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.
Live streaming in real-time from Marine Science Station
After weakening to a tropical storm near Cuba, the system restrengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it approached Florida on Tuesday evening around 8 p.m. EDT with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.
Elsa is projected to make landfall north of Tampa early Wednesday, and it has been rated a 1 on the AccuWeather RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes, due to the system’s expected rainfall, storm surge flooding, and the potential for damaging winds.
The center of Hurricane Elsa is about 100 miles SSW of Tampa or about 75 miles west of Fort Myers.
The impacts remain the same across the area, however, with the Hurricane Warning remaining in effect for Pinellas and coastal Hillsborough County north and Tropical Storm Warnings south of Tampa Bay.
After weakening to a tropical storm near Cuba, the system restrengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it approached Florida on Tuesday evening around 8 p.m. EDT with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.
Elsa is projected to make landfall north of Tampa early Wednesday, and it has been rated a 1 on the AccuWeather RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes, due to the system’s expected rainfall, storm surge flooding, and the potential for damaging winds.
The center of Hurricane Elsa is about 100 miles SSW of Tampa or about 75 miles west of Fort Myers. The impacts remain the same across the area, however, with the Hurricane Warning remaining in effect for Pinellas and coastal Hillsborough County north and Tropical Storm Warnings south of Tampa Bay.
TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR CENTRAL MARION COUNTY
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- Anthony
- Burbank
- Ocala
- Weirsdale
* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 55 mph
- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: early Wednesday
morning until Wednesday afternoon
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
to 73 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical
storm force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for
significant wind damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with
damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few
buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door
failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored.
Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
fences and roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.
- Scattered power and communications outages, but more
prevalent in areas with above ground lines.
* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally
higher amounts
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
moderate flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are possible.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations
and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with
swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places,
especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams,
creeks, canals, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken
foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas
of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and
poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on
moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.
Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge
closures.
* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is favorable for tornadoes
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
Marion County – Due to the expected impact Tropical Storm Elsa may have on the Marion County community, summer school activities for Marion County Public Schools on Wednesday, July 7th, are canceled.
This means no school buses will run, no schools will be open, and no food service will be available.
As well, MCPS school district employees will telework from home if their jobs allow. Employees who cannot telework will have the opportunity to make up the day. More information on that make-up day will be forthcoming. Any employee uncertain about their telework status should speak with their immediate supervisor.
MCPS anticipates returning to normal operating schedules on Thursday.
The College of Central Florida has canceled classes at all locations in Marion, Citrus, and Levy counties beginning at 5 p.m. today through Wednesday, July 7, due to Tropical Storm Elsa. College business operations will also be closed Wednesday. Classes and business operations will resume Thursday unless otherwise announced.
[Brought to you by our partners at AccuWeather.com and the National Weather Service]
Final preparations were being rushed to completion across Florida and the Southeast Tuesday as Tropical Storm Elsa closed in on the Sunshine State, unleashing torrential rain and strong winds across the Florida Keys. AccuWeather forecasters say that the system will gradually strengthen over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico as it churns west of the state into early Wednesday morning, and it is possible Elsa could regain hurricane status, with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, prior to striking land.
Elsa is projected to make landfall north of Tampa early Wednesday, and it has been rated as less than one on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes, due to the system’s expected rainfall, storm surge flooding, and the potential for damaging winds.
“Whether Elsa becomes a low-end Category 1 hurricane or remains a strong tropical storm, there may be little different with impacts,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Jake Sojda said, adding that slow strengthening is possible rather than another round of rapid intensification.
Tropical Storm Elsa was located about 215 miles south of Tampa, Florida, at 11 a.m. EDT Tuesday, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. It was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 mph.
TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR CENTRAL MARION
Anthony
Burbank
Ocala
Weirsdale
Threats
WIND
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
– Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE, AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
to 73 mph
– The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
– PLAN: Plan for the dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force.
– PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for significant wind damage.
– ACT: Move to a safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
– Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
– Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow-rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over.
– Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable.
– Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above-ground lines.
* FLOODING RAIN
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
– Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally
higher amounts
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE, AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain
– The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescue are possible.
– PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
– ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
– Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues.
– Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow.
– Floodwaters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.
Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.
* TORNADO
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
– Situation is favorable for tornadoes
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE, AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes
– The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger damage paths.
– PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives.
– ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
– The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
– Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
– Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
A new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report shows that Florida is quickly climbing in the number of new HIV cases reported nationwide.
Florida logged 4,387 new cases, ahead of California (4,354), Texas (4,302) and Georgia (2,439).
The CDC collects, analyzes, and disseminates surveillance data on HIV infection; these data are one of the nation’s primary sources of information on HIV in the United States. The annual surveillance report, published by CDC, summarizes information about diagnosed HIV infection in the United States and dependent areas.
Special Focus Profiles highlight trends and distribution of HIV in 6 populations of particular interest to HIV prevention programs in state and local health departments: (1) Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, (2) Persons who inject drugs, (3) those who identify as transgender persons, (4) Women, (5) Adolescents and young adults, and (6) children aged <13 Years.
According to the CDC, Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are the population most affected by HIV in the United States.
From 2015 through 2019 in the United States and 6 dependent areas, the number of diagnoses of HIV infection for transgender male-to-female (MTF) increased by 5 percent, and transgender female-to-male (FTM) adults and adolescents increased by 44 percent.
Article continued below
From 2015 through 2019 in the United States and 6 dependent areas, the largest percentage increase (48%) in the rate of persons living with diagnosed HIV infection were among persons aged ≥65 years (from 145.5 in 2015 to 216.0 in 2019). At year-end 2019, persons aged 55–59 years made up the largest percentage (15%) of persons living with diagnosed HIV. The highest rate (741.1) was among persons aged 50–54 years, followed by those aged 55–59 years (737.7), and those aged 45–49 years (577.2).
Florida non-profit groups are now urging those in the most vulnerable groups to be tested. According to the CDC, 13 percent of those infected with HIV have no idea.
In 2019, in Marion County, the rate per 100,000 population of HIV Diagnoses was 8.9 compared to Florida at 21.6 for all modes of exposure and age groups.
If you would like to get tested, visit the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, Ocala facility, 1801 SE 32nd Ave Ocala, Florida 34478, Or Call (352) 629-0137 for more information.
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Video: Service Center employee fired after customer sees dashcam video and gets feelings hurt
[Last updated on June 28, 2021, at 5:58 p.m. to include a statement from the city’s communication manager.]
Ocala — Ocala Fire Chief Shane Alexander was terminated from his position with the City of Ocala.
The letter of termination drafted by Assistant City Manager Ken Whitehead was dated June 25, 2021.
Many city officials didn’t even know about the termination and were as surprised as Alexander. Sources say Whitehead did not discuss Alexander’s termination with Human Resources ahead of time.
Alexander had also previously filed a restraining order against Kindred, who changed her last name in May of 2021.
In the letter of termination, Whitehead accuses Alexnder of “undermining City Council and the City Manager to the detriment of the organization.”
Whitehead wrote that the accusations came to light after several business leaders were “alarmed by his actions.”
Whitehead accuses Alexander of campaigning against other Council members in order to gain a seat as City Manager.
Additionally, Whitehead wrote, “[You] eroded trust in the organization by creating a counter-productive and uncomfortable work environment for City staff. This has been attested by several employees.”
In the letter, Alexander is accused of not using the City phone enough to prove he was working.
ken whitehead kwhitehead@ocalafl.org
Ocala Post has received numerous emails alleging that Whitehead has a personal vendetta against Alexander.
In those emails, Whitehead is accused of campaigning against Alexander due to his ex-wife’s arrest and dealing in dirty politics.
Ocala Post reached out to Whitehead and asked for clarification. Ocala Post also asked Whitehead how long Alexander had been investigated before he was terminated. However, the emails went unanswered prior to the publication of this article.
An email from the city’s communication manager, read, “The City of Ocala does not provide interviews on personnel-related matters; however, personnel files are public record and open to public inspection.”
You can read the termination letter in its entirety below, or download it here.
