91.7 F
Ocala
Saturday, August 16, 2025
More
    Home Blog Page 23

    Woman wanted to sell body parts after she killed children

    ocala post, baby killer,
    Amanda Sharp Jefferson

    Two children were found dead by their father, Jaykwon Singleton, and he said that his girlfriend killed them.

    Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested Amanda Sharp-Jefferson, 26, on two counts of murder Friday after a 1-year-old, Rose Singleton, and a 2-month-old, Lily Singleton, was found dead.

    Police said they received a 911 call from the father Jaykwon Singleton and dispatchers could hear Jaykwon asking Sharp-Jefferson what happened.

    During the 911 call, Jaykwon told police, “she drowned them…I feel like their mom drowned them or something.”

    According to the police report, the children were found dead in a bassinet, stacked on top of each other.

    During an interview, Jaykwon told police that when he arrived at the apartment he asked Sharp-Jefferson why she stacked the children like that, and she “shushed” him.

    Police said Jaykwon then checked on the kids and that is when he realized they were cold and not breathing.

    Even more shocking, police said, is that Sharp-Jefferson kept shushing Jaykwon and, at one point, made a statement that “the children’s organs were worth a lot of money.”

    When medical examiners arrived on the scene, Sharp-Jefferson was overheard commenting on how much the children’s body parts may be worth.

    According to the arrest affidavit, Jaykwon had been in a relationship with Sharp-Jefferson since 2018. Jaykwon said their relationship had been normal up until a few weeks ago when Sharp-Jefferson alleged that Jaykwon had cheated on her “with his spirit wife.”

    Jaykwon said went to visit his grandmother on November 5, and when he returned on November 6, he found the children dead. He told police that nothing seemed out of the ordinary when he left or he would have never left his children with his girlfriend.

    During questioning, Sharp-Jefferson denied knowing Jaykwon or having children. She told police she lived alone.

    “I woke up in the morning and just found two children dead,” she told police.

    When questioned about her statement involving selling the organs of the children, she stated, “I saw a movie where people can make money from body parts.”

    Sharp-Jefferson told police that she was “set up” to look like she killed the children.

    She never called 911.

    Sharp-Jefferson is being held without bail. Her next hearing is set for later in November. She will also undergo a mental evaluation.

    Comments open below

    Three men had intercourse with animals hundreds of times, say punishment was too harsh

    citrus gazette, animals
    Marc Measnikoff, Matthew Brubaker and Terry Wallace

    Three men, not from Florida, will have to remain behind bars for having sex with horses, goats, dogs, and cows after a superior court rejected their appeal.

    The Pennsylvania men were arrested in 2018 and in 2019 sentenced to terms ranging from 20 to 45 years in prison.

    An attorney representing the men appealed their sentences citing that the punishment did not fit the crime. If allowed, the men said they plan to submit another appeal sometime before Christmas 2020.

    Terry Wallace, 42, Matthew Brubaker, 32, and Marc Measnikoff, 36, alleged that the sentencing was too harsh and that Munson, PA Judge Paul E. Cherry, only considered the nature and duration of their crimes and their recruitment of a 16-year-old boy.

    Article continued below

    Terry Wallace, Marc Measnikoff, Matthew Brubaker — Booking photos 2018

    “The judge did not take into consideration our need for rehabilitation,” the men said.

    According to court documents, the men had sex with the animals hundreds of times, and video recorded themselves while doing it.

    The men used the teen to retrieve the animals and take them to a chute that the men had devised. The men would then have intercourse with the animals.

    The judge said that he doubted the men were capable of being rehabilitated and that they demonstrated mental abnormalities.

    “Their long incarceration will give them time to work on their mental health,” the judge wrote.

    The men were charged with Corruption of a Minor, 730 counts of Sexual Intercourse with Animals, and 730 counts of Cruelty to Animals.

    Comments open below

    Related stories

    This story is nuts: Florida man drops the ball during failed castration

     

    Selling homemade Coquito over Facebook could land you in jail

    coquito, ocala news, ocala post

    Florida — Coquito, meaning “Little Coconut” in Spanish, is a traditional Christmas drink.

    The drink, which originated in Puerto Rico, is a coconut-based alcoholic beverage similar to eggnog, sometimes referred to as the “Puerto Rican Eggnog.”

    According to officials, the drink is heavily sold over Facebook every holiday season. The drink is made with rum.

    In the United States, it is illegal to sell alcohol without a license, no matter how small the amount.

    According to the ATF Miami Field Divison, selling alcoholic beverages is a serious offense. Penalties can be one year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine, and/or up-to 100 hours of community service.

