Ocala Post (Ocala News) - Archive

Two career criminals arrested after stealing car from a motel

Ocala Post

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September 21, 2020

ocala news, ocala post, grand theft — Michael Joseph Pent Jr. [left] and Zachary Alan Hamel

Ocklawaha, Florida — Two car thieves are behind bars after they were arrested for stealing a car from the Microtel Inn & Suites, located at 1771 Southwest 134th Street, Ocala.

The victim told deputies that he had given the suspect, later identified as Zachary Alan Hamel, 22, a ride to the motel the night before.

The victim stated that the following morning Hamel asked for the car keys because he needed to retrieve his things from the car. The victim said he gave Hamel the keys but instructed him to bring them right back. He said he did not tell Hamel he could use the vehicle.

Moments later, the victim said he noticed that Hamel had not returned with the keys, went outside, and saw that his car was gone.

Surveillance footage showed that Hamel got into the vehicle with a known criminal, Michael Joseph Pent Jr., 20.

The car was equipped with a GPS tracker, which deputies used to locate the vehicle in the 13000 block of Highway 25, Ocklawaha. The vehicle was parked behind a residence.

The owner of the residence, who stated that he thought it was weird that the two had parked behind the home, gave deputies permission to enter the property.

Hamel and Pent were located inside the home. Hemel was allegedly using the bathroom and Pent was hiding in the shower.

Pent told deputies that he did not know that Hamel had stolen the vehicle. He said he was hiding because he does not like cops.

Hamel and Pent were charged with Grand Theft Auto.

Pent had just been arrested in August.

Both suspects have a lengthy criminal history.

Man battered his mother while driving, had recently been released from jail

Ocala Post

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September 19, 2020

1

ocala news, ocala post, mother, ocklawaha, battery — Jared Hanson

Ocklawaha, Florida — A 29-year-old Ocklawaha man is behind bars again following a physical altercation with his mother.

He had just been released from jail on June 24.

According to the victim’s mother, she and her son, Jared Hanson, were riding in a car when the two began to argue. Hanson was in the passenger seat and his mother was driving.

During the argument, Hanson started screaming at his mother, and at one point, attempted to put the vehicle in park while it was in motion.

According to reports, Hanson got physical with his mother, and forcefully grabbed her wrists as she was trying to drive.

The mother was able to stop the vehicle safely and notify the police.

Hanson was arrested and charged with Battery, Violation of Probation for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and VOP for Battery on an Elderly Person. Additionally, Hanson was found to be in possession of drugs and charged with Possession of Crystal Meth.

Hanson was arrested in April of 2020 when police responded to a domestic disturbance and found Hanson standing over the top of the victim screaming at him. The deputy reported that there was blood smeared on the walls, doors, and a large puddle of blood on the floor where the badly beaten victim was lying.

At that time, Hanson’s mother told the deputy that her son had been out all night and came home early in the morning and “exploded.” She told the deputy “he went crazy” and that she believed her son was on drugs. She said it all started when Jared became enraged because the victim would not give up the car keys.

According to the arrest affidavit, when the victim told Hanson he could not take the car, Hanson punched him in the face several times. While the victim was on the ground, Hanson also kicked him multiple times. During the altercation, the victim was also repeatedly struck with a porcelain doll, which shattered into pieces.

When Hanson stopped battering the victim, he grabbed a butcher knife and threatened to stab him. Jared held the knife to the victim’s chest and stated that he would kill him. The deputy arrived a short time later.

Hanson’s mother told the deputy that when her son is under the influence of drugs he thinks people are trying to rape and poison him.

When questioned about what he had done to the victim, Hanson stated, “I bitch slapped him because he was acting like a female.”

Hanson was arrested and taken to a local hospital for evaluation. While at the hospital, Hanson was able to get out of the handcuffs. He resisted arrested and had to be subdued, at which time he was handcuffed to a hospital bed.

He is currently being held without bond. His next court date is slated for October 14, 2020.

Lee Farkas, former owner of Taylor Bean & Whitaker, a free man after 9 years

Ocala Post

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September 15, 2020

155

Lee Farkas, former owner of Taylor Bean & Whitaker, a free man after 9 years

ocala news, ocala post, lee farkas — Lee Farkas

Ocala, Florida — A wholesale mortgage executive responsible for one of the largest fraud schemes in U.S history has been released from prison after only serving nine years of a 30-year sentence at Coleman prison in Wildwood, Florida

Lee Farkas, 67, was released after he petitioned the court due to COVID-19 concerns.