Avanti Frozen Foods Pvt. Ltd is recalling certain consignments of various sizes of frozen cooked, peeled, deveined, shrimp (with some packaged with cocktail sauce) sold in various unit sizes because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The frozen shrimp products were distributed nationwide from late December 2020 to late February 2021
Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.
The affected product details are as below. The brand names of the products are:
Products not bearing these codes are not affected by or involved in this recall.
There have been 6 reports of Salmonella-related illness to date associated with these cooked shrimp distributions. The potential for contamination was identified by FDA based on its prior testing of frozen cooked shrimp imported by Avanti Frozen Foods that was found to contain Salmonella. Avanti Frozen Foods did not distribute and destroyed that prior shipment found to be violative. The company has taken preventative steps to eliminate the potential for future contamination.
This is not the first time the foreign-owned company, based in India, has faced a nationwide recall.
Consumers who have purchased the above product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at +(91) 402-331-0260 Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. GMT +5.5.
Citrus County — Recreational bay scallop season for Franklin County through the northwestern portion of Taylor County, as well as Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties opens July 1 and will remain open through Sept. 24. This includes Carrabelle, Lanark, St. Marks, Cedar Key, Crystal River, and Homosassa.
Please do not discard scallop shells in inshore waters, such as the Homosassa River or Crystal River, which are commonly used for recreational activities. Piles of discarded scallop shells can create hazards for swimmers and damage seagrass habitat. Scallop shells can be discarded in a trash receptacle or offshore where they are more likely to disperse.
Bag limits and other regulations
The daily bag limits in these areas are 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1/2 gallon (4 pints) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel. Throughout the season and region-wide, vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.
Reduced bag limits apply in the Fenholloway River through the Suwannee River zone from June 15-30.
Additional bay scallop season dates are as follows:
St. Joseph Bay/Gulf County: Aug. 16 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County.
Fenholloway through the Suwannee rivers (including Keaton Beach and the Steinhatchee area): June 15 through Labor Day (Sept. 6, 2021). This region includes all state waters east of Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County and north of Alligator Pass daybeacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County. This area has a lowered bag limit June 15-30.
Pasco County: Open for 10 days starting the third Friday in July (July 16-25, 2021). This region includes all state waters south of the Hernando – Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse including all waters of the Anclote River.
Other regulations
Scallops may be collected by hand or with a landing or dip net.
There is no commercial harvest allowed for bay scallops in Florida.
Direct and continuous transit of legally harvested bay scallops is allowed through closed areas. Boaters may not stop their vessels in waters that are closed to harvest and must proceed directly to the dock or ramp to land scallops in a closed area.
For information on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops” under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab or download the Fish Rules App. Learn more at FishRulesApp.com or follow Fish Rules at Instagram.com/FishRulesApp or Facebook.com/FishRulesApp.
Boater and scalloper safety
Be safe when diving for scallops. Wear a life jacket when underway and do not drink and boat. When scalloping in open water, divers should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device, and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device if on a river, inlet, or navigation channel. Boat operators traveling within 300 feet of a divers-down flag or device in open water or within 100 feet of one on a river, inlet or navigational channel must slow to idle speed. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Boating/Regulations and click on “Divers-down Warning Devices.”
Marion County — God and Country Day, a traditional favorite in Marion County, will not happen this Independence Day.
The July 4, 2019, show was the last show to be held by the JCI Ocala Jaycees, which took place at the Golden Ocala Property, located at 7340 US-27, Ocala.
The firework show in 2019 was the 50th and final one.
On Facebook, JCI wrote, “Thank you to all of the volunteers who assisted with this year’s 50th Annual God & Country Day, and as always – thanks to our sponsors! We are sad to announce it was our final God and Country Day. The project has outgrown our small chapter – both in manpower hours and through the increased financial burden.”
Additionally, the Marion County government does not have any plans for a firework show.
According to the fire marshall, they did approve a permit for On top of the World, however, it is not open to the public.
If you know of any local firework shows open to the public, drop a line in the comments.
[Last updated on June 28, 2021, at 1:16 p.m. to clarify data confirmed by FDLE]
Marion County — A Uniform Crime Report released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would seemingly lead the public — as perpetuated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office — to believe that the crime rate in Marion County has actually dropped by nearly 9 percent.
