Ocala, Florida — Marion County sheriff’s deputies secured an accident scene Friday evening as Marion County Fire Rescue prepared victims for transport. Deputies kept the accident scene secure until the Florida Highway Patrol was able to arrive.
Preliminary reports indicated that a Toyota Camry was traveling west on Country Road 484, and might have been stopped at a red-light when the Camry was rear-ended by a Chevrolet DURAMAX DIESEL 3500 pickup.
The rear-end of the Camry was shoved into the backseat.
The impact of the accident “shot” the Camry into oncoming traffic in the eastbound lanes.
The accident occurred just feet from the Marion Oaks entrance.
The occupants of the Camry — three females– were transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center. Their condition is not known at this time.
The driver of the pickup truck did not appear to be injured.
This is just a preliminary report, Ocala Post will bring you more information once FHP completes its investigation.
Ocala police on the scene of the TD Bank robbery in Ocala. [Photo by Jenny Diaz][Last updated on April 10, 2014, at 11:00 p.m.]
Bank robbery suspect, James C. Collier captured.
Ocala, Florida — Ocala Police said two banks were robbed within hours.
On Friday, at approximately 9:20 a.m., the TD Bank, located at 2437 Southeast 17th Street was robbed at gunpoint.
According to Ocala Police, a man, later identified as James Christian Collier, entered the TD Bank and gave one of the tellers his identification, which had his name on it. The teller told police that Collier wanted to inquire about “his account” with the bank.
However, when she typed in Collier’s personal information into the banking computer there wasn’t any information about him in the system. Collier then gave the teller his Social Security Number.
When nothing came up in the system the teller asked Collier if he had an account. Collier replied, “I should have a savings account.”
According to reports, the teller again told Collier the system did not show anything, at which time he asked for his identification back and left the bank.
Moments later, Collier re-entered the bank and approached a different teller. The teller told police that he pulled a gun and motioned with his free hand for her to hand over the money. Once she handed Collier the cash, he ran from the bank.
Then, at 11:25 a.m., the SunTrust Bank in the 3500 block of State Road 40 was robbed.
According to reports, Collier handed the teller a note that was written on the back of a deposit slip.
The note read: “All the cash.”
According to reports, the teller handed Collier some cash and he fled the bank.
Investigators said that while they were investigating the SunTrust robbery a witness approached them. The witness told investigators that someone with a gun had entered a Kangaroo gas station earlier in the day.
According to reports, just prior to the robberies Collier had gone into the Kangaroo and asked for a job. When he was denied he told the clerk that he might be forced to “do something crazy.” The clerk said Collier then motioned under his clothing and pointed out that he had a gun.
The clerk said that when she saw police responding to SunTrust she followed them so she could tell them what had happened.
The clerk positively identified Collier as the man who had entered the store.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., Collier was caught trying to break into a motor home located in the 4900 block of East State Road 40.
As officers approached Collier, he fled on food. Collier was chased and caught by a Marion County Sheriff’s K-9. As the K-9 attempted to bite Collier, he began striking the K-9 with closed fists. Collier was then tased and taken into custody.
Collier was charged with Robbery with a Firearm(x2), Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, Resisting Arrest, and Public Order Crimes/Striking a K-9 Police Dog.
He has previous convictions for Burglary, Fraud, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, Reckless Driving, Drug Possession, Larceny, Falsifying Pawn Broker Forms, Defrauding a Food Establishment, and multiple Violation of Probation arrests.
Collier’s bond was set at $120,000.
Police said Collier was in possession of $1,600 at the time of his arrest.
Thomas Gaines, the father of one of the tellers, told Ocala Post that his daughter was really shaken up after the robbery.
Ocala, Florida — SunTrust Bank is taking heavy fire after they sent out letters to some of its business customers telling them their accounts would be closed.
Vinny’s Super Pawn, located at 8810 Southwest Highway 200 Unit 121, Ocala, is just one of thousands of customers affected.
Pawn shop owner, Evie Mostacci, told Ocala Post that she firmly believes that SunTrust is targeting businesses that sell guns and ammunition. Mostacci received a letter from SunTrust informing her that she had to close both her savings and her business checking account in August 2014.
American Gun & Pawn Inc., owner Steve Champion, who also received a letter from SunTrust, said he too believes it is because he sells guns.
A spokesperson for SunTrust told Ocala Post that they are not targeting businesses that sell guns or other types of weapons. SunTrust said they adopted a policy and have decided not to allow accounts for pawn shops, payday lenders, and check cashing businesses. Businesses that SunTrust said it considers “high risk.”
The owners said they feel that the Obama administration has influenced the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) with a program called “Operation Choke Point,” which is an operation that was started by the U.S Justice Department in 2012. The U.S. Justice Department said that “Operation Choke Point” was implemented as a way to stop banking fraud. The operation allegedly only investigated banks’ relationships with “third-party payment processors,” which are the payment services that online stores often rely upon, to determine if they were defrauding consumers.
SunTrust denies that the FDIC has influenced the bank’s decision.
“SunTrust is pro-small business, and we are proud to serve more than 400,000 small business clients. SunTrust fully supports all of the rights that Americans are granted under the Constitution, and we continue to maintain banking relationships with licensed firearms dealers. It is consistent with long-standing industry practice to review relationships to ensure they satisfy a range of business and risk considerations. We have decided to discontinue banking relationships with three types of businesses – specifically payday lenders, pawn shops and dedicated check-cashers – due to compliance requirements. We remain committed to serving the needs of our communities while meeting the standards of our industry,” SunTrust wrote in a statement.
Mostacci said that despite what SunTrust has told the media and the public, her personal experience tells a different story.
