Around Florida
News from around the state of Florida as reported in The Villages, Florida. Stories from around Florida, including Lake, Sumter and Marion counties, as well as areas in north, central, and south Florida. Stories on Villagers’ lives and activities throughout the communities and the state. News for state-wide government, policies, events and happenings.
Lake County Commission incumbents soundly defeated by challengers
Two incumbent Lake County commissioners lost their seats in Tuesday night’s election while a third one barely hung on for victory over a strong challenger.
Area residents warned about possibility of heavy smoke in Belleview on Friday
Local residents are being warned about the possibility of heavy smoke in the Belleview area on Friday.
Leesburg commissioners OK plan for fire department to seek grant from Wal-Mart
Leesburg commissioners gave their blessing Monday night for the city’s fire department to seek funds from the Wal-Mart Community Grant Fund.
Atlanta man accused of killing two Leesburg women allegedly confesses
The Atlanta man accused of killing two Leesburg women allegedly confessed to a neighbor and Lake County sheriff’s deputies as they arrived at the burning residence Tuesday morning.
Man jailed after two women found dead inside burning mobile home in Leesburg
A man is behind bars facing two counts of first-degree homicide after two women were found dead inside a burning mobile home in Leesburg early Tuesday morning.
Leesburg Commission rejects man’s demand for city to ban plastic straws
Leesburg commissioners sent a clear message Monday night to a Fruitland Park man who has spoken to them multiple times in the past few months – the city has no interest in banning the use of plastic straws.
Leesburg reverses course and cancels fireworks show amid COVID-19 outbreak
The Leesburg Partnership reversed course Wednesday and canceled the city’s annual July 4 fireworks show – just two days after a split City Commission had voted to go forward with the popular event.
Split Leesburg Commission votes to hold fireworks show despite COVID-19 concerns
After some contentious and emotional debate Monday night, a split Leesburg Commission made it official – the city will host its annual fireworks show on July 4.
Man accused of shooting passing motorist near minimart nabbed after high-speed pursuit
A man accused of shooting a passing motorist during a gunfight at a Leesburg minimart earlier this week is behind bars.
Leesburg man shot in the neck while driving past gun battle outside minimart
A 50-year-old Leesburg motorist was shot in the neck Monday after being caught in the crossfire of a gun battle at a minimart near Carver Middle School.
Tampa man and six juveniles nabbed after Mount Dora gas station pillaged
A 19-year-old Tampa man and six juveniles were arrested early Sunday morning after a Mount Dora-area gas station was ransacked and burglarized.
Leesburg Commission facing tough decision on future of July 4 fireworks show
Leesburg commissioners will consider a proposal on June 22 to cancel the city’s popular July 4 fireworks display – although it didn’t appear last week that the idea had much support.
Lake County school district disputes social media post claiming schools won’t reopen
Officials with Lake County Public Schools are disputing a social media post claiming schools won’t reopen in the fall.
Leesburg police nab three men suspected of home invasion robbery
Leesburg Police officers arrested three men early Monday morning who are accused of committing a home invasion robbery.
Leesburg Commission meeting moved to Venetian Center to allow for social distancing
As part of Leesburg’s reopening efforts amid the COVID-19 crisis, Monday’s City Commission meeting will be held at the Venetian Center.
Leesburg offers COVID-19 payment plan for utility customers
The City of Leesburg is offering a special payment plan for all customers amid the Coronavirus crisis.
Leesburg firefighters rescue family’s dog from burning home
Leesburg firefighters are being lauded for saving a family’s dog from a burning home late Sunday night.
City of Leesburg announces closures for Memorial Day holiday
City of Leesburg offices and facilities will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
Leesburg police nab two men on hefty drug and weapons charges
Two men were jailed Tuesday night after Leesburg Police received a call about the passenger in a vehicle brandishing a gun while smoking narcotics near an unsecured toddler.
Boaters safe after vessel takes on water and capsizes in Lake Harris
Crews from Leesburg Fire Rescue joined with Lake County sheriff’s deputies Tuesday to rescue a man after his boat capsized in Lake Harris.
Leesburg Fire Rescue seeks FEMA grant to pay for respirators amid COVID-19
Leesburg commissioners gave their blessings Monday night for the city’s fire department to seek a grant to pay for personal protective equipment amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Leesburg firefighters pull two dogs from burning home near Palmora Park
Leesburg firefighters rescued two dogs from a burning residence last week.
Leesburg woman jailed on hefty drug charges after tangling with deputies
A homeless Leesburg woman was jailed Friday on multiple charges after calling Lake County sheriff’s deputies twice to report verbal disturbances.
Two injured as flames roar through kitchen in Leesburg apartment
Two people were injured Friday when flames ripped through a Leesburg apartment.