Homosassa, Florida — On Wednesday, May 12, Citrus County Fire Rescue had to be dispatched to a vehicle fire at South Alabama Avenue and West Grover Cleveland Boulevard, Homosassa.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a Hummer engulfed in flames.
Responding to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ state of emergency order due to the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack, a Florida man, who is also the owner of the vehicle, was hoarding gas and had filled up four 5-gallon gas containers at Texaco Food Mart on West Grover Cleveland Boulevard and placed them in the back of the SUV.
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Unofficially, authorities believe that the man lit a cigarette inside the vehicle after pulling away from the gas station.
The driver was injured but refused to be transported to a hospital against medical advice.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection was notified and had to coordinate the cleanup of the fuel spill.
Fire crews responded to the scene at 10:59 a.m and had the scene cleared by 1:36 p.m.
Silver Springs — A Silver Springs man was all smiles and is being held without bail after having his bond revoked for failure to appear at a court date.
26-year-old Johnathan Appenzeller was originally arrested on June 29, 2020, and charged with Cruelty Toward a Child-Directly Promoting Sexual Performance with a Child, Lewd Lascivious Battery on a Child (x3), and Possession of Child Pornography.
He was released from jail on September 9, 2020.
While out on bond, Appenzeller was arrested for Petit Theft and then failed to appear for a court hearing which resulted in his bond being revoked. A warrant was issued on December 18, 2020.
Appenzeller is now considered in contempt and has two hearings set; one on May 14 for failure to appear for the theft charges and one on June 1 for contempt on the June 29 charges.
Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency due to the Colonial Pipeline shutdown that occurred on Saturday, May 7.
The executive order states that as a result of the May 7 cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline, a major US fuel pipeline operator, that operation has been shut down as a result of the attack.
According to DeSantis, Colonial Pipeline is responsible for transporting a “substantial percentage” of fuel on the East Coast of the United States, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products.
DeSantis said, “The closure of the pipeline poses a severe threat to the State of Florida.” He went on to say, “This [situation] requires immediate action be taken to protect the continued delivery of fuel products to the state.”
The executive order is to expire in 30 days from Tuesday, May 11, unless Gov. DeSantis extends it.
While gas prices are expected to rise, many have called the order a scare tactic.
Marion County — A Summerfield man faces multiple charges following a high-speed pursuit.
A Marion County sheriff’s deputy was traveling westbound on East Highway 40 when he saw a dark blue pickup truck pulling out of the Big Pines Hardware Parking lot without coming to a complete stop.
The deputy stated that he also saw that the vehicle did not have a tag and had a busted tail light.
According to the arrest affidavit, the deputy turned around and the driver of the pickup, identified as Brandon Michael Joles, 19, fled east on Highway 40 at a high rate of speed.
During the chase, Joles spun the truck out several times but was able to regain control.
Joles eventually turned southbound on Southeast 183rd Avenue Road and continued to lead the deputy on a chase at a high rate of speed.
As they approached a curve near the 2600 block, Joles again lost control, slammed into a utility pole, and flipped the truck.
Joles became pinned under the truck, and with the help of several bystanders, the deputy rolled the vehicle upright and freed Joles.
According to reports, one of the bystanders was in the medical field and evaluated Joles until EMS arrived.
As Joles was being evaluated, he jumped up and fled on foot into a wooded area. The deputy then pulled out his taser and instructed Joles to get on the ground. Joles complied and fell to the ground. He was then handcuffed.
On the way to the hospital, Joles stated that he ran because he had failed to pay his car insurance and his license was suspended.
Joles was charged with Fleeing and Eluding, Resisting Arrest, Driving On a Suspended Drivers License, Reckless Driving, and Driving an Unregistered Vehicle.
Florida – Monday, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced the launch of OUR Florida, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, that will benefit Floridians who have suffered due to the pandemic’s economic impact on working-class families. Earlier this year, the Department of the Treasury issued $1.4 billion to Florida in emergency rental assistance funds, with approximately $529 million distributed directly by local governments with populations over 200,000. The remaining funds, over $800 million, will be disbursed by the state. The department partnered with Tidal Basin, a disaster and recovery consulting firm, to administer the program.