Farkas was the majority owner of one of the nation’s largest wholesale mortgage companies, Taylor Bean & Whitaker, when the company engaged in fraud estimated at $2.9 billion.

Prior to the company being defunct, it was valued at more than 30 billion.

The collapse of the company was directly linked to the Great Recession and caused the loss of more than 2,000 jobs. It also caused the sixth-largest bank collapse in U.S history, which was Colonial Bank.

At the time, Farkas owned multiple Ocala businesses, including Compass Gym, Ipanema, Dee Dee’s Hot Dogs, Cactus Car Wash, just to mention a few.

Farkas owned several luxury vehicles, including a fully restored vintage Rolls-Royce. Additionally, he owned a private jet and multiple luxury homes.

According to court records, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, said, “Yes it was a large financial crime, but he was not the only person engaged in that type of crime.”

The judge released Farkas based on his age and health condition. The judge said COVID-19 running rampant through the prison system was a huge concern, therefore she felt it was best to release him.

Prosecutors disagreed, but the judge said that Farkas is a non-violent criminal and that his health was a huge concern giving the circumstances.

Farkas will live with his sister in Albuquerque after he completes a 14-day quarantine.

More than a half-dozen Colonial and Taylor Bean & Whitaker executives pleaded guilty to their roles in the fraud.

Taylor Bean treasurer Desiree Brown cooperated with the FBI. She allowed her phones to be tapped and had dozens of recorded conversations with Farkas. Brown testified against Farkas at his 2011 trial in return for a lighter sentence — a 20-year sentence reduced by 60 percent. In the end, she was sentenced to six years.

Court documents show that Brown was a key player in the day-to-day aspects that made the majority of the fraud possible.

Illegal Russian immigrant to face multiple felony charges after injuring two Ocala police officers

Ocala Post

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September 15, 2020

25

ocala news, ocala post, high speed chase — Mijail Koshenskov

Ocala, Florida — An illegal Russian immigrant who lives in Gainesville is being held without bond after he was arrested on an outstanding warrant for aggravated battery on two Ocala Police Department police officers.

The incident began last September.

On September 19, 2019, officers responded to Scott Springs Park in reference to a stolen vehicle out of Alachua County.

Upon arrival, Officer Paz saw a male suspect, later identified as Mijail Koshenskov, 32, sitting inside the vehicle.

Officer Paz approached the vehicle with his gun drawn and instructed Koshenskov to exit the vehicle, which he refused to do.

According to reports, Officer Paz then opened the driver’s side door, at which time Koshenskov started the vehicle. At that time, Officer Paz reached inside the vehicle and grabbed Koshenskov and attempted to drag him from the vehicle. Koshenskov then put the vehicle in reverse and began dragging Officer Paz.

A second officer on the scene, Sgt. Fried, attempted to help Officer Paz and was struck by the vehicle door as the suspect reversed the vehicle.

Koshenskov then led police on a high-speed chase with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. The chase went from Ocala to Alachua County. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office picked up the chase once Koshenskov entered their jurisdiction.

The ACSO deployed stop sticks and disabled the stolen vehicle, at which time Koshenskov exited the vehicle and fled into a wooded area on foot.

He was later tracked down using a K-9 and taken into custody.

On December 18, 2019, Koshenskov was sentenced to 300 days with 91 days of time served in the Alachua County Jail.

Upon his release, he was transported to the Marion County Jail where he will face charges of Aggravated Battery on an Officer (x2), Fleeing and Eluding, Resisting Arrest, and Driving without a Driver’s License.

His next court date is slated for September 26, 2020.

According to reports, the two officers sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Police said the chase lasted for 35 miles.

Woman removed adult toy from package, used it while still in store

Ocala Post

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September 15, 2020

69

Woman removed adult toy from package, used it while still in store

adult toy, sex toy, ocala post, ocala news — Theresa Stanley

Fort Pierce, Florida — It was a sticky situation when a Florida woman was arrested after she removed a sex toy from a shelf, stripped off her clothes, and began pleasuring herself while still in the store.

Police identified the woman as 36-year-old Theresa Stanley.

