Government & Education news

DEBRIS PICK UP INFO FOR MOUNT DORA, EUSTIS, TAVARES AND MORE

9/23/2017

As the mounds of yard debris from Hurricane Irma continue to grow along residential streets, help is on the way. The guidelines and schedules for pick-up vary depending on the city or county, so here are the guidelines provided by local governments for their residents. Read more

ABOVE: City of Tavares crew working to clean up after Irma

DEBRIS PICK UP INFORMATION FOR MOUNT DORA, TAVARES, EUSTIS & MORE

9/22/2017

CITY OF MOUNT DORA

Debris pick up is expected to start in the city the week of September 25. A contractor will be begin measuring and monitoring debris on September 25.

CITY OF EUSTIS

Larger piles of vegetative debris from Hurricane Irma should be placed curbside. The piles must only include landscape waste, or they will not be picked up.

Eustis has already begun debris pick up and estimates it will take another three weeks to complete. Once everyone has been serviced once, the city will begin a second round of pick-ups.

CITY OF TAVARES

Storm related yard waste and brush will be collected by City staff, free of charge, until further notice. All debris must be placed curbside and limbs must be in manageable lengths. Bagged debris will not be collected.

All debris must be placed clear of overhead wires and at least 4 feet from any object. Yard waste and brush must be separate from all other waste materials.

The City of Tavares currently has 3 claw trucks collecting Hurricane Irma debris 10 hours per day.

LAKE COUNTY

The initial round of yard debris pick-ups is focusing on areas with excessive amounts of debris in populated areas, with work beginning already in several areas of the county.

Residents are asked to ensure that storm-related debris is placed at the curb or on the side of the road for pickup. Vegetative debris, such as limbs, should be separated from construction debris, and all debris should be kept away from stormwater drains and off roadways. The timeframe for the initial collection could be up to one month. Outside contractors who approach residents seeking payment for storm debris removal are not affiliated with Lake County.

For those that are able to dispose of debris themselves, the county’s Central Landfill Facility located at 13130 County Landfill Road in Tavares with operating hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, seven days a week.

All convenience centers are accepting residential storm debris. The disposal sites will have extended hours, and fees waived until further notice. They are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Locations are as follows:

200 Jackson St., Lady Lake
54711 Astor Transfer Station Road, Astor
25014 Rancho Lane, Paisley
10435 Log House Road, Clermont
32520 W. State Road 44, Deland

For any questions about collection services, including storm debris, call 352-343-3776.

ORANGE COUNTY

Curbside debris removal has already started in Orange County. However, the volume of yard debris throughout the county is very large, so please keep in mind that it may be several days before a debris team arrives in your community. It is the county’s intent to serve the community in a well-organized manner.

Vegetative storm debris (tree limbs, branches, and other organic debris) should always be separated from storm-related construction debris (shingles, fencing, lumber, drywall, etc.) Mixed debris will not be accepted at Drop-Off Sites, and for curbside removal. Construction debris will be collected separately, and if not separated, neither may be picked up. Also, household garbage should never be mixed with storm or construction debris.

Residents are encouraged to use the free debris drop-off sites. They are open 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Assistance with unloading is provided at the sites. For details, visit www.ocfl.net/debris.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

MOUNT DORA HIGH ESE SPECIALIST ARRESTED FOR MOLESTATION

9/21/2017

Mount Dora High School ESE specialist, Jason William Roberts, 40, was arrested and charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under the age of 16.

Accordingly to the Mount Dora Police report, the victim stated Roberts’ attention was filling a void and that she felt she was in a relationship with him. Roberts allegedly told the victim he could go to jail for his actions, however he continued. The incidents reportedly happened at the school.

After evidence was obtained on September 4, a bench warrant was issued on September 5. Roberts was arrested and booked into Lake County Jail on September 20.

Roberts previously worked as an ESE Specialist at Mount Dora Middle School.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

MOUNT DORA POLICE SEEK HELP IDENTIFYING SUSPECT

9/20/2017

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Do you recognize this person?
Mount Dora Police need help identifying this suspect and vehicle.

On Saturday, September 9th at approximately 10 p.m., the Murphy Oil located at 17040 State Road 500 was burglarized. Below are photos of the suspect and the vehicle he was driving.

The suspect’s vehicle is believed to be a light brown or tan Kia Soul.

If you have any information as to identity of the suspect pictured please contact MDPD Investigations at 352-735-7130.

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FEMA RELIEF AVAILABLE TO AREA RESIDENTS

9/15/2017

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Lake County residents that suffered damage from Hurricane Irma can apply for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

FEMA grants can provide financial relief for home damage, lost personal property , as well as temporary accommodations, but not damage covered by insurance.

Residents can register by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585, or at www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA home inspectors will contact eligible applicants. Applications completed properly ensure the timeliest response.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

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LAKE GERTRUDE ALSO AFFECTED BY MOUNT DORA SEWAGE SPILL

9/14/2017

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The City of Mount Dora is working to clean up Lake John and Lake Gertrude after a catastrophic failure of a lift station.

Portions of the roadway in Dogwood Mountain Reserves, located off Old Eustis Road in the Lake John area, suffered a significant wash-out during the height of Hurricane Irma. The damage resulted in a broken water line which released water downstream and flooded the Lake John area. The floodwaters also entered the sanitary sewer system caused a sewage release. The spill went into Lake John, a small seasonal pond in a residential area. Nearby Lake Gertrude, a larger spring-fed lake frequently used by families for recreational activities, was also affected.

