Things to know as bay scallop season approaches

Ocala Post

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June 28, 2021

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.”

No God and Country Day fireworks show

Ocala Post

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June 28, 2021

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fireworks, ocala post, ocala news, fireworks illegal — File photo/Ocala Post

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.

FDLE: Crime rates for Ocala/Marion County show a decrease because of the 2020 lockdown, presented to the public under false pretenses

Byron Durning

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June 25, 2021

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FDLE: Crime rates for Ocala/Marion County show a decrease because of the 2020 lockdown, presented to the public under false pretenses

[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.

FWC: Time is running out to have your pet tegus or green iguana microchipped

Ocala Post

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June 24, 2021

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FWC: Time is running out to have your pet tegus or green iguana microchipped

green iguana, ocala news, ocala post — A green iguana being microchipped at one of FWC’s Tag Your Reptile Day events.

Florida — New rules require owners of pet tegus and green iguanas to apply for a no-cost permit and mark their pets with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag, also known as a microchip. Working with a variety of partners, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has helped pet owners by tagging nearly 150 tegus and green iguanas for free.

The new rules took effect on April 29, but a 90-day grace period has provided pet owners an opportunity to come into compliance and take advantage of Tag Your Reptile Day events that the FWC is holding throughout the state. These events offer pet owners an opportunity to have their pet green iguanas or tegus microchipped for free. Staff is also present to help address questions about the permit application process.

The FWC will hold two more Tag Your Reptile Day events, both taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

June 26 at South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4800 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach
July 11 at the Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 5600 Banner Dr, Fort Myers

The rule changes to Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. specifically address 16 high-risk invasive reptiles including pythons, tegus, and green iguanas that pose a threat to Florida’s ecology, economy, and human health and safety.

The new rules also include reporting requirements for permittees, biosecurity requirements to limit the escape of these high-risk invasive species, and additional language to clarify limited exceptions for possession of green iguanas and tegus for commercial sales or as pets.

The 90-day grace period ends July 28, 2021, and by that time all pet green iguanas and tegus must be permanently microchipped and owners must have applied for a no-cost permit. All other entities must come into compliance with the new rules by July 28 as well, including entities possessing the regulated species for research, educational exhibition, eradication/control, or commercial sale purposes. Additionally, entities with these species will have 180 days to come into compliance with the new outdoor caging requirements. The 180-day grace period for upgrading outdoor caging ends October 26, 2021.

More than 500 nonnative species have been reported in Florida. Approximately 80% of these species have been introduced via the live animal trade with more than 130 established in Florida, meaning they are reproducing in the wild. Since most nonnative invasive fish and wildlife find their way into Florida’s habitats through escape or release from the live animal trade, it is important to create regulations to prevent high-risk nonnative invasive wildlife from becoming introduced or further established in Florida’s environment.

For detailed information on how these new rules will impact pet owners, commercial sellers, exhibitors, trappers, and other groups, or to learn more about upcoming Tag Your Reptile Day events, visit MyFWC.com/ReptileRule.

The U.S. Navy is dropping bombs in the Ocala National Forest this weekend

Ocala Post

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June 18, 2021

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Ocala, Florida — The U.S. Navy is dropping bombs in the Ocala National Forest this weekend as part of a series of training exercises.

The exercises will be conducted from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, June 18, through Sunday, June 20.

The Pinecastle Bombing Range complex is approximately 2 miles west of the Camp Ocala campgrounds and near several hiking trails.

The Pinecastle Bombing Range is an un-fenced 5,760-acre area, with the eastern edge of the range located about 2 miles west of State Road 19 and the Camp Ocala campgrounds, and one-half mile west of the Farles Lake campground. F-18 jet fighters and other aircraft take off from Jacksonville Naval Air Station, fly low over the Forest, and drop their bombs in the middle 450 acres of the range.

The Navy will be activating the Range Boundary Safety Zone and closing the seven gates surrounding the zone to ensure public safety in support of an upcoming exercise at the Pinecastle bombing range.

