.
Also, expect a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus who will sleigh in from the North Pole. Children will be invited to take a free photo with San
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New Downtown Umatilla Businesses Plan Celebrations
Downtown Umatilla's retail economy is in the midst of a resurgence, with a variety of new shops opening recently. From clothing outlets to hairstylists, an ice cream shop to a gift shop/art studio/you name it shop, the SR 19 corridor through Umatilla is coming to life. On December 4, the public is invited to join several of the new shops for a holiday special occasion designed to celebrate the area's many new offerings.
Leading the charge is the just-opening Forever Fabulous, led by Amy Sellers. Sellers' vision of 'a place for commun
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A Sandspur Hill Cracker Thanksgiving
By Ed Lisle
Thanksgiving, a day of feasting on turkey ’n dressing, pumpkin pie, and cranberry relish. A day set aside to give special thanks for good things. A day for…(Hey, do any of y’all remember the song, ‘Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmothers House we Go?’ Grandpa lives there, too)…get together with family for the big meal. Thanksgiving, that we can celebrate this year’s holiday without 2020’s threat of rampant COVID.
Sure, we celebrat
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For Veterans: Free Pet Adoptions
The Lake County Animal Shelter is offering fee-waived pet adoptions for veterans. This promotion was made possible by a donation from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mary Ellen Robertson Chapter.
“We are honored to accept this donation from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This will benefit both our local veterans and our homeless pets,” said Whitney Boylston, Lake County Animal Shelter director.
In partnership with the Lake Coun
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Thanksgiving Holiday Garbage, Bus, Library Schedules Announced
All offices of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, Tax Collector, and the Lake County Extension Center will be closed Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26, for Thanksgiving and will reopen Monday, November 29.
The Lake County Solid Waste Division will suspend curbside collection on Thanksgiving Day. Collection normally scheduled for Thursday will shift to Friday, and Friday collection will occur on Saturday. Lake County’s Central Solid Waste Facility landfill ope
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Citrus Growers Hopeful As Harvest Begins
“So far, what we are seeing is promising.”
The citrus picking season is underway in North Lake County, with area growers ramping up for a season that has shown early signs of positivity. Faryna Grove Care's Kris Sutton this week provided an early-season update this week.
Sutton said navels, the first variety to be picked each season, are off to a good start.
“So far, for only two blocks, we’re up,” Sutton said, after having seen a greater yield so far. I
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Elections/Sheriff Building Plan Hits Costly Snag?
Lake County’s Plans to purchase land south of Tavares to consolidate the Supervisor of Elections and Lake County Sheriff’s Offices has hit a snag. The county, during its due diligence on approximately 13 acres at the intersection of SR 19 and Lane Park Road, has found a variety of environmental issues that could cause the price of the property to skyrocket.
The Lake County Commission on Tuesday heard a staff update on the land, on which the county holds a $1 million option through next June. As part of its due diligence,
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Former Sheriff Gary Borders Passes Away
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday afternoon announced the passing of former sheriff Gary Borders. Borders, who served as Lake County Sheriff from 2006 until 2017, reportedly passed away after a ‘recent battle with cancer’ early Tuesday.
Borders became sheriff after then-sheriff Chris Daniels was killed in a charity bus race in Volusia County. Upon retirement, he returned to his home state of Kentucky.
“Sheriff Borders faithfully served our citizens as the Lake County Sheri
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Watch Out! Manatees On The Move
November is Manatee Awareness Month and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding people on the water to slow down and look out for migrating manatees this time of year. As water temperatures cool this season, manatees are naturally migrating to warmer waters around the state. Go slow and look out below to allow them to swim safely.
While manatees are large, they can be difficult to see in the water. That is why it is important to: follow guidelines and follow all manatee protection zones, l
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Keep That Food Out For Pollinators!
Pollinators. We don't even think about the tiny players that keep the ecosystem perking along the pollination cycle of life. Tiny bees, butterflies, and many other winged friends play a pivotal role in the health of many habitats as well as in our food supply.
Making our green spaces friendly to pollinators has become an essential part of being good stewards of the Earth. As more and more wild spaces are developed, natural habitats are replaced with low maintenance landscapes which often leave the plates completely empty for our flying friends.
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Still Time To Join The Fun At Kiwanis 5K
There is still time to register to join the fun at the Umatilla Kiwanis Club’s 7th Annual 5K Run, set for this Saturday, November 13, in Umatilla. The race begins at 7 a.m. downtown at Cadwell Park and snakes through the eastern section of Umatilla, including to the Umatilla Municipal Airport.
Cost is $35 for adults, $25 for ages 13-18, and $20 for ages 6-12. Registration is available at www.runsignup.com/race/fl/umatilla/kiwanis5k. Additional information is available by calling Kiwanis member Deborah Joswig at 352-267-3648.
