The Lowndes County Sheriffs Office in Georgia has arrested a female suspect who was wanted for questioning in a Marion Oaks shooting that left a 50-year-old man dead.
The victim, Christopher Hallet, was shot to death at his home in the 16000 block of Southwest 34th Court Road.
Hallet was shot in the back multiple times.
The 33-year-old suspect has been identified as Neely Petrie-Blanchard. Her last known address was listed in Pensacola, Florida.
The investigation is ongoing.
Story updated on November 17, 2020. Read the update here.
An Ocala man is now behind bars after he was arrested for bashing a woman in the head with a baseball bat.
Deputies responded to the Stage Stop Inn, 5131 E. Silver Springs Blvd., on Friday after a caller stated that a woman was possibly dead.
When deputies arrived, they found that a woman had been severely beaten and was lying in a pool of blood on a sidewalk.
The woman was unconscious but still had a pulse.
Motel security footage showed a man chasing the woman, and as he caught up to her, he slammed her in the back of the head with a baseball bat. When the woman fell to the ground, the suspect, later identified as Chad Paul Anciaux, 33, hit the woman five more times in the face and head with the bat until she stopped moving.
Anciaux then fled on foot.
Anciaux was later spotted by a deputy, who exited his vehicle and became involved in a physical altercation with him. Anciaux ran and the deputy pursued him on foot.
According to reports, Anciaux was tased and taken into custody. He told deputies that he loved the woman and was worried about their child they had together.
The woman suffered facial and skull fractures. She remains in critical condition.
Anciaux was charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder and is being held without bail.
He refused to cooperate with deputies during an interview.
On Wednesday, Marion County Public Schools announced there will be no school Thursday.
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville issued a severe weather statement in anticipation of Storm ETA making landfall.
A Tropical Storm warning remains in effect for Central Marion, Eastern Alachua, Eastern Marion, Gilchrist, Western Alachua, Western Marion, and Citrus County.
A Flood Watch is in effect for:
Sumter, Pinellas, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto-Coastal, Levy-Coastal, Citrus-Coastal, Hernando-Coastal, Pasco-Coastal, Hillsborough-Coastal, Manatee-Coastal, Sarasota-Coastal Charlotte-Coastal, Lee, Levy-Inland, Citrus-Inland, Hernando-Inland, Pasco-Inland Hillsborough-Inland, Manatee-Inland, Sarasota-Inland, and Charlotte-Inland.
The Flood Watch also extends to the following areas:
Lake Panasoffkee, Venice, Port Charlotte, Lakewood Ranch, Yankeetown, Bushnell, Hudson, St. Petersburg, Brandon, Port Richey, Dade City, Clearwater, Zolfo Springs, Hernando, Beach, Myakka City, Fort Myers, Plant City, Placid Lakes, The Villages, Crystal River, Anna Maria Island, Brooksville, Sarasota, Avon Park, Cape Coral, Babcock Ranch, Apollo Beach, Cedar Key, Parrish, Zephyrhills, Homosassa, Tampa, Wauchula, Arcadia, Englewood, Bradenton, Sanibel, Spring Hill, Lakeland, Chiefland, Sebring, Bayport, Largo, Wildwood, Winter Haven, Westchase, Sun City Center, North Port, Punta Gorda, Bowling Green, Bronson, Inverness, Captiva, Williston, and Lehigh Acres.
Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind – Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 55 mph with a window for Tropical Storm force winds until Thursday afternoon. The storm has a Potential for wind from 58 to 73 mph and is favorable for tornadoes.
Localized rainfall flooding may occur.
Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. Floodwaters could enter structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots — places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Storm drains and retention ponds
could become and begin to overflow.
There is a potential for a few tornadoes and the threat remains in place.
Residents should secure all loose objects outside of their homes.
Road closures and power outages are possible.
The Florida Highway Patrol said that Wyatt Norman, 22, of Dunnellon, died at UF Health Shands on Saturday.
His passenger, Tony Pollare, 21, of Beverly Hills, remains in critical condition.
According to a crash report, a 46-year-old Ocklawaha man was traveling north on County Road 234 in a pickup truck approaching a stop sign in the median break of State Road 20 and County Road 234 when he failed to stop and slammed into the left side of the sedan driven by Norman.