The Navy’s Pinecastle Impact Range in the Ocala National Forest is the only place on the East Coast where the Navy can do live impact training. The Navy drops nearly 20,000 bombs a year at the site, a few hundred of which are live. The Navy has used nearly 6,000 acres of the 382,000-acre forest for target practice for 50 years under a special use permit from the US Forest Service.

Targets

There are nine targets within the Pinecastle complex:

Live Ordnance Impact Area: Targets in the impact area consist of vehicle hulks arranged to form a “T” and scored by WISS. Maximum 500 pounds general-purpose or explosive equivalent, ball ammo up to 30mm, rockets up to five-inch, and practice bombs are authorized.

Main Bull (Special Weapons Bombing Target): The Main Bull consists of four concentric circles of 300, 600, 900, and 1200-feet radii, encompassing a bull ’s-eye constructed of two 75-foot poles and two 90-foot poles with two radar reflectors and top-mounted banners. The center of the bulls-eye is clear of vegetation out to 450-feet from the center pole with two rings of tires at 50 and 200-feet radii from the center pole. Additional radar reflectors are located on the 317 run-in-line, 6000-feet short of and 3800-feet beyond bull’s-eye. Elevated black and white Initial Point (IP) markers are situated on the 317 run-in-line at 6000-foot intervals from 36,000-feet short to 6000-feet beyond the target center.

Day/Night Conventional Dive Bomb/Rocket Target: The target consists of a surplus military vehicle bull’s-eye and four concentric tire rings of 50, 100, 200, and 300-feet radii. This target is equipped with an integral lighting system for night bombing exercises. Twelve radar reflectors are placed in clock positions at 400-feet. Only practice bombs are authorized on this target.

Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Site Target: This target resembles a hexagram with a circular service road encompassing the radar and surrounding missile launcher pads. This target is not scored. Practice bombs, inert MK 80 series bombs, and inert rockets up to five-inch are authorized.

Strafing Target: The strafing target consists of two banner materials suspended on the face of a berm. Ball ammo up to 30mm is authorized.

Inert Ordnance Runway: This target consists of a mock runway. Practice bombs, inert MK 80 series bombs, and inert rockets up to five-inch are authorized.

Red Box Target: This target consists of four red tanks positioned to form a square with a radar unit in the center. The target is located 1700-feet from the Main Bull. The square of tanks is within a 200-foot radius circle. Practice bombs, inert MK 80 series bombs, and inert rockets up to five-inch are authorized.

Mini-Convoy: This target consists of various small vehicles situated approximately 800 meters from the Main Bull and 750 meters from spotting Tower No. 1.

Laser Target: This target is a 50-foot by 50-foot billboard with a painted black crosshair. The target is located 3000-feet north of Tower 1. A laser sensor is positioned in the center of the crosshair. Continuous automatic scoring is available on frequency 380.8 MHz. Cassette tape scoring results are available with a 15-minute advanced notice. This target provides no-drop Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) training.

The Navy said that residents should not be alarmed by the explosions. However, they said if a resident wishes to file a noise complaint, they can call 1-800-874-5059.

Morriston man arrested on burglary charges from 2020 using DNA from Pepsi can

Ocala Post

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June 17, 2021

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Morriston man arrested on burglary charges from 2020 using DNA from Pepsi can

morriston, ocala news, ocala post — Joseph Campanile

Morriston, Florida — On November 29, 2020, the Marion County Sheriff’s office received a call from a Morriston couple who said that their home had been burglarized.

The victims were on vacation and arrived home to find that their house had been ransacked sometime between March 31 and November 28.

According to reports, every cabinet, drawer, and closet was opened and rummaged through.

The suspect, later identified as Joseph Campanile, had entered the home by shattering the French glass doors that lead to the master bedroom.

Once inside, the suspect stole a 65 and 36-inch TV, Nike Shoes, Laundry soap, a car battery charger, and various tools. In total, Campanile stole approximately $2,600 in belongings from the victims. Additionally, Campanile caused nearly $1,000 in damages.

While investigating, the deputy discovered a half-empty Pepsi can that had apparently been drunk by the suspect.

A forensic technician swabbed the can and those swabs were sent off to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for testing.

