The top pick in this year’s NHL draft, Aaron Ekblad, suffered a concussion Monday night during Canada’s world junior summer development camp.
Ekblad is expected to make a full recovery and be ready in time for the Florida Panthers’ open training camp in September but will miss the remainder of Canada’s camp.
At only 18-years-old, Ekblad was a star for the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League.
The defenseman is expected to make the Panthers’ roster this season.
—By Brandon Wilson—
As the officer approached the woman, later identified as, Bobbre Williams, 37, he observed her holding her one-month-old baby.
Williams was smoking crack cocaine and drinking alcohol while holding her infant daughter.
Williams told police she was smoking crack because she was going through some mental problems.
According to police, the one-month-old had not eaten all day while Williams smoked crack.
The officer immediately notified the Department of Children and Families, who responded to the scene.
Officer Walker advised that he was going to take possession of the child, but Williams refused to cooperate. As Officer Walker attempted to remove the infant from Williams, she began to squeeze her baby.
Police said Williams squeezed the infant to the point she could not breathe.
Officers said they had to act quickly and grab Williams’ hands while keeping the infant safe.
Williams fought back, striking both officers.
Two officers had to gain control of Williams as she attempted to fight the officers and at the same time keep the infant from being harmed.
Finally, the officers were able to gain possession of the infant. As officers took the infant into custody, she gasped for air and started breathing.
Instead of diapers in her diaper bag, police found crack cocaine.
Williams was arrested and transported to the Volusia County Jail.
According to reports, Williams was already on probation for child abuse. Williams also has an extensive arrest history.
Records indicate Williams was receiving food stamps as well as other government aid. In the past, she has been in trouble for trading food stamps for drugs.
She was charged with Aggravated Child Abuse, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and Violation of Probation.
Williams had seven other children who were also removed from her custody today.
Officers were not seriously injured during the scuffle.
The infant is expected to be okay.
Ocala, Florida — On Saturday, August 9, 2014, The Simon Kidgits Club Back-to-School event will be held at the Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road, Ocala, in the Belk court from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be Interactive activities for children and special offers for adults.
The annual membership fee is $5 and families are asked to bring a donation of new school supplies for the Marion County Public Schools Stuff the Bus campaign. Register here.
Stop by to enjoy free food samples, fashion shows, music, goodie bags, and more.
On Saturday , August 9, 2014, the 11th annual Back to School Bash at the Ed Croskey Center, 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be Immunizations, vision and hearing screenings, school supplies, vendors, games, and food. This event is Free. For more information call 352-438-5993 or e-mail monica@breakthesilenceonviolence.org.
On Saturday, August 9, 2014, there will be a “Jump Start” event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Wyomina Park Elementary School, 511 NE 12th Ave., Ocala. There will be Free school supplies, haircuts, food, and more. For more information call 352-622-1119.
On Saturday, August 9, 2014, there will be a Back to School Bash from 9 a.m. to noon at Green Pastures Worship Center, 1818 NW Old Blitchton Road, Ocala. The event is supported by Cortez Allen of the Pittsburgh Steelers. For more information call 352-629-2616.
On Saturday, August 16, 2014, there will be a Back to School Giveaway from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the cafeteria of Howard Academy Community Center, 306 NW Seventh Ave., Ocala. For more information call 352-671-4176 or 352-512-5130.
On Saturday, August 16, 2014, there will be a Back to School Bash fundraising event for schools at 6 p.m. at Liberty Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 13235 NW County Road 225, Reddick. For more information call 352-509-1160.
On Sunday, August 10, 2014, there will be a Back to School event for ages 10-12 at 2 p.m. The event is being held at the Marion County Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. For more information call 352-671-8551, registration is required.
On Sunday, August 17, 2014, there will be a Back to School Bash from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 800 SE 41st Ave., Ocala. For more information call 352-694 2161.
