A Utah reptile center employee is recovering after an alligator named “Darth Gator” attacked her Saturday during a child’s birthday party as she was attempting to feed it.
A guest, Theresa Wiseman, was recording video when the handler, who did not want to be identified by name, was attempting to feed the alligator when it bit her hand and dragged her into the water. Once in the water, the alligator went into a death roll.
Theresa’s husband, Donnie Wiseman, yelled “we got trouble in here” and then jumped into the enclosure. A second man, identified as Todd Christopher, assisted from outside the enclosure.
The children, who were clearly terrified, can be heard crying in the video.
Donnie jumped onto the alligator’s back as the handler calmly gave him instructions on how to free her hand.
Once free, Todd pulled the handler from the water.
The handler then gave Donnie instructions on how to get out of the enclosure.
Shane Richins, the owner of Scales & Tails Utah, said Monday that the handler was opening the enclosure to feed the alligator as usual, but this time the reptile “got a little extra spunky.”
The handler had to undergo surgery and is currently on antibiotics. She is expected to make a full recovery.
In a statement, the handler told her boss, Shane:
“I got lucky to land in a hospital that employs what has to be the best orthopedic surgeon in Utah. He was able to improvise and come up with a solution that should result in full use of my hand. I can’t explain the level of admiration I have for that man.
“I’m being treated aggressively with antibiotics, which I’m thankful the Infectious Disease staff here were prepared to do. Lastly, I’ve had the most wonderful nursing staff that have made me feel safe and comfortable since I got here.
“I definitely want to thank everyone that has reached out and for doing so, as well; it’s made recovery feel so much more manageable! Thank you!”
Sahne said, “These gentlemen could have stayed in the safety zone as most of us would, but instead jumped into the situation, of their own volition, and helped secure the alligator. Their help, combined with the training of our staff member, probably saved her life and her limbs.”
Marion County — People knew him as Mr. George, a man who some called “George the homeless man” or “homeless George,” but everyone knew him as their friend.
His full name is George David Middleton.
Residents say while George appeared homeless, he was actually content and happy with his little slice of paradise located on Jacksonville Rd near 326.
To speak with George, other than his worn clothing, you would never know he was homeless because he was always smiling…he always laughed and never complained. George would tell you, “I have everything I need right here.”
If someone offered to help, oftentimes he would refuse.
George talked about family in California a lot. He would often tell people that he was waiting on them to come to Florida.
The military veteran did have a hard time trusting some people, but if you earned his trust, you made a lifelong friend and George made many friends in Marion County.
Colleen Wilber, the first to post the sad news, wrote on Facebook, “George, the homeless man that lived on Jacksonville Rd near 326 is gone. He never begged. He never wanted to leave that area because he was waiting for his family that lived in California as he told me on my many visits with him. He didn’t trust everyone. If you were lucky enough for George to trust you, he would talk to you! RIP Buddy.”
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Miss you already big guy. Sleep well. “Archbishop Apostle Dr. Crawford DD Dth. (John Crawford takes his picture with George.)
Tommy Trulock, wrote, “R.I.P. George. You ain’t homeless anymore.”
During a Thanksgiving dinner giveaway that was hosted by Ocala Post, dozens of residents nominated George to receive the food. Since Goerge did not have a way to cook the meal, it was delivered to him fully prepared. George was invited to dinner…but he insisted to eat where he felt most comfortable. The community respected that about him.
George was so loved, that some residents would even take time out of their Christmas to make sure George had an enjoyable holiday.
Sandra Navarro Sango, wrote, “December 25 and on your birthday, December 31, I am going to miss coming to see you and eating together. I love you George and I am so blessed that we spent a lot of years visiting with you. You WILL BE MISSED.”
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Photo by Sandra Navarro Sango
Caitlynn Rodriguez, wrote, “He was so amazing. I used to work at the subway right there, and I would feed him every day, at first he refused and I would leave it at his tent. He would dig in the garbage for food instead. But after a week or so he came around and was excited to see me. Rest in paradise George!”
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Photo by Sandra Navarro Sango
The community has expressed worry about what will happen to George’s body if no one claims him.
