Lake Panasoffkee News

Lake and Sumter counties are increasingly being recognized as top Florida fishing destinations, with the Harris Chain of Lakes this weekend hosting its second major fishing tournament in three weeks and Lake Panasoffkee making a prestigious top-10 list.

Starting today, visitors will have to pay $5 a day to park at nationally known Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde and Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs.

A hitchhiker accused of leaving a Sumter County motorist on the side of the road, hog-tied, raped and stomped to death, was sentenced to death Friday morning.

Dozens of area residents climbed aboard the Orange Blossom Cannonball on Saturday for its inaugural run from Tavares to Lake Jem, taking a ride on the train that starred in several-award winning motion pictures.

A half-dozen store operators, caught up in a Sumter County sweep of people accused of selling drugs and alcohol to children, are angry today about false charges given to the media in error.