OUR Florida, or Opportunities for Utilities and Rental Assistance, is now accepting applications for families in need of aid, regardless of their city of residence, at OURFlorida.com. The program focuses on low-income renters whose household income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by county. The program will prioritize renters with income at or below 50% AMI and/or families who have experienced unemployment within the past 90 days.
“I would like to thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership as we continue to work together to help our families become economically self-sufficient,” said DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Low-income families are on the verge of homelessness, and this program will provide a safety net to keep families stable and in their homes.”
Floridians who rent their homes are eligible if they:
Earn an income at or below 80% of the AMI; and have qualified for unemployment, experienced a loss of income, incurred significant costs, or faced financial hardships due to the recent public health emergency; and are at risk of losing their home or are living in unstable or unhealthy conditions.
To learn more about eligibility, required documentation, and how to apply, visit OURFlorida.com.
Marion County – Student athletes at nearly every grade level can benefit from skills learned at optional summer camps this year.
Camps generally are no longer than one week and vary in cost.
Different schools offer different programs, and most are managed and staffed by current school coaches and student athletes.
These camps help with skill development, teamwork, and health while providing fun activities for students during the summer.
Safety plans are in place for COVID-19 concerns, cold water immersion, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) requirements, among others.
This year, summer athletic camps include:
Belleview High School
Brady Ackerman Football Camp – June 7-10 (8 a.m. – Noon)
Ocala, Fla. – Today, May 3, 2021, it has been seven years since Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper, Chelsea Renee Richard was hit and killed on I-75 while working a traffic accident.
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Trooper Chelsea Richard is shown with her son.
Trooper Richard was 30 years old at the time she was killed.
On Friday, February 28, 2020, a portion of Interstate 75 between the 340 and 344 mm in Marion County was named in remembrance of Richard.
At that time, Senator Lauren Book, said, “The death of any trooper is a true loss for the Florida Highway Patrol and for the State of Florida, but when that trooper is a vibrant young 30-year-old mother who leaves behind a 4-year-old son and loving would-be fiancé, our hearts ache that much more.” She went on to say, “Remembered as grateful and giving, Trooper Chelsea Renee Richard was a beam of light for the Ocala District Command Office, for all those she worked with, and for those whose lives she touched out on the roadway. She showed up to work each day willing to run toward danger at times when others are running away. During her near-decade of service, there is no telling how many lives Trooper Richard saved and protected, how many individuals and fellow patrolmen she assisted in times of emergency. But while we may never know the totality of her service, the people whose lives she touched know and remember. With kind actions and words, and Trooper Chelsea Richard provided assistance and safety in times of fear, stress, and confusion. We thank her for her courage. It is my honor to have worked with FHP and the Florida Legislature to ensure the proper recognition of Trooper Richard and the legacy of service she has left behind. Gone, but never forgotten.”
Trooper Richard was a member of the FHP, serving the citizens and visitors of Florida for nine years. She began her career with FHP on June 20, 2005, as a member of the 111th Basic Recruit Class in Tallahassee.
The story of that tragic day
Troy Thomas Owens, then 23, did not face any jail time for hitting and killing three people, including Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Chelsea Richard in the May 3, 2014, accident.
Trooper Richard was completing a single-vehicle crash investigation in the center median when a truck, driven by Owens, of Ocala, traveled into the median and slammed into Trooper Richard, tow truck driver John Duggan, and Robert Phillips. Trooper Richard and Duggan were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Phillips expired later that evening at Ocala Regional Medical Center.
According to court records obtained by Ocala Post, Owens was adjudicated guilty, received a six-month suspension on his license, and had to pay a $1,000 fine.
Owens was cited for failure to use due care in the accident and attempted to fight that as well, but lost.
The family of those killed in the accident strongly believes that Owens walked away with “a slap on the wrist.”
Owens was driving a black Ford F-250 pickup, and pulling a trailer large enough to haul a car. Between his truck and the trailer, it weighed nearly 10,000 pounds.