Ocala Resident, Angela Barkley, said she reached out to the Medical Examiners office and was told that if no family shows up to claim him that, after 12 days, she could.
Janna Golladay, wrote, “If he’s a Veteran contact the Veteran Association at the National Cemetery. They will make sure he has a proper service and burial.”
Bonnie Scott agreed, she wrote, ” I agree if he was a vet he can be buried at a national cemetery, no pre-arrangement needed. Would just need to wait for a date to be buried, the funeral home can make arrangements.”
Barkley said she is working on the arrangements for George.
Marilyn Smith, wrote, “We are having a Requiem Mass for George at St. Martin’s Anglican Church on SR326 on Saturday, Aug.21 at 10:00 a.m. We will miss him so much. The church address is 950 NW 70th St. cr., Ocala, Fl. 34472. All are welcome.”
Stacy Clifton, wrote, “George was the kindest, sweetest man I knew. RIP my sweet friend. You will never be forgotten. You touched the lives of SO many. The comments on this post are a testament to the people who loved you”
George, a man with so little but had so much. A man who never bothered anyone. He was a kind soul and certainly never complained. He was not a beggar and would give you the shirt off of his back.
George certainly deserves better…and the community has shown that…they have shown that humanity and compassion are still alive.
“Rest In peace kind, sir. May the road rise up to meet your feet and the wind always is at your back. Blessed be,” Bill Baros.
It is very doubtful that those who regularly pass by the spot George called home can do so without looking over to see him and wave.
[Last updated on Monday, August 16, 2021, at 4:25 p.m.]
NOTE: The FHP stated that their initial report indicated that a semi had hit the pickup truck when it was actually a straight truck.
Marion County — The Florida Highway Patrol said that an unidentified man was killed Monday when the pickup truck he was driving was hit by a straight truck.
The victim was a 58-year-old Williston man.
According to FHP, a straight truck, driven by a 43-year-old male, was traveling northbound on NW Highway 225 approaching the intersection of County Road 326 when the pickup and the straight truck entered the intersection at the same time.
As both vehicles entered the intersection, the straight truck slammed into the left side of the pickup truck.
The pickup truck then veered off the highway, struck a power pole, and burst into flames.
The driver of the pickup was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the straight truck was not injured.
Troopers said there is a stop sign at that intersection, but the driver of the straight truck did not run the stop sign.
Lieutenant P.V. Riordan, said, “[The driver of the straight truck] did not run the stop sign but did enter the intersection in the oncoming path of the pickup truck.”
Faculty from CF Humanities and Social Sciences Department presented a check to the team from the Hi, How Are You Project on Aug. 13.
Faculty from the College of Central Florida Humanities and Social Sciences Department recently paid forward an award they received to advance mental health awareness on an even larger scale.
In spring 2020, the CF team hosted a mental health awareness day inspired by the mission of the “Hi, How Are You Project,” a nonprofit that provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and education on mental well-being.
The CF event featured free mental health counseling, screenings, and information tables, as well as videos and meaningful conversations. The event was made possible through a CF Humanities and Social Sciences Bank of America Grant and the CF Student Activities Board. As a result of the successful event, the CF faculty were awarded a $500 Constellation Award, which is presented to a group of faculty who design and implement an innovative program, project, or course that has had a positive impact on student learning at CF.
On Aug. 13, the CF faculty paid the Constellation Award forward with a virtual presentation of $500 to the “Hi, How Are You Project,” which is based in Austin, Texas. The foundation was created with the support of Daniel Johnston and his Family. Johnston, who passed away in 2019, was a gifted singer-songwriter and visual artist who struggled with mental health issues. The organization inspires new conversations around mental health by funding and creating thoughtful media content, projects, and events.
Marion County — Marion County School Board member Eric Cummings, who is also a preacher, said on Wednesday that he will keep preaching and insisting that masks be forced on students at all schools.
Cummings said he ran and campaigned for safe schools. He said while Marion County doesn’t have school shootings, it has COVID-19.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order banning mandates of face masks and making them optional.
