Issue 16 | March 24, 2023
No Tricks! Amnesty Collection Day Set for Saturday, April 1

It’s spring and that means spring cleaning for many so it’s a good time to drop off various home electronics and hazardous waste at Sumter County’s “Amnesty Day.” The Household Electronics and Hazardous Waste Mobile Collection, “Amnesty Day” will take place on Saturday, April 1 at Lake Okahumpka Park, 6085 E SR 44, Wildwood, FL 34785 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sumter County residents can drop off these materials free of charge.

Amnesty Days are popular events for Sumter County residents with four held each year.

Items accepted include automotive fluids and batteries, herbicides, propane tanks up to 25 pounds, cleaners, household electronics (TVs, VCRs, computers, etc.), rechargeable household batteries, latex and oil paints, solvents, pool chemicals among others.

Please DO NOT bring:
1. Biological/infectious waste
2. Explosives
3. Radioactive waste
4. Empty paint cans
5. Tires 
Sumter County Gets
Two New Weather Stations

Getting accurate, up-to-the-minute weather information can be critical during a major weather event. Sumter County recently improved its weather-information abilities with the installation of two new weather stations.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) received funds to purchase and install WeatherSTEM weather stations in counties to provide real-time weather information where there were gaps in coverage. Sumter County Board of County Commissioners entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to participate in FDEM’s Mesonet WeatherSTEM Project, which will benefit Florida and county emergency responders.

Sumter County utilized the official reporting weather station at the National Weather Service located at the Leesburg Airport in Lake County. After Hurricane Ian, Sumter County Emergency Management Division conducted an after-action/improvement plan, which deemed it necessary to acquire two new weather stations.

After installation in March, the two new weather stations are now reporting weather information. One is located at The Villages Sumter County Public Safety Center in Wildwood and the other is located in Bushnell at the Courthouse Complex near the health department.

“We are pleased to partner with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and WeatherSTEM as part of the Severe Weather MesoNET Program,” said David Casto, Director of Emergency Management, Sumter County. “These stations are capable of updating and broadcasting weather data and condition changes instantly. Public safety professionals and first responders can use the real-time weather information to make appropriate decisions on life safety and property protection. Additionally, residents, visitors and business owners have access to the same information.”

Sumter County residents can access
WeatherSTEM’s weather stations in Sumter County at https://sumter.weatherstem.com.

Get Lucky at the Easter Eggstravaganza Adoption Event
Sumter County Animal Services is having an Easter-themed Adoption Eggstravaganza scheduled from March 24 to April 8.

A variety of cats and dogs are available for adoption and/or fostering. There are senior dogs of at least seven years of age, adult dogs and puppies. Most of the dogs are medium-sized, ranging in weight from 30 to 70 pounds. There are a variety of cats and kittens available as well. Any puppy or kitten available only can be fostered until they are old enough to be spayed/neutered, of which they then can be officially adopted.

Available for adoption or fostering, Blizzard and Bear (seen to the left) are a bonded pair of mixed-breed dogs that love and rely on each other. Because they have grown up together, Sumter County Animal Services would prefer if they were adopted together.

“These two are fabulous. They're happy, goofy and love to get pets, but they’re also content to do their own thing,” said Karen Johnwick, Animal Control Technician Supervisor, Sumter County Animal Services. “They are fine lounging away from each other, but they also like to chase and play together. They both have a pretty mellow demeanor; Blizzard has spurts of spunkiness, Bear is the go-with-the-flow kind of fella.”

All adopted animals will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and will have received heartworm and flea prevention while at the shelter. All Sumter County residents will receive a free County tag for their new pet!

Come visit us at 819 CR 529, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 and view our adoptable animals today. If you find an animal that you are interested in, please complete an online adoption application or come into the office and fill out a paper application. All adoptable animals are available on a first come, first served basis.