Construction near Lake County courthouse causes headache for drivers

TAVARES, Fla. — Lake County’s eight-floor parking garage in Tavares is not as easy to get to as it used to be.

“It’s definitely confusing, because we’re not used to the roads and one way to get out and get in,” said Clermont resident Genessy Velasquez.

Wednesday was the first day the county had to close Alfred Street half a block down from the structure for major utility work.

As a result, Sinclair Avenue, which runs right in front of it, may be blocked for weeks, leaving just one way in and out of the garage, which primarily serves the courthouse.

“With a place that a lot of people have to come to on a daily basis, it’s very inconvenient,” Genessy Velasquez said.

County officials predicted things could get difficult.

“You have to find alternate way in and sometimes it’s complicated. We had to pull a u-turn down the street. It’s just not convenient I would say,” said resident John Velasquez.

Officials hope that by Monday, which is jury selection day, drivers will be used to the detours.

But resident Andy Ikensaa said he knows that by next Monday, there will be a whole new group of jurors, who have no idea what they’re in for.

“Maybe you guys can flag it and help me get out of here when I get ready to leave,” Ikensaa said.

All of the road and utility work in Downtown Tavares is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

WFTV