On Wednesday, in an email to Ocala Post, DeSantis’ office said, “The State Board of Education could move to withhold the salary of the district superintendent or school board members, as a narrowly tailored means to address the decision-makers who led to the violation of the law.”
Cummings accused DeSantis of making threats.
DeSantis said it is not a threat and he will follow through if any school board in the state of Florida violates that law.
Cummings said he is not in his position for the pay check.
DeSantis has also stated that the CDC misleads the public with “incorrect COVID numbers.”
The Florida Department of Health announced on Monday that the CDC gave false data to the public and leading the public to believe that COVID numbers were much higher than what they actually are.
Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube initially labeled the accusations as false.
However, the CDC in turn walked back their data claims and stated that they “accidentally” combined “multiple days into one.”
DeSantis said he will not allow masks or vaccines to be forced on Floridians by a government mandate.
In other states, such as Mt. Vernon, Indiana, school leaders are also being asked to forgo mask mandates.
Dr. Dan Stock spoke at a recent board meeting on the issue and his speech went viral. It has gained the attention of not only the CCD but other school board leaders as well.
Marion County – Marion County Public Schools will start the new school year Tuesday, August 10, with masks optional for students and employees.
A majority of Marion County School Board members upheld this position at their work session this morning. Board members also renewed their commitment to re-examine COVID-19 procedures as needed based on community conditions.
To reduce COVID-19 concerns, visitors will not be allowed, for the time being, at elementary schools. Elementary students are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, so for this same reason, no elementary field trips will take place in the immediate future.
Visitors will be allowed on middle and high school campuses because most students are eligible for vaccinations and some student programs require volunteer/visitor access for completion. Masking could be required for visitors and volunteers at middle and high schools based on individual school decisions.
Social distancing will continue when possible, along with regular hand washing, daily disinfecting of high-touch and flat-surface areas, and use of water bottle refill stations, among other safety precautions. The district continues stressing any student or staff member feeling sick should stay home.
The district says they work directly with the Florida Department of Health and that, conference calls with the local DOH will increase to twice weekly until current conditions improve.
At approximately 5:28 p.m., the Ocala Police Department said a shooting had taken place in the parking lot of the Paddock Mall.
According to OPD, two people — a 17-year-old male and a 21-year-old female — were shot and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Two different caliber firearms were used during the shooting and at least 18 spent shell casings were recovered from the scene.
After being shot, the female ran toward the entrance of the mall and collapsed. The boy collapsed just inside the mall entrance.
If you have any information in regards to the Paddock Mall shooting, please contact the Ocala Police Department.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m near the 2000 block NW 42nd Street.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a victim who had been shot.
The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The investigation into the NW 42nd Street shooting is ongoing.
AGM Roofing is hiring two Roofing crews with 4-5 persons on each crew.
This is an immediate position and is full-time with top pay.
Experienced crews only need to apply.
All payroll is run through the payroll company and you will receive a check or direct deposit every Friday.
“We do not pay cash, or part cash like some roofing companies do as this is illegal,” said Tommy Lea, the owner of AGM Roofing.
Lea went on to say, “We also offer paid holidays after 90 days, Christmas Bonuses, paid vacation after 1 year, 401k is available if you would like to participate.”
Rashaun Jones, 35, shot and killed Miami football player Bryan Pata
Florida — The U.S. Marshals-led Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force (FCRFTF), working with the Miami-Dade Police Department, on Thursday arrested Rashaun Jones, 35, and charged with the murder of University of Miami football player Bryan Pata, who was shot and killed Nov. 7, 2006, outside his apartment complex in Kendall after leaving team practice earlier that day.
Pata was 22 years old.
Jones was taken into custody without incident outside his pace of employment in Ocala, Florida.
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Miami-Dade PD Homicide obtained the homicide warrant for Jones Aug. 17, and FCRFTF investigators developed information placing Jones in the Ocala area. FCRFTF personnel from the task force’s Gainesville Office conducted the arrest operation.
Created July 1, 2008, the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force is composed of law enforcement officers from federal, state and local agencies. Its mission is to locate and apprehend fugitives, with priority given to those wanted for violent crime.