“We first noticed that there was a big change in almost all of the employees working at SunTrust, including tellers and loan officers. We used the drive-thru all the time, and after 17 years of banking with SunTrust we got to know the people there. Well , that changed,” Mostacci said. “Just prior to receiving a letter I had visited SunTrust; and during my visit I was specifically asked by a bank employee if I sold firearms, which I answered yes.”
Mostaccis said, “Thinking the employee was interested in a firearm, I told him to come down and check us out. Days later, I received a letter from SunTrust’s corporate office telling me I had to close my accounts.”
The Justice Department also denies that the program was implemented to intimidate the FDIC into not doing business with those that sell firearms. However, a list that was created by the FDIC in 2011 specifically named firearms sales, coin dealers, dating services, fireworks shops, tobacco sales, pornography, travel clubs, lottery sales, cash advance businesses, and pharmaceutical sales as businesses that should be targeted.
Oddly enough, the only businesses that have reported receiving letters have been those that sell firearms and a few tobacco shops. Additionally, many believe there is also a direct link between “Choke Point” and the fact that pharmacies have recently refused to fill prescriptions for many people.
On May 29, 2014, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) released a staff report, citing that the DOJ’s creation of “Operation Choke Point” illegally choked off legitimate businesses. It was suggested that the list created by the FDIC had become a “hit list” of sorts that specifically targeted small businesses in the categories that were on the list.
Pawn shop owners said the operation was a back door for the Obama administration to be able to prevent the sale of guns.
“Operation Choke Point is the Justice Department’s newest abuse of power,” Issa said. “If the administration believes some businesses should be out of business, they should prosecute them before a judge and jury. By forcibly conscripting banks to do their bidding, the Justice Department has avoided any review and any check on their power.”
So why are business owners just now hearing about this? Because until now, the operation was kept secret.
It wasn’t until gun rights advocates and pawn shop owners like Mostacci and Champion started to “connect the dots” that they realized what was happening, and why.
The DOJ said they have never targeted those that sell guns or ammunition using “Choke Point.”
However, the American Banking Association said banks had most likely been influenced by federal guidelines. And the proof was in a letter from the FDIC to banks urging them to deny service to customers in the categories on the list created by the FDIC. On February 12, 2015, the letter was “corrected.”
It now reads:
“The FDIC is issuing this statement to encourage institutions to take a risk-based approach in assessing individual customer relationships rather than declining to provide banking services to entire categories of customers.”
Then, on July 28, 2014, one month before SunTrust began sending out letters informing pawn shop owners that their accounts would be closed by a certain date, the FDIC removed the “hit list” they had published. However, they did revise it and republished a list of guidelines.
Brian Wise, senior advisor for the U.S Consumer Coalition, said, “Choke Point has one purpose the government won’t admit, and that’s to go after businesses they couldn’t legislate out of existence for the last two decades.” Adding, “In late 2014, the Obama Administration began a process that would protect the effectiveness of Operation Choke Point by transferring the program from the DOJ and FDIC to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The program was never intended to be made public, and as such, would have been most effectively executed through Attorney General Holder’s leadership of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force with DOJ and FDIC at the lead. Once the program was made public, and victims began coming forward, the Administration had to find a way to protect the program and its ability to prevent lawful industries from operating. Due to the lack of congressional oversight, and the unique funding and leadership structure of the CFPB, the Administration knows that it will make the perfect agency to carry on the legacy of Operation Choke Point. The Administration will continue to remove any obstacles in their way.
The U.S. Consumer Coalition has been warning lawmakers and industry leaders about the plan for the CFPB to take over Operation Choke Point since the FDIC took down their list of ‘high-risk’ merchants in 2014. Now, everyone can begin to see that the CFPB is one of the the nation’s most dangerous, unaccountable, and out of control agencies in the federal government.”
“I’m not saying ‘Choke Point’ is the only reason why SunTrust is closing accounts, but it’s pretty suspicious,” Champion said.
Mostacci said that what SunTrust is doing to small businesses is illegal and wrong. She also said she plans to protest against SunTrust this Friday.
Business analysts said that the main goal of “Choke Point” is to cut off financial services to businesses that the government deems as “risky,” thus forcing small businesses to close their doors.
If you have been a victim of SunTrust’s “new policy,” or just want to express your opinion, leave a comment on Ocala Post’s Facebook. You can also log-in with Facebook in the comment section below.
It has been confirmed that three people that died had eaten Listeria-tainted ice cream products from Blue Bell, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week. Originally, Kansas Department of Health and Environment said that the Listeria might not have been the main cause of death in the three adults, but that it was definitely a contributing factor.
Ocala Post also reported that the Sabra Dipping Company recalled 30,000 cases of its classic flavor hummus because of the same bacteria.
On April 7, 2015, FDA notified Blue Bell Creameries of Brenham, Texas, that Listeria monocytogenes was present in samples of Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream pints. FDA collected the samples as part of a joint inspection with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) of the Broken Arrow plant which began on March 23, 2015. During the inspection, the ODAFF collected a sample showing the presence of Listeria monocytogenes from a 3 oz. Blue Bell chocolate ice cream cup with a tab lid, which was part of an earlier recall by Blue Bell Creameries.
Subsequently, on April 7, 2015, Blue Bell Creameries expanded the recall disclaimer icon of ice cream manufactured in its Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, plant to include additional products that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The company has reported that the recalled products were manufactured on the same production line that produced the ice cream that showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and that the products were manufactured between February 12, 2015, and March 27, 2015. A list of recalled products is located at the bottom of this article.