According to the arrest affidavit, by the time police arrived at the Lion’s Den, Stanley was completely nude and had moved to the stock room area to continue pleasuring herself.

The report states that when a police officer entered the stock room, Stanley stopped what she was doing and dropped to the floor.

“When I entered the room she was sitting in an office chair with her legs spread and propped up on a desk. She was using a pink, penis-shaped toy to masturbate herself,” the officer wrote.

Stanley, who was intoxicated, told police she just couldn’t resist.

The adult toy was valued at $45.98. The merchandise was taken as evidence but later returned to the store. The store said they disposed of the unit for sanitary reasons.

The store manager said that Stanley also tried on several outfits while in the store.

Stanley was charged with Petit Theft, Indecent Exposure, and Lewd Behavior.

FWC: Picking saw palmetto berries could get you arrested

Ocala Post

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September 14, 2020

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FWC: Picking saw palmetto berries could get you arrested

saw palmetto berries, ocala news, ocala post — saw palmetto berries

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants to remind everyone that as the berries come to fruit to follow the laws of Florida.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as of July 2018, a permit is required to harvest saw palmetto berries in Florida.

In 2019, Ocala Post reported on two Marion County residents who were illegally harvesting the berries and arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The two were harvesting the berries after midnight on a Friday in the vicinity of the Baseline Trailhead Park when they were spotted as the MCSO helicopter happened to be in the area.

What are the new requirements for a contract harvester of palmetto berries on public or private land?

The contract harvester must possess written permission from the landowner or the legal representative prior to harvest
The contract harvester must also possess a Native Plant Harvesting Permit from the Department prior to harvest.
The permit application must be submitted fourteen (14) days prior to the intended date of harvest.

What are the new requirements for any person transporting for sale, selling, or offering for sale saw palmetto berries?

A person transporting for sale, selling, or offering for sale saw palmetto berries, which is harvested from the person’s own property, must possess a Native Plant Harvesting Permit from the Department.
The permit application must be submitted fourteen (14) days prior to the intended date of harvest.

What enforcement action can be taken if these requirements are not followed?

If found by law enforcement officials to not meet the requirements above, the harvester or person transporting for sale, selling, or offering for sale saw palmetto berries may be charged with a misdemeanor. The illegally harvested berries will be confiscated and returned to the owner. If the owner cannot be located, the berries will be destroyed.

According to officials, saw palmetto is a supplement made from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree, which is commercially exploited.

It’s often used to treat enlarged prostate, improve urinary function, and enhance hair growth. Some also use the supplement to boost libido and fertility and reduce inflammation. Additionally, saw palmetto is claimed to have anti-cancer effects.

Allegedly, Native Americans have long used the berry for its nutritional, sedative, diuretic, aphrodisiac, and cough-reducing properties.

Woman who held knife to man’s genitals now charged with murder

Ocala Post

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September 10, 2020

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ocala news, ocklawaha, ocala post — Yvonne Wilkerson

Ocklawaha, Florida — An Oklawaha woman who had previously been arrested for holding a knife to a man’s genitals has now been charged with Second Degree Murder.

On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, Detective Pinder with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrested Yvonne Wilkerson.

On August 27, 2020, MCSO deputies responded to Tall Pines Mobile Home Park, located at 11565 E Highway 25, Ocklawaha, Florida after Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) had discovered 85-year-old Jessie Blanding deceased inside of his residence.

On the scene, investigators saw a wooden-handled hammer laying nearby and noted that the victim had suffered blunt force trauma injuries to his head and face.

Detectives discovered that Wilkerson had been living with the victim.

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Neighbors reported that the victim had not been seen for a couple of days.

Wilkerson was later located and arrested on a separate outstanding warrant.

While in custody, Wilkerson was interviewed about the murder of Blanding, at which time she stated she struck the victim at least three times with a hammer. Additionally, she said that Blanding was not fighting back.

Wilkerson stated, “I don’t know why I could not stop myself from hitting him.”

Wilkerson is being held without bond.

$500 scholarship opportunity for students

Ocala Post

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September 9, 2020

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$500 scholarship opportunity for students

Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Legal Support Association is now accepting applications for the Mary Sullivan Scholarship Award in the amount of $500.00 for students interested in obtaining a degree in the legal field.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is December 1, 2020.

No application fee.

For scholarship information and/or an application packet, please contact Scholarship Chair, Lisa M. Wilson, FRP, at lisa@deananddean.net or 352-368-2800 x 108.