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Judge Thomas Thompson III said it was proven that Owens was doing at least 65 MHP in the rain, in the left-hand lane, while approaching slowed traffic and a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle in a state with a “Move Over” law. However, Owens didn’t move over. Moments later, Owens drove off the roadway and slammed into the trooper.
Owens’ defense attorney, Pravesh Bobby Rumalla, said it was John Lindecamp who was driving a 2005 black Mercury Mariner that caused the accident.
According to records, Lindecamp stated that he saw the slowed traffic and began to slow down. He said his brakes locked, causing him to fishtail, and possibly swerve out of his own lane a “little bit” and into the left lane where Owens was driving.
Owens told the judge he slowed to the low 50s, and had his turn signal on; however, he continued to pass several cars in the middle lane. He said when he got close to Lindecamp’s vehicle, Lindecamp hit him.
When the judge again pointed out the issue of being in the left lane and not following the “Move Over” law, Owens claimed he didn’t have room to move over in accordance with the law.
However, several witnesses that had already merged into the middle lane, disagreed.
Witnesses testified that there was room, but that Owens didn’t attempt to move over or slow down. Witnesses also stated that while Owens had been weaving in and out of traffic and passing cars in the rain, he never used his turn signal; another allegation Owens denied.
Rumalla tried to argue that Owens had planned to exit at the County Road 484 off-ramp; therefore, it didn’t make sense that Owens was in the left lane.
Several of Owens’ statements seemed to contradict one another.
According to reports, witness Amy Barco, who was pulling a trailer with horses, said she saw Owens get on the highway at State Road 40, Ocala.
Barco testified that Owens entered the highway at a high rate of speed, and cut her off while he made his way across the lanes. She said she was doing 73 MPH when he cut her off and sped past her.
Barco testified that Owens was driving so fast she lost sight of his truck very quickly, but several miles down the road saw him again. By this time, he had already been in an accident and was standing by his truck.
The judge said Barco’s testimony was very important because it was consistent with all other testimony. The judge stated that Owens was able to disappear from sight, have an accident, and be standing outside his truck when Barco caught up to him. He said Barco’s testimony was very consistent with the argument that Owens was in the left lane and speeding.
Because criminal charges were never filed against Owens, the trail was about traffic only.
The judge said, “I can only impose what was legally allowed by law.”
Morally, however, he said Owens and Lindecamp would have to figure that out for themselves.
The outcome of this case has created outrage within the community.
Owens has been described on social media as a “spoiled brat” because he allegedly comes from money. Many say they feel the punishment did not fit the crime.
Authorities have also expressed disgust. They said Owens did not show any regret and that while they were investigating the crash scene, he kept asking if he could leave.
A closer look at Owens’ state records showed that he has had several traffic violations in Marion County alone, and was convicted of burglary and grand theft in 2010.
Driving history for Marion County
May 2012, unlawful speed on an interstate; May 2012, no proof of insurance; May 2013, failure to use turn signal; May 2013, excessive emissions (car heavily smoking and causing visibility issues for other drivers), and July 2013, running a red light.
His license was also suspended for failure to meet court obligations prior to the tragic I-75 accident.
Owens was arrested again in July 2014, for violation of probation. He spent one day in jail. He was still on probation at the time of the accident. A condition of his probation stated that he was not to leave Marion County.
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According to transcripts, Owens did not admit any wrongdoing during the trial.
It was also reported that Owens did not show any emotion, signs of remorse, and never apologized to the families of the deceased.
However, Owens’ defense attorney did say that Owens regretted what happened.
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Photo outside the church where the service for Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Chelsea Richard was held on May 8, 2014. [Photo by Richard H. Stewart]Funeral
During the funeral for the trooper, Trooper Tod G. Cloud urged Scott to veto a bill that — at that time — had passed to raise the speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph on Florida highways.
Trooper cloud, in front of hundreds of people, said to Governor Scott, “The bill wasn’t a very bright idea.” He went on to say, “I fear working a crash on I-75, because people do not drive with common sense.”
Cloud said he would like to see a law that would drop the speed limit to 55 mph when highways are wet.