The products being recalled are distributed to retail outlets, including food service accounts, convenience stores and supermarkets in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Additionally, Blue Bell Creameries has reported that on April 4, 2015, the firm began working with retail outlets to remove all products produced in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, from their service area.
The CDC has recommended that consumers do not eat any Blue Bell brand products made at the Blue Bell Creameries’ Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, production facility and that retailers and institutions do not sell or serve them.
According to the CDC, this advice is especially important for people at higher risk for listeriosis, including pregnant women, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems.
Listeriosis is a serious illness caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. Anyone who experiences fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, or develops fever and chills after eating the ice cream should seek medical care and tell their health care provider about any history of eating the ice cream. Symptoms can appear from a few days up to a few weeks after consumption of the contaminated food.
Blue Bell Creameries encourages consumers who have purchased these items to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information consumers with questions may call Blue Bell Creameries at 979-836-7977, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST or go to bluebell.com.
Blue Bell brand products made at the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, production facility can be identified by checking for letters “O,” “P,” “Q,” “R,” “S,” and “T” following the “code date” printed on the bottom of the product package.
Product Name
Product Code
Ice Cream Cup Chocolate (3 FL OZ)
No UPC – SKU #453
Ice Cream Cup Strawberry (3 FL OZ)
No UPC – SKU #452
Ice Cream Cup Vanilla (3 FL OZ)
No UPC – SKU #451
Ice Cream Pints: UPC # 071899-05101 5
Code Date
Ice Cream Banana Pudding pint
021217S
Ice Cream Butter Crunch pint
021917S
Ice Cream Mint Chocolate Chip pint
022017S
Ice Cream Cookies ‘n Cream pint
030317S, 030617S
Ice Cream Homemade Vanilla pint
030417S
Ice Cream Dutch Chocolate pint
032317S
Ice Cream Moo-llennium Crunch pint
032417S, 032517S
Sherbet Pint: UPC # 0 71899-19990 8
Rainbow Sherbet pint
021717S, 021817S, 022317S, 030217S
Sherbet Quarts: UPC # 0 71899-18992 3
Orange Sherbet quart
032617S
Mixed Berry Sherbet quart
032717S
3 ounce Tab Lid Cup: Product # 136 *Institutional / food service cup only
Sabra Dipping Co., LLC announced that it is voluntarily recalling approximately 30,000 cases of its Classic Hummus due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This measure is limited to five SKUs of Classic Hummus sold nationwide. To date, no other Sabra product is affected by this recall.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
To date, there have been no reports indicating that these products have caused any illness.
The products being recalled are listed below and were distributed to retail outlets, including food service accounts and supermarkets, in the U.S. Consumers can find code and use by dates on the top of each package.
CLICK TO ENLARGE
The potential for contamination was discovered when a routine, random sample collected at a retail location on March 30th, 2015 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Consumers who have purchased any of these products are urged to dispose of or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions may call toll free 1-888-957-2272, Monday – Friday 9:00AM to 4:30PM Central Time.
Ocala, Florida — Authorities said someone discovered a man slumped over his vehicle’s steering wheel Thursday morning.
The body was discovered on the side of U.S. 441 near Northwest 35th Street.
A passer-by saw the vehicle’s hazard lights and stopped to check on the driver.
When the driver did not respond, the good Samaritan broke the drivers side window and felt for a pulse. A pulse was not detected and authorities were immediately notified.
Emergency crews responded and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man was identified as Starke attorney, Mark Steinberg, 55. According to investigators, Steinberg was on his way to the Marion County Judicial Center when he died.
The investigation is ongoing. Homicide investigators said they do not suspect foul play at this time.
Dunnellon, Florida — A woman and a man were killed Wednesday night after their motorcycle collided with a car. The accident happened at 10:30 p.m.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers said Dana Roberts, 16, who was driving a 2005 Pontiac G6, was stopped at a stop sign westbound on Southwest 85th Place at the intersection of Southwest 140th Avenue.
As Roberts pulled off from the stop sign and headed southbound, she entered the path of Jason Cotton, 37, who was driving a 2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling northbound on Southwest 140th Avenue. Passenger Allison Hartwig, 29, was on the back of the Harley.
The left front of the Pontiac struck the front of the Harley, at which time Cotton was thrown onto the west grassy shoulder of Southwest 140th Avenue. Hartwig was thrown into the roadway and run over by two other vehicles — a 2012 Kia Sorento driven by Jeanne Bagnall, 60, and a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Christine Snyder, 57.
The Kia and Hyundai, which were both traveling southbound on Southwest 140 Avenue, also struck the Harley.
The 16-year-old told troopers that she saw the motorcycle, but thought it was further away than what it actually was.
Troopers said that the stretch of road where the accident occurred is very dark at that time of night.
Cotton was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. Hartwig was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers said neither Cotton nor Hartwig were wearing a helmet.
According to a FHP spokesperson, Cotton and Hartwig, who are from Dunnellon, were due to get married at the end of the month.
According to social media, Hartwig was also one of the owners of the local Zaxby’s restaurants.
You can sense how happy Hartwig was in this Facebook post that was written the night before she died.
Nearly 1,000 gang members and associates from 239 different gangs were arrested in 282 cities across the U.S. during Project Wildfire, a six-week operation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The operation targeted transnational criminal gangs and others associated with transnational criminal activity.
“Criminal gangs inflict violence and fear upon our communities, and without the attention of law enforcement, these groups can spread like a cancer,” ICE Director Sarah R. Saldaña said. “That’s why ICE works with law enforcement partners around the country to stamp out gang activity wherever it takes place.”
Project Wildfire was a surge operation led by the HSI National Gang Unit and ran Feb. 23 to March 31. HSI special agents worked with 215 state, local and federal law enforcement partners, including ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), to apprehend individuals from various gangs.