    The ATF says it does receive complaints, namely from business owners who do spend thousands on licensing, but refer the complaints to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

    DBPR regulates the manufacturing, distribution, sale, and service of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in Florida, including receipt and processing of license applications; collection and auditing of taxes, surcharges, and fees paid by licensees; and enforcement of the laws and regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, pursuant to Chapters 210, 561-565, and 567-569, Florida Statutes.

    Officials say that individuals selling the drink over Facebook have increased over the past five years and so have arrests.

    Those who investigate the complaints say that illegally selling any homemade alcoholic beverage through social media undermines other businesses that pay for licensing and follow the law. Additionally, officials say it poses a health risk as far as possible contamination is concerned.

    Facebook says the company will remove any posts that are reported.

    We want to hear from you. What do you think?

    One dead following Ocala shooting inside mobile home community

    7

    Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is investigating after an Ocala man, identified as David Vega, was shot to death at a mobile home, located in the 3000 block of NW 16th Place at approximately 1 a.m. on November 15.

    Victim, David Vega, deceased

    When officers arrived, they found Vega underneath the carport of the home. He had been shot in the face one time.

    According to reports, he was still breathing but later died from his injuries.

    Detectives interviewed other residents in the home but have not made any arrests at this time.

    A black cellphone was retrieved from the scene and investigators will check it for clues. Additionally, investigators found one spent shell casing at the scene.

    Detectives said they do not know the relationship between the deceased and the occupants of the mobile home.

    The investigation is open and ongoing.

    Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000.

    Ocala listed as number 17 for most dangerous cities to live in Florida

    Woman shot Marion Oaks man to death, arrested in Georgia

    2
    ocala news, ocala post, shooting
    Neely Petrie-Blanchard

    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.

    Ocala listed as number 17 for most dangerous cities to live in Florida

    Man who fractured woman’s face, skull with baseball bat held without bail

    ocala news, baseball bat, murder

    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.

    National Weather Service Tropical Storm ETA update

    Tropical Storm ETA

    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.

    Dunnellon man killed in crash, two others seriously injured

    4

    fatal crash, ocala news, ocala post, ocklawaha
    Wyatt Norman [left] and Tony Pollare
    Florida — A Seven Rivers Christian School alumnus and a former student were involved in a crash Friday in Alachua County.

    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.

    BREAKING: Postal worker comes forward, says postmaster backdated postmarks on mail-in ballots

    graham, postal worker, votes, trump, ocala post
    Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC)/Chip Somodevilla-Getty Images

    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.

    Motorcycle rider killed after hitting SUV head-on

    9

    motorcycle crash. ocala news, ocala post

    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.

    Corrections officer groomed, manipulated young girl for years

    Kenneth Slanker, pedophile, ocala news, corrections officer
    Kenneth Slanker

    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.

    Cocaine or LSD anyone? This state becomes the first to decriminalize many hard drugs

    53

    ocala news, oregon drugs, ocala post

    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 minimum wage to increase to $15 per hour, more than 600 thousand could lose their jobs

    15 per hour, florida, ocala news, ocala post
    Florida – Demonstrators walk through the take-out lane as they gather together at a McDonald’s restaurant to demand an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

    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.

    Comments open below

    Marion County voters pass penny sales tax extension

    penny sales tax

    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

    • The price tag includes plans for a new perimeter security fence; updated plumbing and sewer systems; air conditioning system upgrades; emergency power upgrades; new stucco, paint, and window seals; efficient LED lighting; electronic cell door controls; updates to kitchen and medical facilities; boiler replacements and more.

    Patrol Vehicles

    Cost: $13,077,321

    • The Sheriff’s Office plans to continue its vehicle replacement plan for its fleet. The replacement will include patrol vehicles, which includes being all SUVs being updated to all-wheel-drive.
    • Vehicles for evidence technicians, civil process staff, and others that MCSO says have not been updated since 2007-2008.
    • Refurbish 188 new patrol vehicles and 50 other vehicles for staff, inmate transport, and emergency management use.

    Facilities Construction

    Cost: $11,413,996

    • MCSO is still constructing a new evidence building
    • MSCO also wants to build a new hangar and special operations building, as well as a new gun range and driving pad.
    • Construction on the new evidence facility as well as demolishing and repaving the site of the old building began in 2019-2020. Training facilities are scheduled to be built in 2020-2022. The hangar / special ops building will begin construction 2021-2022.

    Mobile Command Unit

    Cost: $1,331,000

    • Mobile Command Unit will replace the existing vehicle which MCSO says is nearly 20 years old.
    • The rig is to be acquired in 2021-2022
    mcso and taxes, ocala news, ocala post
    Mobile command unit

    Computer servers and Data Storage

    Cost: $1,747,500

    • Upgrades to fiber optics and network; including servers, switches, and a new phone system for the main operations center, district offices, and county jail.
    • Part of the data storage is for emails, dashcam, and bodycam video
    • In 2017-2020 MCSO was given $4,285,446 for this project. Some improvements have been completed, however, the county says the upgrades will continue through 2023-2024.

