James (Terell) Wilkins

Orlando

Business Reporter at Orlando Sentinel

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Articles

Mount Dora study IDs likely source of pungent mystery smell

5 days ago | orlandosentinel.com | James (Terell) Wilkins

The source of a mystery stench that has plagued Mount Dora residents and visitors for years may finally have been identified by consultants for the city and Lake County. Now the question is what to do about it. According to the consultants' 83-page report, funded by a combined $270,000 from the two local governments, the Mid Florida Materials Mount Dora landfill on State Road 46 is likely generating the hydrogen sulfide gas that gives off the pungent odor.
Sabatini proposes Lake consider how to 'combat' illegal immigration

3 weeks ago | orlandosentinel.com | James (Terell) Wilkins

Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini wants to make it illegal for undocumented immigrants to enter the county, giving local authorities a directive to assist the Trump administration in deportations. Sabatini opened discussion during Tuesday's board meeting about a potential local ordinance modeled after one previously enacted in Jacksonville. "I think, at the state and local level, we need to be doing everything we can to address this very important issue of illegal immigration," he said.
Leesburg commission votes down moratorium on residential rezonings

4 weeks ago | orlandosentinel.com | James (Terell) Wilkins

After extensive deliberation and public comment, the Leesburg City Commission rejected a proposed moratorium on residential rezonings and annexations in the city. At Monday's meeting, commissioners voted 4-1 against the pause, with Commissioner Jay Connell casting the only vote for the moratorium. The suspension would have stopped virtually all new residential land use projects that require a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning until Jan.1, 2027 - a period of over 20 months.
Leesburg moratorium would stop residential rezoning, annexation until 2027

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | James (Terell) Wilkins
Why does Mount Dora smell funny?

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | James (Terell) Wilkins

Out in Mount Dora, east of U.S. Highway 441, a strong odor has plagued the nasal passages of area residents for years. The mystery smell, described by Mount Dora Mayor James Homich as "more industrial than sewer," has been a consistent source of annoyance and confusion for those in the city.
Land sale jump-starts Clermont's Lumberyard District

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | James (Terell) Wilkins

An Atlanta-based developer has purchased the multifamily site in downtown Clermont's mixed-use Lumberyard District and is moving to redevelop the Lake County site. PENLER paid $7.4 million to longtime owners Wolfe & Wallace Properties for the 7.2-acre parcel next to Victory Pointe Park and the South Lake Trail. PENLER has secured a $45.7 million construction loan from Mississippi-based Renasant Bank.
Former motocross track in Leesburg sold for housing

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | James (Terell) Wilkins

Dix Developments has acquired the 74-acre Blake Ridge property in Leesburg from retired motocross professional Blake Baggett for $4.875 million. Formerly known as El Chupacabra Ranch, a nod to Baggett's nickname during his racing career, Blake Ridge is set to contain 216 single-family lots, with earthwork expected to begin in September, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.
Thousands in Central Florida struggle to find rental units they can afford

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | James (Terell) Wilkins

Eric McCullough spent months looking for an affordable place of his own but then moved into an apartment with his daughter, his only option to make ends meet. McCullough, 59, lives on disability insurance and said he could not find apartments or houses for rent that he could afford on those payments alone. "The magic question, to me, is what do people consider affordable?" he asked.
Central Floridians grapple with high egg prices, eating fewer or looking for alternatives

2 months ago | orlandosentinel.com | James (Terell) Wilkins

With the cost of eggs scrambling their grocery budget, Orlando residents Daniel Bryson and Victoria Cummins now eat them only on special occasions. "It's not like I wanted to cut eggs out of my diet, but the last pack of eggs I bought was ... like $9," Cummins said. "There might have been less expensive eggs, but I was also trying to prioritize what we put into our bodies - and it's become unaffordable."An online fitness influencer, Bryson said meal prepping is a big part of his daily routine.
Central Floridians grapple with high egg prices, eating fewer or looking for alternatives

2 months ago | yahoo.com | James (Terell) Wilkins

With the cost of eggs scrambling their grocery budget, Orlando residents Daniel Bryson and Victoria Cummins now eat them only on special occasions. “It’s not like I wanted to cut eggs out of my diet, but the last pack of eggs I bought was … like $9,” Cummins said. “There might have been less expensive eggs, but I was also trying to prioritize what we put into our bodies — and it’s become unaffordable.”An online fitness influencer, Bryson said meal prepping is a big part of his daily routine.