Symphony Healthcare, Inc., located at 202 SW 17th Street, Suite A, Ocala, is now offering back to school and sports physicals for $25.00.
Patients must be at least 12-years-old.
Mention this article to receive $5.00 off or print.
Call to schedule your appointment today, 352-629-5939. To learn more about Symphony Healthcare, Inc. visit www.shcocala.com.
Marion County School Supply List:
Elementary:*
Middle and high schools:*
*Please note that the aforementioned lists are general lists and teachers may require additional supplies.
Other states may be on the event list below, so be sure to share with out-of-state family.
After a disappointing 6-10 season for the Buffalo Bills, they were rewarded with the number four overall pick in the 2014 draft which they used on a prized receiver in Sammy Watkins. Drafting Sammy Watkins will greatly help the void left by Stevie Johnson, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers during offseason.
The Bills are looking to improve their offensive line troubles from last season as they spent four of their seven draft picks this year on offensive linemen.
CJ Spiller looks to bounce back from an injury plagued season as Spiller and Fred Jackson try to continue where they left off last year with one of the league’s best rushing attacks.
Quarterback EJ Manuel enters his second year in the NFL trying to use what he learned from his rookie year to improve a Bills offense that ranked 28th in passing yard per game.
The loss of Jairus Byrd to free agency is a massive blow to an impressive Bills secondary that ranked 4th in passing yards allowed per game.
If the Bills can fill in the void left by Byrd and improve a sketchy run defense, they should be able to create a defense that can cause problems to any offense. Look for Manuel and Watkins to combine an aggressive passing game that will open things up for an already good rushing attack.
Expect to see the Bills finish the year with a record of 7-11.
—By Brandon Wilson—
According to reports, the victim told Deputy David McClure that her husband, Timothy Gray, 26, had beaten and strangled her.
The deputy noted that the residence was in complete disarray and that the victim had visible injuries and was bleeding from the mouth.
The victim stated that while she was sleeping, she was awakened by Gray hitting her because he was angry about her Facebook friends list.
During the dispute, Gray took the victim’s cell phone and would not allow her to dial 9-1-1.
At that point, Gray began to strangle the victim and threw her on the bed. He then got on top of the victim and placed his knees on her chest and arms to prevent her from getting up from the bed.
The victim stated that after she was pinned down, Gray grabbed her face using his fingernails and squeezed.
At some point, the victim was able to break free, but Gray prevented the victim from leaving the bedroom by throwing her up against the wall.
The victim also attempted to reach the bedroom window so she could yell for help, however, Gray slammed her head into the shower wall before she had the chance.
Gray stated to the victim, “I am going to kill you b***h.” He then grabbed the victim by the throat and began to choke her.
According to reports, the victim said that while Gray was choking her he said, “I need five minutes of quiet, calm time.”
Reports state that when the victim finally made it to the front door, Gray blocked it and would not let her leave.
Gray stated to the victim, “You are not f*****g leaving.” He then begged the victim not to call 9-1-1.
When she advised Gray she was still calling 9-1-1 and that their marriage was over, he fled the scene.
While Deputy McClure was on the scene, Gray called the victim’s cell phone. The victim put the call on speaker so the deputy could listen in.
While the deputy was listening, Gray said, “I beat your a**.” He then told the victim he was leaving the state.
Gray was located less than 24 hours later after he returned to the residence.
While Gray was being arrested, he stated he beat the victim out of self defense. He also claimed that the victim was the primary aggressor and she should be the one going to jail.
According to reports, Gray said that he has proof that the victim intentionally picked a fight as well as threatened to fight him. He stated that he has several text messages from the victim stating this fact.
The text messages have not yet been retrieved.
Gray was charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation and Kidnapping-False Imprisonment.
He is being held at the Marion County Jail on $25,000 bond.
Weston, Florida – Anthony Bosch and several of his associates were charged by the DEA for the distribution of anabolic steroids Tuesday morning. Bosch and his associates were part of a two year investigation called Operation Strikeout.
