Community News
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 · Lake County
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Groveland Designates Over 60% of Land as Protected Open Space
Groveland protects over 60% of its land through conservation designations, balancing growth with open space preservation while attracting new residents and businesses.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Lady Lake Police Warn of Senior Fraud as Scammers Target Local Residents
Lady Lake Police investigate fraud cases targeting seniors. Scammers impersonate banks, government agencies, and relatives to steal money through phone calls and online schemes.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Sumter County Public Works Splits Duties Among Four Divisions
Sumter County Public Works operates four divisions that manage infrastructure, from road maintenance to park upkeep.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Leesburg Fire & EMS Names Leadership Team
The Leesburg Fire & EMS Department announced its leadership structure, with Fire Chief Rob Hanson heading the department and five deputy and division chiefs overseeing key operations.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
John Drury Manages Tavares as City Administrator
John Drury oversees Tavares municipal operations as City Administrator, managing a budget approved by the City Council and supervising 11 department heads.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Lake County Sheriff's Office to Post In-Custody Death Reports Online
Lake County Sheriff's Office will publicly report in-custody deaths online under state law, posting details within 10 days of an incident.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Lake County Sheriff's Office Enforces Zero-Tolerance Policy on Sexual Misconduct
The Lake County Sheriff's Office enforces zero-tolerance on sexual misconduct in custody, accepting reports from inmates and the public through multiple channels including an anonymous hotline at 888-485-7733.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Lake County Health Officials Urge Residents to Get Vaccinated as Measles Cases Rise
Lake County Public Health urges residents to stay current on vaccinations as measles cases rise. Walk-in vaccine clinics operate Wednesdays; call (707) 263-1090 for information.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Lake County Sheriff Seeks Tips on Missing Persons
The Lake County Sheriff's Office is asking residents to report any sightings of missing persons. Call (707) 263-2690 with information.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Lake County Elections Office Wins National Award for Ballot Accessibility
Lake County's Elections Office won a national award for its accessible ballot system that lets voters with disabilities mark ballots remotely using screen readers and voice navigation.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Leesburg Dedicates Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station
Leesburg dedicates a Safe Haven Baby Box on March 24, providing an anonymous option for parents in crisis to surrender healthy infants up to 30 days old.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Groveland, Lake County Face Phase III Water Restrictions
The St. Johns River Water Management District declared Phase III water restrictions for Lake County and Groveland effective May 11, 2026. Residents must cut water use significantly, affecting irrigation, car washing, and outdoor activities.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Groveland, Lake County Face Phase III Water Restrictions
Groveland and Lake County residents must comply with strict new water restrictions following a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage declaration by the St. Johns River Water Management District.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
