What’s Going On

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…

Non-profits team up to deliver water, food, baby supplies

What's Going On | September 18, 2017

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, in partnership with Lake Cares Food Pantry, the Cross Church, and Second Harvest Food Bank, will offer free cases of bottled water, baby supplies today, Sept. 18 and Tuesday, Sept. 19. Local community volunteers will be onsite to assist with the distribution and to help residents throughout the area who remain without power in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Distribution…

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…

Residents urged to hire licensed contractors for storm repairs

What's Going On | September 14, 2017

Need roof repairs, window installations, plumbing or electrical repairs in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma? Lake County’s Building Services Division warns residents against hiring unlicensed contractors. “Both homes and businesses assessing the damage caused by Irma will likely be seeking a construction contractor in the coming days and weeks,” says Lake County Economic Growth Director Robert Chandler in a press release. “Many storm-related services require…

Cupcakes Delight for sale in Mount Dora

What's Going On | September 13, 2017

Cupcakes Delight, the quaint downtown Mount Dora bakery known for its large array of cupcakes is up for sale, according to owner Judy Owens. “I have this location and another location at Anna Maria Island. And with having the two, it has been too much for me to handle,” Judy says. Her second bakery on the barrier island of Florida’s Gulf Coast is where Judy…

Citizens Information Line remains open in aftermath of hurricane

What's Going On | September 13, 2017

Lake County Commissioner Josh Blake has been among officials answering residents’ phone calls in assisting the Citizens Information Emergency Operations Center which remains in effect in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Many calls have been residents asking updates on power restoration in their neighborhoods and collection of garbage and debris. Residents may call the Citizens Information Line at 352-253-9999. A downed power line on the…

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

What's Going On | 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

What's Going On | 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…