This operation was part of HSI’s Operation Community Shield, a global initiative, where HSI collaborates with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat the growth and proliferation of transnational criminal street gangs, prison gangs, and outlaw motorcycle gangs in the United States and abroad. Through its domestic and international Operation Community Shield task forces, HSI leverages its worldwide presence and expansive statutory and civil enforcement authorities to mitigate the threats posted by these global networks, often through the tracing and seizing of cash, weapons and other illicit proceeds.
Most of the individuals arrested during Project Wildfire were U.S. citizens, but 199 foreign nationals were also arrested, from 18 countries in South and Central America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean.
Of the individuals arrested, 976 were gang members and associates. HSI agents also arrested – or assisted in the arrest – of 231 other individuals on federal and/or state criminal violations and administrative immigration violations, for a total of 1,207 arrests. Of the total 1,207 arrested, 1,057 were males and 150 were females.
Of the 976 gang members or associates arrested: 913 were charged with criminal offenses and 63 were arrested administratively for immigration violations; 650 had violent criminal histories, including 19 individuals wanted on active warrants for murder and 15 for rape or sexual assault; and 199 were foreign nationals, of which 151 were gang members and gang associates.
The majority of arrestees were affiliated with the Sureños, Norteños, Bloods, Crips, Puerto Rican-based gangs and several prison-based gangs.
Enforcement actions occurred around the country, with the greatest activity taking place in the San Juan, Dallas, El Paso, Los Angeles and Detroit HSI areas.
Enforcement actions conducted during Project Wildfire include:
In Puerto Rico and central Florida, 46 members of the Zorrilla criminal organization were arrested for various charges of manufacturing and distributing narcotics, money laundering and other related criminal activity.
In Lubbock, Texas, HSI special agents and task force officers arrested 122 known or suspected gang members and associates from the Bloods, Crips Rollin 60s, Mexican Mafia, Sureños, West Texas, Raza Unida, Aryan Brotherhood, White Aryan Resistance, West Side, Gangster Disciples, Peckerwood, Texas Syndicate and West Texas Tango.
In the Detroit area, HSI special agents and task force officers arrested 89 gang members and associates with ties to gangs such as the Latin Counts, Folk Nation, Sureños and Atherton Terrace.
In the Chicago area, HSI special agents arrested 30 gang members and affiliates with ties to the Sureños 13, Latin Kings, La Raza, Conservative Vice Lords, Gangster Disciples, 4 Corner Hustlers, Maniac Latin Disciples and the Vice Lords.
In California’s Imperial Valley, HSI special agents arrested 28 individuals, including 10 documented gang members of the Brole, North Side Centro, West Side Centro, South Side Centro and Pilgrim Street gangs.
HSI special agents also seized 82 firearms, 5.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7.8 kilograms of marijuana, 5.6 kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of heroin, $379,399 in U.S currency, counterfeit merchandise with a manufactures suggested retail price of $547,534 and five vehicles during Project Wildfire.
Since the inception of Operation Community Shield in February 2005, HSI special agents working in conjunction with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 36,000 street gang members and associates linked to more than 2,600 different gangs. At least 46 percent of those arrested had a violent criminal history. More than 490 of those arrested were gang leaders, and more than 4,700 were MS-13 gang members or associates. Through this initiative, HSI has seized more than 6,600 firearms nationally.
Ocala, Florida — Despite his best efforts, Mayor Kent Guinn’s veto on the Trinity Lane project was overturned by the City Council Tuesday. Councilman Jim Hilty, who has been against the project from the beginning, also held his position on the development.
However, greed within the city council prevailed, and now, the 401-acres off Southwest 42nd Street and 27th Avenue will be destroyed.
Red Oak and Ocala Stud horse farms will now become a cesspool of commercial and residential development, destroying part of the essence of Ocala.
The land is owned by John J. Brunetti, a man known for destroying beautiful land and who is greatly hated in South Florida, Ohio, and New Jersey.
Brunetti has made it his life goal to purchase mass quantities of land, before destroying them with high density development.
In 2012, Brunetti said, “What I’m doing is following my usual business plan to seek property in Florida that I feel will benefit from the natural growth of that state.” He added, “Once the development boom continues, the land will become more valuable.”
There have been open letters written about Brunetti in both Florida and New Jersey publications.
One of Brunetti’s most controversial dealings was with Hialeah Park. He was accused of intentionally “running” the park into the ground for the sole purpose of building residential units.
On May 22, 2001, Hialeah held its last thoroughbred race. In 2003, the state regulators officially revoked the track’s racing license. In the ensuing years, Brunetti let the track, the clubhouse, the stables, and all of its historic structures waste away, officials said.
Then, in 2006, he won approval from the Hialeah City Council to demolish the stables. Brunetti had plans to build 3,760 residential units and more than a million square feet of commercial space on the 220-acre site.
By 2007, the National Trust for Historic Preservation had listed the park as among the most endangered historic places in the country. The future looked dark for Hialeah Park.
“Brunetti really screwed up with the racing dates, which led to him being squeezed out,” historian Paul George says. “Next thing we know, he is ready to sell it to the highest bidder and knock it down.”
Hialeah Park was later turned into a casino.
Many who have met Brunetti describe him as arrogant and abrasive.
Brunetti seems determined to transform Ocala into Orlando, or worse. In his own words, in 2012, he said that his expectation for all thoroughbred farm land he owns in Marion County was for the land to be developed.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Ocala resident Darlene Weesner expressed her concerns about water quality, traffic, developing sinkholes, and overcrowded schools that the development would bring.
