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8 accused of operating illegal after-hours clubs in Orange County

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Three men and five women were arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly operating illegal after-hours clubs in Orange County.  

According to OCSO, its After-Hours Clubs Strike Team arrested eight individuals last month – Belinda Rojas, Jose Nieves Castro, Yeni LaJaramora, Carlisle Thompson, Andrew Campbell, Chevonne Magloire, Janice Kelly, and Shade White – for selling alcoholic beverages without a license, conspiracy to violate beverage laws, illegally transporting liquor, and running illegal after-hours clubs.

One of the above club owners previously owned Upstate Hall, an illegal after-hours bar on South Orange Blossom Trail where several victims were shot in one night this past December.

“Opening a new illegal club after we caught you in the past? WE SEE YOU,” stated OCSO in a social media post.

The sheriff’s office stated that it is committed to cracking down on illegal clubs since these venues are “notorious for attracting criminal activity and violence.”

Orange County Sheriff John Mina has pushed for harsher penalties for illegal alcohol sales in the state of Florida. That legislation, which goes into effect on July 1, 2024, will make illegal alcohol sales a felony.

The sheriff’s office stated that the new legislation will provide law enforcement officers with a “powerful tool” to help safeguard local communities by eliminating dangerous illegal clubs.

City to host free tree giveaway for Orlando residents

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The City of Orlando, in partnership with the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) and Arbor Day Foundation, is hosting a free tree giveaway event next week for local residents.

On Wednesday, May 15 through Friday, May 17, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Orlando residents will be able to pick up a free tree for their household at McQuigg Urban Farms, which is located at 716 W Jefferson Street in Orlando.

On Thursday, May 16, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., a tree giveaway event will also be held at the Englewood Neighborhood Center (6123 La Costa Drive in Orlando).

According to the city, the following trees will be available: Brown Turkey Fig, Saijo Persimmon, Fruit Cocktail Tree, and Spring Satin Plumcot.

“Spread the word to all your neighbors and come out for your free tree,” stated the City of Orlando in a social media post.

The city encourages residents to pre-register for the event, though walk-ups will also be welcome.

The upcoming giveaway, which is a part of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s “One Person, One Tree” initiative, is only available to residents living within the city limits.

For more information, visit the City of Orlando’s Free Tree Giveaway webpage.

Martha Vazquez

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Martha Vazquez, of Orlando, Florida, was welcomed into heaven on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the age of 51.

Tata was born to parents Flor Vazquez and Martha Rosa Antuna on January 13, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend who loved and doted on her children, family, and friends unconditionally.

Tata enjoyed cooking, art, music, and spending time with her family. She was fiercely loyal and protective of her children, sisters, and anyone she called a friend. She was employed at the Florida Engineering Group for the past 20 years. Tata was strong and courageous in her battle against cancer; determined to maintain as normal a life as possible for herself and her children. She continued to work, attended school and work functions, and even traveled to Europe to visit countries on her bucket list. Tata will forever be remembered as a loving, hardworking, and independent, dedicated above all else, to her children. She will be greatly missed.

Tata is survived by her children Hector Lauzurica, Serina Sebaaly, and Joseph Sebaaly; father, Flor Vazquez; sister Janette Driesslein; two brothers, David Vazquez and Orlando Vazquez; niece Evangelina Driesslein; and stepsiblings, Wendy Antuna and Paul Harris. Coming from a large family, Tata is also survived many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Patricia Mary Kelly

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Trish Kelly, a loyal wife, amazing mother, cherished sister, and dear friend, passed away on April 28, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, after bravely battling triple negative breast cancer. She was 61 years old.

Trish was born on March 24, 1963, in Buffalo, New York, to the late John Patrick Sullivan and Shirley Elizabeth Sullivan. The youngest of four, she grew up in West Seneca, New York, and spent most of her summers in Sherkston, Ontario, where she met her husband, Gregory “Greg” Joseph Kelly. In 1988, the couple relocated to Orlando, Florida, where Trish went on to earn her master’s degree in education from the University of Central Florida.

Trish dedicated over 20 years of her life to guiding and supporting students as a compassionate guidance counselor at the high and middle school levels across Central Florida, including at Dr. Phillips High School and William R. Boone High School most recently. Her dedication and kindness touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families.

