CF is first state college approved to cultivate hemp

Ocala Post

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April 14, 2021

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.

Video: Ocala police chief – Marijuana legalization will bring violent crime

Florida man kidnapped, tortured woman for days, referred to himself as Lucifer

Rebecca Long

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April 13, 2021

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ocala news, ocala post, torture, kidnapping, lucifer — William Rodriguez-Cordero

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.

Woman killed in crash on CR-464C

Ocala Post

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April 13, 2021

6

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.

She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver’s name was not released.

Alert: Nearly 1,000 gallons of wastewater leaked into ground

Ocala Post

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April 7, 2021

3

Alert: Nearly 1,000 gallons of wastewater leaked into ground

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.

Dunnellon man who smiled, laughed after crashing into packed church, setting it on fire, now charged with hate crime

Rebecca Long

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March 19, 2021

81

queen of peace, ocala news, ocala post — Steven Shields

Steven Anthony Shields, 24, of Dunnellon, was charged with setting fire to and damaging the Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala by a federal grand jury in Orlando, who returned an indictment against him.

According to the indictment, Shields intentionally set fire to the Queen of Peace Catholic Church on July 11, 2020. The indictment alleges that he was motivated to set this fire due to the religious character of the church.

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According to reports, Shields crashed his minivan through the front doors of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, located at 6455 SW State Road 200, Ocala, Fl, at approximately 7:30 a.m. on July 11. Shields then exited his vehicle, poured gasoline in the foyer area of the church, and set it on fire.

Shields then fled the scene but was spotted by Marion County sheriff’s Deputy Josue Gonzalez, who stopped Shields by performing a pit maneuver on the minivan.

When he was pulled from the vehicle, the deputy said that Shields “reeked of the smell of gasoline.”

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According to the arrest affidavit, Shields told detectives that what he did was “awesome.” The report states that Shields laughed and smiled as he was being questioned by detectives and referred to himself as the “king” and stated that, he was “on a mission.” He also quoted several Bible scriptures during the interview. Shields said he had a big problem with the Catholic church.

Following his initial arrest, Shields was charged with Attempted Homicide, Arson-First-degree, Burglary with Assault, and Fleeing and Eluding.

In addition to the aforementioned charges, Shields is charged with one count of Intentional Damage to Religious Property, a hate crime charge that falls under the Church Arson Prevention Act, and one count of Using Fire to Commit a Felony.

Shields has been clinically diagnosed as a bipolar schizophrenic and initially planned to use that as a defense, however, the grand jury did not go for it. He had stopped taking his medications days before setting fire to the church.

If convicted, Shields faces a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment for intentionally damaging religious property. Shields faces an additional mandatory minimum of 10 years for using fire to commit a felony. He also faces up to three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution.

Shields has had previous arrests for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Assault while Committing a Felony, and Domestic Violence.

Innocent bystander injured in high-speed chase, suspect apprehended

Ocala Post

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March 18, 2021

9

ocala news, ocala post, high speed chase — Michael De La Cruz

Ocala, Florida — On March 10, Ocala Police Officer Roger Hollingsworth was exiting the Ocala Police Department onto South Pine Avenue when he saw a grey BMW traveling northbound on Pine with one headlight.

A BOLO had also been issued on the vehicle for a traffic violation in which the driver of the vehicle traveled into oncoming traffic on Silver Springs Boulevard earlier in the evening.

When the driver, later identified as Michael De La Cruz, saw Officer Hollingsworth, he quickly turned into the Racetrack gas station parking lot at a high rate of speed. He then exited the parking lot, at which time Officer Hollingsworth became involved in a high-speed chase with Cruz.

During the chase, Cruz failed to stop at multiple stop signs while accelerating at high speeds.

Cruz failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of SW Broadway Street and SW 1st Ave. and seeing the danger due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic in the downtown area, Officer Hollingsworth turned off his lights and sirens and terminated the chase.