On April 30, 2021, MCSO was notified that a qualifying suspect match had been identified.

That match was identified as Campanile, who was not known to the victims.

A warrant was then issued for Campanile’s arrest.

On June 9, 2021, Campanile was located and arrested in front of a recycling center on West Highway 40.

During questioning, the suspect was all ears but did not say much.

Campanile was charged with Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling and Grand Theft.

He is being held on a $7,000 bond.

Man shot in northwest Ocala, no arrests

Ocala Post

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June 17, 2021

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Ocala, Florida — Detectives are investigating another shooting in northwest Ocala. This is just one of many shootings that have occurred in Marion County since January.

The shooting took place on Wednesday night near Northwest 17th Avenue and Second Street. Authorities were notified at approximately 9 p.m.

Police said the victim, a male, age 49, was shot as he was loading a riding lawn mower onto a trailer.

Numerous shell casings were found at the scene.

After the victim was shot he went to a nearby home and the occupants called 911.

The man was transported to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. His location has not been disclosed and his name has not been released.

No arrests have been made at this time. The investigation is ongoing and witnesses are still being interviewed.

If you have any information about the shooting, you are urged to contact OPD at 352-369-7000 or you can submit an anonymous tip at Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867). Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. You might be eligible for a reward. Anonymity is guaranteed.

FDLE Crime Report shows Ocala climbing Florida’s most dangerous cities list, murder rate up 6.9 percent

Cody’s Original Roadhouse coming back to Ocala

Ocala Post

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June 17, 2021

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Cody’s Original Roadhouse coming back to Ocala

Marion County — You have most likely seen the iconic orange truck along Southwest State Road 200, and this is good news for those who have missed Cody’s Original Roadhouse.

Cody’s closed its doors in Ocala as a result of COVID-19, but the restaurant is set to reopen west of Publix at Canopy Oak Center near On Top of the World…just west of Southwest 80th Avenue.

A spokesperson for Cody’s told Ocala Post that they are on track and plan to be open by December 2021.

June 16 is World Sea Turtle Day, it’s also nesting season

Ocala Post

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June 16, 2021

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June 16 is World Sea Turtle Day, it’s also nesting season

Today is World Sea Turtle Day. It is also nesting season.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding beachgoers they can help protect nesting sea turtles by practicing some simple tips.

Each year, thousands of sea turtles nest on Florida’s beaches. Because Florida is so important to these animals, beachgoers can help keep the beaches clean and dark so sea turtles nest successfully.

“Everyone benefits from clean beaches and, since most of Florida’s sea turtles nest at night, it is important to keep our beaches dark because bright lights can disorient nesting turtles,” said FWC.

Stash the trash:

Obstacles on the beach can prevent sea turtles from nesting as they crawl from the water, across the sand, to lay their eggs. They can also prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water once they emerge from their nests. Beachgoers can help sea turtles by properly disposing of all trash, filling in holes in the sand, and putting away boats, beach toys, and furniture. Fishing lines can be deadly to sea turtles and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of them properly.

Lights out:

Bright lighting can misdirect and disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward potential danger, therefore, FWC says beachgoers should avoid using flashlights or cellphones on the beach at night.

FWC said, “Anyone living along or visiting Florida beaches can do their part by turning out lights or closing curtains after dark to ensure nesting turtles are not disturbed as they come ashore and hatchlings will not become disoriented when they emerge from their nests. If lighting could still be visible from the beach, be sure it is long, low, and shielded.”

Dr. Robbin Trindell, who heads the FWC’s sea turtle management program, said, “As beachgoers, we can all do our part to help sea turtles survive.” He went on to say, “By keeping beaches dark and clearing the way at the end of the day, we can help ensure that these amazing animals keep returning to our beautiful state.”

