Sumter Sun Times

07/25/2024

Jana Wallace Simmons, 63
Webster

Jana Wallace Simmons, 63, of Webster, Fl., passed away in Clermont, Fl. on July 23, 2024. She was born in Ocala, Fl. on July 10, 1961 to Raymond and Glenda Wallace. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Webster. She worked for the school system for 33 years, working as the Food Service Manager for Webster Elementary School and the past Food Service Manager for Wildwood High School.
She received the “School Related Employee of the Year Award” in 2002. She was also a lifetime member of the FFA Alumni and received her Florida Honorary FFA Degree and her Honorary American FFA Degree.
Jana enjoyed playing the piano, singing, cooking, watching her grandchildren play sports, traveling, dining out and just loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years - Ronnie Simmons, Sr. of Webster, Fl.; daughter -Jennifer Mears (DJ) of Webster, Fl; son - Ronnie Simmons, Jr. of Gainesville, Fl.; niece (bonus daughter) - Danielle Davis of Missouri; mother - Glenda Bedgood of Center Hill, Fl.; grandchildren - Jillian Mears, Jenna Parish (Ty), Jaylee Mears and Jentry Mears; brother - Tim Wallace (Karen) of Webster, Fl.; sister - Lenea Koerner (Billy) of Bushnell, Fl. and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A viewing will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Purcell Chapel in Bushnell, Florida. A service will be held directly after at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Casey Ferguson officiating. Interment will follow at Linden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sumter County School Board Scholarship Program (2680 West County Road 476 , Bushnell, FL 33513). Condolences may be sent to the family at www.purcellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home- Purcell Chapel, Bushnell, Florida.

07/20/2024

Train versus vehicle in Sumter Saturday morning

From the Florida Highway Patrol:

Vehicle 1, a Toyota Highlander, was traveling eastbound on Noble Avenue, east of US-301, approaching railroad tracks. The driver, a 36-year-old Sumterville woman, observed the railroad warning lights and crossing arms activated indicating an oncoming train. The driver attempted a U-Turn at the railroad crossing and in doing so partially entered the path of the train. As a result, the freight train collided with the right rear portion of the vehicle. Neither the driver, nor the train personnel were injured during the collision.

07/19/2024

FHP seeking driver who caused crash in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY FLA. – The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is requesting assistance from the public to help identify a driver who fled the scene of a crash this week. On July 14, 2024, at approximately 11:00 A.M., FHP responded to a hit-and-run crash with serious injuries on I-4 westbound at mile marker 67. While attempting to change from the center to the inside lane, the front right side of a red 2017 Chevrolet Camaro struck the left rear side of a white 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The impact from this collision caused the Hyundai to run off the roadway onto the right shoulder and overturn.
Following the collision, three occupants in the Camaro fled the scene on foot and were later picked up in a gray or silver colored vehicle, make and model unknown. Witnesses described the three occupants as black or Hispanic males possibly in their early 20s. The driver of the Hyundai, a 20-year-old female, was not transported from the scene.
If you have information regarding this crash, call *FHP (*347) or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (1-800-423-8477).
Leaving the scene of a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death is against the law. The Florida Highway Patrol reminds Floridians about the consequences of leaving the scene of a crash and the challenges law enforcement face when investigating a hit-and-run crash. If involved in a crash, stay at the scene, call for help, and follow these steps:
1. Remain calm and ensure yourself and any passengers are okay.
2. If possible, move to the side of the road. If you get out of your vehicle, remove your keys, move off the roadway and remain in a safe area.
3. Check on others involved. Call 911 if anyone might be injured or a vehicle is inoperable.
4. If there are no injuries or major property damage, gather information. Obtain the name, driver license, insurance and tag information from the other driver(s). Take photos of the vehicles and information if you can’t write it down and then file a report online.

For video of the crash, click the image or the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVA5ylxJaCA

For more information on hit-and-awareness visit FLHSMV.gov/StayAtTheScene.

07/15/2024

This Thursday, July 18 - BEEKEEPER'S MEETING
Interested in beekeeping? There's a local group that's welcoming new members, as well as guests at their monthly meetings. They will meet Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the Lake Panasoffkee Community Center, located at 1589 C.R. 459, Lake Panasoffkee, Fl.
Guest speaker for the meeting will be Lisa Reynes, a retired bee inspector. Her expertise should offer valuable insights for both newcomers and experienced beekeepers alike.