A short time later, Lieutenant Matt Bos ended up behind Cruz and activated his siren and emergency lights. A second chase then ensued.

Lt. Bos continued to chase the vehicle southbound on Pine Ave. at speeds in excess of 70 MPH.

During the chase, Cruz slammed into a grey Jeep at the intersection of South Pine and SE 23rd Place.

Bos continued to pursue the fleeing suspect until he crashed his BMW in the front lawn at 500 SW 35th Street. Cruz then exited his vehicle and fled on foot. A K-9 was brought in and Cruz was apprehended.

Cruz was charged with Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Resisting Arrest, and Driving without a License.

The driver of the Jeep was transported to a local hospital with complaints of pain, chest pain, and loss of feeling in his left arm.

Circumstances surrounding missing teen now considered suspicious

Ocala Post

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March 18, 2021

7

ocala news, ocala post, missing — Alliana Gargis

Reddick, Florida –A 14-year-old Marion County girl first presumed to be a runaway is now considered a suspicious missing person case.

Alliana Marie Gargis was last seen at her home in the 13000 block of NW 168th Place in Reddick.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said, “Gargis was initially reported as a runaway, but due to the length of her absence and other suspicious circumstances, law enforcement and her family are concerned for her well-being.”

Gargis was described as a Hispanic girl, about 5 feet, 2 inches tall, and 130 pounds. She has brown eyes and blonde hair.

She has been missing since March 2.

Anyone with information about Gargis’ whereabouts is urged to call 911.

Plane crashes into SUV in Florida, kills three

Ocala Post

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March 18, 2021

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Three people died and another was injured Monday after a single-engine plane crashed into a black SUV on a Florida road.

Megan Bishop, 35, was driving with her son, Taylor Bishop, 4, on Southwest 72nd Avenue in Pembroke Pines when the plane, with two adults on board, suddenly dropped from the sky.

A man rushed to Bishop urging her to step back from her SUV. The man told Bishop, “don’t look,” trying to shield her from images of her son.

Megan was screaming, “My baby. My baby. Somebody help my baby.”

Fire Chief Marcelino Rodriguez said two victims were on board the Beechcraft Bonanza plane, which went down Monday near the North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Pembroke Pines Fire Department said Taylor died at Memorial Regional Hospital.

Megan was transported to a hospital and released the next day.

The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

The neighbor, Anabel Fernandez, who caught the crash on her RING video, said she normally walks with her children in the same spot around the same time every day, but on that day she just happened to get a late start.

An FAA spokesperson said the agency and the National Transportation Safety Board are still investigating the fatal crash.

Megan Bishop, 35, was driving with her son, Taylor, when the plane, with two adults on board, suddenly dropped from the sky.

Unemployment rate rises in Marion County

Ocala Post

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March 16, 2021

171

Ocala, Florida – The unemployment rate in the CareerSource Marion region was 5.5 percent in January, up 1.4 percent over December 2020 and 0.9 percentage point higher than the same time last year. There were 11,193 unemployed in the region, an increase of 2,882 over the month and 1,706 more than in January 2020.

According to Adrienne Johnston, Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity’s director of the Division of Workforce Services, every March DEO and the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics releases January employment and unemployment estimates as well as revised historical data.

Today’s release is a result of that annual “benchmarking” process and, Johnston said in a statement, uses a new statistical model reflecting the “unprecedented economic changes that occurred this past year.”

The Ocala metropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Marion County, was among the revisions of nonfarm job counts going back to 2004.

Dale French, CareerSource CLM’s executive vice president, said that while many of the “unprecedented” impacts, such as layoffs related to Covid-19, would not hit the region until later, “I think it’s important to point out that we are only 0.9 percentage point higher in unemployment than last year while dealing with Covid restrictions we did not have a year ago.”

French added that the region’s continued recovery is well-positioned as “we have had more job orders consistently month over month compared to the same period a year prior.”