Other ways to help sea turtles include reporting those that are sick, injured, entangled, or dead to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Marion County school leadership changes effective July 1

Ocala Post

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June 16, 2021

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Marion County school leadership changes effective July 1

Marion County — Superintendent Dr. Diane Gullett has announced the following administrative leadership changes effective July 1. The changes have been approved by members of the Marion County School Board:

Dunnellon Middle School – Ken McAteer returns to the school level as principal after directing the district-level Secondary Education and Student Services departments. He replaces Delbert Smallridge, who is leaving after 31 years with the district.
Fort McCoy School – Jordan Surdam becomes principal after serving as interim principal since January 2021.
Oakcrest Elementary School – Chris Sandy returns as principal after coming out of retirement four years ago to serve at the district level and most recently as principal of Reddick-Collier Elementary School. She replaces Cathy Balius, mentioned further down in this release.
Reddick-Collier Elementary School – Melicia Cooper becomes a first-time principal after two years with the district.
South Ocala Elementary School – Diana Elysee becomes a first-time principal after four years with the district. She replaces Dr. Stephanie Callaway who is leaving after 22 years with the district.
Sunrise Elementary School – Cathy Balius will serve as principal here. She moves from Oakcrest Elementary and replaces Natalia Robledo, who moves to Saddlewood Elementary as assistant principal.
Ashley Kemp, former principal at Evergreen Elementary School, becomes the Transformation School Principal and will work directly with principals to support continuous improvement across the district.

At the district level, the following changes are being made:

The district’s Chief Academic Officer will be Margaret Talbert Irving from Orange County Public Schools.
Area Directors will now be known as Area Superintendents.
Ben Whitehouse, former area director, becomes director of Student Pathways and Assessment, handling Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, dual enrollment, and strategic planning.
Jonathan McGowan becomes director of Mental Health & Wellness and will oversee health, social work, psychologists, counselors, and others responsible for student and employee health.
Employee Relations moves under Human Resources led by Executive Director Jaycee Oliver.
Operations and Emergency Management belongs to Executive Director Barbara Dobbins, who previously oversaw Human Resources.
Grant Funding including federal Coronavirus relief dollars will now be supervised by Philip Leppert, who most recently served as executive director of Support Services.

Southern fox squirrel habitats knowingly destroyed in Crystal River, residents furious

Ocala Post

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June 15, 2021

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Southern fox squirrel habitats knowingly destroyed in Crystal River, residents furious

Crystal River — The face of Crystal River is changing, and many residents do not feel it is for the better of the community.

With the destruction of so much land, many wildlife habitats have knowingly been destroyed by the City, Florida Department of Transportation, and road construction crews.

Most recently, the land at the corner of U.S 19 and Venable was cut down.

This area has had many sitings of the Southern fox squirrel, previously classified as Sherman’s fox squirrel, and as the land was being cut down, a fox squirrel was photographed fleeing the area.

Article continued below

crystal river, fox squirrel — Southern Fox Squirrel photographed leaving the area being destroyed

Some residents reported the situation to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Ocala Post reached out to FWC about the fox squirrels, and in a statement, they wrote, “The Southern fox squirrel (the species known to occur in the Crystal River area) was removed from the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List in 2018, but is still protected in state rules. Deliberately taking, pursuing, hunting, molesting, capturing, or killing Southern fox squirrels is prohibited under the state rules that protect them. However, the Southern fox squirrel is not protected from incidental take that may occur when land is cleared.”

The southern fox squirrel typically has two breeding seasons each year. The winter breeding season is from October to February and the summer breeding season is from April to August. Most nests are made of Spanish moss, pine needles, twigs, and leaves, while a few nests are made within tree cavities. Females average one litter per year with an average of 2.3 offspring per litter. Young are weaned at 90 days and sexual maturity is reached at about nine months.

This means the land at the corner of U.S 19 and Venable was cleared during the breeding season.

FWC says, “The main threat to the southern fox squirrel population is the destruction of their habitats. Habitat loss has been significant as it is estimated that only 10-20% of original southern fox squirrel native habitat is still intact, most of it having been logged, converted to pasture, degraded by lack of fire, or used for agriculture, commercial and residential development.”

The fox squirrel mostly inhabits long-leaf pine trees, which is what was mostly cut down during the land clearing in Crystal River.

Ocala Post reached out to county leaders on the issue, however, emails were ignored.