The Ocklawaha man suffered serious injuries. His passenger, a 25-year-old male, also from Ocklawaha, received minor injuries.
All occupants were wearing their seatbelts.
According to FHP, the crash is still under investigation.
According to Wendy Cash, a spokeswoman for Seven Rivers Christian School, Lecanto, Norman started there as a preschooler before graduating in 2017 to study mathematics at Santa Fe College and the University of Florida.
In a sworn affidavit, Richard Hopkins, an Erie, Pennsylvania, mail carrier stated he was instructed to collect late ballots, with the intent of Postmaster Rob Weisenbach to backdate the votes.
Hopkins made the claims in a signed affidavit under the penalty of perjury.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is now calling on the Department of Justice to investigate the allegations.
The affidavit reads in part, “Although, as I understand Pennsylvania law, ballots must be postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, 2020, in Pennsylvania, Postmaster Rob Weisenbach directed my co-workers and me to pick up ballots after Election Day and provide them to him. I heard Weisenbach tell a supervisor at my office that Weisenbach was back-dating the postmarks on the ballots to make it appear as though the ballots had been collected on November 3, 2020, despite them, in fact, being collected on November 4 and possibly later.”
Ocala Post reached out to Weisenbach, however, he refused to comment.
In a press conference, Graham, said, “It is imperative that all credible allegations of voting irregularities and misconduct be investigated to ensure the integrity of the 2020 elections. The presidential election remains close in multiple states, and as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, all credible allegations of voting irregularities and misconduct will be taken seriously. I will not allow credible allegations of voting irregularities or misconduct to be swept under the rug.”
A USPS spokesperson told Ocala Post that the matter has been referred to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Office of Inspector General for investigation.
Graham said that Hopkins is entitled to all whistleblower protections.
Hopkins told investigators that Weisenbach made the statements on November 5.
While many left-leaning media outlets have deemed the story as untrue, on Monday, November 9, Graham’s office says that the investigation is “very much ongoing.”
The postal worker has already received death threats from those on the left.
Ocala, Florida — A 36-year-old Silver Springs man, who was driving a motorcycle, died Saturday following a crash with an SUV.
Troopers say the 36-year-old was riding his motorcycle northbound on CR 314 when he crossed the center double yellow line and entered into the southbound lane and into the path of an SUV.
The motorcycle then slammed into the fron of the SUV.
The motorcycle rider, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The 26-year-old driver of the SUV and her pasenger suffered minor injuries. Both were weaering seatbelts.
Florida –This Florida corrections officer will never see the light of day.
At approximately 9:18 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested 41-year-old Kenneth Slanker of Inverness, Florida.
Slanker was arrested after an initial investigation revealed that he sexually battered a juvenile victim.
Slanker was employed as a corrections officer at the Coleman Correctional Complex in Sumter County at the time of his arrest.
Allegations of sexual battery were reported to law enforcement on February 5, 2019.
The victim was interviewed the following day, at which time she disclosed years of sexual abuse at the hands of Slanker. The victim told detectives that the abuse began before the age of 10.
During Slanker’s interview with detectives, he confessed to approximately twenty-five instances where he sexually abused the victim. He admitted that the first instance was when the victim was around nine years old and that it went on for several years, with the most recent incident being just months before he was arrested.
Slanker said he had multiple sexual encounters with the victim in Citrus County, Lake County, and Broward County.
“Kenneth Slanker is a textbook example of a sexual predator. He betrayed, manipulated, and victimized this innocent child,” said Sheriff Prendergast.
According to detectives, Slanker used grooming and intimidation techniques to target his victim in this case. He knew based on his manipulation of the victim, the chances of her disclosing the abuse were low.
Slanker was arrested and charged with Sexual Battery Victim under 12, Lewd and Lascivious Battery, and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.
On Wednesday, November 4, 2020, Slanker was sentenced to life in prison. It only took the jury one day to convict.
Oregon — On Tuesday, Oregon officially became the first state to decriminalize heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and other hard drugs.
According to Oregon officials, The “Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act” will transition Oregon’s drug policy from a punitive, criminal approach to “a humane, cost-effective, health approach.”
The bill reads in part, “People suffering from addiction are more effectively treated with health care services than with criminal punishments. A health care approach includes a health assessment to figure out the needs of people who are suffering from addiction, and it includes connecting them to the services they need.”