That number was completely presented to the public under false pretenses.
In a Feb. 2021 email to Ocala Post, Dana Kelly, Communications Coordinator for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, said FDLE was still collecting data for the year 2020 and that the report would be released sometime in 2021.
The Annual UCR calculates crime rate – a calculation based on population; the total number of index crimes reported per 100,000 people, and crime volume – by the total number of index crimes reported by law enforcement.
As reported on February 22, 2021, under the “total crime rate” category, the overall violent crime rate is up 3.6 percent, and under “index offenses” murder was up 6.9 percent.
The violent crime offenses also include robberies, rapes, aggravated assaults, larcenies, and motor vehicle thefts.
When reading the report, as explained by FLDE, the UCR shows “total index crime” and “total crime rate” has decreased. However, those figures also include non-violent crimes and those percentages are lower due to the fact that there was a significant drop in burglaries reported to FDLE — 25 percent — and those numbers are also averaged into the final numbers.
Additionally, while rape was down by 7 percent, there was a 6 percent increase in robbery, an 8.4 percent increase in aggravated assault, and an 8.4 percent increase in motor vehicle thefts.
So while “total index crimes” show a decrease of 5.7 percent, according to FDLE, the number of total violent crimes in Marion has increased — from 1,475 in 2018 to 1,556 in 2019 — an increase of 5.5 percent.
Statistical data compared with all other counties show that Marion County was listed as number 30 out of 67 counties for most dangerous. Ocala is currently listed in the top 20 in the state of Florida for most violent cities. Orlando comes in as number two and Miami Beach is number one.
To put this into perspective, Orange County reported 7,805 violent crimes and Marion County (not including Ocala) reported 1,556.
In the new report just released by FDLE, it would appear that crime, did, in fact, drop by nine percent. However, that data was collected during a shutdown due to the pandemic and does not reflect actual crime rates and statistics.
As confirmed with FDLE (meaning crime rate reports were confirmed), a reasonable person could conclude that crime was lower across the board for every county in Florida during the reported time from 2020 because fewer people were out and about as a result of a statewide lockdown. FDLE did not comment on the reason crime rates were lower.
“FDLE receives UCR statistics from the reporting agencies. We do not interpret the data or provide commentary on the data. That is usually done by criminologists or university professors,” said FDLE.
To put this into perspective, Miami Beach, located in Dade County – the number one most dangerous city in Florida — showed a 14 percent drop in crime. Again, this is due to the fact that people were confined to their homes.
FDLE crime rates are based on the totality of daily offenses and arrests. They are not based on an every Wednesday arrest of a wanted fugitive.
Data provided by FDLE between January and June of 2020 :
For Marion County, during the lockdown, the total crime index fell from 8,397 to 7,569. Murder dropped from 31 to 19, rape from 227 to 184, robbery from 211 to 136, burglary from 1,198 to 1,141, larceny from 4,947 to 4,289, and grand theft auto from 696 to 582.
One category increased during the pandemic…which was aggravated assault. Crime analysts say this is because everyone was on lockdown and locked inside their homes. Therefore, domestic violence increased.
The numbers for the aforementioned timeframe indicate an 8.9 percent drop in crime rate during the pandemic.
For Marion County and Municipal offense data during the pandemic, between January and December of 2020, the crime rates are as follows:
In Florida, from January to December 2020, the overall murder rate, despite the lockdown, still increased by 14.7 percent from 2019.
Top 10 most dangerous in Florida:
1. Miami
2. Orlando
3. Jacksonville
4. Tampa
5. Palm Beach
6. St. Petersburg
7. Tallahassee
8. Fort Lauderdale
9. Gainesville
10. Homestead
It should also be noted that the UCR for Marion County does not include crimes inside the city limits and only the crime in areas patrolled by the sheriff’s office. Moreover, the percentages do not include a vast array of crimes that occurred in Marion County, such as drug offenses, prostitution, DUI arrests, etc. In reality, and statistically, the crime rate in Marion County is much higher.
FDLE also stated that the crime rate statistics included on the UCR are only as good as the information reported to them by the local law enforcement agency.