    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

    Northwest 80th / 70th Avenue

    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

    Southwest 80th Avenue

    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

    Southwest 31st Street / Southwest 34th Place

    Road resurfacing from Southwest 95th Avenue Road to Southwest 80th Avenue

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $992,783

    • Length: 2.5mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Marion Oaks Manor

    Road resurfacing from Southwest 49th Avenue Road to Southwest Highway 484.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $2,099,948

    • Length: 3.4mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest 112th Place Road / Northwest 96th Place

    Road resurfacing from Northwest 160th Avenue to Northwest 145th Avenue Road.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $741,307

    • Length: 1.9mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest 60th Avenue

    Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 100th Street.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $641,354

    • Length: 2mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest / Northeast 42nd St.

    Road resurfacing from West Anthony Road to Northeast Jacksonville Road.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $360,000

    • Length: 1.2mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northeast Highway 314

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 1st Street Road to SR 40.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,585,390

    • Length: 2.3mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast 183rd Avenue Road

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 180th Avenue Road to East Highway 40.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $2,249,209

    • Length: 4.7mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast 59th Street

    Road resurfacing from South Magnolia Avenue to South Pine Avenue.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $902,383

    • Length: 2mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast 47th Avenue

    Road resurfacing from Southeast Highway 42 to Southeast Highway 484.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,464,763

    • Length: 3.1mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast 73rd Avenue

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 147th Street to Southeast Highway 42.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $706,121

    • Length: 1.8mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast Sunset  Harbor Road

    Road resurfacing from South Highway 441 to Southeast 105th Avenue.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,888,666

    • Length: 2.8mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    E. Highway 25 / S. Highway 25

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 110th Street to Southeast Highway 464.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,825,746

    • Length: 7mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast Maricamp Road

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 64th Avenue Road to Oak Road.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,834,224

    • Length: 4.3mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest Highway 320

    Road resurfacing from Highway 329 to I-75.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,410,240

    • Length: 3.2mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    North Highway 314A

    Road resurfacing from East Highway 40 to Northeast Highway 314.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,825,746

    • Length: 7mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest 150th Avenue

    Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 96th Place.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $304,000

    • Length: 0.8mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest 145th Avenue Road

    Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 96th Place.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $252,000

    • Length: 0.6mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northeast 19th Avenue

    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 pushing hard for voters to pass penny sales tax

    vote no, penny sales tax, ocala news, ocala post

    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

    • The price tag includes plans for a new perimeter security fence; updated plumbing and sewer systems; air conditioning system upgrades; emergency power upgrades; new stucco, paint, and window seals; efficient LED lighting; electronic cell door controls; updates to kitchen and medical facilities; boiler replacements and more.

    Article continued below

    MCSO sets aside over $500,000 for fencing around the jail, corrections officer suspended over attempted jailbreak

    Patrol Vehicles

    Cost: $13,077,321

    • The Sheriff’s Office plans to continue its vehicle replacement plan for its fleet. The replacement will include patrol vehicles, which includes being all SUVs being updated to all-wheel-drive.
    • Vehicles for evidence technicians, civil process staff, and others that MCSO says have not been updated since 2007-2008.
    • Refurbish 188 new patrol vehicles and 50 other vehicles for staff, inmate transport, and emergency management use.

    Facilities Construction

    Cost: $11,413,996

    • MCSO is still constructing a new evidence building
    • MSCO also wants to build a new hangar and special operations building, as well as a new gun range and driving pad.
    • Construction on the new evidence facility as well as demolishing and repaving the site of the old building began in 2019-2020. Training facilities are scheduled to be built in 2020-2022. The hangar / special ops building will begin construction 2021-2022.

    Mobile Command Unit

    Cost: $1,331,000

    • Mobile Command Unit will replace the existing vehicle which MCSO says is nearly 20 years old.
    • The rig is to be acquired in 2021-2022
    mcso and taxes, ocala news, ocala post
    Mobile command unit

    Computer servers and Data Storage

    Cost: $1,747,500

    • Upgrades to fiber optics and network; including servers, switches, and a new phone system for the main operations center, district offices, and county jail.
    • Part of the data storage is for emails, dashcam, and bodycam video
    • In 2017-2020 MCSO was given $4,285,446 for this project. Some improvements have been completed, however, the county says the upgrades will continue through 2023-2024.

    ________________________________

    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

    Southwest 49th/40th Ave Phase 1, 1A, 2, 3

    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

    Southwest 49th Avenue South
    Segments A & E

    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

    Northeast County Road 315

    Rehabilitation from County Road 316 to County Road 318.