Deputy, who was a school resource officer, arrested after sending explicit photos

Ocala Post

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June 15, 2021

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ocala news, ocala post, deputy arrested — Deputy Jonathan Seffern Jr. (Booking photo)

Citrus County — A Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested after he sent explicit photos of a woman’s genitals to the woman and a federal agent.

The text messages also allegedly contained crude, inflammatory messages.

The deputy, identified as Jonathan Seffern Jr. had taken the photos of the woman while he was involved in a sexual relationship with her.

The two later separated and Seffern accused her of having an affair with a Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent.

Seffern, 33, was located and arrested on Friday, June 11, in Levy County on a Citrus County warrant.

He resigned from his post as a school resource officer with Homosassa Elementary right before he was arrested.

He has been charged with a first-degree misdemeanor of Sexual Cyber-harassment. He was later released on a $1,000 bond.

According to sources, Seffern is also the president of Citrus Cowboys Youth Football League.

Seffern had been employed with the CCSO since October 2007.

The investigation began back in February, and prior to Seffern’s resignation, he was allowed to work in his official capacity.

If he is convicted he faces a year in jail.

His next court date is slated for June 24.

CSX train slams into semi after it gets stuck on tracks

Ocala Post

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June 15, 2021

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Belleview, Florida — Cartons of eggs spilled onto the ground Monday after a CSX train slammed into a semi tractor-trailer.

The semi was also hauling yogurt, milk, cheese, and various other dairy products.

The crash happened in the 6200 block of Southeast Baseline Road, Belleview.

The semi-driver, Eddie Rosa, told authorities that his GPS had rerouted him when he missed his turn. When he crossed over the railroad tracks, the plate on the bottom of his trailer became stuck on the tracks. He was unable to move the semi and jumped out of his truck, flashlight in hand, and ran toward the train.

Rosa said he was trying to warn the conductor.

Officials said the train applied its brakes, but it was too late and the train plowed into the side of the semi.

Rosa was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device.

The front of the train was badly damaged.

Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the scene shortly after 9 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

Woman slams boyfriend in head with weight over WIFI

Ocala Post

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June 14, 2021

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ocala news, ocala post, marion county news, battery — Natalie Caban

Ocala, Florida — A woman was arrested and charged with felony battery after she struck her boyfriend in the head with a two-pound weight.

According to the arrest affidavit, Natalie Caban, 27, became involved in an argument with her boyfriend after he discovered that she had canceled the WIFI service.

During the argument, the boyfriend called Caban a c*nt, at which time Caban grabbed a two-pound weight and slammed her boyfriend in the head with it.

Officials said that during the 911 call, they were told that the victim’s wound was bleeding uncontrollably.

According to reports, when police arrived, the victim was covered in blood due to a significant gash in his head.

During questioning, Caban told police that her boyfriend had slapped her first. However, police said that there were not any marks on the victim’s face. She later admitted to lying.

Caban was arrested and charged with Felony Battery. Additionally, she was charged with Violation of Probation for Possession of Methamphetamine and Violation of Probation for Resisting an Officer in a previous arrest.

Caban is being held without bond. Her next court date is slated for July 6, 2021.

Top Gun: Maverick — New Official Trailer — after many delays, the much-anticipated movie will soon be in theaters

Ocala Post

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June 8, 2021

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Entertainment — Originally scheduled for release on July 12, 2019, Top Gun was postponed to allow production to work out all the complex flight sequences and because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The much-anticipated movie is now scheduled for theatrical release on November 19, 2021.

History was made during the filming of Top Gun in which a new camera system was used to film the aviation scenes live.

Movie Bin has posted a second new trailer for the film and it includes bonus footage.

Synopsis:

After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose.”

Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.

Tom Cruise learned how to fly the jets and, as always, perfomred his own stunts.

Wanting to make between $55,000 to $75,000 per year? This company is hiring!

Ocala Post

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June 6, 2021

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Business is booming and Legacy Housing Corporation is looking to hire immediately for supervisors.

If you are a manager — a leader — and you want a career with a growing and successful company, Legacy Housing has openings for supervisors with a path towards management.