Members of the United States Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force (Gainesville Office), including task force members from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, were able to locate Jones and arrested him at his workplace parking lot, located in the area of 484 just west of I-75 without incident.
Pata
Bryan Pata
Bryan Sidney Pata was a football defensive lineman for the Miami Hurricanes and was majoring in criminology. After leaving a football practice during his fourth year at the school, Pata was murdered.
Pata played three seasons at North Miami High School before moving on to Miami Central High School. He was named to Super Prep’s All-America team, and rated as the nation’s 26th-best defensive lineman by that magazine. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also named him as one of the top 100 players in the South. He chose to attend the University of Miami after also considering Rutgers University, the University of Florida and the University of Oklahoma.
Pata was in his fourth year with the Hurricanes and was expected to be selected in the 2007 NFL Draft. He appeared in 41 games during his college career, making 23 starts. Pata played primarily defensive tackle in his last season, totaling 13 tackles and two sacks. He had been placed on the watch list for the Hendricks Award, awarded to college football’s top defensive end.
Ocala — For the second time in less than 24-hours, a second teen was shot in Ocala.
According to OPD, on Friday, at approximately 2:11 p.m., an 18-year-old was shot at Promenade at Ocala Apartments, 1421 SW 27th Ave.
The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the right hip, right arm, left leg, and back.
At this time, OPD does not have any information that would lead investigators to believe that the shootings are related.
A witness told OPD that the shooter was wearing jeans, a white T-shirt, and had something covering his face.
If you have any information on this shooting, please call 352-369-7000 OR you can submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867). Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. If you use Crime Stoppers and your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Ocala, Florida — On July 22, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a 16-year-old boy was shot at Sutton Place Apartments, located at 523 NE 23rd Circle, Ocala.
The teen, who has been identified as Joshua A. Tyson, was transported to a local hospital where he died shortly after midnight.
According to OPD, the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Detectives are in the early stages of the investigation and are still collecting evidence from the crime scene.
This is the second teen who has been shot at the complex within the last several months.
If you have any information on this shooting, please call 352-369-7000 OR you can submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867). Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. If you use Crime Stoppers and your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case number 202100100461.
It is important to note that none of the COVID-19 vaccines are FDA-approved. They were approved for emergency use, which is not the same as FDA-approved. According to the government, the vaccine was not even tested on animals before it was directly used as an experimental drug on humans.
According to the FDA, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to permit the emergency use of the unapproved product, Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older.”
It should also be noted that the CDC is reporting that 4,115 reported cases of fully vaccinated people being hospitalized or dying with Covid-19 coronavirus breakthrough infections. The CDC announced they are no longer keeping track of those numbers.
“We are choosing instead to focus going forward just on those in which hospitalizations or deaths were involved,” said the CDC.
In reality, those reinfected with “symptoms of COVID-19” after being vaccinated are statistically much higher than being reported.
The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine (Janssen) label now includes a warning about a possible increased risk of a disorder known as Guillain-Barre syndrome. This comes after the J&J vaccine was also linked to severe blood clots early in the year.
Guillain-Barré syndrome damages nerve cells and can cause muscle weakness. In rare cases, it can cause paralysis.
The FDA, going off of CDC reports, said Monday that they have tracked 100 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome directly related to the vaccine. The report states that of those 100 cases being tracked, 95 of those people were hospitalized and 1 of them died.
What could be described as an attempt to play down the incidents, in a statement, J&J said, “The number of reports are only slightly higher than the number that would normally be expected.”
Guillain-Barré syndrome has also been linked to other vaccines, including certain seasonal flu vaccines and a vaccine to prevent shingles.
Side effects can take nearly two months to surface after getting a vaccine.
Treatment
There’s no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. But two types of treatments can speed recovery and reduce the severity of the illness:
Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis). The liquid portion of part of your blood (plasma) is removed and separated from your blood cells. The blood cells are then put back into your body, which manufactures more plasma to make up for what was removed. Plasmapheresis may work by ridding plasma of certain antibodies that contribute to the immune system’s attack on the peripheral nerves.