To read the story, click the link:
https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/sumter_sun_times/sweet-success-sumter-county-launches-beekeeping-club/article_9ef6707e-42d9-11ef-8f8c-4be61b9e85d2.html

07/08/2024

Things you'll find in the Sumter Sun Times this week ... in print and online!

07/07/2024

Fatal traffic crash 9:05 a.m. Sumter, from the Florida Highway Patrol:

Vehicle 1, a Ford Expedition, was traveling westbound on SR-50. Vehicle 2, a Kenworth tractor trailer transporting milk, was traveling northbound on SR-471. At the intersection of the two roadways, Vehicle 1 ran a red traffic signal and collided with the passenger side of Vehicle 2. Post-impact, both vehicles were redirected northwest into the southbound lanes of SR-471 where Vehicle 2 collided with Vehicle 3, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was traveling southbound on SR-471 in a left turn lane. Lastly, as Vehicle 2 traveled to final rest along the shoulder of the highway, the trailer only overturned. The transported load of milk was not spilled; however, scores of gallons of fuel from Vehicle 2 did spill upon the roadway. Driver 3 suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Driver 2 suffered minor injuries while Driver 1 suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to an area hospital.



Driver 1: Male, 69, Winter Garden

Driver 2: Male, 58, North Port

Driver 3: Male, 70, Lakeland

07/05/2024

Authorities searching for missing Coleman inmate ... read the information from their release:

https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/sumter_sun_times/authorities-searching-for-missing-coleman-inmate/article_f5bede3a-3ade-11ef-913e-9fe6399e0ee7.html

07/05/2024

Porter retires after 41 years ... read the story here:

By Brenda Locklear

06/29/2024

06/27/2024

Celebrating the Fourth - find out more ...

Happy Birthday America – it’s time for Wildwood’s annual Independence Day celebration. Slated for 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. The event is free and the fun

06/27/2024

Rabies alert for Sumter, read the story here...

https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/sumter_sun_times/rabies-alert-issued-for-sumter/article_7a292008-3419-11ef-862c-872d7a30f92a.html

06/13/2024

Club hosting candidate’s night
The Republican Assembly of Sumter (RASC) will host their monthly meeting on June 20 at the Wildwood Community Center - 6500 Powell Road in Wildwood.
The club will host a candidate’s night for those pursuing the District 3 seat for County Commissioner.
Todd C**n and Craig Estep have confirmed their attendance. The candidates for the Sumter County Superintendent of Schools will also be in attendance:
Allen Shirley and Logan Brown.
Each candidate will be given a few minutes to speak, followed by questions and answers.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend.

06/11/2024

Panasoffkee Wastewater

County looking at wastewater system for Panasoffkee - some residents voicing concern over costs ... read the story by clicking the link.

The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) provided a study on a Lake Panasoffkee Wastewater Facilities plan, after Sumter County commissioners expressed an interest in the Board providing support to provide

06/03/2024

Leesburg police have arrest warrant for Wildwood man in shooting death of store clerk
Click the image to read the story...

Leesburg detectives have an arrest warrant for a 25-year-old Wildwood man in the shooting death of a 51-year-old convenience store clerk on Sunday night.

06/02/2024

Sheriff's Office: Teen arrested for premeditated murder in stabbing death of 15-year-old ... click the police line image to read the story.

A 16-year-old was arrested Monday for premeditated first‐degree murder, after the death of a 14-year-old in a double stabbing. The second victim, an adult, was being treated at the hospital,

05/28/2024

UPDATE:
Peyton has been located SAFE

From the Sumter County Sheriff's Office volunteers being coordinated for search...

We’re are still actively searching for Peyton. We have been coordinating members of the public who have contacted us to volunteer search efforts.

At this time we are asking anyone who wishes to volunteer to contact Lt. Cassidy (352) 516-8132. Volunteers will be coordinated at the Wahoo Baptist Church 4517 CR 319, Bushnell.

Please do NOT start searching on your own. We do not want someone to get injured or worse.