Sheriff Prendergast refuses to require deputies to use body cameras or dash cams

Ocala Post

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September 9, 2020

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citrus county taxes, body cams, dash cams — Sheriff Prendergast refuses to require any type of camera for his deputies.

Citrus County — While most sheriff’s offices across the state utilize dash and body cams, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office does not use either. Not one CCSO patrol car has a dashcam.

In fact, Sheriff Prendergast refuses to use them, and county records show that he has never attempted to make a request for them.

Despite multiple forum complaints of CCSO deputies turning on their emergency lights, and blowing through red lights, just to turn them off, Predenergast does not see the need. In one complaint, two deputies activated their emergency lights, blew through a red light in front of Home Depot on U.S. 19 just to get down the road, and turned into Fat Daddy’s for lunch. Other complaints reveal deputies doing well over the posted speed limit.

Sam Mullins, wrote, “Where is the accountability? Because right now, there is none. The sheriff thinks his deputies can do no wrong and that is not the case.”

A local business owner, wrote, “I see it all the time. I see them run red lights and then turn into a parking lot to go into a store or restaurant. At least two times a week. I have set up cameras and considered posting videos. But I am afraid of the backlash because this is a good old boy town. My advice to everyone is to get your own dashcam.”

“Get your own dashcam” was a sentiment shared more than 1000 times on a group Facebook post in regards to the CCSO.

Lack of accountability was demonstrated in May when a witness recorded two deputies using excessive force on a mentally ill, homeless woman. A woman who CCSO deputies already knew was mentally ill from previous dealings with her.

In that case, Citrus Gazette viewed the video, which showed the petit woman being tossed around like a ragdoll. At the request of the witness, the video was not published. The witness, who is a store manager, said she feared retaliation from the CCSO.

Prendergast says that “great leadership” makes the difference, not body cameras.

Corrections officer suspended over attempted jailbreak

Ocala Post

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September 8, 2020

3

Corrections officer suspended over attempted jailbreak

Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says they are taking bids and have set aside over $500,000 to have new fencing and razor wire installed around the jail.

The decision comes after an inmate, Alexander Wayne Phillip, 20, who had recently been released, attempted to break out another inmate, Ronald Hasty.

Officials say that on July 13, after being released, Phillip used bolt cutters to cut through a small section of fencing. Phillip then went to the window where Hasty was being held and began smashing the window with a pickaxe. However, Phillip got spooked and ran off.

The jail is currently surrounded by fence and razor wire but officials say they want to reinforce it.

On Tuesday, officials announced that Marion County Jail corrections officer Brandon Dowels has been suspended for six weeks for his failure to do a security check on the day of the attempted jailbreak.

During an internal affairs investigation, it was learned that Dowels volunteered to do the security check of the area but did not because he “got busy.” Instead, he disappeared for a 45-minute lunch break, and when he returned, he said “it slipped his mind.”

He also admitted that he failed to do a security check of the roof area.

Dowels is suspended without pay.

The only inmate to ever escape was Yarnell Bagley.

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

Ocala Post

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September 8, 2020

48

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

[Last updated on September 8, at 5:02 p.m.]

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says they are taking bids and have set aside over $500,000 to have new fencing and razor wire installed around the jail.

The decision comes after an inmate, Alexander Wayne Phillip, 20, who had recently been released, attempted to break out another inmate, Ronald Hasty.

Officials say that on July 13, after being released, Phillip used bolt cutters to cut through a small section of fencing. Phillip then went to the window where Hasty was being held and began smashing the window with a pickaxe. However, Phillip got spooked and ran off.

The jail is currently surrounded by fence and razor wire but officials say they want to reinforce it.

On Tuesday, officials announced that Marion County Jail corrections officer Brandon Dowels has been suspended for six weeks for his failure to do a security check on the day of the attempted jailbreak.

During an internal affairs investigation, it was learned that Dowels volunteered to do the security check of the area but did not because he “got busy.” Instead, he disappeared for a 45-minute lunch break, and when he returned, he said “it slipped his mind.”

He also admitted that he failed to do a security check of the roof area.

Dowels was suspended without pay.

The only inmate to ever escape was Yarnell Bagley.

Homicide investigation underway in Summerfield

Ocala Post

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September 8, 2020

20

Summerfield, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that took place in Summerfield on Tuesday.