Unlike most states, especially Florida, instead of treating drug users as criminals, Oregon will now offer drug users addiction services funded by the marijuana tax revenue. The marijuana tax revenue brings in more than $100 million a year in taxes.
Oregan officials said they mimicked similar laws in multiple countries in Europe, including Portugal, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, that have decriminalized the aforementioned types of drugs without any negative effects on the areas.
In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all drugs.
“Decriminalizing drugs did not lead to an increase in drug use but did result in a dramatic reduction of pathologies associated with drug use, such as sexually transmitted diseases and overdose deaths,” Portugal health officials said.
Additionally, a 2015 European Drug Report conclusively showed that Portugal’s drug overdose death rate is now five times lower than the European Union average. Furthermore, the crime rate significantly decreased across the board.
Moreover, in other countries, drug dealers are not arrested and charged with murder if a drug addict overdoses.
Portugal officials, said, “Using drugs is a choice. Blaming someone who sells drugs for someone’s death is like blaming McDonald’s because you got fat.”
In the U.S, law enforcement continues to wage a failing war on drugs, European officials said during a press conference. “U.S law enforcement treat drug users like animals and lock them all in cages.”
The Oregon bill states that only small amounts of drugs are decriminalized, such as less than 1 gram of heroin or MDMA; 2 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine; 12 grams of psilocybin mushrooms; and 40 doses of LSD, oxycodone, or methadone.
The bill reads, “Criminal arrests for possession of these amounts will be replaced with a fine of up to $100. The fine can be waived if the user is evaluated at Addiction Recovery Centers.”
Manufacturing, selling, and driving while under the influence of these drugs will still be considered a criminal offense.
Florida has one of the highest incarceration rates in the U.S. Marion County, Florida has the highest incarceration rate in the state.
Florida — Voters in Florida have approved amendment 2 which will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour over a six-year period.
The amendment states that Florida will raise the minimum wage to $10.00 per hour on September 30, 2021.
Each September 30 thereafter, the minimum wage will increase by $1.00 until September 30, 2026, when the minimum wage will reach $15 per hour.
Business owners across Florida have already begun to threaten with layoffs and a decrease in hours.
Financial analysts say that those who are receiving public assistance will also be affected because an increase in income means a decrease in public benefits.
Analysts are also predicting a substantial price increase for consumer goods, dining, and the overall cost of living.
Many fast-food restaurants say that they will begin to install automated kiosks to offset the cost of having an employee on duty. Similar to how McDonald’s responded when New York raised its minimum wage to $15 per hour.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce estimates job losses as high as 500,000.
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association said the minimum wage increase would lead to 158,000 job losses in Florida.
Analysts said that voters who do not understand economics voted for the increase that the lack of knowledge before voting could cripple the economy in years to come.
Someone flipping a burger could soon be making as much, or possibly more than a person who went to college and obtained a degree.
Ocala, Florida — Marion County residents voted to extend the penny sales tax for four more years.
The millions in revenue will go toward funding public safety, road projects, and animal shelter upgrades.
The revenue cannot be used for salaries.