Reportedly, Governor Scott didn’t like being “called out” in front of everyone. There was speculation that Governor Scott had Trooper Cloud terminated, but those speculations were put to rest after Ocala Post reached out to the FHP who confirmed that Trooper Cloud was still employed by the agency.
“Yes, Trooper Tod G. Cloud is employed with FHP at this time,” said Sergeant Tracy Hisler-Pace, Public Affairs Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol.
Aftermath
“The May 3, 2014, accident has affected many lives, not just those that were killed. The ripple effect that the sudden and tragic deaths of Trooper Chelsea Richard, Mr. John Duggan, and Mr. Robert Phillips have left behind is incomprehensible. Lives were lost, and the lives of the family and friends left behind will be forever changed,” troopers said.
Troopers said it is simple: when you see flashing lights, move over, and if you can’t move over, you are required by law to reduce your speed by 20 mph below the posted speed limit, period.
There are large signs posted along I-75 that clearly inform drivers of the “Move Over” law. Troopers said ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the law; especially when it could cost someone their life. The law will be enforced and drivers will be ticketed.
Jaymi Reilly, wrote, “My brother, who was my hero was killed in that crash…He didn’t have to be taken from us if this boy had used some common sense. My family will never get over losing my big brother and it makes me physically ill that this kid not only fought the ticket he received as the result of killing 3 innocent people, but he couldn’t even show remorse for the result of his actions?!?! He got a slap on the wrist, and my family got a box of ashes to remember a man who was such an inspiration to so many. What a crock!! My brother would have wanted us to find forgiveness so that’s what we are trying to do, but this makes me sick!!”
Ocala Post was not able to obtain photos in memory of Duggan or Phillips.
Ocklawaha, Florida — An Ocklawaha woman was arrested and charged with five felonies after she broke into a home by crawling through a doggy door.
Deputies responded to a residence on Cedar Tree Drive in Ocala after the homeowner was awakened by his video security system at approximately 3 a.m to find that his home had been burglarized and one of his vehicles had been stolen.
According to an arrest affidavit, the video showed that the suspect, Amanda Carmella Kerr, 31, had entered the victim’s white Dodge and quickly rummaged through it.
Kerr then went through a gate and to the back of the residence where she gained entry to the home through a doggy door.
Once inside, Kerr helped herself to a bottle of coke from the refrigerator, a label maker, and two sets of keys that were hanging on a key holder as she exited through the front door of the residence.
Kerr then drove away in the victim’s red SUV, which belonged to his daughter. The SUV was later spotted traveling westbound on Highway 484 near I-75.
A deputy initiated a felony traffic stop, however, Kerr ignored the lights and sirens and took off. The deputy performed a PIT maneuver on the vehicle and ended the short chase.
Kerr told deputies that she had permission to take the vehicle and was “house-sitting.” She stated that no one was at the residence when she entered through the doggy door.
When Kerr was presented with the video footage, she changed her story and confessed. She admitted to climbing through the doggy door, taking the coke from the refrigerator, rummaging through the victim’s toolboxes in the garage, and stealing the SUV. However, Kerr maintained that she had permission to be at the residence.
Upon further investigation, deputies found that Kerr was in possession of a wallet that belonged to the victim’s daughter. The wallet contained $240.00 in cash and several bank/credit cards.
Deputies also discovered that Kerr had a suspended driver’s license.
Kerr was charged with Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling, Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance (x2), Grand Theft Auto, Fleeing and Eluding, Petit Theft (x2), and Driving with a Suspended License.
Kerr has previous arrests for DUI, Reckless Driving, Retail Theft, and Driving on a Suspended License for DUI.
Sunday, May 9 is Mother’s Day. For most of us, it’s a day to honor, celebrate, and thank our Moms for their unconditional love, sacrifices, guidance, and patience. It’s a time to acknowledge that, were it not for them, we might have turned out differently. We might not know right from wrong or good from bad, or fully appreciate the significance of love, friendships, and family.
Regrettably, for many children who are victims of child abuse and neglect, Mother’s Day is anything but a reason to celebrate. More often, it’s a day that prompts painful memories and never-ending “what ifs.” It’s a day that brings them face to face with the same haunting question…why did Mom choose drugs/alcohol or an abusive husband/paramour over me?