Immunoglobulin therapy. Immunoglobulin containing healthy antibodies from blood donors is given through a vein (intravenously). High doses of immunoglobulin can block the damaging antibodies that may contribute to Guillain-Barre syndrome.
The FDA, said, “Those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should contact a doctor if they develop weakness or tingling sensations, especially in the arms or legs, as well as a sudden problem, walking, speaking, chewing or swallowing.”
Overall, in the United States alone, from December 14, 2020, through July 13, 2021, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) received 6,079 reports of death among people who received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Many doctors who are against the vaccines say while the death toll numbers may seem small in comparison, they are not if you are the one who died from a vaccine. Particularly since thousands who have been vaccinated are still being hospitalized. Many healthcare professionals say it’s more like a FLU shot rather than a vaccine.
In March, it was announced that the governments in Tanzania, Madagascar, Burundi, and Eritrea have refused to participate in receiving vaccines.
Tanzanian Health Minister Dorothy Gwajima said that the amount of pressure that she is receiving from the U.S government in regards to the vaccine concerns her.
Dr. Shadrack Mwaibambe,president of the Medical Association of Tanzania, said that while inoculation is unavoidable in his view, Tanzania should be cautious when selecting a vaccine.
“At this juncture of the outbreak, vaccination is inevitable, but … I think there is a need for due diligence to go through all these vaccines and to choose which one is suitable for Tanzania. The process has been rushed,” said Mwaibambe during a press conference.
He went on to say, “There is no deadline to say…after certain months, the U.S says the whole world must be vaccinated. First of all, we must ask ourselves why emergency approval of vaccines was given and not full approval? Emergency approval means there are some things they are not sure about. They are not sure about the safety and efficacy of vaccination in two years to come or in one year to come. It is common sense.”
Mwaibambe also expressed that he believes the U.S government is withholding information from its citizens. He said the vaccines are a false sense of security.
Some health organizations in other countries have stopped vaccines after reports of doctors, staff, and elderly patients dying after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Initially, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) reported that they didn’t have any statistics on vaccines that had been administered. However, on July 14, 2021, the EMA finally released data on COVID-19 vaccinations.
The EMA is responsible for authorizing vaccines in the European Union (EU).
EMA issued safety updates and related deaths for the four authorized COVID-19 vaccines; Comirnaty, Spikevax; Vaxzevria, and COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen.
Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) – A total of 206,668 cases of suspected side effects with Comirnaty were spontaneously reported to EudraVigilance from EU/EEA countries. And 3,848 of these reported a fatal outcome. As a result, about 276 million doses of Comirnaty were given to people in the EU/EEA.
Vaxzevria – (AstraZeneca) – A total of 152,250 cases of suspected side effects with Vaxzevria were spontaneously reported to EudraVigilance from EU/EEA countries. And 938 of these reported a fatal outcome. Around that time, about 58.4 million doses of Vaxzevria had been given to people in the EU/EEA.
SpikeVax (COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna) – A total of 36,294 cases of suspected side effects with Spikevax were spontaneously reported to EudraVigilance from EU/EEA countries. And 347 of these reported a fatal outcome. Around that time, about 35 million doses of Spikevax had been given to people in the EU/EEA.
COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen – A total of 12,036 suspected side effects with COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen were spontaneously reported to EudraVigilance from EU/EEA countries. And 68 of these reported a fatal outcome. Around that time, about 8.5 million doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen had been given to people in the EU/EE.
According to Robert Carlson, M.D., who serves on the Medical Advisory Board at Precision Vax LLC., all COVID-19 vaccines are 100 percent experimental.
The CDC, FDA, and the WHO, are carefully choosing what data they report to the media to be released to the public.
The vaccines have also generated billions in revenue for many stakeholders.
J&J has profited more than 100 million in quarterly sales from its COVID vaccine.
A distinct frontal boundary of the red tide bloom located roughly 10 miles offshore of Pinellas County in the Gulf of Mexico.
While red tide occurs in Florida nearly every year, researchers say this is the largest bloom that has occurred in the last 50 years.