The projected 2021-2024 funds that will be given to the sheriff’s office are as follows:
Marion County Jail
Cost:$8,680,604
Patrol Vehicles
Cost: $13,077,321
Facilities Construction
Cost: $11,413,996
Mobile Command Unit
Cost: $1,331,000
Computer servers and Data Storage
Cost: $1,747,500
Upcoming road projects and costs:
A new four-lane roadway from Northwest 44th Avenue to the Ocala city limits, including an interchange at I-75. This will provide traffic-carrying capacity and enhance the opportunity for economic development in the area.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $5,875,000
Length: 2.3mi
Status: Upcoming
Adding two lanes from 0.19mi north of SR40 to 0.5mi north of US 27. This will provide traffic-carrying capacity and enhance the opportunity for economic growth in the area.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $32,825,000
Length: 3.76mi
Status: Upcoming
Southwest 49th Avenue South Segment F — A new four-lane divided roadway from Marion Oaks Manor to 0.7mi south of CR 484. This will provide traffic-carrying capacity and enhance the opportunity for economic growth in the area.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $5,919,449
Length: 1.6mi
Status: Upcoming
Southwest 49th Avenue North — A new two-lane divided roadway from Marion Oaks Trail to SW 95th Street. This will provide traffic-carrying capacity and enhance the opportunity for economic growth in the area.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $23,023,214
Length: 3.4mi
Status: Upcoming
Additional two lanes from Southwest 80th Street to 0.5mi north of Southwest 38th Street.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $19,817,914
Length: 3.7mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southwest 95th Avenue Road to Southwest 80th Avenue
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $992,783
Length: 2.5mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southwest 49th Avenue Road to Southwest Highway 484.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $2,099,948
Length: 3.4mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Northwest 160th Avenue to Northwest 145th Avenue Road.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $741,307
Length: 1.9mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 100th Street.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $641,354
Length: 2mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from West Anthony Road to Northeast Jacksonville Road.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $360,000
Length: 1.2mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 1st Street Road to SR 40.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,585,390
Length: 2.3mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 180th Avenue Road to East Highway 40.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $2,249,209
Length: 4.7mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from South Magnolia Avenue to South Pine Avenue.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $902,383
Length: 2mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast Highway 42 to Southeast Highway 484.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,464,763
Length: 3.1mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 147th Street to Southeast Highway 42.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $706,121
Length: 1.8mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from South Highway 441 to Southeast 105th Avenue.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,888,666
Length: 2.8mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 110th Street to Southeast Highway 464.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,825,746
Length: 7mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 64th Avenue Road to Oak Road.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,834,224
Length: 4.3mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Highway 329 to I-75.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,410,240
Length: 3.2mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from East Highway 40 to Northeast Highway 314.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,825,746
Length: 7mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 96th Place.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $304,000
Length: 0.8mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 96th Place.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $252,000
Length: 0.6mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Northeast 29th Street to Northeast 35th Street.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $172,000
Length: 0.4mi
Status: Upcoming
If you want more information, including a breakdown of how your tax dollars are being spent on public safety and other areas, click here.
Marion County — According to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, the first four years of the Penny Sales Tax generated $167 million to fund public safety improvements and road projects throughout the county.
Now, the county wants residents to pass another penny sales tax referendum to collect an estimated $200 million in revenue.
From 2017-2020, well over $26 million of the $167 million was allocated for the sheriff’s office for new vehicles, a new evidence building, computer servers, a new helicopter that cost taxpayers $4,352,119, as well as other equipment. The $26 million is in addition to the amount of taxes citizens already pay to fund public servants and many residents say they feel like they are paying twice.
The projected 2021-2024 funds that will be given to the sheriff’s office are as follows:
Marion County Jail
Cost:$8,680,604
Article continued below
Patrol Vehicles
Cost: $13,077,321
Facilities Construction
Cost: $11,413,996
Mobile Command Unit
Cost: $1,331,000
Computer servers and Data Storage
Cost: $1,747,500
________________________________
Road project review for 2017-2020
Northwest 49th/35th Street Phase 2B and 2C
A new four-lane roadway from Northwest 44th Avenue to the Ocala city limits, including an interchange at I-75. This will provide traffic-carrying capacity and enhance the opportunity for economic development in the area.
Cost: $47,000,000
Sales Tax Funding $26,575,000
Length: 1.2mi
Status: In Progress
A four-phased project that includes a new four-lane from Southwest 95th Street to Southwest 42nd Street, boosting traffic capacity.
Cost: $20,431,120
Sales Tax Funding $12,297,849
Length: 5mi
Status: In Progress
A new four-lane roadway from 1.1 mile south of Hwy 484 to Marion Oaks Trail. This project is another phase of the SW 49th Avenue corridor.
Cost: $11,060,000
Sales Tax Funding $11,060,000
Length: 1.5mi
Status: In Progress
Rehabilitation from County Road 316 to County Road 318.
Cost: $5,074,391
Sales Tax Funding $5,074,391
Length: 9.9mi
Status: Complete
Adding two lanes to Highway 484 from Marion Oaks Pass to Marion Oaks Course, improving traffic capacity, and flow along this congested corridor.