Trish found great joy in spending time at home on Lake Conway, always appreciating the beauty of nature and wildlife. Her love for nature reflected her gentle and nurturing spirit.

Trish is survived by her husband of 37 years (Greg Kelly); her loving daughters (Laura Kelly and Allison Kelly); two sisters (Annie Young and Susan “Susie” Sullivan); a brother (Lawrence “Larry” Sullivan), and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Known for her abundant kindness, generosity, and excellent sense of humor, Trish was the ultimate peacekeeper and an incredible “helper” to all who knew her. She earned a multitude of nicknames that warmly reflected her various qualities. Trish was called Tech Mom due to her enthusiasm for learning new technology, Mapquest Mom for her exceptional navigation skills, Meteorologist Mom for her ability to comment on all forms of weather patterns and Kelly Helper for her constant desire to assist others in any way possible.

Trish enthusiastically joined in every project, task, and activity, always insisting it would be “fun,” and because of her brilliant spirit, she truly turned the endeavor into a joyful experience for all. One of her favorite mantras, “If it’s my time, it’s my time,” reflected her grace and acceptance in facing life’s challenges.

A memorial service to celebrate Trish’s life, including her Irish heritage and her love of beer, will be held on May 11, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Harp & Celt Irish Pub in Orlando, Florida.

Missing 77-year-old with dementia last seen in Pine Hills

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Update: The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated that Ronald George Kelsey has been located and is safe.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help from the public to locate a 77-year-old man with dementia who was last seen in the Pine Hills neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon.

According to OCSO, Ronald George Kelsey was last seen at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, in the area of Seybold Avenue and Riviera Drive, off of North Lane near N Pine Hills Road.

When Kelsey was last seen, he was wearing a red plaid shirt and blue jeans. He might also be wearing glasses.

Kelsey stands 5’10” tall, weighs 150 pounds, and he has brown eyes and gray hair.

If you have seen Ronald George Kelsey, or if you have any information about his whereabouts, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office asks that you call 911.

Taco and margarita festival at Central Florida Fairgrounds this weekend

The Orlando Taco and Margarita festival will return to the Central Florida Fairgrounds this weekend.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, which is located at 4603 W Colonial Drive in Orlando.

This year, the event will feature plenty of food trucks, more than 50 craft vendors, live music, live wrestling, kids activities including face painting and bounce houses, and more.

Pre-sale general admission tickets cost $10 for ages 6 and older, with the price increasing to $20 on the day of the festival. Children ages 5 and younger get in for free.

VIP tickets ($40) are currently available, and this price will increase to $50 on the day of the event. The VIP package includes: two beverage vouchers for a margarita, water, or soda; express entry; and one festival T-shirt.

An Ultimate VIP package is also available for $80 ($100 on the day of the event). The Ultimate VIP package includes: an all-you-can-eat taco and snack bar; three beverage vouchers for a margarita, water, or soda; express entry; and one festival T-shirt.

Festival attendees will be able to park at the fairgrounds for $10 (cash only).

For more information on the upcoming event, or to purchase tickets, visit the Central Florida Fairgrounds’ Orlando Taco and Margarita Festival webpage.

Robert Groth

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Robert Edwin (Bob) Groth died peacefully at his Maitland home on April 29, 2024.
He was 93 years old.

Born in Chicago, he was the only child of Sylvia and Avald Groth. Bob migrated to Orlando in an F-86 Sabre after the Korean War, where he was deployed to the Strategic Air Command at what is now known as Orlando International Airport.
While stationed at the SAC base, Captain Bob’s good nature and outgoing personality led to an active social life in Orlando, where he married Peggy Jo Pounds and subsequently enrolled in the University of Florida. After graduating in 1956, they returned to Orlando, where Bob began a series of business ventures.

In 1964, he met and married Dorothy Suzanne Vacca (Suzanne) and shortly after became a successful McDonald’s franchisee and owner/operator of eight stores.
He and Suzanne raised their three children on the shores of Lake Maitland. Lovers of good company, great food, and music, the Groth family took delight in entertaining in Maitland and their home on New Smyrna Beach.