MISSING JUVENILE WITH AUTISM
Please be on the look out for missing juvenile Peyton Pickard. Juvenile is a white male, 16 years old, brown hair, blue eyes and approximately 5 foot 7 inches, 120 pounds. Peyton left his home in the area of County Road 575 and West County Road 48 in Bushnell on foot on 05/27/2024 around 8:30pm. He was last seen wearing only black underwear. Peyton is non-verbal autistic and has a burn scar on his right leg. If you see a child matching this description please contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at 9 1 1 or 3 5 2 -7 9 3 -2 6 2 1.

05/10/2024

Fatality on S.R. 44

From the Florida Highway Patrol:

Vehicle 1, a Land Rover Range Rover, driven by a 42-year-old Leesburg man, was traveling westbound on S.R. 44. Vehicle 2, a cement truck, driven by a 29-year-old Leesburg man was traveling westbound on S.R. 44, behind vehicle 1.
East of C.R. 229, an unknown male pedestrian attempted to walk across S.R. 44, entered the path of, and was struck by, vehicles 1 and 2 in successive order. The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.

05/09/2024

Cortas Haire, 96
Bushnell
Cortas Haire, 96, of Bushnell, Fl. passed away Sunday evening, May 5, 2024 after an extended illness. Cortas was born to John and Mattie Oxley Haire in Eastman, Ga. On Sept. 20, 1927 where he grew up on the family farm along with one brother and seven sisters. The family farmed their land together, growing cotton, corn, peanuts and other crops. He was preceded in death by his brother Edward, and his sisters, Florence Walls, Geneva O’Neal, Nanny Simpson, Lizzy Green, Dora Cox, Alma Merritt, and Morene Tucker. Cortas moved to Florida in the early 1950s, living in the Ocoee/Winter Garden area most of his life before moving just south of Bushnell in 1978.
Cortas married Annie Lee Williams Haire on July 4, 1954, and they were preparing to celebrate their 70th anniversary this year. Annie Lee had one sister and seven brothers. The couple had four children, Tarongie, Tim, TeResa Haire Gibson (Jim) and John (Michele). Sadly, Cortas was preceded in death by Tarongie, who passed away in a car accident at the age of 15 in 1971 and a granddaughter, Selena Haire. Cortas had a very large extended family that includes many nieces and nephews, his brother-in-law Robert Williams (Faye), his former daughter-in-law, Cindy Mathis, grandchildren, Mandy Haire Button (Caleb), Elisa, Jennifer and Tim Haire, Jr., Danielle Gibson-Hall (Brandon), James Gibson Jr. (Tricka), and Christopher Gibson, Britlee Berry and Kelly Simmons. Great grandchildren Takoda Button, Stephen and Spencer Miller, Cheyenne Haire, Samara Durham, Alani Hall, Timothy Haire III and Angelina Webb.
Cortas was a hard-working landscaper and the owner of Haire’s Plant Nursery who provided for his family no matter what obstacles stood in his way. He was a minister who loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, soul and mind. He loved the moving of God’s Spirit and would load up the car with the family at every opportunity to visit area churches of all denominations and any tent revival. Cortas had dreams and visions from God that he would freely share with all he came in contact with, and his friends and family were always amazed.
Cortas never met anyone that he didn’t love and accept. He was well known for his wonderful jokes. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. Practically everyone who visited his home, left with the saying, “If you get to be a millionaire, call me collect.”
Cortas had friends everywhere he went, especially at the Webster Farmer’s Market, where he was a regular for many, many years. It was with great sadness that he could no longer attend due to illness. Cortas’ favorite times were talking about God. He was the finest example of a man who truly lived a Christian life. He will be greatly missed by all.
Viewing will be held Monday, May 13, at the Purcell Funeral Home in Bushnell located at 114 W. Noble Ave, Bushnell, from 1 – 2 pm with a 2pm service to follow. Cortas will then be laid to rest at the Evergreen Cemetery in Bushnell.

05/06/2024

Coming up - Bushnell will host Bluegrass, Brews & BBQ this month.
It's a plan for folks looking for an afternoon out and an opportunity for barbecue talents to take on the competition!
The challenge is still open for teams to sign up.

04/25/2024

From the Sumter County Sheriff's Office:
M𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧
John Mehanna

John Mehanna was last seen driving his white in color 2021 Honda Ridgeline, FL tag 45AFBJ, from Clearwater Florida visiting friends.
The Honda's uniqueness is the bed cover, JENKINS chrome plate cover and Reese tow hitch. The complainant advised it is unlike John to not notify any family members of his travels. John lives alone and was traveling alone.