Right now, in Hernando County, over 400 children are involved with the child welfare and judicial systems. Most of these children are younger than five years of age. Due to circumstances beyond their control, they’re living with relatives or willing strangers.
But, there is hope. The Guardian ad Litem Program is a state and county-funded organization that relies on trained volunteers to help these children cope with their difficult and challenging circumstances. Under the supervision of a human services professional and attorney, the volunteer advocates for the child’s best interests in court. They assist their child through the ups and downs of the process and make sure no one forgets that
behind that case number is a young, vulnerable child who longs for a stable, loving home.
This year, as you celebrate Mother’s Day, please consider those less fortunate. In honor of your Mom and all the gifts, she gave you, decide to make a lasting difference in the life of a child. Become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer.
For more information about upcoming training, please contact Amarilys Ortega at 352-817- 1546 or by email at amarilys.ortega@gal.fl.gov . You can also visit us on our website at www.guardianadlitem.org
By Marcia Hilty, Circuit Director, 5th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program
Belleview, Florida — When Valeria Alfonzo Molina wrote her essay about James Weldon Johnson earlier this year, she figured it would measure up with others submitted by high school students across Florida.
The Belleview High School senior said she only dreamed of winning the annual Black History Month essay contest sponsored in part by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and promoted by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis.
Alfonzo Molina’s dream came true earlier this week when Governor Ron DeSantis’s office issued a press release with her name as the winning high school writer. Her prize? A prepaid four-year college scholarship through the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. The winning names were announced by Mrs. DeSantis.
In her essay, Alfonzo Molina wrote about Johnson, a Florida-born educator, poet, novelist, journalist, anthologist, diplomat, lyricist, lawyer and civil rights activist.
Black History Month is celebrated each year in Florida during February, and this year’s contest theme was “Community Champions – Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans in Florida’s Communities,” sponsored by the Florida Lottery and other partners.
“Our state’s rich and vibrant history continues to be shaped by the leadership and contributions of Florida’s African American community,” said First Lady DeSantis. “The Governor and I are honored to celebrate this year’s Black History Month student and teacher award winners and their achievements. It is our hope that today’s award recipients continue to share their gifts and serve as inspirations across our great State of Florida.”
Just seven years ago, Belleview High produced another winner in the very same contest. Then-student Javan Latson captured top honors for all high school writers and also won a four-year, pre-paid college scholarship.
Rapper Shock G, best known for the hit song The Humpty Dance and hip-hop group Digital Underground, has died at age 57.
The song was recorded in 1989 and released in January of 1990.
He’s also known for the iconic phrases:
“Baby I can see, that you don’t recognize me
I’m Shock G, the one who put the satin on your panties” and
“Just grab ’em in the biscuits”
“I once got busy in a Burger King bathroom” … Just to mention a few.
He’s also known for his song “Doowutchyalike.”
When not using his stage name, he was known as Gregory Edward Jacobs.
The news was posted by his Digital Underground colleague Chopmaster J. Thursday night to Instagram:
“34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip hop band and take on the world through it all the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some. And now he’s awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!”
The Hillsborough Medical Examiner, located in Tampa, FL., where Jacobs was from, told Ocala Post Friday that Jacobs had died Thursday.
The Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office would not comment except to say they are investigating to see if foul play was involved.
Other artists took to social media to express their shock and sadness over the news.
Rapper Ice Cube wrote, “RIP Shock-G/Humpty Hump. I remember when NWA’s road manager Atron said he had a group called Digital Underground. He played DOWHATCHALIKE video & I went crazy. I had to sample DU on JACKIN FOR BEATS and WHO’S THE MACK. And nobody had a better stage show. A true Bay Area original.”
“The Humpty Dance” is a song by the rap group Digital Underground from their debut album Sex Packets. Released as the second single from the album, it reached No. 11 on the pop chart, No. 7 on the R&B chart, and No. 1 on the Billboard Rap Singles chart. The song is sung by Shock G’s alter ego, “Humpty Hump”, marking the character’s second musical appearance; the first was Digital Underground’s “Doowutchyalike,” a pre-album video single released in the spring of 1989. The song has been sampled by many different artists and producers. In the song’s video, a young Tupac Shakur is visible in the background.