From July through December 2019, before Covid restrictions were in effect, businesses posted 3,285 job orders; while July through December 2020, there have been 3,590 job orders.

According to January’s preliminary jobs report, Levy County maintained the lowest jobless rate in the region at 4.7 percent, up 1.0 percent point over the month; Marion County followed with a rate of 5.3 percent, an increase of 1.4 percent; and Citrus County’s rate was 6.3 percent, up 1.5 percent compared to December 2020. Florida’s not seasonally adjusted jobless rate – a measure that matches the way local rates are calculated – is 5.3 percent, an increase of 1.1 percent over the month and 1.9 percent higher than January 2020.

Wanted: Suspect vandalized restaurant bathroom, did not pay tab

Ocala Post

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March 16, 2021

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Wanted: Suspect vandalized restaurant bathroom, did not pay tab

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The Ocala Police Department is asking for the public’s help with identifying a man they say pulled a “Dine and Ditch” and vandalized the bathroom.

The man in the photos ran out without paying his tab at the Bank Street Patio Bar as well as causing significant damage to the bathroom before leaving the property.

If you recognize the man, call the Ocala Police Department 352-369-7000 OR
Crime Stoppers 352-368-7867 to remain anonymous.

Florida man brutally beats grandfather with baseball bat, cuts off his ears

Ocala Post

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March 15, 2021

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stabbing, ocala news, ocala post, — Kolby Parker

Deland, Florida – A Florida man is behind bars after he brutally killed his grandfather Saturday.

According to reports, deputies arrived at a home on Lake Mack Drive in DeLand to find a man, identified as Ronal Wells, Sr., 77, dead on the front porch and covered in blood.

Deputies say that Wells had been savagely beaten with a baseball bat, stabbed, and had his ears cut off.

The suspect, Kolby Allen Parker, 30, told investigators that he and his grandfather had been smoking “laced” marijuana when Wells became agitated and attacked him.

Parker told deputies that Wells came at him with a knife.

However, Parker later changed his story and stated that he initiated the attack, grabbed a baseball bat, and bashed his grandfather in the head multiple times. He said he then grabbed a butcher knife and stabbed him in the heart and neck.

Investigators said that after Parker was done stabbing his grandfather, he cut off his ears.

In an interview while still on the front porch, Parker stated, “I did it because I wanted him to be with my grandmother. It was his time to go.”

While speaking to Parker, deputies said he reached into his pocket and pulled out his grandfather’s ears.

Parker then became combative with deputies and demanded one of their weapons. The deputy stated no and Parker attacked another deputy and reached for his Tazer.

Parker was then escorted to the ground and tased.

Inside the home, deputies found the bloody baseball bat, bloody butcher knife, and a bloody cooking apron that read “The Family butcher.”

Parker was charged with Second-Degree Murder, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Arrest with Violence. He is being held without bail.

Teen, 15, charged as adult after shooting real estate agent to death

Ocala Post

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March 12, 2021

47

shooting, ocala news, ocala post, real estate agent shot — Henry Lewis

A 15-year-old South Florida boy has now been charged as an adult in the shooting death of a real estate agent.

Ft. Lauderdale Police say that the teen, identified as Henry Lee Lewis III, approached Stefano Barbosa with a gun, forced him into a car, and ordered him to drive to a Bank of America.

Once at the bank, Lewis forced Barbosa to make two withdraws — each was in the amount of $500.

When the two got back into the car, the teen told Barbosa to drive. As the vehicle traveled down the road, Lewis shot Barbose twice in the upper chest. The vehicle then plowed through a chain-link fence, slammed into a tree, and coasted to a stop.

Lewis fled the area on foot.

Authorities say Barbos was a prominent, well-educated businessman who was a pillar to the community. They said he had literally just obtained a signed real estate contract with a client when the teen who approached him ended his life.

Barbosa, 37, used to be an accountant before he began investing in real estate and ultimately became a successful real estate agent. He held multiple college degrees.