This came a year to the day that Major League Baseball suspended more than a dozen players for their involvement in the Biogenesis scandal, the most mentioned being Alex Rodriguez, nicknamed “A-Rod,” and Ryan Braun.
A cousin of Alex Rodriguez, Yuri Sucart, was also one of the people arrested for his involvement with Bosch. Sucart being one of Bosch’s main recruiters for getting people involved with anabolic steroids.
Bosch’s relationship with players goes back a decade when he attended parties with players, especially in New York and Boston. To date, nearly 20 players linked to his clinic have been suspended by Major League Baseball.
Bosch and federal sources agreed on a plea deal wherein Bosch pleaded guilty to the distribution of steroids from October 2008, to December 2012.
Bosch was transported in a DEA vehicle to the U.S. District Courthouse in Miami after he turned himself in.
Bosch also admitted to treating 18 minors between the ages of 15-17.
Bosch charged about $250-$600 a month for his products while charging professional athletes up to $1,200 a month.
–By Brandon Wilson–
LAST DAY IS THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014.
Ocala, Florida — Symphony Healthcare, Inc., located at 202 SW 17th Street, Suite A, Ocala, is now offering back to school and sports physicals for $25.00.
Patients must be at least 12-years-old.
Mention this article to receive $5.00 off or print.
Call to schedule your appointment today, 352-629-5939. To learn more about Symphony Healthcare, Inc. visit www.shcocala.com.
Tallahassee, Florida — August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and Healthiest Weight Florida, in collaboration with WIC, Healthy Start, the Florida Child Care Food Program and the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention, is announcing its own August Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign.
The purpose of the campaign is to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity as well as encourage breastfeeding friendly communities throughout the state of Florida. Each week a new component will be announced which will introduce new and exciting resources for women and families, employers, child care facilities, hospitals and health care professionals.
“Breastfeeding plays a critical role in the health of both mother and child,” said Dr. Celeste Philip, Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services. “Educating and supporting new and expecting parents helps create healthy and sustainable practices that benefit Florida’s infants and families.”
Infant feeding is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Research shows that babies that receive only breast milk for the first six months of life are less likely to develop a wide range of chronic and acute diseases including ear infections, diarrheal diseases, asthma, obesity and respiratory illnesses. They are also less likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In addition, breastfeeding for nine months reduces a baby’s odds of being overweight by 30 percent.
Mothers benefit from breastfeeding with a decreased risk for breast and ovarian cancers. The Florida Department of Health, as well as medical organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly recommends that babies exclusively breastfeed for about the first six months of life and continue to breastfeed for at least one to two years to achieve optimal health.
Based on 2013 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 71.8 percent of women in Florida have ever tried breastfeeding compared to the national average of 76.5 percent. The Department of Health offers a variety of programs, materials and resources to encourage breastfeeding friendly environments throughout the sunshine state.
For more information, visit www.HealthiestWeightFL.com/bf.
The woman in the photo was seen posing with a stolen Amex Express Macy’s credit card. The wallet she was holding was also stolen.
According to reports, the woman used the stolen card to purchase more than $400 in beauty supplies from Looking Good Beauty Supply, located at 1971 West Silver Springs Boulevard.
The clerk told police that he became suspicious after the suspect could not produce a state ID, but instead showed a picture of the victim she had stolen the credit cards from.
He said he asked if he could take a picture with the suspect holding the card and she happily obliged.
The Amex was also used at a Citgo gas station and Family Dollar.
The thief also used the victims Sam’s Club credit card.
Ocala Police Department Detective Mark Proco, is the lead on the case.
The woman is heavily tattooed and provided a clear photo of her soon-to-be mug shot.
If you know the woman in the photo you are asked to contact the Ocala Police Department by calling 352-369-7000; by contacting Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP(7867), www.ocalacrimestoppers.com; or by texting tips to 274637 using keyword 368STOP. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the OPD mobile app, MYPD, which can be downloaded on Apple and Android devices.