In 2008, “The Humpty Dance” was ranked No. 30 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop and No. 65 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s in 2007.
The song was nominated for Best Rap Video at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards.
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 equipments 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.
Florida — The following species will reopen to recreational harvest May 1 in Florida state and federal waters of the Atlantic: hogfish; blueline tilefish; gag, black, red, yellowmouth and yellowfin grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby.
Hogfish will remain open through Oct. 31, 2021, on the east coast of Florida as well as south and east of Cape Sable on the Gulf coast. Blueline tilefish will remain open through Aug. 31, 2021 and the other grouper species will remain open through Dec. 31, 2021, on the east coast of Florida and all state waters off Monroe County.
More information about bag and size limits, gear restrictions, and fishing seasons for these species is available online at MyFWC.com/Marine; select “Recreational Regulations.”
Marion County — Members of the Class of 2021 in Marion County Public Schools will receive either six, eight, or 10 graduation tickets based on class size and capacity limits of graduation venues.
This decision, provided after members of the Marion County School Board reached consensus Thursday at their work session, revises prior direction giving all seniors six tickets each regardless of class size.
Under the revised procedure, here’s a look at how many tickets will be allotted to each graduating senior from the following high schools:
· 6 tickets – Forest, West Port
· 8 tickets – Belleview, Vanguard
· 10 tickets – Dunnellon, Lake Weir, North Marion
Six of the seven high school graduation ceremonies are moving to the World Equestrian Center Stadium in Ocala; Vanguard High will remain at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion for its commencement. For graduation schedules, visit this page.
Using these new allotment numbers, each school will have an equal opportunity to fill its venue to about 50 percent capacity. This maintains safe social distancing between individuals as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for larger outdoor events.
In the coming weeks, high schools will provide tickets free of charge to their graduating seniors to share with friends and family.
For more information, contact the Public Relations Office at 352.671.7555.
Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner, Nikki Fried, ridiculed Gov. Ron DeSantis and those who who were in attendance at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Operation Center in Winter Haven on Monday. Stating that the support for HB 1 (Combating Public Disorder Act) is embracing a measure that defies free speech rights.
Fried said, “Republicans love to talk about the constitution, but they’re shredding it with bills like House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 90. Silencing speech and blocking the vote is what communist regimes do. HB 1 should never have been signed.”
Fried says that if people would actually read the bill they would know just how broad and open to interpretation it is.
She says that the bill would allow for the arrest of anyone, who is unwilling, caught up in a protest that happened to turn violent. She said it gives law enforcement too much power and violates the rights of Floridians.
Fried said the bill also allows for drivers to interpret what a peaceful protest is and would protect a driver from criminal prosecution if they plow through a crowd and injure or kill someone.
DeSantis said, “It is the strongest anti-rioting, pro-law enforcement piece of legislation in the country and there’s just nothing even close. We’re also putting an end to the bullying and intimidation tactics of the radical left by criminalizing doxing.”
Rep. Fentrice Driskell, of Tampa, agrees with Fried. Driskell said the new law is poorly defined and “open to interpretation,” for law enforcement.
Driskell said, “This bill is not really designed to make our communities safer. It’s further complicating things for Floridians, it’s infringing on their constitutional rights and it’s making it confusing for law enforcement officers because so much is open to interpretation, and I think it will have to be litigated in the courts. DeSantis sought it more for campaigning purposes than governing.”
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “We ask law enforcement officers to take an oath to protect and serve. We, as leaders, in turn, have a responsibility to protect them as they ensure order and safety in the communities they serve.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said, “I commend Governor DeSantis and his strong leadership because he truly knows how to protect this great State of ours. This bill becoming a law is a perfect example of his passion of ensuring that the hard-working, law-abiding citizens and their property is and will be protected. This law will separate the law-abiding citizen exercising their Constitutional Rights from the individual who is committing crimes. Anyone who opposes or fears this law is an individual who cares more about a criminal and criminal acts rather than law and order.”
