Author Archives

Chris Gerbasi

Chris Gerbasi has been a journalist for more than 30 years, writing and copy editing for newspapers and magazines throughout Michigan and Florida, and covering everything from city hall to spring training.

DCF to start disaster food aid in Lake, Sumter, and 46 other counties

What's Going On | September 22, 2017

The Department of Children and Families, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will implement the Food for Florida Disaster Food Assistance Program in 48 counties, including Lake and Sumter, to assist victims of Hurricane Irma. Lake and Sumter residents may preregister starting Sept. 22 at dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/fff/ or apply at the site locations. Food for Florida sites in Lake, Sumter, Pinellas, Bradford, Union, Alachua,…

Lake Fire Rescue adds paramedics, upgrades services at two stations

What's Going On | September 22, 2017

Lake County Fire Rescue this week upgraded its level of service at two fire stations from basic life support (BLS) to advanced life support (ALS). The county added highly skilled paramedics at Station 52 in Lady Lake—the county’s busiest firehouse—and Station 54 in Harbor Hills. At those two stations combined in 2016, Lake County firefighters responded to nearly 3,000 calls, with a majority being medical…

Submit photos of scenic waterways for Adopt-a-Lake calendar

What's Going On | September 22, 2017

Lake County waterways are picturesque year-round, and local photographers have the chance to show it by submitting their work for the Adopt-a-Lake 2018 calendar. The calendar is in its ninth year of production. The Lake County Adopt-a-Lake Program is seeking beautiful original photographs of county waterways. The top 14 photos, as chosen by a panel of volunteers, will be featured in the calendar. Once the…

Lake County property damage estimate at $32 million and rising

What's Going On | September 18, 2017

The property damage estimate from Hurricane Irma has reached $32 million in Lake County, not including Astor, where flood conditions have prevented assessments, according to a Monday afternoon news release. About 11,110 customers remain without power in Lake County. There were 45,000 sandbags distributed leading up to the hurricane, and the Citizens Information Line has received 13,975 calls. The line remains in service at 352.253.9999…

Volunteers needed for post-Irma cleanup in Leesburg areas

Archives | September 15, 2017

Organizations in Leesburg have scheduled a post-Hurricane Irma neighborhood cleanup for Saturday, Sept. 16, and volunteers are needed. The West Leesburg Community Development Corp. has partnered with Leesburg Center for the Arts and the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties to organize the cleanup in the affected areas of Carver Heights and Montclair. Setup begins at 8am at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Ave., and…

Flood warnings continue as result of Irma’s rainfall

What's Going On | September 14, 2017

Potentially dangerous flood conditions persist in areas of Sumter and Lake counties following Hurricane Irma. The National Weather Service on Thursday issued a flood warning for the Withlacoochee River, according to a news release at sumtercountyfl.gov. A shelter for displaced residents has been opened at the Sumter County Fairgrounds. For more information, call the Sumter County Citizens Information Line at 352.569.3190. As of Thursday morning,…

Lake and Sumter residents can apply for disaster funds

What's Going On | September 14, 2017

SEPT. 19 UPDATE: A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Team of 12 is on the ground Tuesday in Astor to help residents apply for individual assistance. More teams are en route to visit additional areas of Lake County affected by Hurricane Irma, a news release states. To learn more, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA. HOW TO APPLY Internet: disasterassistance.gov Smartphone: download FEMA application through fema.gov FEMA Toll-Free Helpline: 800.621.3362…

Lake County property damage estimated at $28 million

What's Going On | September 13, 2017

FRIDAY SEPT. 15 UPDATE: Lake County officials report an estimated $28 million in property damage from Hurricane Irma, according to the Property Appraiser’s Office. For perspective, there was $1 million in damage in 2016 during Hurricane Matthew. As of Friday afternoon, 13,950 customers were without power, the county reports. Boaters are advised that lake water levels are high after Hurricane Irma. They should treat all lakes…

13 Lake County Emergency Shelters to open Saturday

Archives | September 7, 2017

Lake County plans to open 13 emergency shelters at 8am Saturday, Sept. 9, to accommodate local residents and an influx of travelers evacuating South Florida because of Hurricane Irma, a news release states. Shelter guests are encouraged to bring their IDs for expedited check-in. All nine general public and special needs shelters are pet-friendly. LAKE COUNTY SHELTERS GENERAL PUBLIC SHELTERS (pet-friendly) Mascotte Elementary, 460 Midway…

Lake schools, Villages squares among closures due to storm

Archives | September 6, 2017

Closures and cancellations of events have begun because of potential severe weather caused by Hurricane Irma. Florida Gov. Rick Scott has ordered all public schools in the state to close Friday. Lake County Schools and district offices will be closed Friday and Monday, Sept. 11. The Villages Entertainment late Wednesday afternoon cancelled all events on the three downtown squares in The Villages for Saturday, Sunday…