“The last time Florida saw a bloom like this, so far into Tampa Bay at this time of summer, was in 1971,” said FWC.
So far, more than 1,000 tons of dead fish have been cleaned up from the affected areas.
The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) took to the air as researchers continue to monitor the location and conditions of the current red tide bloom affecting Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Aerial surveys are used to inform and guide sampling as part of our red tide event response.
Researchers, said, “Red tide conditions can change quickly, we continue to collect and process samples in response to the ongoing event — please stay informed.”
Readers should also be aware that many photos being shared by multiple MSM outlets and private Facebook posts are photos from a red tide outbreak in 2018 and not 2021.
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FWRI red tide research scientist discusses aerial flight survey with FWC LE Pilot.
Current Conditions
A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists on the Florida Gulf Coast and in Tampa Bay. Over the past week, K. brevis was detected in 132 samples. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in 86 samples: five from Pasco County, 28 from Pinellas County, 24 from Hillsborough County, eight from Manatee County, and 21 from Sarasota County. K. brevis was not observed in samples collected from or offshore of Charlotte, Collier, or Monroe counties.
In Southwest Florida, over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County, very low to high concentrations in and offshore of Hillsborough County, background to high concentrations in Manatee County, very low to high concentrations in Sarasota County, and background to low concentrations in Lee County. For additional information, view the Southwest Coast report and map.
In Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in and offshore of Pasco County.
Along the Florida East Coast over the past week, K. brevis was not observed.
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Fish Kills
On Florida’s Gulf coast, fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, and Lee counties over the past week. For more details, please visit: https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/.
Respiratory Irritation
Respiratory irritation was reported over the past week in Southwest Florida in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and Lee counties. Additional details are provided in the Southwest Coast report and for current information, please visit: https://visitbeaches.org.
Forecast
Forecasts by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides for Pinellas to northern Monroe counties predict the northwestern movement of surface waters along the coast and minimal net transport of subsurface waters in most areas over the next four days.
Piney Point Updates
FWC-FWRI is working closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and other partners on the Piney Point response effort.
PINEY POINT DISCHARGE RESPONSE
The department’s top priority is ensuring the protection of public safety and health and minimizing any potential environmental impacts.
On March 25, 2021, HRK submitted a report of process water bypassing the wastewater management system at the Piney Point facility, a former phosphate plant. The facility was releasing wastewater into Piney Point Creek which leads into Tampa Bay.
In response, the department issued an Emergency Final Order requiring that HRK take immediate action and implement all necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the stack system and its lined impoundments and prevent an uncontrolled discharge. The response includes controlled discharges of mixed seawater to maintain the integrity of the stack.
Statewide DEP staff across divisions continue to coordinate on agency oversight and response to ensure public health and safety, and to minimize environmental impact. The department continues to monitor the situation 24/7 and will provide updates to this page to ensure prioritization of accountability and transparency to the public.
DEP is dedicated to full enforcement for any damages to our state’s resources and holding HRK accountable for this event.
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Mandatory Catch-and-Release
FWC, after consultation with its partners, has temporarily made snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout catch-and-release only in Tampa Bay due to recent impacts from red tide beginning today, July 16th, and continuing through September 16th. This applies to the following areas:
All Florida waters of Manatee County north of State Road 64, including all waters of the Braden River, and all tributaries of the Manatee River, excluding all waters of Palma Sola Bay.
All Florida waters of Hillsborough County.
All Florida waters of Pinellas County, excluding all waters of the Anclote River and its tributaries.
“While it’s unfortunate that we must do this so close to the recent reopening of these species to harvest in this area, we know temporary catch-and-release measures such as these are successful in keeping fisheries sustainable throughout red tide events such as this one,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “We will continue working with our partners, stakeholders, and local communities to evaluate this situation.”
“We’ve seen the devastation to the redfish, trout, and snook populations in Tampa Bay, and we support the catch-and-release initiative taken by FWC,” stated Brian Gorski, Executive Director of Coastal Conservation Association Florida. “In working with FWC on this initiative, we’ve heard support from members and guides throughout the region who also understand the need for such a change. We must protect the fish and our waterways so that generations to come can enjoy the thrill of catching one of these iconic species.”