    • Cost: $5,074,391

    • Sales Tax Funding $5,074,391

    • Length: 9.9mi

    • Status: Complete

    County Road 484

    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

    Northwest Gainesville Road   (C.R. 25A)

    Rehabilitation from County Road 329 to US 441

    • Cost: $3,088,885

    • Sales Tax Funding $3,088,885

    • Length: 5.2mi

    • Status: Complete

    County Road 464B

    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

    South Highway 314A

    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

    Southeast 182nd Avenue Road

    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

    Marion Oaks Boulevard

    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

    County Road 316

    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

    County Road 326

    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

    County Road 42

    Rehabilitation from U.S. Highway 441 to County Road 25.

    • Cost: $1,500,000

    • Sales Tax Funding $275,859

    • Length: 3.7mi

    • Status: Complete

    Emerald Road

    Rehabilitation from Maricamp Road southwest to Oak Road.

    • Cost: $441,676

    • Sales Tax Funding $441,676

    • Length: 1.1mi

    • Status: Complete

    County Road 320

    Rehabilitation from I-75 to U.S. Highway 441.

    • Cost: $1,037,133

    • Sales Tax Funding $1,037,133

    • Length: 2.8mi

    • Status: Complete

    Southwest 107th Place (CR475B)

    Rehabilitation from County Road 475A to County Road 475.

    • Cost: $575,168

    • Sales Tax Funding $575,168

    • Length: 1.1mi

    • Status: Complete

    Southwest 38th Avenue

    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

    NW 80th Ave / 70th Ave Rd.

    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

    NW/SW 80th Ave at Hwy 40

    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

    NW 70th Avenue at US 27

    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

    Northwest 49th/35th Street Phase 3B

     

     

    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

    Northwest 80th / 70th Avenue

    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

    Southwest 80th Avenue

    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

    Southwest 31st Street / Southwest 34th Place

    Road resurfacing from Southwest 95th Avenue Road to Southwest 80th Avenue

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $992,783

    • Length: 2.5mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Marion Oaks Manor

    Road resurfacing from Southwest 49th Avenue Road to Southwest Highway 484.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $2,099,948

    • Length: 3.4mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest 112th Place Road / Northwest 96th Place

    Road resurfacing from Northwest 160th Avenue to Northwest 145th Avenue Road.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $741,307

    • Length: 1.9mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest 60th Avenue

    Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 100th Street.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $641,354

    • Length: 2mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest / Northeast 42nd St.

    Road resurfacing from West Anthony Road to Northeast Jacksonville Road.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $360,000

    • Length: 1.2mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northeast Highway 314

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 1st Street Road to SR 40.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,585,390

    • Length: 2.3mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast 183rd Avenue Road

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 180th Avenue Road to East Highway 40.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $2,249,209

    • Length: 4.7mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast 59th Street

    Road resurfacing from South Magnolia Avenue to South Pine Avenue.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $902,383

    • Length: 2mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast 47th Avenue

    Road resurfacing from Southeast Highway 42 to Southeast Highway 484.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,464,763

    • Length: 3.1mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast 73rd Avenue

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 147th Street to Southeast Highway 42.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $706,121

    • Length: 1.8mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast Sunset  Harbor Road

    Road resurfacing from South Highway 441 to Southeast 105th Avenue.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,888,666

    • Length: 2.8mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    E. Highway 25 / S. Highway 25

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 110th Street to Southeast Highway 464.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,825,746

    • Length: 7mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Southeast Maricamp Road

    Road resurfacing from Southeast 64th Avenue Road to Oak Road.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,834,224

    • Length: 4.3mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest Highway 320

    Road resurfacing from Highway 329 to I-75.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $1,410,240

    • Length: 3.2mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    North Highway 314A

    Road resurfacing from East Highway 40 to Northeast Highway 314.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $4,825,746

    • Length: 7mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest 150th Avenue

    Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 96th Place.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $304,000

    • Length: 0.8mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northwest 145th Avenue Road

    Road resurfacing from West Highway 326 to Northwest 96th Place.

    • Sales Tax Funding Estimate: $252,000

    • Length: 0.6mi

    • Status: Upcoming

    Northeast 19th Avenue

    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.

    MCSO sets aside over $500,000 for fencing around the jail, corrections officer suspended over attempted jailbreak

    She thought it was just a Halloween photo shoot, it was much more

    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.

    Marion County schools report new cases of COVID-19

    ocala news, ocala post, schools covid-19

    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.

    Woman killed, two others injured in crash

    4

    ocala news, ocala post, fatal crash

    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.

    Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham killed in plane crash

    67
    ocala police chief suspended, ocala police, police corruption,ocala post, ocala news
    Ocala Police Chief Kenneth Gregory Graham

    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.

    Video: Former Hunter Biden associate, Tony Bobulinski, makes statements about Joe and Hunter Biden

    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.

    Comments open below