The homicide occurred in the area of SE 36th Avenue and SE 147th Lane. When deputies arrived they found a body inside the home.

Homicide investigators are in the beginning stages of the investigation and have not released much information, including age, gender, or how the victim died.

Officials said the death is being considered a homicide due to evidence collected at the scene.

No arrests have been made.

This is a developing story.

If you have any information, call MCSO at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-7867, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

Detectives investigating after man and woman shot in Ocala

Ocala Post

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September 8, 2020

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Ocala Police Department responded to the area of SW 12th Avenue near Carver Park at approximately 8:32 p.m Monday following reports of gunfire.

Upon arrival, police found two victims — a male and a female.

The Male was found to be suffering from a life-threatening gunshot would and was transported by EMS to a local hospital. The female was transported to a hospital by a family member with non-life-threatening injuries.

At this time there are no suspects in custody, however, OPD stated that detectives are following up on leads.

Anyone with any information about this shooting can call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000 or contact Crime Stoppers at 368-7867 or www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

Ocala man captured in Indiana, faces molestation charges

Ocala Post

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September 7, 2020

5

Ocala man captured in Indiana, faces molestation charges

ocala post, ocala news, molestation, — Angel Acosta-Cruz

Angel Manuel Acosta-Cruz was captured in East Chicago, Indiana, and extradited back to Marion County to face molestation charges.

Acosta-Cruz had been on the run for approximately two years.

According to the arrest affidavit, in 2018, authorities received information that Acosta-Cruz had sexually molested two young boys — one under the age of 12 and the other between 12 and 16. The boys were molested on separate occasions.

The boys stated that Acosta-Cruz instructed them not to tell anyone and bribed them with gifts.

According to the victims, they did not report the incident right away because they were scared.

Acosta-Cruz is charged with Sexual Assault on a Victim Under 12 and Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a Victim Between 12 and 16.

He is being held at the Marion County Jail without bond. His next court date is slated for October 6.

Florida woman urinated in front of deputy, offered to “go down” on him

Ocala Post

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September 5, 2020

3

Leesburg, Florida — A young woman who could have gotten a ride home found herself behind bars with a felony charge after she urinated in front of a deputy and attempted to bribe him.

When Lake County deputies discovered a young woman sitting in the median of US 27 in Leesburg around 2 a.m., they offered to sit with her until someone could pick her up.

Madison Ann Bryant, 19, told deputies she had exited a nearby truck after arguing with her boyfriend about “relationship issues.”

While waiting for a ride, Bryant told the deputy that she had to urinate and that she intended to do so on the side of the road. The deputy instructed her not to and offered to drive her to a nearby gas station.

Bryant, who was heavily intoxicated, did not want to wait. Instead, she pulled down her pants, and while holding on to the push bars of the patrol vehicle, began to urinate as traffic was passing by.

As she was urinating, a Leesburg police officer who was on the scene walked away.

When Bryant was finished, she pulled up her pants, at which time she was placed in handcuffs.

On the way to the Lake County Jail, Bryant began to repeatedly ask for her Juul (a vaping device) that the deputy had confiscated from her, but the deputy refused. She stated that she needed it for anxiety.

Bryant then asked the deputy if he was married and had children.

When the deputy answered, Bryant stated, “I am not trying to f**k that up. I will suck your d**k [if you give me back my Juul.]”

Bryant was charged with Disorderly Conduct/Public Intoxication and Attempting to Bribe a Public Servant, which is a felony.

She was released on a $3,000 bond.

Ocala Post requested the dashcam video, but it was not available at the time this article was published.

Florida man arrested for mounting horse

bestiality, citrus gazette, animal abuse — Joshua Werbicki

Florida man arrested for puppy love

Remembering “Tony” Wu Li, owner of Tony’s Sushi

Byron Durning

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September 2, 2020

26

Remembering “Tony” Wu Li, owner of Tony’s Sushi

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Ocala has lost an icon.

Tony’s Sushi Japanese Steakhouse owner, “Tony” Wu Li, died Saturday at the age of 46.

Tony’s family said that Tony had a brain tumor and died from complications related to surgery.

The restaurant, located 3405 SW State Road 200, has long been the favorite of many in Ocala. From the atmosphere to the food, Tony’s Sushi has always been one of the greats, if not the best.