The NAACP said that everyone who attended on Monday was white and accused them of being racist.
“Today is a sad day for Florida. The Governor signed H.B. 1 into law. The bill is racist, discriminatory, unwise, unlawful, and unjust. The Governor put his stamp on this discriminatory law filled with criminalization and civil rights disenfranchisement aimed at Black and Brown Floridians. We won’t sit silently on this issue and we won’t let this stop peaceful protests across the state of Florida,” said Adora Obi Nweze, President of NAACP Florida State Conference and member of the National Board of Directors.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida also said that the legislation criminalizes Floridians exercising their First Amendment rights.
The ACLU said there is a difference between rioting and protesting, but the bill is too broad and clearly open to interpretation.
“You can tell that not even law enforcement read the bill. All they saw is that it gives them more power.”
“It is dangerous,” said a spokesperson for the ACLU. Like Fried, the ACLU says there is plenty of public opinion from non-experts, but no one has actually read the bill.
Mikah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, said, “Economists have warned that the bill will cost taxpayers millions of dollars, creating new jail beds in a mass incarceration system that is already over-bloated and on the brink of collapse.”
Even more dangerous and costly they say, is Senate Bill 90, which is a controversial elections overhaul that allows for Tallahassee to override budget cuts on the local level.
In other words, if an agency were to use funds to hire someone actually trained in dealing with mental health calls instead of using funds to hire new officers, Tallahassee could step in and overrule the decision following a hearing.
Representatives say that Senate Bill 90 is also a blow to taxpayers who fund public servants.
Additionally, SB 90, sponsored by Republican Sen. Dennis Baxley, would ban drop boxes, require all voters to request vote-by-mail ballots more frequently, and allow only immediate family members to drop off vote-by-mail ballots. It will also remove every Florida voter who has an active request for a vote-by-mail ballot once it goes into effect.
Alan Hays, the Lake County Supervisor of Elections and a Republican, said, “Senate Bill 90 will cost the taxpayers of Florida somewhere between $12 and $16 million, and so that itself is enough to get your attention and say, whoa, we better rethink this.”
Florida Supervisor of Elections is also against the bill.
Dozens of civil rights organizations have already said they are seeking to have the new laws blocked by courts on constitutional grounds.
A 14-year-old, identified as Javariy Wilson, was killed in a crash Monday after he took his grandmother’s SUV without permission and went for a joyride.
The grandmother stated that she had told Wilson to take out the trash, and when he took too long, she looked outside to find that her Trailblazer was gone.
Based on witness testimony, and according to OPD, Wilson was traveling at least 90 MPH westbound on Northwest 42nd Street near 25th Avenue. The speed limit in that area is 30 MPH.
Crash investigators said that the evidence shows that the SUV entered the eastbound lane, returned to the westbound lane, then veered off the roadway. The SUV then went airborne and slammed into a utility pole, snapping it in half.
The SUV came to its final rest on top of a barbed-wire fence.
The teen was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Wilson was a student at Silver River Mentoring and Instruction.
Ocala, Florida — The College of Central Florida has been approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Industry to produce industrial hemp at its Vintage Farm Campus in Ocala. It is the first license of its kind approved for a state college in Florida.
The cultivating of hemp will be utilized as an educational tool by the college’s Agribusiness program to complement its existing fruit and vegetable production, greenhouse and nursery production, as well as livestock production facilities. Hemp production will focus on seed germination, soil, water, nutrient, and light requirements, proper pruning techniques, pest management, harvesting, and curing of the crop.
Industrial hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa and has many uses, including food and feed intended for animal consumption, paper fiber, clothing, and many industrial applications. It contains very low trace amounts of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in the plant, and varying amounts of Cannabinoid compounds, most notably CBD and CBG, which may have therapeutic properties, according to federal regulations.
Hemp was federally legalized in 2018 and has posed enormous legal battles for those who sell and or use CBD oil because the roadside presumptive test kits used by law enforcement cannot differentiate between marijuana and hemp. In fact, a study was completed in 2019 in a Washington State forensic lab that showed not only are the roadside tests faulty, but more than 100 police officers surveyed could not even tell the difference between legal hemp and marijuana.