Anyone with information on Mr. Mehanna's whereabouts is asked to please contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at 352-793-2621

04/24/2024

Webster school locked down as a precaution
Webster Elementary School was put on lockdown status around noon on Wednesday when the Sumter Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a domestic call, which involved the suspect barricading himself inside a location.
Alerts were sent out and the immediate area was evacuated. The subject gave himself up and was taken into custody.
Deputies are still on scene.

04/22/2024

Wildwood named Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA®
The City of Wildwood has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a 2023 Tree City USA. It marks the 34th year the city has been so honored.
Eligible municipalities must maintain a tree board or department, have a tree care ordinance, dedicate an annual community forest budget of at least $2 per capita, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Wildwood’s city commission approved its 2024 Arbor Day proclamation Monday at its regularly scheduled meeting. The city will host its annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the city’s Municipal Services Complex on Huey St., beginning at 10 a.m. The event will feature a tree-planting ceremony, light refreshments, and entertainment. It is open to the public and all are invited to attend.
“The trees being planted and cared for by Wildwood are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, in a press release.
Even as Wildwood has been identified as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, its leadership continues to ensure that development projects meet strict criteria regarding tree protection, vegetative buffer zones, and greenscaping.
“We work hard to protect existing trees when undertaking our own infrastructure projects as well,” commented Public Works Director Jeremy Hockenbury. “Given the opportunity, we always choose to keep what we have, recognizing the multitude of benefits mature trees provide. Sometimes it requires extra planning and effort, but it is always worth it in the long run.”
The Tree City USA program was founded in 1976 as a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. To learn more about Tree City USA, visit arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
For more about Wildwood’s Arbor Day celebration, go to www.wildwood-fl.gov/com

04/15/2024

Illegal immigrant arrested in stabbing death - Wildwood Turnpike Extension area.
Click the link to read the story ....
https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/sumter_sun_times/sheriffs-office-illegal-immigrant-arrested-in-stabbing-death/article_2c68411e-fb66-11ee-b645-fbd0d405544c.html

04/08/2024

FHP arrests woman suspected of shooting into vehicles on Interstate 10...
Read the story by following the link:
https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/sumter_sun_times/fhp-troopers-arrest-active-shooter-suspected-of-firing-rifle-at-vehicles-on-i-10/article_9dcbd36a-f5f4-11ee-b8e4-b39e9431de55.html

04/03/2024

KISSIMMEE, Fla.-This afternoon, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers were advised of an active pursuit of an attempted murder suspect driving a gold Town and Country Ford van traveling Eastbound on Interstate 4 (I-4) from Polk County entering Osceola County...
To read the press release information and view a clip of the pursuit, click the link here:
https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/sumter_sun_times/fhp-multi-county-pursuit-leads-to-arrest-in-kissimmee/article_9465074e-f14c-11ee-b997-67499f48a5ed.html

03/28/2024

Please note the time on this event - it begins at 4 p.m.

03/27/2024

Man arrested after fleeing FHP against traffic in Bushnell
A 20-year-old man was arrested last Friday afternoon, after endangering motorists on I-75 and along C.R. 48 in Bushnell, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.

To read the story and watch the video from the Florida Highway Patrol, click the link below and then click the car image on the website.
https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/sumter_sun_times/man-arrested-after-fleeing-fhp-against-traffic-in-bushnell/article_94aaf8b0-eae1-11ee-a838-0713e0d4a888.html

03/21/2024

Mr. James “Jimmy” Randall Keen, 85 passed this week. A Celebration of Life service is planned for Friday, March 22.
For the obituary and additional information, follow the link.

https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/sumter_sun_times/james-jimmy-randall-keen-85-wildwood/article_cbad3598-e78b-11ee-a720-af8f8b0458a3.html

03/09/2024

OVERNIGHT ROAD RAGE INCIDENT ON INTERSTATE IN SUMTER

Road rage incident in Sumter County overnight - captured on video - FHP seeking driver. Read the story, see the video clip by following the link.

https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/sumter_sun_times/road-rage-incident-in-sumter---fhp-seeking-driver/article_67ca414c-de26-11ee-b828-a391d075bf4d.html