Those in Ocala who had the pleasure of meeting Tony knew what kind of person he was. You were never “just a customer” because he always made everyone feel like family. He was known for being a loving, fun guy.

Tony was adored by many and thousands have expressed their sincerest condolences on Facebook.

Erika Hensley, wrote, “I really don’t know what to say as I am lost. You were such a huge part of my life for many years, and even though I became a teacher and moved to another county when I came to visit you at the restaurant, you hugged me, had lunch with me, or visited with Mia and I trying to steal her nose and asking me life was going. There were a lot of ups and downs for me as I worked for you. You hired me when I was 20 years old and a bit of a mess. You helped me grow up, taught me the value of having a great work ethic, and not to be “shellfish” (which I always teased you about and you told me to shut up). You knew before I did that I was pregnant with Mia and helped motivate me into getting into education. If I ever needed a job, or even a second job, you and Jane welcomed me back with open arms. I wasn’t perfect, but you always pushed me to be better, stronger, faster. I would not be who I am without you.”

Rhiannon Glunz, wrote, “I thought you would live forever.. 23 years of knowing you were just not enough. You were an inspiration, touching the lives of many people.. and bringing much joy, stability, and consistency, especially to those who needed it most. Thank you for being such a great friend, employer, and just an overall decent person in this world. I remember meeting you at 14 years old and thinking you were the most badass samurai warrior (such an enormous presence), with the best restaurant in town… we always had so much fun working and picking on each other. And you honored me greatly when I moved on to my own business, and you hired me to work in yours and your families/friends’ homes, and continued to consider me over all of the years. Now, at 37 years old, this impression has never changed. You will forever remain as a warrior in my mind and heart. I will always be grateful for knowing you. May your soul rest forever in peace.. you will be sorely and immensely missed, old friend ♥️.”

Byron Jennings, wrote, “I’m not always good with words or putting my feeling out. But I had the privilege of knowing a wise man that was like a brother a councilor bodyguard a true friend. It really hard for me to this on. I’m going to miss you Tony Li til we meet again. You and your family will always have a place in my heart. The craziness thing just happened my brother Mark Dodge just called me to make sure I’m ok we are grieving together in our own way. God, please watch over our loved ones in Jesus’ name amen.”

To his employees, he wasn’t just a great boss. He was a mentor, a father figure, and a great friend who always had a smile on his face.

“Tony was a wonderful family man. He loved his family and he loved his customers. He was honest to God great guy who left us too early. He truly is an icon…a shining light. My heart goes out to his sweet wife. I hope the family heals quickly from this loss,” wrote Brian Johnson.

Tony’s wife, Jane Li, said she would like to thank the community for their support during this difficult time. She said she deeply appreciates the warm condolences.

Tony’s Sushi opened in 2000.

[Video:Tony’s version of the chicken dance on his birthday]

Tastes so good it’ll make you say, “YUUUMMM,” new line of food products to include pancake mix

Ocala Post

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August 31, 2020

30

Tastes so good it’ll make you say, “YUUUMMM,” new line of food products to include pancake mix

Percy Robert Miller, also known by his rapper name Master P, announced via Instagram a new line of food products.

Master P’s new line of “Uncle P’s Louisiana Seasoned” food products includes rice, beans, grits, pancake mix, syrup, and oatmeal.

The tagline is “There’s no limit to success.”

“My partner and I, James Lindsey, created PJ Foods Company to give the world a taste of Louisiana’s authentically seasoned white rice, yellow rice, brown rice, dirty rice, and red beans and rice while adding diversity in the packaged food shelving space. We are opening the doors for other black-owned companies to produce their own products and brands to change the narrative,” Master P wrote on Instagram.

He went on to say, “When you look at Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben, a lot of those products are mockeries of African-American people and couldn’t even feed our communities. With Uncle P, the more we make, the more we give. And the only way to give is by owning these products.” Adding, “A portion of the profits will go towards educating inner-city kids and assisting elderly people in Black communities.”

Master P said it is about time there was a line of food products that were black-owned. He also said that his decision was in direct response to the Aunt Jemima fiasco earlier this year.

Many have welcomed the brand while some have called the food line gimmicky.

What do you think about the product line?

Two dead following head-on collision, three others, including two children, remain critical

Ocala Post

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August 31, 2020

15

Two dead following head-on collision, three others, including two children, remain critical

Two people are dead and three others remain in critical condition following a head-on crash Sunday.