Weesner told the council that Ocala currently has a big inventory of houses and businesses that are vacant; therefore the new development would not fill up. She told the council they were being very selfish by trying to create a new tax base, at which time a councilman attempted to interrupt her. However, Weesner continued speaking.
Weesner received a round of applause after speaking, which caused Councilman Jay Musleh to use a gavel to try to hush the crowd.
In one instance, Councilman Musleh very rudely slammed his gavel on his desk and asked, “Can we not have applause after each speaker?”
Residents said the arrogance was unbelievable.
With the exception of Councilman Jim Hilty, it was very clear that council members had made up their minds before the meeting.
Many residents are concerned about a rise in the crime rate.
Every word that Ocala residents spoke fell on deaf ears. And in the end, it was all about the money.
It is not the job of City Council to ensure a developer turns an absurd profit, but rather to lookout for the interests of Ocala residents and the City of Ocala as a whole. Residents said the council has failed at their job.
The land is set to be developed with 1,660 apartment and condominium units. The project also calls for 225,000 square feet of retail space and 425,000 square feet of industrial uses.
Residents said that “the Ocala we know and love is coming to an end, and soon it will be gone forever.”
One fear is that the Trinity Lane project would become a haven for sinkholes, similar to what happened at the Fore Ranch development.
Mira Leggett, one of the last residents that spoke, said, “If we wanted to live in Orlando, we would live there. We don’t!” She said, “If there is no land there will be no horses. And may I remind you gentlemen that the horse industry brings between 1 and 2.6 billion dollars into Marion County.”
Mayor Guinn told the council that Ocala has been living with decisions that were made 20 years ago. The mayor said the Trinity Lane project is a bad decision.
After Mayor Guinn spoke, the audience applauded him. Councilman Musleh became infuriated and showed complete disrespect to the Mayor, which can be heard in the audio clip.
Councilman Musleh can also be heard in the audio clip arrogantly comparing the council to a court of law.
Councilman John McLeod defended the project. Councilman McLeod inferred that Ocala residents are too ignorant and wouldn’t understand.
Craig Bernick, the owner of Glen Hill Farm said the City Council is afraid to stand up to developers.
Immediately following the meeting, two citizens said, “I truly hope all Ocala residents remember this come time to vote.”
The above audio clip, which includes comments from Mayor Guinn and Councilman Jim Hilty, is only a few minutes of what transpired during the meeting.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 06: Justise Winslow #12 and Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrate following a play against the Wisconsin Badgers during the NCAA Men’s Final Four Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 6, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Duke defeated Wisconsin 68-63. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
When the final buzzer sounded, it wasn’t the last unbeaten team in the nation to cut down the net, nor was it the player of the year. It was the Duke Blue Devils winning it all this year.
Duke was able to edge out Wisconsin for the second time this season, but this time winning meant more than just a W on the record, it meant the National Championship. Jahlil Okafor and the Duke Blue Devils beat Frank Kaminsky and the Wisconsin Badgers 68-63 in Monday night’s national championship game.
Duke’s Coach Mike Krzyzewski claimed a fifth national championship Monday night putting him alone for second place all-time on the national championship list, behind only John Wooden. Krzyzewski is now 4-0 in his career in Final Four games at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Wisconsin’s senior center Frank Kaminsky, who recently won player of the year, could not win it all, coming up short of a national championship for Wisconsin. Kaminky led the Badgers to the Final Four last year before losing to eventual runner-up Kentucky.
Both Wisconsin and Duke will have some big shoes to fill as both of their best player, Kaminsky and Okafor, will enter the NBA Draft and both will most likely go in the top picks of the first round.
Jeffrey Tyrone Smith [Mugshot from previous arrest]Ocala, Florida — A career criminal committed the same crime twice in one week while out on felony bond and is now in the hospital.
It started on Wednesday, April 1, when Detective Blair with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 7300 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue Road in reference to an armed robbery.
Upon arrival, one of the victims told the detective that his father had contacted him by phone and stated that someone wanted to sell him a green Dodge pickup truck for $2,500.
The suspect, later identified as Jeffrey Tyrone Smith, 26, told the father that he wanted to meet in the 7000 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue Road.
According to the victim, he and his grandfather drove to the area in his grandfather’s truck.
According to reports, when the two victims arrived, Smith walked from a wooded area onto the dirt road, at which time the victims stopped their truck next to Smith.
Smith then told the victims that the green Dodge was further down the street and asked if he could ride in their vehicle, to which the victims agreed.
Once inside the vehicle, Smith sat directly behind the grandson who was driving.
As the grandson began to drive southbound on Northwest 42nd Avenue Road, Smith put his left arm around the grandson’s neck and placed him in a “chokehold.” Smith then put a knife directly to the grandson’s throat and stated, “Give me all the money.” The grandson replied, “No.”
According to reports, Smith then pressed the knife harder against the grandson’s throat. The grandson then stated to his grandfather, “Give him the money, it’s not worth dying for.”
The grandfather then handed Smith $1,800. Smith asked: “How much money did you give me?” When the grandfather told him $1,800, Smith asked, “It was supposed to be $2,500, where is the rest of it?” The grandfather told Smith that the rest of the money was at their junkyard office.
Smith then demanded the victims drive him to their bank and withdraw more money.
When the grandfather told Smith he didn’t have any money in the bank, Smith demanded their cell phones. Smith then ordered them to shut the vehicle off and give him the keys.
Smith then exited the vehicle and began to run.
The grandson told his grandfather to grab his gun and shoot the man, at which point the grandfather fired two shots but missed.
Smith got away with the $1,800.