Cost: $8,900,000
Sales Tax Funding $8,900,000
Length: 1.5mi
Status: In Progress
Rehabilitation from County Road 329 to US 441
Cost: $3,088,885
Sales Tax Funding $3,088,885
Length: 5.2mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from the Levy County line to U.S. Hwy 27
Cost: $3,316,071
Sales Tax Funding $3,316,071
Length: 7.1mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from Southeast 95th Street Road to Southeast 24th Street Road
Cost: $3,300,000
Sales Tax Funding $3,300,000
Length: 5.5mi
Status: In Progress
Rehabilitation from County Road 42 to Southeast 95th Street Road
Cost: $3,111,088
Sales Tax Funding $3,111,088
Length: 7.6mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from Marion Oaks Manor between 56th Terrace Road and 56th Court to Marion Oaks Manor between 31st Court and SW 29th Court Road
Cost: $1,722,823
Sales Tax Funding $1,722,823
Length: 3.7mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from County Road 315 to west of the Eureka Bridge
Cost: $2,315,171
Sales Tax Funding $2,315,171
Length: 4mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from the Levy County line to U.S. Highway 27.
Cost: $2,095,189
Sales Tax Funding $2,095,189
Length: 4.1mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from U.S. Highway 441 to County Road 25.
Cost: $1,500,000
Sales Tax Funding $275,859
Length: 3.7mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from Maricamp Road southwest to Oak Road.
Cost: $441,676
Sales Tax Funding $441,676
Length: 1.1mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from I-75 to U.S. Highway 441.
Cost: $1,037,133
Sales Tax Funding $1,037,133
Length: 2.8mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from County Road 475A to County Road 475.
Cost: $575,168
Sales Tax Funding $575,168
Length: 1.1mi
Status: Complete
Rehabilitation from Southwest 95th Street to Southwest 66th Street
Cost: $813,394
Sales Tax Funding $813,394
Length: 3.11mi
Status: Complete
Emerald Road Extension
A new two-lane roadway from SE 92nd Loop to the existing terminus at Florida Northern Railroad.
This will create a continuous corridor from east Maricamp Road to SE 92nd Loop.
Besides adding traffic-carrying capacity for southeastern Marion County and Silver Springs Shores, this new corridor will provide relief to the intersection of SE Maricamp Road and SE 58th Avenue.
Cost: $11,097,945
Sales Tax Funding $409,622
Length: 1.8mi
Status: In Progress
Design phase to add two lanes to NW 80th Ave/70th Ave Rd. from SR40 to 0.5mi north of US 27.
Cost: $2,297,963
Sales Tax Funding $2,297,963
Length: 4.2mi
Status: In Progress
Road widening from 1300ft south of Hwy 40 to 1500ft north of Hwy 40, with signalization, added at Hwy 40.
Cost: $5,350,000
Sales Tax Funding $5,350,000
Length: 0.8mi
Status: In Progress
Road widening from 1300ft south of US 27 to 1500ft north of US 27, with signalization, added at US 27.
Cost: $6,710,000
Sales Tax Funding $6,710,000
Length: 0.78mi
Status: In Progress
Road projects for 2021-2024
A new four-lane roadway from Northwest 44th Avenue to the Ocala city limits, including an interchange at I-75. This will provide traffic-carrying capacity and enhance the opportunity for economic development in the area.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $5,875,000
Length: 2.3mi
Status: Upcoming
Adding two lanes from 0.19mi north of SR40 to 0.5mi north of US 27. This will provide traffic-carrying capacity and enhance the opportunity for economic growth in the area.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $32,825,000
Length: 3.76mi
Status: Upcoming
Southwest 49th Avenue South Segment F — A new four-lane divided roadway from Marion Oaks Manor to 0.7mi south of CR 484. This will provide traffic-carrying capacity and enhance the opportunity for economic growth in the area.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $5,919,449
Length: 1.6mi
Status: Upcoming
Southwest 49th Avenue North — A new two-lane divided roadway from Marion Oaks Trail to SW 95th Street. This will provide traffic-carrying capacity and enhance the opportunity for economic growth in the area.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $23,023,214
Length: 3.4mi
Status: Upcoming
Additional two lanes from Southwest 80th Street to 0.5mi north of Southwest 38th Street.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $19,817,914
Length: 3.7mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southwest 95th Avenue Road to Southwest 80th Avenue
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $992,783
Length: 2.5mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southwest 49th Avenue Road to Southwest Highway 484.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $2,099,948
Length: 3.4mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Northwest 160th Avenue to Northwest 145th Avenue Road.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $741,307
Length: 1.9mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 100th Street.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $641,354
Length: 2mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from West Anthony Road to Northeast Jacksonville Road.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $360,000
Length: 1.2mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 1st Street Road to SR 40.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,585,390
Length: 2.3mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 180th Avenue Road to East Highway 40.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $2,249,209
Length: 4.7mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from South Magnolia Avenue to South Pine Avenue.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $902,383
Length: 2mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast Highway 42 to Southeast Highway 484.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,464,763
Length: 3.1mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 147th Street to Southeast Highway 42.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $706,121
Length: 1.8mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from South Highway 441 to Southeast 105th Avenue.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,888,666
Length: 2.8mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 110th Street to Southeast Highway 464.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,825,746
Length: 7mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Southeast 64th Avenue Road to Oak Road.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,834,224
Length: 4.3mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Highway 329 to I-75.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,410,240
Length: 3.2mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from East Highway 40 to Northeast Highway 314.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,825,746
Length: 7mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 96th Place.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $304,000
Length: 0.8mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 96th Place.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $252,000
Length: 0.6mi
Status: Upcoming
Road resurfacing from Northeast 29th Street to Northeast 35th Street.
Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $172,000
Length: 0.4mi
Status: Upcoming
If you want more information, including a breakdown of how your tax dollars are being spent on public safety and other areas, click here.
A Canyon, Texas, man, Joseph Reynero, who dressed up as cinema’s most notorious Halloween night serial killer, Michael Myers, lined up a Halloween photo shoot with his girlfriend, Hannah Gabrielle, and she had no idea what he had planned for her.
The couple, who love Halloween, posed for several photos before Reynero got down on one knee and proposed…making this proposal an instant classic.
The photographer, Alexi Johnson, made sure that the photo shoot went smoothly to ensure that Gabrielle would be surprised by the proposal.
Johnson posted, “We all know the “Halloween” story, or so we thought! But did you know MM fell in LOVE!? Yup, that’s right, in love 🖤.”
On Facebook, Reynero, wrote, “Halloween/engagement photo shoot! She had no idea! I love you so much! Officially engaged!”
The couple is to be married on Halloween night.
In a press release Friday, Marion County school officials reported that 30 people — 8 employees and 22 students — tested positive for COVID-19 between the dates of October 16-22.
Direct contact quarantines include 234 students and 18 employees.
Schools and departments with COVID-19 positive students and/or employees for the week of October 16-22, 2020:
Belleview High
Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary
Dunnellon Middle
East Marion Elementary
Emerald Shores Elementary
Finance Department
Forest High
Fort King Middle
Harbour View Elementary
Hillcrest
Lake Weir High
Legacy Elementary
Osceola Middle
Shady Hill Elementary
Transportation Department
Vanguard High
A new report will be released on Friday.
Ocala, Florida — One person was killed and two others were injured in a Sunday afternoon crash.
A pickup truck, driven by a 22-year-old man, was traveling westbound on US 27 in the left inside lane and an SUV was traveling eastbound on US 27 in the right outside lane when the left front tire of the pickup blew out.
At that time, the pickup veered off the left side of the roadway and crossed the center median, entered into the eastbound right outside lane, and slammed into the front of the SUV.
The pickup stopped facing in a southeasterly direction on the south side of the roadway.
The SUV stopped facing north on the south side of the roadway.
The passenger of the SUV, a 65-year-old female, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver, a 62-year-old male, was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
The driver of the pickup received minor injuries.
The crash is still under investigation.
Marion County — Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham died in a Sunday morning plane crash.
Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the crash at approximately 11:32 a.m. The plane crashed in the 9700 block of Southwest 140th Avenue.
The plane went down in a field in southwest Marion County, near the 9700 block of Southwest 140th Avenue — not far from the Marion County Airport.
Mike Balken at the police department has now been named interim chief by Mayor Kent Guinn.
Graham had just received his pilot’s license.
The crash is still under investigation.
No other injuries were reported.
Former Hunter Biden associate, Tony Bobulinski, makes statements about Joe and Hunter Biden.
Bobulinski spoke right before the final Presidential Debate in Nashville, Tennessee.
Since the original story, the FBI has confirmed that they are in possession of the laptop belonging to Hunter. However, the FBI would not say why they “sat” on it for nearly 10 months.
Inverness, Florida — An Inverness man has been arrested following an almost 9-month- long investigation into the death of a 3-month-old baby.