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Surevelince photos and videos from the bank were released to the public, and despite the boy wearing a dark-colored ski cap and dark clothing, someone recognized him and turned him in.

Police said Lewis was a student at Cross Creek School in Pompano Beach, a school for kids with severe behavioral problems and that, three school staff members identified Lewis from the videos.

On March 6, Lewis went before a judge for the first time.

According to transcripts, Broward Judge John Murphy stated, “I know you’re only 15 years old, but you’ve been charged as an adult with a first count of murder while engaged in a robbery with a firearm…these are not bondable offenses.”

Lewis replied, “Uh, I don’t understand big words.”

Officials said Lewis was “very smug” through the entire process and did not show any remorse.

Additionally, police said that Lewis, despite being 15, has a lengthy criminal record and is no stranger to violence.

Lewis was 12 when he committed his first robbery with a firearm. Following that arrest, he was arrested dozens of other times for burglary, battery, beating a 65-year-old, battery on law enforcement, just to name a few.

If convicted, Lewis faces life in prison.

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Paddock Mall celebrating start of spring with family-friendly Easter events

Ocala Post

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March 12, 2021

1

Paddock Mall celebrating start of spring with family-friendly Easter events

Paddock Mall is celebrating the start of spring through family-friendly Easter events while offering opportunities to meet the Easter Bunny.

The Easter Bunny arrived on March 4th and will be available for visits on select days and times until April 3rd.

Advanced registration is not required, but if interested in reserving your spot call 352-427-8722.

Face coverings are highly encouraged while waiting in line, but not mandatory during photos. Each person will be required to sanitize to enter the event space and socially distance while in line and during the photo. The safety of the public is our top priority as we bring Easter Season back to the community while still practicing local, state, and CDC guidelines.

Paddock Mall will host a Hide and Peep Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 20, from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Located inside the mall, the Egg Hunt will include bunny ears, an Easter egg hunt bag, one 4×6 print, and a digital download with the Easter Bunny.

Spaces are limited to allow for proper social distancing during the event. Reservations for the Hide and Peep Egg Hunt are required and can be made here.

Paddock Mall will host Cute as a Bunny Crafts on March 23, from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. This event gives children 5 and under the opportunity to create special Easter-themed crafts before or after their visit with the Easter Bunny. Hosted in partnership with KidX Club®, an organization that sponsors free events to encourage creativity, learning, and curiosity, Cute as a Bunny Crafts will offer opportunities for children and families to connect while making Easter crafts. Reservations for Cute as a Bunny Crafts are required and can be made here.

“We are thrilled to welcome the start of spring through Visits with Bunny, Hide and Peep Egg Hunt and Cute as a Bunny Crafts,” said Ashley Wheeler-Gerds, General Manager at Paddock Mall. “We are proud to continue to offer opportunities for our community to safely gather at Paddock Mall and to reimagine time-honored traditions in new ways.”

Paddock Mall personnel said they remain focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

All Easter events will follow the town center’s COVID-19 safety protocols, including rigorous disinfectant and cleaning practices during each event.

In addition, the Code of Conduct, posted at the Center and available online, includes the following guidelines:

• Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people
• Covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover in accordance with state and local
guidelines
• Do not gather in groups
• Adhere to each individual tenant’s COVID-19 policies
• Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations, recommendations, and mandates regarding COVID-19

Dates and Times:

Package Options:

$10 | Digital Version only
$15 | Digital plus one 4×6 print
$20 | Digital plus two 4×6 prints with added pose
$15 | Wall Crawl add on*
$20 | Wall Crawl only*
*The Wall Crawl option allows you to take pictures at each of our 4 sets with your own camera. A ring light will be set up at each set to allow for better lighting and hands-free selfies.