Regulations outside of those counties remain unchanged, including the measures south of State Road 64 in Manatee County through Gordon Pass in Collier County for snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout.
Marion County — An illegal immigrant who faked her kidnapping and rape in an attempt to obtain U.S citizenship has been arrested for filing a false report.
From the beginning, readers thought her story was “fishy.”
At the time the story was published, Matthew Collins, wrote, “Sounds made up to me. Her story is too similar to the Florida woman who faked her assault because she was late for work. I am not buying it.”
Collins was just one of many who expressed the same sentiment.
At the beginning of the investigation, Duran’s co-workers called law enforcement after they located her lawnmower abandoned. Duran was an employee at a local golf course.
the woman, now identified as Alma Delia Duran, told authorities that the incident took place on Tuesday, March 2, between 8 a.m and 9 a.m in the 9000 block of Baseline Road. Duran said was forced into a vehicle and rendered unconscious.
She stated she was then driven to another location where she said she was raped and left on the side of the road near the 8000 block of County Road 314 with no clothes on.
During the four-month-long investigation, detectives discovered that Durn had been on the phone with a man named Luis Guerrero at the time of her alleged kidnapping.
When questioned, Guerrero told authorities that he and Duran had been involved in an affair for at least five years and that, Duran had spoken to him about her plan to get a Visa.
On the morning of the incident, the two drove around while having sex, and at some point during the encounters, Guerrero got cold feet. He told Duran that he could not participate in her plan.
Duran then told Guerrero to drop her off on the side of the road and she “would take care of the rest.”
Duran was questioned multiple times and kept to her story about being kidnapped. However, when told that Guerrero had turned on her, she confessed to making everything up.
On Thursday, July 15, 2021, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested Duran and charged her with Making a False Report of a Crime.
Duran wasted valuable resources on the taxpayer’s dollar.
She was booked and is being held on a $1,000 bond.
Washington — A Pew Research poll taken in April showed that 91% of Americans want marijuana legalized for recreational and or medical use.
On Wednesday, Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Ron Ryden (D-Ore.) drafted a bill known as the Cannabis administration and opportunity Act that would decriminalize marijuana on the federal level.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Schumer said, “The federal prohibition on cannabis is coming to an end. This is monumental because at long last we are taking steps in the Senate to write the wrongs of the failed war on drugs. I was the first Democratic leader to come out for the legalization of marijuana and I will use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate. He added, “As my colleagues and I have said before, the war on drugs has really been a war on people. The Cannabis administration and opportunity Act would help put an end to the unfair targeting and treatment of communities by removing cannabis from the federal list of controlled substances. This is an idea whose time has come… it’s long overdue.”
Additionally, Schumer said, “We also very much believe in the expungement of records because of the historical overcriminalization.”
If passed, the bill would greatly impact Marion County due to the fact that Marion County has the highest incarceration rate in the state of Florida.
The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would remove marijuana from the federal list of controlled substances, expunge nonviolent federal cannabis-related criminal records, and start regulating and taxing the drug.
Schumer said, “People shouldn’t have to live with criminal records for the rest of their lives if they are caught with a small amount of marijuana in their possession.”
Booker said the bill would also seek to reinvest in the communities that have been the most harmed by the “War on Drugs.” Marijuana helps with seizures and many other medical issues. He said it helps veterans. He said law enforcement should be worried about bigger crimes such as sexual assault.
Schumer said, “The next step in the effort to get the bill passed is getting further input from stakeholder groups. We are going to get this done ASAP.”
The senate says this bill will be comprehensive and not just a banking bill to make those who are already rich, richer. The bill will be aimed at decriminalization and expungement of criminal records.
Schumer said prohibition hasn’t worked in the past and it’s not working now.
Marion County — A 13-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty.
According to reports, Marion County Animal Control officers called deputies after they discovered that James William Basener has tortured a neighbor’s cat to death.
During the investigation, Basener initially denied the allegations, but later confessed.