On January 7, 2020, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a medical emergency involving a 3-month-old infant.
Upon arrival, deputies observed the victim’s father, Andrew Lynn Martin, 24, attempting to perform CPR on the child.
Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the baby to Citrus Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Early in the investigation, detectives were able to determine that Martin had been alone with the victim in the hours leading up to the infant’s death.
As the investigation progressed, detectives conducted multiple interviews, consulted with the Medical Examiner’s Office, the Child Protection Team, and reviewed numerous medical records.
The Medical Examiner found injuries on the victim’s body in various healing stages and determined that the infant had recently suffered multiple severe blunt force injuries, which caused the infant’s death.
In addition to severe bruising, Xrays revealed three fractures on the ribs and near the spine. Further examination revealed a brain bleed, retinal hemorrhage, optic nerve sheath hemorrhage, and spinal cord hemorrhage. Scans also showed multiple rib fractures in various stages of healing.
The Child Protection Team examined the victim after his death, who confirmed that he had suffered numerous injuries consistent with child abuse.
After receiving all the official medical documents and evidence about this case, Detective Casalvieri and Detective Arnold scheduled a follow-up interview with Martin.
During the October 20, interview, Martin made statements that detailed several instances where his actions would have resulted in the victim’s injuries. Martin confirmed he had been in sole care and custody of the victim in the hours leading up to his death.
Martin was arrested and charged with Aggravated Manslaughter, Child Abuse, and Child Neglect.
He was transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility where he is being held without bond.
Despite the fact that the mother admitted to having to tell Martin to be more gentle with the baby, she denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.
In a statement, Martin said, “I never meant to hurt my son.”
Ocala, Florida — During a meeting, due to COVID-19, The City of Ocala council voted to cancel Light Up Ocala.
The event was scheduled for November 21.
The council said instead of Light up Ocala, the city will host several small holiday events.
As for Light Up Ocala, the city says it will still display all of the Christmas lights as usual.
Light Up Ocala typically brings a crowd of more than 20,000 people. The city said it is the size of the crowd that’s the issue.
Other events throughout the holiday season
Santa’s Calling
Tuesday, December 8 – Thursday, December 10 | 6 – 9 p.m.
Free program
Ocala Recreation and Parks have partnered with the North Pole to directly connect Ocala’s good little boys and girls to Santa! You can schedule an evening call from December 8-10 when Santa’s helpers will call your home so your child can speak directly with Mr. or Mr. Claus! Click the button below to submit an application for Santa to call your child. The deadline is November 30.
Santa on the Square
Thursday, December 3 – Thursday, December 17
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6 – 8 p.m.
Downtown Square
Free event
Take a picture with Santa in Downtown Ocala! On Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December, socially distanced photos will be offered with Santa. This program is free. Pre-registration is required; email lartis@ocalafl.org to reserve a time slot.
Senior Holiday Luncheon
Thursday, December 10 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ocala Golf Club
$5 per person
Ages 50+
For ages 50+, come celebrate the season with an afternoon of fun, prizes, games, and a delicious lunch at the Ocala Golf Club! $5 per person. Face coverings encouraged.
Register here.
Santa Paws
Wednesday, December 16 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Downtown Square
Free event
Whether your four-legged fur baby has been naughty or nice, Santa would still love a picture with them! Join us at the Ocala Downtown Square for Santa Paws where your furry family members can have a professional photo with Santa. $10 donation for photos will fully benefit the Human Society of Marion County. Due to COVID-19, only pets will be allowed in the portrait, no people.
After Dark in the Park: Holiday Movie Series
Select Nights in December | Movies start at 7 p.m.
Free event
Movies are free to attend! Attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets. Free hot cocoa will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with additional concessions available for purchase. Hot cocoa courtesy Marion Bar & Bubbles.
Halloween Events
Boo Bash
Saturday, October 31
2:30 – 7:30 PM | RESERVATION REQUIRED TO ATTEND
ED Croskey Center
1510NW Fourth St.
Join us for a scary good time at this family-friendly Halloween event! There will be face painting, creepy crafts, candy, and more! All ages welcome.