There is a foul smell in the area and residents are urged to avoid going near the lakes until clean up is complete. Wildlife in the area appears to be unaffected.

City water distribution and collection crews have been working diligently since the storm to resolve the situation, according to city officials. Florida Department of Environmental Protection has been notified. The city will have an environmental reparation firm on site to fully clean the damage caused by the situation.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

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SHELTER UPDATE FOR LAKE COUNTY

9/10/2017

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Lake County shelters are currently housing 4,166 of the general public, 239 special needs residents and 487 pets at 14 shelters throughout the county. Another special needs shelter was open today at Mount Dora High School due to the original four special needs shelters being at capacity in the special needs section. There is still space for the general public.

Residents wanting to get to a shelter should do so before Lake County's curfew starting at 7 p.m. this evening.

Here is an update of the shelters:

GENERAL PUBLIC SHELTERS (pet friendly)

Mascotte Elementary
460 Midway Ave., Mascotte
Round Lake Elementary
31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora
Spring Creek Elementary
44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley
Treadway Elementary
10619 Treadway School Road, Leesburg
Villages Elementary (AT CAPACITY)
695 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake

GENERAL PUBLIC / SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTERS (pet friendly)

Astatula Elementary (SPECIAL NEEDS IS FULL/ GENERAL PUBLIC IS OPEN)
13925 Florida Ave., Astatula
Leesburg Elementary (SPECIAL NEEDS and PET POPULATION IS AT CAPACITY / GENERAL PUBLIC IS OPEN)
2229 South St., Leesburg
Lost Lake Elementary (SPECIAL NEEDS IS FULL/GENERAL PUBLIC IS OPEN)
1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont
Umatilla Elementary (SPECIAL NEEDS IS FULL/ GENERAL PUBLIC IS OPEN)
401 Lake St., Umatilla

NEW: Mount Dora High School (SPECIAL NEEDS/ NOT PET FRIENDLY)
700 N. Highland St.

ADDITIONAL SHELTER LOCATIONS (not pet friendly; not special needs)

Leesburg High School
1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg
East Ridge Middle School
13201 Excalibur Road, Clermont
Tavares High School
603 N. New Hampshire Ave., Tavares
Eustis High School
1300 E. Washington Ave., Eustis

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

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LAKE COUNTY SHELTERS TO OPEN SATURDAY

9/7/2017

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SHELTER INFO & LOCATIONS..
To accommodate local residents and an influx of travelers evacuating South Florida, Lake County is opening 13 emergency shelters at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Shelter guests are encouraged to bring their IDs for expedited check-in. Nine shelters are pet-friendly.

GENERAL PUBLIC SHELTERS (pet friendly)

Mascotte Elementary, 460 Midway Ave., Mascotte
Round Lake Elementary, 31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora
Spring Creek Elementary, 44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley
Treadway Elementary, 10619 Treadway School Road, Leesburg
Villages Elementary, 695 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake

GENERAL PUBLIC/ SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTERS (pet friendly)

Astatula Elementary, 13925 Florida Ave., Astatula
Leesburg Elementary, 2229 South St., Leesburg
Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont
Umatilla Elementary, 401 Lake St., Umatilla

ADDITIONAL SHELTER LOCATIONS (not pet friendly; not special needs)

Leesburg High School, 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg
East Ridge Middle School, 13201 Excalibur Road, Clermont
Tavares High School, 603 N. New Hampshire Ave., Tavares
Eustis High School, 1300 E. Washington Ave., Eustis

SUPPLIES TO BRING TO SHELTERS
·  One gallon of water per person and pet for three days
· Non-perishable food and snacks items for three days
· Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
·  Prescriptions and emergency medications
· Important personal documents
· Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
· Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
· Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
· Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you
· Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself

PETS AT SHELTERS
·         Pets must be brought to shelters in a carrier or crate that is marked with the owner’s name, address and two phone numbers. Owners must have documentation of up-to-date rabies vaccinations for their pets. Owners are responsible for taking care of their pets. It is recommended pet owners bring all pet supplies, such as food and water, litter and litter box and leash.
·         Pet friendly emergency shelters are open only to domestic pets only. No livestock will be admitted. For livestock, it is recommended to safely mark animals and leave them in pastures.

The Citizens Information Line is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 352-253-9999. to sign up for the latest emergency notifications, Click here. For more information about Emergency Management, click here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

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'HURRICANE HEROES' NEEDED FOR LOCAL PETS

9/7/2017

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ABOVE: "Rosie" is among the dogs and cats at LCAS

Hurricane Irma is fast approaching Florida, and the Lake County Animal Shelter is near capacity. It is currently caring for approximately 200 dogs and hundreds more cats, and are seeking rescue, adopters and fosters before the storm strikes.

Local residents who plan to stay in town in a secure home can consider providing a 'hurricane sleepover shelter' this week for pets at LCAS. This short-term foster program will allow residents to become “hurricane heroes” while enjoying the company of one of our great shelter dogs.

To find out more, stop by the shelter at 28123 County Road 561, Tavares or call 352-343-9688.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

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LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL CLOSURES

9/6/2017

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Lake County's Emergency Operations Team is making storm preparation plans that include using many of our schools as safety shelters. To accommodate that need, Lake County Public Schools will release early on Friday, Sept. 8.

On Friday, the schools will follow Wednesday early-release schedules. High schools dismiss at 1:20 p.m., elementary schools at 2 p.m., and middle schools at 3 p.m. The schools will be closed on Monday, September 11.

For less common, but helpful hurricane tips, click here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.