Basener said that approximately a week ago he spotted the cat in his neighborhood and brought it back to his house. He then put the can in a trashcan where he kept it for several days.
While the cat was trapped inside the trashcan, Basener also struck the cat several times with a pole.
Then, on July 13, Basener attempted to stab the cat but it bit him. At that time, Basener stuffed the cat inside of a trash bag and began bashing it against the pavement. The cat escaped, but Basener grabbed it by the tail, and again, slammed it on the pavement until blood began to come from its mouth.
The cat then died.
Basener then tossed the cat into a neighbor’s yard. He said he tossed it in the yard because he believed that dogs would eat the deceased cat.
Basener was arrested and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice. He was later released into the custody of his parents.
Marion County – A popular school supply drive in Marion County celebrates another year of giving to homeless and needy students.
“Mission: Bus Brigade – Supply Their Success” is a summer drive to gather school supplies for Marion County’s homeless and needy students. The program provides school supplies to 29 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, eight high schools, and eight additional educational institutions in the district.
This mission offers local residents the opportunity to make a difference in a homeless or needy child’s life by donating new school supplies, children’s clothing, shoes, personal hygiene items, and financial contributions.
COVID-19 restrictions prohibit a real school bus from visiting community locations this year to pick up donations; however, donations can be made by check payable to “Homeless/Needy Children Program” and mailed to Mission: Bus Brigade, c/o Homeless, and Needy Children Program, Marion County Public Schools, 1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala, Florida, 34471.
Over the years through different versions, the campaign has collected more than $500,000 in donations and merchandise – all distributed through the school district’s Homeless and Needy Children Program and school counselors.
Staples is a major contributor to this year’s campaign.
“Mission: Bus Brigade” will also participate in the “Back to School Bash” with the Marion County Children’s Alliance on July 31, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Friends Recycling Center (2350 NW 27 Ave., Ocala).
On August 3, known as “Super Tuesday,” additional donations will be accepted at these Ocala locations:
· 9 a.m. – County Commissioner Meeting (McPherson Government Complex)
· 10:30 a.m. – Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors® (3105 NE 14th St.)
· 11:30 a.m. – Staples (1901 E. Silver Springs Blvd.)
· 12:30 p.m. – Staples (Shady Oaks Shopping Center, SW State Road 200, Ocala)
· 1:30 p.m. – VFW Post 4781 (9401 SW 110th St.)
For more information, contact Homeless Liaison Thomas Butler at 352.671.6847 or Thomas.Butler@marion.k12.fl.us.
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for the following communities due to loss of water pressure at the water treatment facility:
– Spruce Creek North
– Woods & Meadows East
– Oakcrest Estates
– Emerald Point
– Sandy Pines
– Cherrywood
– Forest Glen
– Whispering Pines
– Ocala Waterways Estates
– Marco Polo
– Kingsland Country Estates
Marion County Utilities advises that all water used for brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, making ice, or washing dishes be brought to a rapid boil for at least one minute prior to use. As an alternative, residents may opt to use bottled water. Water used for laundry, bathing, and showering does not need to be boiled.
Utility staff will test the water system’s supply and send out notifications once the precaution is lifted. Customers with questions should contact Utilities’ customer service line at 352-307-6000.
Citrus County — Hurricane Elsa spared Citrus County from severe damage as it hugged Florida’s Gulf Coast, although, there was some flooding and a few downed trees.
Nearly 1,700 Citrus County residents lost power. However, by Wednesday night all power had been restored.
In the video, friends Luke Malmberg, Aiden Helton, Ryan Batson, and Gavin take advantage of the high waters and ride a boogie board as it’s being pulled by a truck.
Residents Presley and Carlos race toward the Gulf water to take a dip.
While construction zones and neighborhoods flooded, it did not stop many Floridians from enjoying the beach as it was pounded by the outer bands of the hurricane.
Unfortunately, the driver of a black mustang did lose control of his vehicle as he was headed down Fort Island Trail and ended up in the water.
The driver, who was not injured, was able to exit the vehicle and get someone to pull his vehicle out.