To reserve a time slot, email jbaker@ocalafl.org
Halloween Family Fun Run/Walk 5K
Saturday, October 31
8:30 – 11 AM
Downtown Citizens Circle
160 E. Fort King St.
$5 Registration
Join Ocala Recreation and Parks for our Halloween Family Fun Run benefiting United Way of Marion County! It will start at Citizen’s Circle downtown with staggered start times to allow for proper social distancing. Staggered start times will be emailed to participants prior to the start date. Face covers are encouraged.
Register here.
Let’s Do the Time Warp at Fort King: The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been canceled.
Florida — As if 2020 couldn’t get any weirder.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says they are now caring for a two-headed snake found in Palm Bay, Florida.
The Kay Rodgers family said they found the snake at their residence and notified FWC.
The snake has been identified as a rare two-headed juvenile black racer.
FWC said the birth defect is known as bicephaly. It is uncommon but happens during embryo development when two monozygotic twins failed to separate. When that happens, the two heads remain conjoined on a single body.
According to FWC, the snake head’s tongue flick and the heads react movement. However, sometimes the heads react differently.
FWC said they took the snake in because two-headed snakes rarely survive in the wild is due to the fact that the two brains make opposite decisions that inhibit the ability to feed or escape from its predators. Additionally, the snake could be killed by humans who are uneducated about the snake species.
Some believe that two-headed snakes represent evil.
Black racers are completely harmless and beneficial to the environment, especially around the home.
A lawsuit has been filed against the Florida Department of Corrections after a Lowell corrections officer attempted to poison an inmate.
The corrections officer, identified as Qualesha Quayshaun Williams, 28, of Ocala, was arrested on Saturday, January 25, at Lowell Correctional Institution.
The lawsuit was filed on October 15, 2020.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, Williams was putting a “chemical compound, namely bleach” in food and drinks.
In one incident, Michael Green, an FDOC inspector, said that Williams had previously argued with an inmate, identified as Alfreda Gunn, 26, and told her “I got something for you.”
Williams’ statement was overheard by other officers.
The lawsuit states, “The supervisor did nothing to intervene.”
The lawsuit also states that another corrections officer, L. Jamian, witnessed Williams put the bleach in the cup and on the food tray.
Williams was overheard saying, “That one is special.” Referring to the poisoned food tray.
“Jamian did not question Williams as to why she would be poisoning an inmate’s food tray,” the lawsuit states. The lawsuit goes on to read, “At the time, Williams was not assigned to supervise or participate in feeding [Gunn’s] quad and had no official purpose in the area. Nonetheless, Jamian continued to watch as Williams positioned the cart carrying the food trays in front of [Gunn’s] cell in a suspicious and non-routine manner and then served the poisoned drink and food to Gunn. Gunn took a sip of the drink before she was able to determine that her tray smelled like bleach.”
Attorneys said that even more frightening is that Williams stood and gazed at the inmate for minutes after she ingested the bleach.
“After realizing she had ingested bleach and Williams would not render aid, Gunn called out to Jamian, telling her what had occurred. In response, Jamian told Gunn, ‘I cannot help unless it’s life or death because of shift change'”, the lawsuit states.
According to court documents, shift change did not occur for another hour.
Jamian never notified a supervisor.
The lawsuit also states that corrections officer Sgt. Lousie knew about the poisoning and, like Jamian, did nothing and did not render aid.
Gunn was not treated until she was transferred to another prison following her complaint that prompted an investigation the same day.
In an email to Ocala Post, the FDOC wrote:
“FDC is moving forward with the immediate dismissal of Correctional Officer Qualesha Quayshaun Williams, who was assigned to Lowell Correctional Institution. Institution leadership, upon receiving the allegation, immediately contacted the FDC Office of Inspector General so a timely and thorough investigation could be performed.
The Florida Department of Corrections takes all allegations of abuse or mistreatment of inmates seriously and encourages all inmates and staff to promptly report inappropriate or illegal conduct. Inmates are afforded every opportunity to report misconduct without fear of retribution.
The OIG is responsible for ensuring all reports of misconduct are thoroughly investigated. Any employee found to have acted inappropriately or illegally faces disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and arrest. FDC has zero-tolerance for staff who act inappropriately and contrary to our core values: respect, integrity, courage, selfless service, and compassion.”
According to reports, Williams did not seem to show any emotion in regards to her attempt to poison an inmate.
Instead, when confronted, Williams was only worried about keeping her job.
Williams was released on a $25,000 bond.
Gunn has demanded a jury trial.
