Lake County Sheriff’s Office leaders told the Board of Commissioners they will start a Lake County Police Academy in partnership with Lakeland Community College in September.

Officials said the program is intended to create a local pipeline of trained candidates for the county’s roughly 20 police agencies. The academy’s estimated cost is about $5,500 per recruit; that fee covers weapons training, uniforms and instructor costs. The sheriff’s office said it will work with Lakeland Community College and the Lakeland Foundation to pursue scholarships, financial aid and other funding to reduce the cost burden for students.

County leaders said they will also ask local police departments whether they can provide on‑duty training officers; departments that supply such instructors could see reduced costs for recruits. Chief Izzo and Deputy Tiesel (named in the meeting) were identified as key local trainers who will help run the program.

Commissioners described the partnership as a way to tailor training to Lake County needs and to expand the local pool of qualified candidates. No formal board action was recorded; the announcement was presented as an informational briefing.