The grandson described Smith as a black male with a very dark complexion, short hair, with “really big lips, and crooked teeth.”
Then, on April 6, a man matching that description committed a very similar crime.
In the second case, the victim told deputies that he owned a shop in Gainesville and had taken out an ad on Craigslist looking to buy vehicles that needed work.
The victim stated that on April 6, he was contacted by a man, later identified as Smith, who wanted to sell a 2005 Dodge pickup for $1,500. The victim stated that Smith later called back and said he was leaving town and would take $1,000 for the truck if he drove to Ocala that night.
Smith then sent two photos of the phantom truck via text.
According to reports, the victim and his friend agreed to take the drive and meet Smith at the Sunoco gas station at Northwest 27th Avenue and SR 40.
Upon arrival at the Sunoco, Smith approached the two victims and stated that he would take them to the truck, but he needed a ride.
As with the first robbery, Smith got in the back seat behind the driver.
Smith then directed the victim to the Ocala Ridge Subdivision.
According to the victim, Smith directed him down several dirt roads, and they made numerous turns. The victim stated that he started to get a gut feeling that something was wrong and became suspicious.
The victim told deputies that Smith eventually led them to a residence located at 5375 Northwest 6th Place.
The victim stated that he saw cars parked on the side of the house but did not see a pickup truck.
He said at that point he really felt something was wrong.
According to reports, once Smith exited the vehicle, the victim grabbed his gun and stuck it in the front of his pants.
The victim with the gun stated that his friend then exited the vehicle and walked toward the backyard with Smith.
The victim stated that all of a sudden he heard his friend yell, “Son of a b***h.” He said that was when he saw his friend bending over in pain, like he had been punched in the stomach.
At this point, the victim did not know that his friend had been stabbed.
The victim told deputies that Smith then turned and ran toward him, at which time he drew his gun and fired a single shot, striking Smith.
According to the victim, Smith fell to the ground but continued to try and get up to come at him. The victim said he told Smith to stay down.
The victim stated that he and his friend then retreated to their vehicle, because they did not know if Smith had friends in the house that would try and harm them.
The victim said he called 911, and it was at that time he realized his friend had been stabbed in the abdomen.
Deputies and EMS arrived a short time later.
Both the stabbing victim and Smith were transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
On April 7, the victims in both incidents positively identified Smith. Smith was then placed under arrest while recovering from a gunshot wound at ORMC.
Due to the severity of the stabbing victim’s injury, Smith will be held without bond once he is booked into the Marion County Jail.
He is charged with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Robbery with a Weapon (x2).
Smith had just been released from jail on March 24, on a felony bond for False Imprisonment.
He has previous convictions for Cocaine Possession, Credit Card Fraud, Burglary, Domestic Battery, Grand Theft, Possession of Crack Cocaine, Larceny, and Violation of Probation.
It is not clear if the second victim had a concealed weapons permit, but he will not be charged with any crime.
In this December 2014 file photo, Marion county firefighters protest at the office of the Marion County Commissioners.
Ocala, Florida — In an e-mail to county commissioners and Marion County Fire Rescue employees, fire chief and assistant county administrator Stuart McElhaney announced to the agency that the county commissioners have directed staff to hold the line on taxes and look for ways to re-prioritize spending to direct more revenue to the ambulance service. However, McElhaney admits in the same e-mail, the move could cost the agency more money.
Particularly, the county is looking at turning over control of basic life support inter-facility transports and EMS standby services at events like rodeos and sporting events currently provided by the county over to private companies. These inter-facility transports McElhaney refers to are ambulance transports between different hospitals and from nursing homes to emergency rooms.
“These standby services are particularly stressful to both our budget and staffing plan; even more so during our current staffing shortage,” McElhaney wrote. McElhaney has said in recent reports that Marion County Fire Rescue is 60 firefighters and paramedics short. This is due to an exodus of skilled senior firefighters and paramedics leaving Marion County for other fire departments that have higher pay and better benefits. The issue is made worse by budget cuts over recent years that have led to three years of deficit spending.
McElhaney added, “While this would mean a potential loss of revenue, it would have the net effect of freeing up one complete ALS ambulance crew on a 24/7 basis.”
In layman’s terms, the commission, namely Commissioner Stan McClain, is going to great lengths to avoid budget increases for MCFR by privatizing certain fire rescue services. However, the privatization and loss of revenue would only free up one ambulance crew. A reasonable person could conclude that it hardly seems worth the effort.
There has been speculation that Leopard Transport, owned by retired MCFR division chief Tracey Lefevre, would benefit from the privatization. Lefevre also has close ties with Commissioner Carl Zalak.
The amount of revenue the agency might lose was not identified by county commissioners.
“The loss of revenue would most likely come from the inter-facility transports,” stated Ryan O’Reilly, secretary and public relations director for the Professional Firefighters of Marion County. “Inter-facility transports are a major source of revenue for the department. Our association has obvious concerns because without this revenue the tax payers will have to bear even greater responsibility for funding a department already in deficit spending.”
O’Reilly explained to the Ocala Post that these transports provide guaranteed revenue by billing medical insurance companies for the use of the ambulance and is really the only profit generating aspect of emergency medical services. Emergency ambulance transports called in through using 911, however, may or may not be recouped through the billing process. It depends if the individual user pays the bill.
“There are many people in this county who have limited options and may be unable to pay the user fee for the ambulance,” O’Reilly said. “This is the last thing on their mind when faced with a potentially life threatening emergency. But that’s what it means to be part of a community; that we take care of each other.”
McElhaney in his memo notes that the decrease in property taxes designated for the ambulance service is part of the issue, stating that the county collects around half as much in taxes for the ambulance service as the agency did when MCFR began providing countywide EMS protection in 2008.