Their lives were filled with a wide circle of friends, children, and an interesting assortment of pets. They could sometimes be found anchoring their boat at Islamorada, in the Florida Keys. Bob was the patriarch of a joyous, spontaneous, and active household. They never forgot to count their blessings and seized many opportunities to share their good fortune with others.

Bob will be remembered for his love of cooking, gardening, dancing, and staying active by going to the YMCA, where he formed some very close friendships.

Bob is preceded in death by his son, Richard Patrick (Rick) Groth.

He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Robin Conlee Meade (Lonnie) Orlando; son, David Robert Groth, Maitland; daughter-in-law, Crystal Groth (Donald Abrams), Casselberry; daughter-in-law, Wendy Groth, and granddaughter, Sydney Groth, Winter Park; grandsons: Spencer and Maxwell Meade, Orlando; Cole and Thorin Groth; Maitland/Gainesville and Dr. Suzanne Groth Foglesong, Winter Park; mother of his children.

Paul Borreggine

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Paul Borreggine, age 70, of Orlando, Florida passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Paul is as born in Rochester, New York on March 9, 1954.

He married Deborah DiAngelo on August 3, 1974.

Paul had a career in the automotive industry for Sonic Automotive and had a passion for his work and family.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Borreggine, by his daughters, Nicole Perezcarras and her husband, Jose and Jenna Borreggine; his two grandchildren, Abigail Perezcarras and Jeremiah Perezcarras and his siblings, Susan Permody and her husband, Robert, Mary Ellen Angelo, and her husband Paul, and brother in law, Neil DiAngelo.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, on May 17, at 11 a.m.

Clermont man killed, another serious injured in Lake County crash

A man from Clermont was killed, and another driver was seriously injured, in a two-vehicle crash that occurred in Lake County on Wednesday morning.

The fatal accident took place on Schofield Road, west of the Five Mile Road intersection, at around 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8.

According to a preliminary report from the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident involved a 2018 Nissan Maxima and 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

FHP stated that the Nissan’s driver, a 52-year-old Clermont man, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The other driver involved in the accident, a 39-year-old Orlando man, was airlifted to the Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.

No further details were provided by FHP regarding the cause of the two-vehicle accident.

Troopers are at the scene of the crash, and a roadblock is currently in place on Schofield Road.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Zed Clark Layson Jr.

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Winter Park, Florida – Zed Clark Layson, Jr. (87) died peacefully at home on April 22, 2024. He was born in Lexington, KY on March 23, 1937, to Zed Clark Layson, Sr. and Sarah Louise McIntyre Layson. He graduated from Millersburg Military Institute in Millersburg, KY in 1955, received a BS degree from Duke University, and a MA degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

Zed went on to teach mathematics in Kansas City, MO before moving to Rochester, NY and Atlanta, GA where he worked with Kodak and Ross Perot’s Electronic Data Systems. He moved to Winter Park where he went on to have a successful career in banking with The First F.A. and commercial real estate with Crossman & Co. Zed was a member of All Saints Church where he served on the vestry and was actively involved in civic and charitable organizations in Central Florida. He taught Crown Ministries and the importance of stewardship, tithing, and sharing our gifts. He was a counselor for Good News Jail & Prison Ministry, believing that everyone, no matter who they are or what they’ve done, has inherent worth in the eyes of God. He also faithfully served El Hogar Ministry, The Stephen Ministry, the Downtown Rotary Club of Orlando, and was a founding board member of Victory Cup Initiative.

He loved sports and playing tennis, and cherished spending time with his family. Zed carried on tradition, bringing extended family together to Hilton Head Island for over 40 years to reconnect, celebrate, and create memories that will last a lifetime. In times of trouble or need, Zed always wisely reminded us that, “the Lord is in charge.”

Zed was a loving husband and father and is survived by his wife, Pam, and their children, Bennett (Misty) Wilson, Kathy (Ted) McCrea, Evelyn Wilson, and Ashley (Brian) Vann. He was preceded in death by his son, Zed “Chip” Layson IV. He adored his family and was immensely proud of his five children and twelve grandchildren. Zed will be remembered as a kind, loving and generous man, not only by his family, but also by the many others whose lives he touched and served alongside.

His service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park on Thursday, May 16 at 11 a.m.