Ocala police are asking for everyone’s help in sharing the photo on social media.
The victim told police he gave a female walking down the street and few “catcalls” and told her how pretty she was.
According to reports, Michael “Fox” Heaven, 30, overheard the comments and became enraged.
Heaven, whom had a piece of wood in his hand, entered the yard where the victim stood and began to repeatedly bash the man in the head with the wood.
Reports state that the victim fell to the ground and attempted to use his hands and arms to protect himself as Heaven continued to bash the man in the head.
The victim lost consciousness during the beating.
According to the Ocala Police Department, the victim awoke about 20 minutes later in the yard.
When the victim realized how severe his injuries were he called 9-1-1.
After a short investigation, Heaven was tracked down at his residence.
Heaven denied beating the victim with any wood or stick, but admitted to using his fists to beat the victim while he was already on the ground.
Heaven told police that the victims started the fight.
Heaven was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail and charged with Aggravated Battery With a Deadly Weapon.
He is currently being held on $25,000 bond.
Heaven is a convicted felon and has a long list of felony charges from previous arrests.
Tomorrow, Saturday, August 2, 2014, from 3-4:30 p.m. join Ocala Pool Boys for a free life saving event!
Learn about hands-on CPR, fire safety from Ocala Fire Rescue, pool and swim safety from ISR (Infant Swimming Resource), and heat safety from the Ocala Police Department.
For more information call 352-622-3827.
Karynn is a school teacher at Bartow Middle School, teaching seventh grade English.
The charge—a direct information filing from the State Attorney’s Ofifice—is based upon threats she made against Assistant State Attorney Melissa Gravitt and her family during a jail phone call between Karynn and David Bills, who is in the Polk County jail on child sexual battery charges. The victim of the sexual battery is a young girl he had access to. According to the arrest affidavit, Bills admitted to detectives that he digitally penetrated the girl.
Bills, who is married, was involved in a romantic relationship Karynn prior to his incarceration. Bills was originally arrested on November 6, 2013. He was released on bond on November 24, 2013, and was taken into custody again on December 10, 2013, for violating the conditions of his pre-trial release because he had contact with the child victim of the sexual battery while he was out on bond. He has remained in jail since December.
On July 28, 2014, Bills made contact with Karynn, via phone, from jail. During the recorded conversation, Karynn advised Bills that she had been served with a subpoena for a deposition by the State Attorney’s Office to be taken on August 8, 2014, regarding Bills’ upcoming criminal trial. Karynn discussed searching on the Internet for personal information regarding Assistant State Attorney Melissa Gravitt. Karynn indicated she had viewed photographs of ASA Gravitt, her husband, and children. Karynn shared information with Gravitt demonstrating she had knowledge of what ASA Gravitt and her children looked like.
During the phone call, Bills told Karynn that ASA Gravitt has a tough reputation and tries to “scare” criminal defendants. Karynn responded by stating, “If she wants to scare me, I’ll start talking about children and how I know she has three children and their ages. You’re a mother right?” Bills reminded Karynn their conversation may be recorded by law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office, to which she replied, “That’s fine! Hi Melissa, how are you? I look forward to seeing you on the 8th. How are the kids?” Karynn also requested the last name of the detective who arrested Bills so she could look up information on him as well. Bills told her he only knew the first name and didn’t know the last name, but he would find the last name and give it to her.
Yesterday, July 30, 2014, PCSO detectives served a search warrant on Karynn’s home in Lakeland and confiscated a cell phone, computer, and miscellaneous documents related to the investigation. Detectives are conducting a forensic analysis of her computer and cell phone.
According to the Polk County School Board, Karynn has been placed on administrative leave with pay while an investigation takes place. She was hired on August 16, 2010, to work at Lakeland Senior High. She was transferred to Bartow Middle on July 1, 2011. She receives an annual salary of $38,949. If discipline action is recommended by the superintendent, Karynn will be entitled to due process.