“When the county began providing ambulance transport services exclusively through the fire department, they did it more efficiently, improved upon response times, and saved the taxpayers money,” O’Reilly said, adding that years of budget cuts have led to the department’s struggles.
“It is our hope that the County Commissioners take a hard look at the real financial impact of privatizing this aspect of the ambulance service before making a decision,” O’Reilly stated. “The fire department is already in a state of crisis and any knee jerk decision may have detrimental consequences to a struggling budget.”
The county commissioners will consider this issue over the summer through September during budget workshops. The county commissioners are also having the department redesign a strategic five-year plan for Marion County Fire Rescue after rejecting staff’s five-year plan last year.
That plan called for adding five additional 24-hour staffed ambulances and one additional 24-hour ambulance a year for the next four years to help adjust for increasing demand for the Fire Rescue services. The plan was rejected because it called for an increase in revenue and staff for the fire department.
The last time Marion County Fire Rescue operated under a strategic plan was in 2011 when a 10-year strategic plan expired.
Commissioners make privatization sound like it’s a winning situation, when in actuality it would reduce the standard of care and create a reduction in services. Why? Because privatized companies do not have to follow the same guidelines as government agencies do.
If the guaranteed revenue for MCFR is taken away, Marion County residents will no longer reap the benefits of the offset of taxes the revenue creates. Furthermore, privatization will endanger the lives of Marion County residents.
Even more sickening to firefighters than privatization, is the fact that McDonald’s owned restaurants could soon pay its employees $15 per hour. Meanwhile, those in a skilled career who put their lives on the line everyday, continue to suffer.
If residents would like to learn more, join volunteer firefighter Samuel J. Matychak III, at 2:30 p.m., April 14, at the Marion County Fire Rescue Administration Building for the Marion County Fire Advisory Board quarterly meeting.
“This meeting is open to the public, let’s fill the meeting up and let our voices be heard,” Matychak said.
You can read the letter drafted by Commissioner Stan McClain here.
Officer Jared Forsyth [Deceased][Last updated on April 6, 2015, at 10:10 p.m.]
An Ocala police officer has died as the result of an accidental shooting that occurred on Monday.
According to Ocala Police Department Public information Officer Sergeant Angy Scroble, Officer Jared Forsyth, 33, was at the Lowell Correctional Institute firing range for a firearms training exercise when the accident happened.
Officer Forsyth was transported to Ocala Regional Medical center where he was rushed into surgery.
At 6:31 p.m., Sergeant Angy Scroble released the following statement: “It is my sad duty to inform you that Officer Forsyth did not survive his injuries from the accidental shooting today.”
At approximately 5:30 p.m., Officer Forsyth died from his injuries while on the operating table.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) was called in to investigate the accidental shooting, at which time the firing range was secured.
The name of the other officer involved is not being released at this time.
“He will be missed by all of his OPD family and we will keep his family and loved ones in our prayers,” Sergeant Angy Scroble wrote in a statement.
During a press conference Monday night, Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham was visibly distraught, and spoke in a low tone as he explained how the accident occurred.
Chief Graham said the second officer was unloading his .40-caliber Glock when the weapon accidentally discharged. The round ricocheted off a bench and struck Forsyth in the arm. The bullet traveled through the officer’s arm, into the his side, and then into his chest. Chief graham said, “Forsyth was wearing a bulletproof vest, but the sides are not protected with bullet-resistant material.”
Chief Graham said the last time that OPD lost an officer was 60-years ago.
Chief Graham said, “If you pray, please pray for my officers. Pray for the one who didn’t survive. Pray for the one that hopefully will survive.”
“Words can’t express the sorrow I feel for losing an officer under my watch,” Chief Graham said.
He began his career with the Ocala Police Department on April 16, 2012.
As FDLE continues its investigation, Chief Graham said he will do everything within his power to make sure this never happens again.
Jason Napier [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — An Ocala Man was charged with Second-Degree Murder Easter Sunday after he was accused of shooting and killing another man during an argument Saturday. In addition to the aforementioned charge, he was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a convicted Felon, Use of a Firearm during a Felony, and Violation of Probation (x2).
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday, Jason Doyle Napier, 29, was driven by a friend to 4560 Southwest 37th Lane, Ocala; he was accompanied by his estranged wife.
While at the location, Napier had an altercation with his wife. Witnesses told detectives that while the two were arguing, Napier threw his wife down on the front porch.
Investigators said that is when Napier walked back to the vehicle, retrieved a gun, and returned to the front door of the apartment.
Investigators said Napier then attempted to force his way into the apartment, at which time he shot Jared Banks, 20. Banks was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.
During the search for Napier, investigators recovered a High Point 9mm from a wooded area adjacent to a dirt road where he had fled. Shoe impressions on the road matched the footwear Napier was wearing when he was located near the 4900 block of Southwest SR 200 a short time after the shooting.
Napier told detectives that he shot Banks on accident. He also admitted to tossing the gun into a wooded area.
Napier has several previous convictions for Burglary, Possession of Cocaine, Sale of cocaine within 1000 feet of a School, Violation of probation, and Larceny.
Easter Eggstravaganza – Everyone young and old is invited to attend our annual Easter celebration. The children will hear the true Easter story, enjoy Easter activities, and of course, engage in hunting Easter eggs. We’ll also be serving a light lunch for one and all.Please plan to bring friends, family, and neighbors for this special event sponsored by the Christian Education Ministry. First Christian Church, 1908 SE Fort King Street, Ocala. Friday at 4 p.m. (352-629-6485)
Annual Kidskram Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday April 4 at. We’ll meet in the Courtyard at 10:00 a.m. We’ll have some light snacks, crafts, PLENTY of eggs, and candy. Come and join us – it free! First Presbyterian Church, 511 SE Third Street, Ocala. (352-629-7561)
Classic Easter Egg Hunt followed by a variety of children’s programs and games. Saturday, April 4, 2015 – 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. Bring your own basket. Prizes will be awarded to various age divisions. Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, 7200 County Road 603, Bushnell. (352 793-4781)
Easter at First Assembly Saturday April 4, 2015, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – 1827 NE 14th Street, Ocala. Free Fun: Inflatable’s, Carnival Games, Live Music, PRIZES, and more! Egg Hunts: 3 Age Groups at 1:00 p.m.
Family Fun – Free Easter Egg Hunt Satruday April 4th at 1pm at Easy Street Family Fun Center, 2727 SW27th Ave, Ocala. Event is free for all ages with a prize in every egg! – Saturday April 4, 2015, from 1:00 p.m – 3:00 p.m.(352-861-9700)
Easter Egg Hunt at the YMCA – Saturday, April 4th at 8:30. Bring your kids to the Y for a family – friendly Easter Egg hunt as we celebrate the Easter holiday. Easter Egg Hunt at the YMCA. (352-368-9622)
Wings of Faith EggSplosion2015 – Saturday, April 4th at 10am. Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! EggSplosion 2015 free event for the entire family! 5066 SE 64th Avenue Road, Ocala. (352-687-4600)
Sunrise Service at Silver Springs – Sunday, April 5th at 7am. Sunrise Service and Buffet on the Glass Bottom Boat Deck. Event is free. 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs. (352-261-5840)
Have a free Easter event that you would like to share? You can share it in the comment section of this article on Ocala Post’s Facebook page.
[All events were submitted. Ocala Post does not take responsibility for incorrect information.]
Ocala, Florida — A Silver Springs Shores man was killed in a single-vehicle crash early Friday.
The accident happened in Silver Spring Shores.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver, identified as Walter Devin O’Neal, 21, was traveling in a northeasterly direction on Midway Road at a high-rate of speed when he rounded a curve and veered off the roadway onto the grassy shoulder.
O’Neal then lost control of his 2003 Dodge Intrepid and struck a street sign. The vehicle then struck a concrete culvert, became airborne, and flipped several times. While the vehicle was overturning, it struck a metal pole with its front roof section.
The vehicle came to rest upside down on top of the pole. O’Neal, who was not wearing his seat belt, was partially ejected from the vehicle and became trapped.
FHP investigators said speed was a factor in this crash.
O’Neal was pronounce dead at 6:12 a.m. by Marion County Fire Rescue.
Ocala, Florida — This “Florida Highlands Mud Hole” event, which has been promoted on Facebook, is not an approved event.
The owners of the property contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and made it clear that they have not given permission for their land to be used.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said those who plan to attend would be trespassing and could possibly be arrested.
According to homeowners in the area, the individuals that attend these “events” are disrespectful and destroy private property, including the roads, with their 4×4 trucks and ATVs. Homeowners said this decision has nothing to do with the county and that, individuals should respect other people’s property. They also said that they pay taxes, and do not appreciate spending money on damages left behind by the big trucks and four wheelers.
Additionally, homeowners are concerned about the liability if someone gets hurt on their property.
Property owners in the area plan to protect their property.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office suggested that individuals planning to attend should spread the word to avoid further problems.
Tykheem Weldon, 16, was developed as a suspect during the investigation. Weldon’s mother drove him to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview on Wednesday.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Weldon entered Wilson’s home with two other suspects. Once inside, they went to Wilson’s bedroom and a surviving victim’s bedroom and opened fire, killing Wilson.
Weldon told detectives that his accomplices paid him $500 to participate in the home invasion robbery.
After shots were fired, Weldon jumped through a window and fled the scene with the other two suspects.
According to reports, Forensic Technicians found a single, black Vans style sneaker outside the window Weldon used to exit the residence. Weldon admitted that he lost his shoe while trying to flee the scene.
Weldon was charged with Armed Home Invasion Robbery and Felony Murder.
He is currently being held at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Facility. Ocala Post is currently waiting on his booking photo.
If anyone has information, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Ocala, Florida — The Kangaroo gas station, located at 909 Northeast 28th Street, was robbed at gunpoint at approximately 2.am., Wednesday.
The gunmen was so shameless that, he entered the store while — at least three employees and a customer — were in the store.
Witnesses said that the thief entered the store and stated, “You know what I want.” A customer then turned toward the door, at which time the gunman said, “You think I’m playing?” The customer told police that he then “cocked” the gun.
The suspect, who was brandishing a silver handgun with a black handle , then ordered everyone on the ground, except for the clerk at the front counter.
He then placed a small red vinyl bag on the counter and demanded money from the cash registers.
According to reports, the suspect walked behind the counter and stole a pack of Newport cigarettes, came back around the counter, then grabbed the bag with money in it and fled out the front door in a northbound direction.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy Trammell and his K-9 partner “Zeus” responded to assist, but were unsuccessful in locating the suspect.
No shots were fired and no one was injured during the incident.
The suspect is described as a black male, possibly in his late teens, approximately 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-10 in height, with a thin build. He was wearing jeans, a red hoodie-type jacket with white sleeves and a red, white, and black bandana over the lower portion of his face. He also had on black gloves.
Anyone with information on the identity or location of this suspect, is asked to call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000. Information may also be submitted through our free mobile app MYPD or through Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP(7867), texting tips to 274637 using keyword 368STOP, or submitting tips to www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
