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Ex-roommate texts threats of ‘whooping’ after kicked out over money
An ex-roommate allegedly texted threats of inflicting a “whooping” after she was kicked out over money. Brandy Rose Merchant, 29, of Lady Lake, was arrested this past week on a Lake County warrant charging her with assault after her blue Mitsubishi was pulled over on U.S. 301, according to an arrest report from the Wildwood Police Department. During the traffic stop, an officer found that Merchant was wanted on the warrant and she was taken into custody.
Leesburg Bikefest 2024 live updates: photos, video, key info and more
Bikefest is back! Leesburg's annual celebration runs April 26-28. Follow along here for a look at how things are going on April 26. The entertainment lineup can be found here. Wondering where to park? Check this out. Wondering what to expect? You can learn more here. Leesburg City Manager Al Minner ...
The Villages is not a gated community
The Blackmores and other Villagers should absolutely be able to erect protective fences or wall in certain locations for their own protection and safety. In a related issue, The Villages was built to be a “gated community,” but that has turned into a joke. It is no longer a gated community! Gate people simply automatically open the gate and let every single vehicle pass through the visitor lane, no questions asked.
Florida man accused of driving with license that's been revoked since 1999
SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida man was nabbed by deputies this week for allegedly driving with a license that's been revoked since 1999. It's not his first time caught driving without a valid driver's license, according to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Desmond Martindale, 67, was arrested for driving...
Suspected thief foiled by facial recognition software back behind bars
A suspected thief who was foiled by facial recognition software has landed back behind bars. Jason Vincent Saunders, 43, of Summerfield was taken into custody earlier this month by Marion County sheriff’s deputies on a pair of warrants charging him with failure to appear in Sumter Count Court on charges of theft. He was transferred this week to the Sumter County Detention Center where he continued to be held this weekend on $10,000 bond.
Clerk arrested in theft of lottery tickets from Circle K in The Villages
A clerk has been arrested in the theft of lottery tickets from a Circle K convenience store in The Villages. The store manager at the Circle K at 3431 Southern Trace at Southern Trace Plaza was conducting an inventory on Wednesday morning and discovered that the store was $150 short on revenue from Florida Lottery tickets, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. The manager checked the in-store surveillance that showed the night shift employee, 41-year-old Vairley Ann Nickerson of The Villages, taking $170 worth of scratch-off tickets. She concealed the tickets in a garbage bag as she cleaned.
Swampy the alligator enjoys lazy day in pond behind postal station
Katie O’Malley of the Village of Polo Ridge shared this photo of a an alligator named Swampy as he enjoyed a lazy day in the pond behind the postal station in the Village of Summerhill. In celebration of courtship and mating season, share your alligator photos at news@villages-news.com.
DUI suspect arrested after straying near helipad at Villages hospital
A man suspected of driving under the influence was arrested after straying near the helipad at UF Health-The Villages Hospital. A security guard at the hospital contacted law enforcement shortly before 2 a.m. Friday to report a “possible drunk pedestrian” who was “falling into a vehicle,” according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
Man riding uninsured Harley-Davidson nabbed with open bottle of Fireball
A man riding an uninsured Harley-Davidson motorcycle was nabbed with an open bottle of Fireball whiskey. Travis Keith Sharpin, 48, of Summerfield was riding the motorcycle shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday on Cleveland Avenue when an officer noticed the bike had an expired license plate, according to an arrest report from the Wildwood Police Department.
Leesburg police prepare for large Bikefest crowds
The Leesburg Bikefest is back for 2024, and police are prepared for large crowds. Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi spoke with FOX35’s Kelsie Cairns and said his agency expects between 100,000 and 150,000 people to be in town.
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