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After Many Years, Umatilla Set For Return To Football Playoffs
The Umatilla High School football team is headed to the state playoffs for the first time since 2014. The Bulldogs, which secured a 6-4 record on Friday night with a 16-8 win in cold and rainy conditions at Bronson, will travel to Keystone Heights this Friday for the first round in the playoffs.
Keystone Heights defeated Umatilla earlier this season by a score of 68-13 on September 17.
“We are excited about another opportunity to compete against Keystone Heights,” said Umatilla head coach Charlie Cer
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Rains Put Part Of Astor Underwater
A drenching, all-day rain soaked much of North Lake County and beyond on Friday, with upwards of three inches or more of precipitation filling retention areas and pushing the St. Johns River into a ‘moderate’ flood stage. When the rain finally tapered off on Saturday afternoon, soggy conditions could be found throughout the area.
Astor, which bears the brunt of high rainfall events due to its low-lying status next to the St. Johns River, received reports of as much as 3.25 inches of rain, with the St. Johns River Utility repor
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New Restaurant Open At Former Blackwater Location
After several months of renovations, the former Blackwater Inn restaurant in Astor is open and ready to serve customers. Now known as Drifters River Front Bar and Grill upstairs and McHenry’s Pub on the Water downstairs, the location offers two unique dining experiences in one, waterfront location.
Owner/operator Mechelle McHenry, an Astor-area resident, was busy upstairs in the past week, preparing Drifters for its first customers. The remodeled space that formerly housed William's Landing offers a variety of casual dining options,
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Umatilla Middle School Student Charged Wednesday For Threatening A School Shooting
Woman Brandishes Gun At Deputy After Paisley Beer Argument
A domestic altercation in Paisley was in danger of turning deadly on Saturday, October 30, before Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived to quell the incident. Amanda Foster, 33, of Paisley was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after reportedly hitting her live-in boyfriend, Leslie Jenkins, with a variety of items including a 2x4, and brandishing a rifle at him over him drinking the last of her beer.
Sheriff's office reports state deputies arrived at 43425 Loudermilk Drive around 12:15 a.m. to find both peo
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Eustis Native Sydney Bakich Starring In Feature Film
Eustis native Sydney Bakich has parlayed a life-long love of acting into a starring role in her first feature-length film. ‘The Wedding Trip’ is out on Amazon Prime, and features Bakich in the romantic comedy as one of two strangers who carpool to a mutual friend’s wedding.
“They really start off on the wrong foot, which leads to several bumps along their journey together,” Bakich said this week.
Bakich’s path to the big screen started on the stage at Eustis’ Bay Street Theat
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Booster Shake-Up: Umatilla High To Take Spending Decisions From Boosters
The Umatilla High School Bulldog Boosters is no more, at least in the sense of how the group has operated for decades. Members of the volunteer group on Monday voted to embrace a new mission and name, and will in the future operate less independently as the high school itself takes a larger role in how money is spent on athletics.
The group has been in flux in recent times, and has even seen its non-profit tax status expire. The group’s officers resigned in the last month amid membership strife regarding how money should be sp
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Florida History To Come Alive This Weekend
The biggest weekend of the year is set to descend on the community of Barberville, when the Barberville Pioneer Settlement hosts the 45th Annual Fall Country Jamboree. Slated for November 6 and 7, the weekend looks to bring history alive on the grounds of the living history settlement.
Six stages of folk music, living history demonstrations, an arts and crafts show, and much more are all part of the two-day event. Visit a train layout of the historic line running through the Barberville area and west Volusia County, tour the histori
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Mixed Response To Hospital Tax Break
Taxpayers in the North Lake County area will see a reduction in their tax bills when they arrive in early November. The savings come via a vote by the North Lake County Hospital District, which moved to zero out its millage for the year.
The board, which operates to oversee setting tax rates on North Lake County property owners to fund healthcare for the poor, voted on September 9 to not collect any taxes in the coming year. An estimated $4.8 million it currently holds will be given to clinics and hospitals as a ‘wind down&rsq
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Domestic Incidents Leave Two Dead This Week
A Paisley man was shot and killed on Saturday night after a domestic disturbance at 27631 Veva Avenue in the Lake Kathryn area.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office officials reported that the shooting occurred at approximately 9 p.m., and when deputies arrived they found Chris Smith, 31, deceased from an apparent single gunshot wound.
An interview with Smith’s wife, Marina McDonald, resulted in her reporting she and Smith had been in a physical altercation, during which Smith pointed a gun at her.
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Vet Fest Events Set For Eustis, Umatilla, Leesburg
Vet Fest Lake County is a family-friendly, 3-day event to pay tribute to active Military, Veterans, First Responders, and the families and friends who support them. Proceeds raised will help two Lake County not-for-profit organizations, The Last Ride and One Team One Fight 4 PTSD.