These Easter celebrations illustrate Paddock Mall’s commitment to creating innovative, engaging experiences within the community. For more information on photos with the Bunny, Hide and Peep Egg Hunt, Cute as a Bunny Crafts, and other events at Paddock Mall, visit paddockmall.com.

VIDEO: Two possible suspects after a mother was murdered in her home while family was away

Ocala Post

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March 12, 2021

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VIDEO: Two possible suspects after a mother was murdered in her home while family was away

Detectives say they now have two possible suspects in the death of a mother who was murdered inside her home.

Melissa Nease, 29, was shot to death inside her home on 68 Guava Pass Drive, a remote stretch of road in Ocklawaha on February 28.

A short video clip from surveillance footage taken from Nease’s home has no been released to the public.

While the sheriff’s office knows of two possible suspects, they have not identified at least one of them…the person in the video. Detectives are hoping that the public can help with that.

On the day of the murder, a 911 call went out after a family friend found Melissa Nease, 29, inside her home.

When authorities arrived at the home, they discovered that Nease had been shot to death.

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ocala news, ocklawaha, shooting, ocala post — Melissa Nease

Nease’s sister, and only sibling, Amy Harris, said, “I don’t understand how somebody could just take somebody away from their kids, especially when she’s so young, so young, so beautiful, so full of life.”

Harris said that Nease lived with her children, stepchild, and the father of her children.

“The rest of the family was in Tennessee seeing the snow, but Nease stayed behind because she had to work at a new clerical job she started just days before she was killed,” said Harris.

Nease’s children range from ages 2 to 10-years-old.

The father of Nease’s three children, Shane Jenkins, said he had left with the children on Friday, February 26. He said he messaged Nease multiple times while he was in Tennessee, but she never answered him back. He said doesn’t know anyone who would want to hurt Nease.

Jenkins said that Nease was an amazing woman who loved her children. He said the children are heartbroken about the loss of their mother and continually ask him about her but he just doesn’t know how to answer them.

Detectives have interviewed family, friends, and neighbors, but so far, authorities have little to go on.

Harris says she does not have any idea who could have murdered her sister and does not have any suspicions about anyone.

“I just don’t know… because I don’t know anybody that did not like my sister,” said Harris.

Harris said that she knows that someone took a mother from her three children and she wants answers.

Anyone with information about this homicide can call Detective Daniel Pinder at 352-368-3508 or contact Crime Stoppers at 368-7867 or ocalacrimestoppers.com.

Man killed after his motorcycle slammed into a bear

Ocala Post

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March 12, 2021

52

Marion County — A man was killed Thursday after his motorcycle collided with a black bear.

The crash happened at approximately 11 p.m.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 42-year-old man was riding a 1999 Honda motorcycle traveling westbound on State Road 40, just west of State Road 19, near the Ocala National Forest when the front of his bike slammed into a bear that was in the westbound lane.

Troopers say the motorcycle overturned and the driver was thrown from the bike.

The man, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.

The bear was also killed in the crash.

Investigation ongoing after mother of three murdered in her home, no leads

Ocala Post

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March 10, 2021

9

Melissa Nease, ocala news, mother murdered, ocala post — Melissa Nease

Ocklawaha, Florida — The investigation continues after a mother of three was found murdered in her home.

On February 28, a 911 call went out after a family friend found Melissa Nease, 29, inside her home on Guava Pass Drive, a remote stretch of road in Ocklawaha.

When authorities arrived at the home, they discovered that Nease was deceased.

Nease’s sister, and only sibling, Amy Harris, said, “I don’t understand how somebody could just take somebody away from their kids, especially when she’s so young, so young, so beautiful, so full of life.”

Harris said that Nease lived with her children, stepchild, and the father of her children.

“The rest of the family was in Tennessee seeing the snow, but Nease stayed behind because she had to work at a new clerical job she started just days before she was killed,” said Harris.

Nease’s children range from ages 2 to 10-years-old.