“Due to statewide and local interest in the burgeoning hemp industry in Florida, and the uniqueness of the college’s Vintage Farm Campus facilities and areas of study, it was a natural fit to add to the curriculum of the Agribusiness program at CF,” said Tavis Douglass, Agribusiness program manager. “Because hemp is a relatively unknown crop in our climate, not much is known of how it will perform. Therefore, we will be testing and growing plants under various growing conditions. Additionally, our program will focus on hemp products that may have used in agricultural sectors such as our local livestock and equine industries.”
The curriculum will be designed not just on cultural practices, but also on navigating compliance, and marketing raw hemp harvested materials.
CF offers an Associate in Science degree in Agribusiness Management, Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Management Agribusiness Specialization — both unique to the Florida State College System — as well as Certificate programs in Nursery and Landscape and Livestock Production Management. There will be a short-term noncredit course or lecture for the community as an introduction of industrial hemp in fall 2021 or spring 2022, though no specific details are in place yet.
Marion County, Florida — A Silver Springs Shores man was arrested after it was discovered that he was torturing a woman he had been holding captive.
The woman was able to call 911 on April 7 and told dispatch things nightmares are made of.
The woman told detectives that the man, identified as William Rodriguez-Cordero, 41, had tortured her for days inside his home located at 10 Dogwood Trail Run, Ocala.
She said that she and Rodriguez-Cordero had argued outside his residence, and during the argument he became violent.
According to the arrest affidavit, Rodriguez-Cordero punched the woman in the face several times, and when she tried to run, he stabbed her multiple times.
Rodriguez-Cordero then dragged the woman inside his house, and once inside, he began torturing her.
The woman said he repeatedly raped, beat, and stabbed her.
The victim said, Rodriguez-Cordero, who referred to himself as Lucifer, would clean her up by wiping off blood and dirt from her body, bandage her wounds, give her a day to heal, and then start the torture all over again. While cleaning her body, the victim said that Rodriguez-Cordero told her he would show her mercy.
According to authorities, the woman was stabbed numerous times in the back, stomach, legs, and other parts of her body with various objects including a foot-long knife.
According to reports, the victim was also tortured with a broomstick.
Medical reports noted that the woman’s head, face, and body were covered with bruises, her body had multiple stab wounds, and she has several broken ribs.
In between “healing,” the victim said that her capture would drink heavily and listen to music before torturing her again.
On April 8, Rodriguez-Cordero was arrested and charged with Attempted Second-degree Murder, Sexual Battery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Kidnapping.
He is being held without bond.
Rodriguez-Cordero had just been released from prison in September for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Fleeing and Eluding. Additionally, he had previously served time for Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.
Doctors said the victim is currently recovering in an undisclosed hospital and might have to undergo multiple surgeries.
Rodriguez-Cordero denied any wrongdoing and told investigators that the torture was consensual.
The victim was able to escape after Rodriguez-Cordero showed his father a photo on a cell phone. When the father saw the photo, that is when he helped the victim escape.
Ocklawaha, Florida — A 31-year-old woman was killed in a crash Monday after she lost control of her vehicle.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the woman, who was from Daytona, was traveling eastbound on CR-464C, near SE 99th Place, Ocklawaha, in her late model Saturn.
Troopers say the woman was speeding, lost control of her vehicle, and veered off the roadway to the right.
The driver then overcorrected, began rotating clockwise, crossed back over the roadway, and flipped multiple times.
The Saturn hit a traffic sign and slammed into three trees.
The driver was not wearing a seatbelt and ejected from the vehicle.
Dunnellon, Florida — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is investigating after approximately 1,000 gallons of wastewater spilled from a City of Dunnellon lift station on Monday.
In a press release, DEP officials said that technicians received a call in regards to the leak at 8:30 p.m. and had the leak stopped by 9 p.m.
Officials said that breakers in the main power panel had failed which caused the pumps to lose power. The emergency alarms also failed.
The lift station dumped nearly 1,000 gallons of wastewater into the ground and a storm drain that exits to the Withlacoochee River.
Water testing started on Tuesday and the situation is being monitored by state officials.