Karynn is being held at the Polk County Jail on no bond.
“The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office take threats against public officials very serious. It is hard to imagine that a public school teacher would show such poor judgment to become romantically involved with a married man, and then continue her involvement after he was arrested for sexual battery on a young girl, and re-arrested for violating the conditions of his release,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “And then she makes these threatening comments on a recorded jail telephone call. Well, she’s now in jail where she belongs.”
Well, it’s out with the old and in with a whole new modernized look.
The McDonald’s restaurant on County Road 484 closed Sunday night at 11 p.m. and demolition commenced in the early morning hours of July 31, 2014.
The restaurant has had its fair share of traffic, including hundreds of high school kids that have driven through the drive-thru on their way to school for one of those Egg McMuffins everyone loves so much.
Originally opened in July of 1995, it was a small store with a single lane drive- thru, which was typical for communities not densely populated. It was built prior to the I-75 interchange /exit 341 on Hwy 484.
Since that time, the entire area surrounding the interchange has shown tremendous growth and the store has been too small to serve its community and interstate traffic, especially at peak travel times.
Since the erection of the interchange, access in and out of the parking lot had also become compromised . County Road 484 had been raised substantially during the interchange construction 11-12 years ago, which caused the restaurant to sit considerably lower than County Road 484.
If you have ever visited the 90s restaurant, then you know how bad the parking situation was. You also know how easy it was to get blocked in if the drive-thru line was backed-up.
McDonald’s owner/operator Lori Findlay, of Ocala, Florida, promises that parking is one of the many issues that will be corrected.
Extensive site work is planned, including raising the restaurant back up to street level. Visibility, customer access, and traffic flow will be much improved.
The construction company working on the project is Venture Construction out of Tampa.
“We are excited to completely rebuild the restaurant to better serve our community,” said Lori Findlay. “The restaurant will re-open prior to the holidays, with a larger, completely modernized interior, brightly lit exterior, two drive-thru lanes, and improved access and traffic flow.”
McDonalds’ agent Gabriel Gibaldi, Account Executive with the DaltonAgency, responded to Ocala Post’s requests immediately.
Ocala, Florida — With the start of school just weeks away, Ocala Post wants to encourage you to take advantage of this weekend’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday.
Beginning Friday, August 1, 2014, and ending Sunday, August 3, 2014, items such as clothing, footwear, backpacks, and more are exempt from the state sales tax and county discretionary sales surtaxes.
Florida lawmakers approved the holiday as a way to help families save on the cost of the many items needed by students as they return to school, but you don’t have to be a student to enjoy these savings.
And don’t forget, Symphony Healthcare, Inc., located at 202 SW 17th Street, Suite A, Ocala, is now offering back to school and sports physicals for $25.00.
Patients must be at least 12-years-old.
Mention this article to receive $5.00 off or print.
Call to schedule your appointment today, 352-629-5939. To learn more about Symphony Healthcare, Inc. visit www.shcocala.com.
Remember to take advantage of all the tax free sales this weekend.
For a complete list of tax free products, visit the Back to School Tax Free List.
For a back to school guide click here.
On July 24, 2014, Richard Plotts, 49, shot and killed case worker Theresa Hunt, of Philadelphia, at the Sister Marie Lenahan Wellness Center on the Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital campus in Darby, Pennsylvania. Plotts shot her at point-blank range.
According to police reports obtained by Ocala Post, Plotts was on the third-floor psychiatric office in the Wellness Center, which is across from Mercy Fitzgerald, shortly after 2 p.m. with his case worker.
According to witnesses, Plotts and his case worker went into the doctor’s office, and began arguing a short time later. A witness stated that he walked into the doctor’s office and saw Plotts pointing a gun at the doctor.
According to reports, the witness then closed the door and called 9-1-1.
Moments later, witnesses stated they heard gunshots.
Another doctor and case worker then forced their way into the room and wrestled the suspect to the floor.
Just before Plotts was wrestled to the floor, the patient’s doctor, Dr. Lee Sullivan, dropped behind his desk chair, pulled out his own handgun, and shot Plotts three times in the torso.
The doctor suffered a graze wound after Plotts returned fire.
“Without a doubt, I believe the doctor saved lives,” said Police Chief Donald Molineux. “Without that firearm, the patient would have most likely went out into the hallway and shot innocent people until he ran out of ammunition.”
According to reports, two guns were retrieved from the scene.
The DA’s Office said they believe with certainty that the doctor acted in self defense.
Reports stated that Plotts had a history of being verbally abusive with staff members and has had several “run-ins” with them.
Dr. Lee Sullivan is not being charged with any crime.
The DA’s Office stated in a report that the doctor faced a dangerous situation and he did what was necessary to protect himself and his staff.
“If the doctor did not utilize the firearm, he’d be dead today, and I believe that other people in that facility would also be dead,” said Jack Whelan, Delaware County’s District Attorney.
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital issued the following statement:
“We continue to pray for the victims and their families. As this is an ongoing investigation, we remain focused on working with the Delaware County Police Departments to understand fully the details of the event and to do all we can to assist those affected.”
Authorities said on Monday that Plotts indicated he was p***ed off because there were signs posted on the property that stated “no weapons allowed.”
Authorities said they are using Facebook posts created by Plotts to help them understand what transpired on that tragic day.
“We had information to believe there may be very peculiar postings,” Whelan said. “Possibly including some in which Plotts calls himself a “potential killer.”
Court records showed that Plotts is a convicted felon.
Despite Plotts being a convicted felon, several firearms were also found in his apartment.
On July 28, 2014, Deputy Wallace responded to the 2000 block of NW 43rd Street (apartments), Ocala.
Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the victim, whose face was covered in blood and he had several lacerations on his head.
The victim stated that Demetrius Jamal Flowers, 23, and Charles Bess, 19, came over to play XBOX. The victim stated that the pair had been to his apartment before.
According to reports, when the victim closed the door, Bess pulled out a black semiautomatic handgun with a suppressor (silencer) attached to it and struck the victim in the head.
The victim stated that Bess and Flowers began yelling and told him to get on the floor while they were demanding money. Once the victim handed over the money, Bess and Flowers began taking the victim’s XBOX, along with other electronics and placed them by the front door.
Bess and Flowers then ordered the victim into the back bedroom where they made the victim lay face down on the floor after striking him in the head again. They covered the victim’s head with a blanket and told him if he moved, he would be shot.
The duo then tied the victim’s feet together with tape and his hands behind his back.
After the victim was secure, they loaded up the electronics into a vehicle belonging to the victim’s mother and fled the scene.
Bess and Flowers were located on July 29, 2014 and arrested.
On the day in question, Flowers told investigators that he was playing basketball all day and didn’t know anything about the robbery.
Bess refused to cooperate with investigators.
Both suspects were identified in a photographic line up.
Bess was adjudicated delinquent on September 14, 2011, for Armed Trafficking in Oxycodone and Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell Near a School. He was only 16-years-old at the time.
Flowers was charged with Robbery With a Firearm and is being held on $50,000 bond.
Bess was charged with Robbery With a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon by a Delinquent, and Possession of a Weapon by a Felon.
Bess is being held on $75,000 bond.
The victim was treated for his injuries.
The chikungunya virus is spread by mosquitoes, and has already been reported in Palm Beach, Dade, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as well as other parts of Florida.
Health officials said the virus made its way into the U.S. by those who traveled outside the U.S., then returned infected, and foreigners that brought it into the U.S.
Citrus County officials said they plan to stay ahead of the virus by being proactive. Crews are targeting areas and stepping up their efforts all over the county. Preventative measures include dumping out standing water, emptying un-maintained swimming pools, and doing some extra spraying.
“There is a lot out there going on,” said David King, a field technician for Mosquito Control in Citrus County. “A lot of requests coming in from residents. We have plenty of people out there.”
Vacant houses with neglected swimming pools are something Marion County has plenty of, said health officials, especially in areas such as Marion Oaks and Silver Springs Shores.
After receiving a tip, Ocala Post was able to take a photo of a pool at 14598 SW 35th Ter. Rd, Marion Oaks, which shows the perfect environment for mosquitoes. The mosquitoes were so active they could pick a person up and toss them over the fence — figuratively speaking.
The house was listed for sale.
Green swimming pools are the perfect nesting grounds for mosquitoes. A neglected birdbath, swimming pool, or clogged rain gutter can produce hundreds to thousands of new mosquitoes in a just a few days. Mosquitoes can also thrive in leaves left lying in a yard.
However, there are effective steps individuals can take to minimize mosquito breeding on their property:
Dispose of old tires, buckets, aluminum cans, plastic sheeting, or other refuse that can hold water. Empty accumulated water from trash cans, boats, wheel barrows, pet dishes, and flower pot bottoms. If possible, turn these items over when they are not in use.
Clean debris from rain gutters and unclog obstructed downspouts. Clogged rain gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes around homes. Remove any standing water on flat roofs or around structures. Repair leaking faucets and air conditioners that produce puddles for several days.
Change water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week and keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated. Ornamental pools can be aerated or stocked with mosquito-eating fish. Water aeration water movement helps because mosquitoes prefer quiet, non-flowing water for egg – laying and development.
Fill or drain ditches, swampy areas, and other soil depressions and remove, drain, or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar or sealant to prevent accumulation of water. Eliminate standing water and seepage around animal watering troughs, cisterns, and septic tanks. Be sure that cistern screens are intact and that access covers fit tightly.
Ocala Post reached out to Marion County via e-mail and inquired if Marion County is taking the same precautions as Citrus County. Ocala Post’s e-mail was not immediately returned.
Unnamed sources said they reported the address of the aforementioned home and expressed to code enforcement that the home is a health risk to their children. They received a response in less than 24 hours.
“Marion County Commissioners did not respond back,” he said.
Here is Code Enforcement’s statement:
I have opened a case to address your concerns for the abandoned vacant property located at 14598 SW 35th Terrace Road, Ocala, FL 34473; the case has been assigned to Code Enforcement officer R. Hough. Thank you for contacting us regarding this issue.
So far, no cases of the virus have been reported in Citrus or Marion counties.
Health officials said the only way to reduce mosquitoes is to take action. They said if a person knows of a home with a neglected pool or a lot of standing water on the property, report it immediately.
They said all residents should remember that it only takes a few days to produce hundreds of mosquitoes.
Ocala, Florida — No charges for Colt Thriemer, 20, for the shooting death of Thomas James Brown, 21.
The State Attorney’s Office said Thriemer is protected by the “Stand Your Ground” law.
The shooting took place on July 9, 2014.
According to a very detailed e-mail sent to Ocala Post, friend Stephanie Torres stopped by Wal-Mart at the request of Brown because he thought Thriemer would be there.
While at Wal-Mart, Brown was speaking with Thriemer when Torres said she saw Brown punch Thriemer in the face.
During the dispute, Brown reportedly told Thriemer that he had a gun and he was not afraid to use it.
Officials said on the night of the shooting, witnesses reported Brown had told Thriemer that [he] had a gun and then demanded money.
According to the e-mail, Torres told detectives that Thriemer then reached into his truck, pulled out a gun, and shot Brown. When Brown turned around, Thriemer continued to shoot. According to the unnamed source, at least nine (9) more shots were heard being fired.
At the time of the shooting, detectives would not say if Brown was armed, however, sources say he was not. Sources also indicate that majority of the shots were fired into Brown’s back – some were fired while Brown was already on the ground.
Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt noted, “The stand your ground statute makes no exception from the immunity because Brown may have been walking away from Thriemer at the time the deadly force was used. The stand your ground law does not require Thriemer to wait until Brown in fact retrieved a gun before he fired. Under the current state of the law and the facts of this case, Thriemer was legally allowed to use deadly force based on a reasonable belief that his life was in danger and that he was about to become the victim of an armed robbery.”
A baggie with cocaine residue was found in one of Brown’s socks. The results of a toxicology report are pending.
Reportedly, the dispute was over money that Thriemer owed to Brown.
The e-mail describes both men involved as nice, positive, and funny guys.
An eight page report obtained by Ocala Post outlines the reason behind the State Attorney’s decision.
The report states, that on the night Brown was shot, he “sought out Thriemer and physically attacked him. All of the evidence clearly supports a reasonable belief by Thriemer that his life was in imminent danger, giving Thriemer immunity from criminal prosecution.”
The report also states, “all of the evidence supports a reasonable belief that Brown was about to arm himself in an attempt to obtain money from Thriemer. The use of deadly force to prevent this forcible felony is also justified by the statue.”
The following was noted in the report: “An addiction to crack cocaine, as well as a drug debt, apparently caused him to become increasingly violent, aggressive and threatening, and ultimately led to his death.”
Reports state that Brown was a drug dealer and when Thriemer saw the amount of money [he] was making, Thriemer began to sell drugs for Brown.
In addition to selling drugs, Brown also bought and sold guns. According to reports, Brown always carried a weapon in his vehicle.
Reports also indicated that Brown beat his girlfriend. Brown’s girlfriend told investigators that she left him because of the physical abuse she endured and his drug use.
The State Attorney’s report showed an overwhelming amount of evidence that points to Brown harassing, stalking, and threatening both Thriemer and his family on multiple occasions.
Thriemer also told investigators that he was afraid of what Brown would do to his parents.
Ocala, Florida — On July 25, 2014, at approximately 1:37 a.m., the Ocala Police Department received a call in reference to a subject having been shot at Spring Manor Apartments, 2851 NE 7th St., Ocala, Florida. As a result of this incident, Jaire Burgess, 19, died. The investigation has been ongoing.
On today’s date, July 30, 2014, detectives assigned to investigate this case released the following information:
They have found that the homicide is the result of an ongoing feud between two to three groups of young adults in Marion County and all have common interests (drugs and unnamed females) that place them in the Spring Manor area.
It was found that an altercation between several females from the different groups, which occurred in Spring Manor, might have been the catalyst that set off the violent incidents that have been occurring. The fire and shootings (one at North Roads Apartments and one at 1817 NE 30th St.) that followed the killing of Burgess have been linked to that homicide, as it has been found that some of the same persons from the various groups feuding were present for each of these incidents. Detectives have been receiving information regarding non-reported violent altercations, which have occurred that are related to these disputes.
Sources said that approximately two weeks ago, Burgess was also spotted running from the scene of a shooting that took place in Parkside. All of the individuals that were questioned following the incident, including Burgess, refused to cooperate with police.
Burgess was also trespassed from Spring Manor Apartments by the Ocala Police Department on June 30, 2014.
Spring Manor Apartments is reportedly a haven for sex and drugs.
The Ocala Police Department wants to see these violent incidents come to a stop and encourage anyone with information to come forward. Police presence in the areas of the violent incidents has been increased in an effort to stop these types of incidents from occurring.
The Ocala Police Department is offering a reward of up to $5,000.00 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the death of Jaire Burgess. We ask that anyone with information to help this investigation submit their tips by calling OPD at 352-369-7000; by contacting Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP(7867), www.ocalacrimestoppers.com; or by texting tips to 274637 using keyword 368STOP. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the OPD mobile app, MYPD, which can be downloaded on Apple and Android devices.