The father of Nease’s three children, Shane Jenkins, said he had left with the children on Friday, February 26. He said he messaged Nease multiple times while he was in Tennessee, but she never answered him back. He said doesn’t know anyone who would want to hurt Nease.

Jenkins said that Nease was an amazing woman who loved her children. He said the children are heartbroken about the loss of their mother and continually ask him about her but he just doesn’t know how to answer them.

Detectives have interviewed family, friends, and neighbors, but so far, authorities do not have any leads.

Harris says she does not have any idea who could have murdered her sister and does not have any suspicions about anyone.

“I just don’t know… because I don’t know anybody that did not like my sister,” said Harris.

Harris said that she knows that someone took a mother from her three children and she wants answers.

Nease’s death has been classified as a homicide but no details about how Nease was killed have been released.

Anyone with information about this homicide can call Detective Daniel Pinder at 352-368-3508 or contact Crime Stoppers at 368-7867 or ocalacrimestoppers.com.

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

Driver trauma alerted following crash with semi

Ocala Post

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March 9, 2021

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Driver trauma alerted following crash with semi

Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to reports of a vehicle crash with entrapment on the 5100 block of SR 40 at 12:47 a.m. on Tuesday, March 9.

OFR Engines 4, Rescue 4, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the call.

Upon arrival, crews encountered a two-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck and a sedan with heavy damage. The driver of the sedan was entrapped.

Crews from Engine 4, Rescue 4, and Tower 1 stabilized the vehicle and began extrication. Within 16 minutes, the patient had been extricated and prepped for transport. The patient was then trauma alerted to Ocala Regional Medical Center.

No other injuries were reported.

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

Ocala Post

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March 8, 2021

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Lowell Correctional Institution is 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 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.

This advertisement is paid for by the FDC.

Dunnellon man shoots mother, grandmother, then turns gun on himself

Ocala Post

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March 8, 2021

23

Dunnellon man shoots mother, grandmother, then turns gun on himself

A seven-hour standoff with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team ended with three dead.

On Sunday, March 7, 2021, at approximately 6:00 p.m, MCSO deputies responded to a shooting on SW Plantation Street, Dunnellon, after several reports of shots being fired.

Upon arrival, deputies found that Michael Chiswick, 39, had shot his mother, Joann Chiswick, 63, in the front yard. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Michael then locked himself in the house and refused to come out.

According to reports, Michael fired several shots at deputies and others from inside the house.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., SWAT entered the home and found that Michael had fatally shot his 85-year-old grandmother, Flory Chiswick, and himself.

The investigation is ongoing.

RECALL: Dog and ground beef raw pet food, Salmonella, Listeria Monocytogenes health risk to humans and animals

Ocala Post

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March 4, 2021

3

RECALL: Dog and ground beef raw pet food, Salmonella, Listeria Monocytogenes health risk to humans and animals

On March 3, 2021, Bravo Packing, Inc. of Carneys Point, NJ is recalling all Ground Beef and Performance Dog, a frozen raw pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

Bravo is recalling the products after samples of Performance Dog and a sample of Ground Beef that was collected during an FDA inspection tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

Salmonella can cause illness in animals eating the products, as well as people who handle contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products, infected animals, or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, server headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Sometimes, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis (an infection of the heart muscle), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

People who have these symptoms after having contact with this product or an animal that has eaten this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Pets exposed to contaminated food can be infected without showing symptoms. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Infected animals including those without symptoms, can also shed Salmonella through their feces and saliva, spreading pathogens into the home environment and to humans and other animals in the household.

Performance Dog generally works with the distributor located in Brooklyn, New York, that fills orders to brick-and-mortar retail stores or to consumers directly nationwide.

Performance Dog and Ground Beef both come frozen in 2-pound and 5-pound plastic sleeves. If you have a Ground Beef or Performance Dog, please throw it away. Consumers with questions should contact Bravo Packing, Inc. at 856-299-1044 (Monday – Friday, 9:00AM-2:00PM, EST).

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