October 29-October 31, the City of Eustis will host both the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall and the War on Terrorism Wall in Downtown Eustis. Additional Vet Fest activities include a Gala Dinner, 5K Run/Walk in Umatilla, and Bed Races hosted by Gator Harle
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This Florida Black Bear was found dead next to SR 19 in Umatilla on Monday morning. The bear, estimated at 200 pounds and two years old, was reportedly struck on Sunday night when it ran into the road in front of a Chevrolet pickup truck driven by John David Edwards of Umatilla, who was southbound. Edwards reported to Umatilla Police that he struck the bear just before 9 p.m. after being unable to avoid the animal as it ran across the road. The bear was removed on Monday.
Halloween Weekend Events Announced
Dentists favorite holiday of the year arrives this Sunday, as children from all over North Lake County are expected to hit the ground running for an evening of candy collecting as part of celebrating Halloween. Events are scheduled throughout the area to mark the dress-up day, with groups inviting the public to join the fun.
The party actually starts on Saturday, October 30, when Sunsational Farms in Umatilla hosts its annual Tent or treat from 3-6 p.m. Family fun and tents providing treats are all expected to be part of this event.
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Church Breaks Ground On $14 Million Expansion
Birds were released, prayers were spoken, and the dirt was flung on Sunday evening, marking the official beginning of a nearly $14 million expansion of the First Baptist Church of Umatilla. An estimated 500 church and community members gathered at the facility for ceremonies led by lead pastor Brooks Braswell.
The 1,270 seat facility will be located on the northeast side of the church's facility, which is bordered by Hatfield Drive, CR 450NE, and Orange Avenue in Umatilla. The 17-acre facility has grown in several phases since the ch
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Fall Favorites In Bloom Right Now
In the fall, there are a few favorites in the garden that we always look forward to seeing. Florida doesn’t have a riot of color like the northern states, but we do have some signs of fall here, too. One of these signs is the Cassia bush loaded with yellow blossoms and bees. The bees are busy gathering nectar to the point that the whole bush is humming. Yellow sulfur butterflies use the plant as a host bush, so they are frequent flyers as the nectar buffet as well.
Another friend of fall is the American beautyberry. The branches that are l
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Bank Robbery Tuesday In Eustis
Two people are in custody following a bank robbery that occurred Tuesday afternoon at the Insight Credit Union located at 15120 US Highway 441 in Eustis.
The Lake County Sheriffi’s Office reported that shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday a male suspect entered the bank wearing a surgical-type face mask and presented a bank employee with a note, the contents of which was not made public Tuesday. The bank employee gave the suspect cash, at which time he ran from the bank and jumped in the bed of an awaiting pick-up truck and fled the scene.
<
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Schools: We Believe Shooting Threat A Hoax
Lake County Schools officials on Monday said there was no evidence that a school shooting was imminent, despite a social media posting that intoned such a threat may exist.
Parents of students in the school system received emails on Monday letting them know of the situation, and that it isn’t believed there was any credible threat to a Lake County school.
“A photo circulated on Snapchat among students in Lake and neighboring counties. Law enforcement investigated and found no evidence to suggest the
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Umatilla Homecoming Has Arrived! Your Schedule Here
It’s Homecoming week at Umatilla High School, with students and faculty enjoying a week of activities leading up to special events later this week. It’s Tame The Toros this week, with Tocoi Creek High School of St. Augustine coming to town for a Friday night game that will feature the crowning of the Homecoming Queen and King, as well as see the initiation of the first three people in Umatilla High’s Legacy Hall hall of fame.
School-based activities give way to public events beginning on Thursday, October 21, when the an
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Umatilla Baptist To Break Ground Sunday On $14 Million Expansion
Decades after it was first conceived, and years in current planning, Sunday will usher in the formal groundbreaking of a new, 45,000 square foot sanctuary at the First Baptist Church of Umatilla. A formal ceremony will be held this coming Sunday evening, October 16, on the east side of the church campus, located at 550 Hatfield Drive in Umatilla. The $13.5 million project will feature a 1,270 seat sanctuary and other amenities.
“God is sovereign in his timing,” said Brooks Braswell, lead pastor at the church on Monday. &
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Turmoil In Umatilla High Boosters Leads To Mass Resignations
Rancorous times within the Umatilla High School Athletic Boosters came to a head-on Monday night, with three of the group's four officers resigning. President Sandy Gamble, Treasurer Kristen McCall, and Secretary Jennifer Brown all vacated their posts at the end of a meeting that showcased philosophical differences about how the organization should run.
The meeting was attended by an estimated 35 people.
"James wants it. He can have it," Gamble said of vice president James Roac
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Last Day For Hartman's Garage - 51 Years Later
“It’s hard, but I’m tired.”
This Thursday afternoon, October 14, the doors will roll down for the final time at Altoona's Hartman's Garage. Owner Rick Hartman will close his shop after 51 years of operation, closing the book on Altoona's only full-service car care center.
“I’ll miss my customers,” Hartman said this week in between finishing repairs. “They are like family.”
The garage, which Hartman ran with his father, spent
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River Gunfight - Investigation Drags On, Still No Charges
“Still under review.”