Each supervisor leads a team of 10-30 tradesmen in areas such as Welding, Plumbing, Electrical, Roofing, Sheetrock, Trim, Exteriors, and Trucking.

The pay is $55,000 to $75,000 per year with a generous benefits package.

Benefits include:

Health insurance
Retirement pay
Vacation pay, and
Holiday pay

Construction experience is required.

Send resume to sarabeck@legacyhousingcorp.com or call (706) 623-7746.

(UNCUT VIDEO) Florida woman gets naked, caused thousands in damage to Outback Steakhouse, tased

Ocala Post

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June 3, 2021

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(UNCUT VIDEO) Florida woman gets naked, caused thousands in damage to Outback Steakhouse, tased

[Last edited on June 4, 2021, at 1:03 p.m., to include uncut video.]

ocala news, ocala post, tina kindred — Tina Kindred

Ocala, Florida — On June 1, 2021, Ocala Police were dispatched to a local restaurant after reports that a female was topless and banging on tables and windows at the establishment.

Witnesses stated that the woman, later identified as Tina Kindred, also flipped over a few outside tables. She never made it inside the first business.

According to reports, Kindred also tried to get into a customer’s car.

Witnesses told police that the female was driving recklessly in the parking lot before exiting the parking lot and traveling East on Hwy 40.

Prior to arriving at the first restaurant, a call came in from the Outback Steakhouse, located at 4899 E Silver Springs Blvd, about a woman who was completely naked and trashing the business.

This caller told police that there was “a naked woman in the bar area acting crazy.”

When the officer arrived, several patrons outside told him that the woman was breaking everything in the bar.

“I opened the front doors to the business and entered to see that there was glass and liquid all over the bar area,” stated the officer.

The officer said the bar itself was hidden from his view by a partition, but when he cleared the partition he could see a naked female, throwing liquor bottles.

The officer stated that Kindred seemed very agitated and had bottles of liquor in her hands.

According to the arrest affidavit, when the officer announced his presence, she looked at him, uttered incoherent words, drew back her arm, and threw a bottle of liquor at the officer.

The officer stated that the bottle almost hit him in the head, and as the officer was trying to block it, the woman threw a second bottle which struck him in the forearm.

As the officer was yelling at the woman to get on the ground, she approached him, at which time she was tased and fell to the floor.

The officer continued yelling at the woman until she complied.

Kindra, who was apparently having a mental health crisis, was rambling on about Bill Gates and the end of the world.

According to reports, she caused thousands of dollars in damages.

Kindra was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Felony Criminal Mischief.

She was transported to a local hospital where it was discovered that she had a fentanyl patch in her vaginal area. However, she did not test positive for the drug.

She is being held without bond. Her next court date is slated for December 21, 2021.

Court records do not show any previous arrests.

Lowell Correctional Institution now hiring certified and non-certified correctional officers

Ocala Post

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June 2, 2021

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Lowell Correctional Institution now hiring certified and non-certified correctional officers

lowell is now hiring, lowell, ocala news, ocala jobs, ocala post — Lowell Correctional Institution is hiring

Lowell Correctional Institution, located at 11120 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala, is now hiring certified and non-certified correctional officers.

Lowell Correctional Institution offers rewarding correctional officer career opportunities. Becoming a correctional officer in Florida means you are joining a family of hardworking men and women who are dedicated to ensuring public safety throughout the state. Once you join, there are many career advancement steps that progress from Correctional Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Colonel. From there management positions include Assistant Wardens and Wardens. Correctional Officers might also have the opportunity to join special teams such as Rapid Response Teams, Crisis Response Team, Interdiction Units, K-9 Units, and many other special team opportunities.

Standard Benefits:

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment benefits
Supplemental dental, vision, life, disability, and hospitalization insurance
Promotional Opportunities
Tuition-Free college courses
457 Tax Deferred Retirement Plan
Correctional Officers and Probation Officers May Also Receive:
“Special Risk” retirement multiplier
Criminal Justice Incentive Pay (CJIP)
Annual uniform and shoe allowance (Correctional Officer only)

Salary Information:

Trainee Officer: $30,150.38 annually
Certified Officer: $33,500.22 annually
Annual uniform and shoe allowance of $325.00.
Criminal Justice Incentive Pay up to $1,560.00 annually ($130.00 per month).

