First responders are grappling with the challenges of increased demand on their services as Lake and Sumter Counties continue to be among the fastest-growing counties in the state. 

Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell is well aware that an increase in population means an increase in demand for services, whether it’s public safety, roads, schools or employment. He also understands that the demand is only going to grow.  The county’s population, currently hovering around 450,000, is projected to surpass 500,000 by 2029.

To prepare for this growth, Grinnell has requested an additional $17.5 million for the next budget year. A significant portion of that amount will be allocated to added personnel. 

“What I’m having to do is add additional zones or make the zones that are already in place smaller, so I can add additional staffing to meet that demand that’s out there,” Sheriff Grinnell says.

Manpower is only one piece of the puzzle. 

Sheriff Grinnell’s department also faces financial pressures, particularly with rising costs of services like inmate food and healthcare. 

“The contract for inmate food services has almost doubled in four years,” he says.

That’s just one example of how a swelling population increases the cost of maintaining public safety infrastructure.

To meet the challenges and best serve the growing population, Sheriff Grinnell has considered decentralizing the sheriff’s office, which currently operates out of a hub in Tavares. Establishing full-service sheriff’s offices in South Lake, Northeast Lake County and other regions would allow for more localized and efficient operations, similar to how precincts operate in larger municipalities like New York City.

According to Leesburg Fire Chief Joe Mera, Leesburg has one of the busiest reported fire stations in the nation per capita, Station 61 in Leesburg, with Station 62 trailing not far behind. With the stations already receiving thousands of calls each year, he is expecting that number to rise. 

“More people plus more structures, commercial and residential, plus more traffic equals more calls for service,” he says. “The southern end of the city is currently largely undeveloped and will likely require additional fire and emergency services as it grows.” 

The Villages Public Safety Department is already working to keep up with growing demands. According to an article in the Property Owners’ Association of The Villages newsletter, Fire Chief Brian Twiss is focusing on getting the new Dependent Fire District up and running and securing the necessary funding. 

“As The Villages continues to grow at a rapid pace, VPSD is going to grow synonymously with the community as population, service demands, and response areas continue to increase,” Chief Twiss says. 

The VPSD’s emergency medical services (EMS) division chief Kenneth Wannen reported that they transported 15,586 patients last year, which far exceeded initial projections. 

“During peak times, we have 6 to 7 calls an hour,” Chief Wannen says. “It takes 50 to 60 minutes round trip to arrive, treat, transport, and get back to the assigned zone.” 

More ambulances will likely be needed as growth continues in The Villages. 

As Lake and Sumter continue to grow, the challenges facing first responders are becoming more complex and demanding. However, two things are certain: Those charged with serving and protecting us are committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of the community; and the proactive steps they are taking today will be crucial in sustaining the high level of public safety that Lake and Sumter County residents have come to expect as their community continues to evolve.

Photos: Cindy Peterson

Photo of LCSO team provided by Brittney Roach