Officials with the State Attorney's Office in Tavares on Monday indicated there was no change in the status of the investigation into a shooting that occurred on the St. Johns River in late August. The incident, which saw individuals on a boat and a group on jet skis near the SR 40 bridge escalated to a shooting event, with the groups reportedly exchanging shots.
Two people were injured in the incident, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at the time reported two people
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By Holly Newby
Happy accidents. That is the starting point for many a gardening enthusiast. You get a plant from someone, leave it to dehydrate, and instead it grows like wildfire and all of a sudden you are a gardener.
We have had that experience with an ornamental sweet potato this year. The one little plant we planted last year, sat quietly until a few months ago, then it kicked into overdrive. It has filled in an area of the garden that is 10x10 feet square.
We didn’t just want to prune and pitch the
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Carrino Named Interim Manager In Eustis
The Eustis City Commission on Thursday night voted unanimously to appoint Tom Carrino, the City’s Economic Development Director, as Interim City Manager. Carrino has been the Economic Development Director for the City since 2014. He also serves as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Administrator. < More...
14 Arrested In Jail Smuggling Case
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office recently concluded a year-long investigation that resulted in 14 individuals being charged with various crimes related to introducing illegal items into a detention facility.
The sheriff’s office launched the investigation in December 2019 when information was developed that indicated there were several inmates in the Lake County Detention Center who were working with people on the outside to bring narcotics and tobacco items into the facility to be sold to other inmates.
Th
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Alligator Season - Running Out Of 'Monsters'
The annual Florida Alligator Harvest continues until November 1, with hunters taking to the water for several weeks now in search of that prized ‘gator. But nearly a quarter of a century after the state alligator harvest was founded, it is getting harder and harder to find the types of huge alligators of years gone by.
“We’re not running out of alligators, we’re running out of the monsters,” said Curtis Lucas of Astor this week. Lucas, who operates an alligator processing business that takes in around 1
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Fall Fun Events Arrive Saturday
The fall carnival season kicks off this Saturday, with two Umatilla-area events designed to bring the fun to children of all ages. The two events, one at Sunsational Farms and the other at Cadwell Park, are just the beginning of a month of activities being held from Astor to Cassia and beyond, as communities throughout North Lake County take their turns in the spotlight.
This Saturday, October 9, will see the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce host Kids Fun Day at Cadwell Park downtown. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. the public is invited to c
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Haunted Trail Arrives In North Lake
Umatilla's Sunsational Farms has a new fall attraction this year, arriving just in time to provide some Halloween frights. It's Dr. Grimleys Haunted Trail, and it is located inside the farm's orange crate maze.
The open-air maze includes animated props, scare actors, computer-controlled lights and audio, scents, and other high-tech scare equipment.
The haunted trail is being held in conjunction with Epic Eagle Studios.
The trail is open Friday and Saturday most weeks during the month o
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Hay Replaces Citrus As North Lake Cash Crop
“Ag is alive and well in Lake.”
University of Florida IFAS Extension Director Megan Brew this week noted that Lake County is still a farming community, “even if it does look a little different than it did 20-30 years ago.”
Longtime residents have no doubt taken note of the large amount of former citrus acreage that is now being farmed for hay. As citrus continues to decline due to citrus greening-a condition that slowly kills trees, along with high production costs and low prices for fru
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In Umatilla, Pushback On Prospect Of Road Closure
Not everyone is in favor of the City of Umatilla’s plan to close the intersection of Cassady Street and Lakeside Avenue behind city hall. The plan, several years in the discussion and recently approved for conceptual design, involves closing the street behind city hall and creating a new road that would run east and west just north of the Fox Den Country Inn and connecting to SR 19.
The closure would allow for an expansion of green space between Umatilla City Hall and Cadwell Park, and according to city officials create a safer inte
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Roadside Surveillance Cameras Banned In Lake County
The Lake County Commission on Tuesday approved an ordinance that when finalized will prohibit the placement of surveillance cameras on county rights of way. The new law comes after a recent incident where a private company through a partnership with the Lake County Sheriff's Office installed nearly 100 license tag reading cameras throughout the county without proper permitting.
The new ordinance, brought forward by commissioner Josh Blake, prohibits cameras on any county-maintained right of way, with certain exceptions. One is for F
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Lake Search For Man - Missing For Months
Divers with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office were in Paisley on Monday to assist the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with an ongoing missing person investigation. Deputies spent most of the day diving in Lake LuLu, just off Fisherman’s Road, trying to locate Keith Lebby, a man who has been missing since December 2020.
At nearly 5 p.m. on Monday, the divers had not found a body.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant John Herrell said the Pasco dive team came to assist Lake County, which is
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Locals Show Off Yard Fruit Production
By Holly Newby
This is the week where gardening intersects with practical. Why did the first Floridians begin to cultivate gardens? Because they liked to eat.
Gardening in its most basic form is about growing enough food to survive. Today, we live in the land of plenty with a grocery store on every corner, but that hasn’t always been the case.
Early Floridians had to be self-sufficient, and that meant growing food at home. Many a homestead in Florida would have a fruit orchard including things like figs,
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County Continues To Struggle With EMS Staffing
Emergency response continues to be a topic within the Lake County government, as efforts to attract new paramedics have so far been fruitless.
The Lake County Commission last month agreed to an $8,000 hiring bonus and other incentives to build staffing in its ambulance service, but emergency management director Tommy Carpenter on Tuesday said that results have been disappointing.
“We’ve not been able to recruit any paramedics successfully,” Carpenter said.
In recent weeks
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Pears, Persimmons And More - Fall Is Baking Season!
This is the week where gardening intersects with practical. Why did the first Floridians begin to cultivate gardens? Because they liked to eat.
Gardening in its most basic form is about growing enough food to survive. Today, we live in the land of plenty with a grocery store on every corner, but that hasn’t always been the case.
Early Floridians had to be self-sufficient, and that meant growing food at home. Many a homestead in Florida would have a fruit orchard including things like figs, pomegranates, kumquats,
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Fall is approaching and that means Florida black bears are traveling and searching for food. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds you to help protect both people and bears by securing garbage and other items that could attract these animals to your yard or neighborhood.
Each fall, bears begin eating a lot more calories to pack on fat they will need during the winter. Throughout the fall, bears require around 20,000 calories per day and will eat anything that’s convenient, including items in your g
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On Thursday, the Eustis City Commission and Eustis
City Manager Ron Neibert parted ways. Neibert has resigned as part of a mutual agreement
with the Eustis City Commission. The commission approved the separation
agreement at its September 23 meeting.
The separation agreement include More...
Update: Prosecuter Speaks On River Shooting Case
Two people were hospitalized, and three more taken into custody. But nearly a month after a gunfight erupted on the St. Johns River in Astor, no charges have been announced and officials remain mum on details surrounding the case.
But that could change as soon as later this week.
Jonathan Olson, prosecutor with the Office of the State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit, said on Tuesday that the investigation remains active.
“The case is still under investigation,” Olson said
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Happy Birthday, Umatilla Drug Store!
Umatilla Drug Store, Umatilla’s locally owned and operated pharmacy, spent last week celebrating 15 years of service to the community. Operated by the Greer family, Umatilla Drug Store provides a full service of pharmaceutical services with a personal touch.
“We feel blessed,” said Claudia Greer of the occasion, describing the drug store as a ‘ministry’ effort of the family, dedicated to bringing a Christ-centered pharmaceutical experience to the store’s customers. “It has allowed us to mini
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COVID Cases On Decline In Lake
Hope that the worst of the current COVID 19 pandemic wave is over grew this week, as Lake County reported a decline in new cases for the third week in a row. Data indicated Lake County posted 1,464 new cases in the week running from September 17-24, a decline of 275 from the week previous, and a decline of 784 from two weeks ago.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control on Monday indicated Lake County has had a total of 50,713 positive COVID cases, and 1,028 deaths from the virus.
Lake County Schools con
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Fundraiser For Veterans Saturday
The 6th Annual Rocking 4 Awareness Hops for Vets celebration will convene this Saturday, September 18, at Gator Harley Davidson. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the public is invited to come celebrate those who served in the military with live music, food, vendors, a live auction, and more.
This year, the event is dedicating its proceeds to the Warriors to Farmers project.
The fun starts at 8 a.m. at the 1745 US Hwy 441 business, with a morning ruck march with Florida4Warriors. When the main event gets underway a
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Ocala Forest History: Learn About Carr Family Cabin
By Dalton Yancey
As an extension of the reopening of the Umatilla Museum under the leadership of new manager, Mary Nichols, a program concerning the award-winning Carr Family Cabin, located in the Ocala National Forest will be presented. The program is scheduled for Thursday, September 30, at 2 p.m., in the Old School House at 299 North Trowel Avenue in Umatilla. Light refreshments will be served.
Dalton Yancey, president of the Friends of Carr Family Cabin, and Carrie Sekerak, Deputy Ranger of the Seminole Ranger Di
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Change Coming To Lake County Water Authority?
Area state representative Keith Truenow was in Umatilla on Monday, addressing a meeting of the Umatilla Kiwanis Club. With an estimated 40 people from the Umatilla and Mount Dora clubs in attendance, Truenow provided a legislative update with special focus on the upcoming effort to remake the Lake County Water Authority.
Entering his second year serving district 31, which encompasses North Lake County and parts of northwest orange county, Truenow said his goal remains the same as when he first decided to run for office.
&nb
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School Board Set For Mask Vote?
After extended debates, the Lake County School board is expected to vote on a school mask policy at a meeting scheduled for this Thursday, September 9. The meeting will be held beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the chambers of the Lake County Commission, located at 315 West Main Street in Tavares.
The meeting is expected to be a culmination of several weeks of on and off again discussion about the school system’s policy toward masking in its schools. Currently, masks are optional on Lake County Schools campuses, but that could change
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Remembering Early Altoona Citrus Industry
By Ed Lisle - The Sandspur Cracker
Continuing from last week’s story, here is the rest of the story about the Altoona Packing Company as told by E.H. Webb.
“Lawton Long was one of the truck drivers, Noel F. Harbison was another, and Wallace Kight was one of the ‘goat’ drivers. ‘Goat’ trucks were used mostly to get field boxes of fruit out of close, difficult groves. Many had steep, sandy hills.
“Inside the packing house: Bill Collins acted as house for
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9/11 Attacks Remembered 20 Years Later
By June Perry
I normally write an article celebrating this week in our American History, however, history is nothing if not personal. As a Daughter of the American Revolution, I take great pride in the sacrifices my patriot ancestors made so that I could enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. On September 11, 2001, that freedom was attacked.
September 11, 2001 was an average Tuesday morning. I was working for a telecommunications company and had a meeting scheduled to go over a custome
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You Could Win This Henry Rifle For Just $20
For just $20, you could soon be the owner of a new Henry .22 rifle and 100 rounds of ammunition to go with it. The Umatilla High School Athletic Boosters this week announced the raffle, with just 300 tickets being sold in the program.
The gun, with an estimated retail value of $400, is on display at the Jolly Rogers gold and pawn shop in Umatilla, which is co-sponsoring the fundraiser for the group that funds the majority of UHS athletics. The raffle will remain open until October 8.
Proceeds will g
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Duo Escapes Rollover Into Lake
Two people were transported from a Thursday morning crash northwest of Umatilla. The incident, reported around 9:30 a.m. on August 26, occurred on Peru Road just east of the Keene Road intersection.
The couple was westbound on Peru Road when the SUV they were in went off the road’s south shoulder. The vehicle struck a small palm tree and overturned, coming to rest upside down in the lake’s edge.
The vehicle’s cabin didn’t totally submerge in the crash, but was partially underwater.
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North Lake Trail Gets $4 Million Boost
The proposed North Lake Trail, running from Astor to Umatilla, is getting a big shot in the arm that will bring it, at least partly, to reality. News broke this week that Lake County is poised to allocate nearly $4 million toward the trail, enough money to conduct a full study of the section and to partially fund construction.
“The plan is to do the study with $2.2 million, and use the other $1.7 million for construction,” said Lake County Commissioner Josh Blake on Monday. Blake, whose district covers the area in and ar
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911 Calls Describe Multiple Shots, Man In The Water During River Shooting
A confrontation on the St. Johns River turned violent this past Saturday afternoon. Two people were shot and another was transported from the scene with a medical issue after the 4:30 p.m. incident near downtown in the area of the former Midway Marine.
“Three suspects are in custody,” said John Herrell of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Although as of Tuesday, there were no charges filed in the incident.
Few details have been officially released. What is known is that the conflict
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Editorial: River Violence Was Only A Matter Of Time
The ticking time bomb that has been St. Johns River violence finally exploded over the weekend, with two people shot after a confrontation on the water. For people who have followed activity on the river and its social gathering spots in recent years, there couldn’t have been any surprise upon hearing the news.
Details of exactly what caused the confrontation are either unknown or as-yet-unreleased by law enforcement officials, but locals have been talking plenty. And have been for months on end about problems on the water.
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Grocery Store Parking Lot Crash
Injuries were avoided, but property was damaged on Thursday, August 26, when a driver in the parking lot at the Woodlands Publix reversed through a parking spot, striking an adjoining vehicle and additional property.
Eustis Police Department reports state that around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, a Hyundai driven by Lyndon Foley, 87, of Eustis was in a parking space next to a Toyota driven by Betty Asklof, 87, of Umatilla. Foley reversed, striking the Toyota in the right passenger side before jumping the curb at the back of the parking lot and t
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Duo Detains Burglar Until Police Arrive
An observant neighbor and fast-acting resident were able to stop a robbery in Astor this week, and also helped law enforcement out by detaining the suspect until deputies could arrive. Michael Emerson of Astor is facing a variety of charges after he broke into a shed at an Armadillo Road residence and attempted to steal guns.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office reports stated William Lightfoot was on his way home from work around 6:45 p.m. and driving past 23902 Armadillo Road when he saw a man jumping over his neighbor’s fence, and
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Lake Considering Merging Emergency Services
Lake County could be on the cusp of combining its fire and EMS services. The Lake County Commission on Tuesday voiced support for a study that could begin as soon as next month and lead to the eventual melding of the two county emergency response agencies to one.
The prospect of merging emergency systems was part of a broader discussion held by the commission on Tuesday. Facing shortages of staffing in its ambulance services, the commission is eyeing sign-on bonuses, extra pay, and more to increase response levels in the county.
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Umatilla Citrus History Celebrated
Umatilla’s Citrus History was celebrated on Monday, as two locations in town became the first sites to unveil large placards as part of a new Lake County Citrus Label Tour. Designed to showcase the county’s rich citrus past, the two sites will join at least ten others from around the county in drawing people to learn more about how citrus shaped Lake County over the last 100 years.
“These are portals,” said program organizer John Jackson on Monday. Jackson, a retired Lake County extension agent, organized the
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Lake Eustis Health Warning: Toxic Algae Found
The Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) on Monday issued a Health Caution for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the northwest corner of Lake Eustis. The move was taken in response to a water sample taken on Monday, August 16.
The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Eustis.
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolo
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EMS Shortages: County Brings In Help From Other Agencies
A staffing shortage and increased call load has resulted in Lake EMS calling on agencies from around the state to offer support to its operations. EMS announced the move on Monday, through social media post stating the move was made to ‘relieve our first responders who have worked tirelessly to serve our community.’
Responders from Sarasota County and City of North Port have come to Lake with their trucks and equipment to support Lake EMS’ normal operations. “We can’t thank the Florida Division of Emergency M
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Man Crashes While Fleeing From Umatilla Police
A short chase on SR 19 in Umatilla ended when the suspect struck a power pole, breaking it in two. Shameel Bradberry, 37, of Orlando is facing a variety of charges after the incident, which occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on Sunday, August 15.
Umatilla Police reports indicate Bradberry fled a traffic stop that was initiated in the area of SR 19 and Cassady Street in downtown Umatilla around 2:06 a.m. Heading south, the suspect - who was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu - traveled on SR 19 to the area of Ballpark Road, where he crossed t
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Fellowship Of Christian Athletes Has New Local Leader
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes movement continues to grow in Lake County, and the organization this week is announcing the addition of its newest director, Bobby Rowe.
Rowe, who lives in Mount Dora, will oversee the FCA’s North Lake unit, which includes the Golden Triangle high schools, Umatilla High School, and the Leesburg area.
Rowe comes to the position after volunteering at Mount Dora High School in recent years.
"We want to expand, increase disciples," Rowe said
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First Baptist Umatilla Set For $13.5 Million Expansion
As soon as this coming fall, the First Baptist Church of Umatilla is expected to break ground on a $13.5 million expansion project. Church members on Sunday voted to proceed with the construction of a new sanctuary and classroom space, culminating years of fundraising, planning, and preliminary site work.
"We are very excited as a church family," said Brooks Braswell, lead pastor at the church. "This is a historic moment in the almost 157-year history of First Baptist Church Umatilla."
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Surveillance Camera Controversy Blows Up This Week
Ed. Note: The below story appears in our print edition this week, and in More...
Summer Isn't Too Hot For Certain Garden Plants
Rain, rain, rain. We aren’t complaining, but the whole yard is wet and growing like crazy right now. This hot, sticky time of year is what we always refer to as the green season, meaning it is time to get the bleach and the scrub brush out and start scrubbing the house for fall.
The white painted wood of our homestead turns green from all the rain and humidity, and it is a summer ritual to give it a good scrub in preparation for fall. It isn’t fall yet, but blink your eyes and it will be time for pumpkins and scarecrows.
&nbs
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Happy 100th Birthday, Priscilla Getchell!
By Holly Palmer Newby
What would you do with 100 years? Not a question very many folks get to ask. Priscilla Getchell, however, will be crossing that mile marker on Monday, August 9. What has she done with her years? A whole lot.
We went to visit her today in her home in Dona Vista, where she has lived many years now with her son Timothy. She greeted us with a big smile, handshake, and a welcome. She, like many of us, has been shut in during a year of Covid and was happy for a visit with an old friend.
We
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COVID Cases Continue To Rise, No Fatalities Here
Reported cases of COVID 19 continue to rise in Lake County, with weekly numbers indicating 1,962 cases occurred in Lake County from July 23 - July 30. That was an increase from 1,165 reported a week earlier and the sixth week in a row that cases have risen.
As has been the case since June 3, no new fatalities were reported as a result of COVID 19, meaning everyone who has recently contracted the virus has survived, at least through last Friday. Overall, Lake County’s reported mortality rate since the pandemic began was at 1.8
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Local Agritourism Outlet Announces New Product
Area agritourism received another boost in the past week, when Umatilla’s Graham farms finished installing over 900 blackberry plants. The farm, which has gained notoriety in recent years for its u-pick peach and sunflower operations, installed the plants with an eye to adding to its spring product offering.
“It wasn’t part of our original plan, but it was an opportunity,” said Mary Graham this week while taking a break from tending the plants, which are in the process of growing limbs to house next year’s cr
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Arrest After Restaurant Break-In
An Idaho man was hospitalized early Saturday morning after a break-in at a downtown Eustis restaurant. Colby Mushinskie, 20, of Meridian, Idaho, was transferred to AdventHealth Waterman hospital with various cuts and abrasions that didn’t appear to be suffered during the break-in.
Affidavits indicate Mushinskie was walking in the area of the El Marie Pizzeria restaurant at 200 North Bay Street around 2:30 a.m. when he broke into the front of the restaurant by throwing two chairs through the front door glass. When police arrive
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County Residents Among Group Arrested In Sex Sting
Detectives assigned to the Lake County sheriff’s Intelligence Unit recently concluded a four-day undercover operation targeting those who attempt to meet children online for sexual activity. The investigation, dubbed Operation Flip Flop, resulted in 10 arrests for various sex-related charges.
Detectives conducted the operation from an undisclosed location, during which they posed online as either a 13- or 14-year-old child. The subjects traveled to a predetermined location with the intent to have sex with whom they thought was the child an
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Asa's Adventures - Local Archaeology Of Railroads
When people think of archaeology, they will most likely think of rocks, pith helmets, and artifacts from ancient civilizations. The definition of archaeology according to the dictionary is “the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains,” and our view of what this looks like is often affected by pop culture: ancient cities, buried treasure, and dinosaur bones receive plenty of screen time in television and films. However, archaeology can take various differen More...
Locals Back From Italy To View Bethune Unveiling
A group of Lake County Historical Society representatives and their families have returned from a trip to Italy, where they participated in the official unveiling of a statue of civil rights leader Mary McCleod Bethune. The marble statue will take residence in the US Capitol at Statuary Hall in the coming months, representing Florida and replacing the current statue or Civil War general Edmund Kirby Smith.
While much of Bethune’s history is written in Volusia County, she does have links to Lake, beyond the number of residents
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By Ed Lisle
Shortly after moving back to Umatilla, I usually saw him riding his bicycle along SR 19 through town. For over 20 years, there he was, stooped over his bike, cigar stub clenched behind his beard, usually clothed in a camouflage jacket, pedaling along Umatilla’s main drag. I asked around about his identity and really got no answer. “I think he works at the Quarterdeck,” was the best response I got. I don’t know why I waited for over 20 years to just ask him his name, but I finally did. I pulled to th More...
New Clothing Store Opens Downtown
Umatilla welcomed a new clothing and accessory retailer in the past week. Southern Magnolia and Co. celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, July 15, with shop staff and supporters joined by representatives of the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce and the Umatilla Scholarship Beauty Queens for a reception and luncheon.
The shop is owned by Kim Dixon, with sons Patrick and Shawn supporting the effort. With an online store that has been up and running for around six months, the retail storefront adds to the company’s offer
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Where Will Trail Go Through Umatilla?
Exactly where a proposed recreational trail might go through Umatilla is yet to be settled, but nearly 40 people turned out last Tuesday night in Umatilla to see proposals and offer their input, giving city and trail officials lots of ideas on how a proposed trail could pass through town.
The trail, proposed from Astor to Eustis and joining with a larger statewide trail system on either end, has been discussed for several years, and has gained steam recently as more funding has become available. Locally, surveys have been taken north of U
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Drug Overdose Leads To Murder Charge
A Umatilla woman is facing murder charges after an investigation into the death of a Leesburg man. The Lake County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, July 15, announced charges had been filed against Jalynn Nichole Davis, 35, in the overdose death of a 57-year-old unidentified Leesburg man.
Reports state the man was found deceased in his home, with witnesses stating the night before he had purchased what he thought was Heroin from Davis.
“The investigation continued, and the cause of death was ultimately deter
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“I’m going to miss all my customers.”
Bill Nordle has announced that he and wife Tina will shutter their Blackwater Inn/William’s Landing restaurant in early August, closing the book on Astor’s most prominent dining establishment. Nordle, who has been at the Blackwater Inn since 1985 and served as its owner since 1994, has announced that the business and property has been sold.
Blackwater Inn and William’s Landing are expected to cease operations around August 9, with new own
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County Ready To Help Clean Up Roadside Messes
The side of the road isn’t really the place for old furniture to sit for the rest of forever, and Lake County this week is reminding citizens it’s bulk waste unit is ready to pick up abandoned furniture - as long as it knows about them.
Mary Hamilton, interim assistant county manager on Monday said the county is ready to respond to the growing problem of roadside furniture, as it is a service provided as part of the property owners’ tax system.
“If you are paying the assessment, it’s part
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Umatilla Welcomes New Head Librarian
The City of Umatilla will welcome its new head librarian on Monday, July 19. Amy Stultz will take over for Janet Lewis, who recently left the post.
Stultz comes to Umatilla with a Master’s degree in library studies from Florida State University, and for the past 14 years has served in Clermont at the Cooper Memorial Library, including as its head of Youth Services.
“She has local roots in Umatilla and is happy to become part of the community,” said Umatilla City Manager Scott Blankenship in an
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The Outpost Publishing Company
P.O. Box 1099, Umatilla, FL 32784
Phone: 352-669-2430 ~ Fax: 352-669-4644 ~ Email