Job Description:

Supervise inmates, Observe traffic in and around the compound Monitor, supervise and screen inmate visitor traffic. Make periodic patrols of quarters and work areas. Maintain proper security of inmates being transported. Maintain knowledge of communication and other electronic equipment. Maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms, restraint methods, and equipment, and emergency measures. Maintain a record of equipment, supplies, and other items Check inmate mail for possible contraband.

Qualifications:

Be at least 18 years of age. Be a citizen of the United States notwithstanding any laws of the State to the contrary. Be a high school graduate or its “equivalent.” Be able to pass a background investigation and not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement. Be able to pass a medical examination. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must not have a dishonorable characterization of military service.

The application is a two-step process:

Submit a State of Florida Application online at www.FLDCjobs.com
Complete the willingness supplemental form Select Lowell as 1st choice

The links to apply are below – Put Lowell as your 1st & 2nd Choice

Step 1

Click Here to complete the State of Florida application.

After the application has been submitted, go to Step 2 below.

Step 2

Click Here to complete the Correctional Officer Supplemental Application

If you have any questions, contact the recruiter, Sergeant Jessica Chapman, at jessica.chapman@fdc.myflorida.com or call 352-690-8676.

This advertisement is paid for by the FDC.

Temporary lane closures in Southwest Marion County, drivers should be prepared for delays

Ocala Post

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June 2, 2021

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Marion County — Motorists can expect temporary lane closures along S.W. 60th Avenue between the intersections of S.W. 95th Street Road and Southwest Highway 200 and S.W. 95th Street Road between the intersections of Southwest Highway 200 and S.W. 60th Avenue, through August 5.

Hartman Civil Construction will be making ramp repairs on the existing sidewalks. Workers and equipment will be located in the County Right-of-Way.

Crews will place barricades, signage, and have flaggers to direct traffic through detours and the work zone while work is being performed.

Many of the aforementioned areas have a lot of traffic in the mornings. Drivers should plan accordingly. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes, when possible.

Work will primarily be during daytime hours.

Please note that construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances, and if this happens, the closure may be rescheduled.

Officials ask that all drivers remember to yield to roadside workers and obey posted speed limits. Speeding fines are doubled in a construction zone.

Use extra caution during rainy weather.

Company offering $2,000 to play video games for 21 hours with one friend

Ocala Post

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May 31, 2021

114

Company offering $2,000 to play video games for 21 hours with one friend

How many of you wish you could get paid for all the countless, wasted hours you spend playing video games?

What if you could pick one friend to play 21-hours of games with and get paid?

Well, one company is making that all possible.

Internet provider, FrontierBundles.com, is offering $2,000 to two gamers willing to play 21-hours of video games per person together and report back on their experience.

The point of the challenge is because the company wants to know if people play better solo or with another person.

The company said it is a fun way to welcome some big titles coming out this year like Resident Evil Village. Additionally, you can celebrate anniversaries of video games like; The Legend of Zelda is turning 35, Donkey Kong is turning 40, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Street Fighter 2 both turn 30.

FrontierBundles.com says it is literally paying you and a friend to plug in and veg out.

“We’re paying friends $2,000 to gear up (on our dime), play 21 hours of video games per person, and report their experience back to us. We’re wondering: do you play a little better with your best friend alongside you in the thick of the action, or is your focus that much sharper when you play by yourself,” said the company.

The company said, “To help you on your pixelated journey, we’re giving your inventory a boost. Our winners will receive a swag bag filled with gaming essentials, so you can play “together” while remaining remote. Each bag will include a Nintendo Switch Lite, access to both modern video game favorites and retro video game classics, and enough snacks to fuel countless online adventures.”

The company asked, “Let’s be honest with each other: you’re already playing 20+ hours a week anyway, so why not get paid for it?”

For fore information, or to register, click here.

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth