Housing & Development · Eustis, FL
The City of Eustis opened a 30-day period on Sept. 22 for builders to submit development proposals for its Northshore Drive community center, which has hosted weddings, funerals, and events since 1965 and overlooks Lake Eustis. At an Oct. 14 community meeting and the following day's City Commission session, residents voiced anger over a disclosed $700,000 repair need, while businessman Daniel DiVenanzo endorsed selling the site to a developer proposing a hotel-and-brewery resort he says would generate 125 jobs and $7 million in city revenue. The city states the community center remains open and operating, with no decision date set; any sale agreement must return to the commission for a public vote. The original developer approached Eustis in 2025 about the former Waterman Hospital blocks on Bay Street before the city suggested the community center as an alternative site.
Local Politics · Lake County
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election is underway in Lake County (12 locations, daily through Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sumter County (7 locations, Oct. 24–31, same hours). Registered voters may cast ballots at any early voting site within their county but must present a current valid photo ID with signature. The deadline to request a mail ballot is 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22; under a 2023 state law, voters who last requested one before 2025 must submit a new request. Completed mail ballots must be received by the elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day—a postmark does not count—and Lake County voters may also drop off ballots at any early voting site during operating hours.
Crime · Leesburg, FL
A Leesburg man, 42-year-old Anthony Stephon Calloway, was sentenced last week to three and a half years in the Florida Department of Corrections after being convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and shooting at an occupied vehicle. The December 19, 2023 incident occurred on Lone Oak Drive in Leesburg, where Calloway allegedly pulled out a gun during a road rage confrontation and shot the victim's rear tire flat. Jurors deliberated just 45 minutes before returning a guilty verdict in the courtroom of Judge Heidi Davis. The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson cited Calloway's history of non-compliance and public safety risk as justification for the sentence.
Community News · Lady Lake, FL
Lady Lake Commissioner Treva Roberts returned to a Monday-night commission meeting after walking out on Oct. 5 when Pastor Paul Harsh of Lady Lake Baptist Church called homosexuality a mental illness during public comment. The chamber reached capacity, with chairs set up outside and many attendees wearing rainbow colors in support of Roberts. Speakers including Timothy McCusker of the Tri-County Unitarian Universalists church and residents Terri Peters and Debra Hobbs addressed the commission to back Roberts. Harsh also spoke at the podium, stating that a mayor's proclamation prompted his remarks and defending his congregation's position.
Community News · Lady Lake, FL
The Town of Lady Lake announced that a private donor, Greg Parady of Paralife, will fully fund the upcoming Christmas Parade to avoid using taxpayer money amid a $2.7 million deficit. The decision was made during a recent town workshop where officials opted to rely on private donations for events. Parady’s representatives agreed to cover the entire $15,000 cost after another pledged donor hesitated. The parade is scheduled for December 5.