The accident occurred on U.S. 441, east of Reddick near Northwest 155th Street.

According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, an SUV, driven by a 28-year-old female, was traveling north on US-441, and for unknown reasons, crossed the center median and struck a sedan head-on.

The SUV came to a final stop on the west shoulder facing east. The sedan came to a final stop in the southbound outside lane facing a southwesterly direction.

The passenger of the sedan, a 70-year-old man, was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The Driver of the SUV was pronounced deceased at Ocala Regional Medical Center. Two children who were inside the SUV — ages 8 and 10 — were transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries.

The 61-year-old driver of the sedan is also listed in critical condition.

Ocala Fire Rescue responded to multiple vehicle crashes Sunday

Ocala Post

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August 31, 2020

2

Ocala Fire Rescue responded to multiple vehicle crashes Sunday

Ocala Fire Rescue firefighters responded to a rollover on I-75 Sunday between mile marker 352 and mile marker 354.

OFR said the roads were wet and they responded to an “overabundance of traffic incident calls, Sunday.”

At approximately 8:40 a.m. Ocala fire crews were dispatched to a vehicle rollover on I-75 NB, and While en route, crews learned that the vehicle was accessible from an interior road.

Crews approached the scene from NW 37th Avenue and gained access to a pick-up truck lying on its side.

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The driver – sole occupant – was assessed and transported to the hospital for evaluation.

No other injuries were reported.

A few hours later, crews responded to a vehicle versus building. At 1:31 p.m., firefighters arrived at the scene of a vehicle crash that resulted in an SUV impacting the Paddock Park Animal Care Center. Three patients were transported to the hospital. No pet injuries were reported.

Article continued bleow

One hour later, fire crews made their way to I-75, where a pick-up truck with a trailer jackknifed over the State Road 40 overpass, blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Although traffic on I-75 NB was affected for some time, no injuries were reported.

Ocala Fire Rescue reminds drivers to slow down, avoid hard breaks, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles while driving on wet roads or under rainy conditions.

Health officials say Floridians can now get edible marijuana, law enforcement officials not thrilled

Ocala Post

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August 27, 2020

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Health officials say Floridians can now get edible marijuana, law enforcement officials not thrilled

Wednesday night, and without public announcement, the Florida Department of Health, which oversees medical marijuana, published a new set of rules that will allow marijuana dispensaries to sell edible marijuana.

The new rules take effect immediately.

The health department was able to set forth the new rules due to a 2017 law which gave the Department the authority to do so.

The new rule comes months after the Marion County Sheriff’s Office attempted to convince the pubic that edible marijuana could cause seizures.

Companies that produce edibles will be required to possess a food permit. The permit could cost as much a $650.00.

Guidelines

Edibles shall be one of the following shapes (including the three-dimensional form of each shape):

Square
Circle
Rectangle
Triangle
Parallelogram
Oval
Diamond

Edibles shall be in one of the following forms:

Lozenges — For purposes of this rule, a “lozenge” is a hard edible that is held in the mouth and slowly dissolved
Gelatins — For purposes of this rule, a “gelatin” is a semi-translucent edible made with water-soluble protein derived from collagen or a plant-based alternative
Baked goods — For purposes of this rule, a “baked good” is an edible comprised of dough or batter baked in an oven by the MMTC (cakes, brownies, cookies, candies)
Chocolates — For purposes of this rule, a “chocolate” is a solid edible made of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or chocolate substitute such as carob. Chocolates may not contain any caramel, nougat, nuts, fruit, honey, marshmallows, or any other such ingredient, toppings, or fillings
Drink Powders — For purposes of this rule, “drink powder” is an edible comprised of powder which is combined with a fluid for consumption as a beverage by a qualified patient

In the case of multi-serving edibles, each single-serving portion must be physically distinct or clearly marked or delineated in a way that enables a reasonable person to determine the portion of the entire edible that constitutes a single serving. If the single-serving portion is not physically distinct, it must be easily separable in order to allow the qualified patient to physically separate, with minimal effort, the single-serving portion.

An MMTC shall not produce or dispense any edibles that:

Contain any color additives, whether natural or artificial
Contain or bear a reasonable resemblance to commercially available candy. For the purposes of this rule, a product bears a reasonable resemblance to commercially available candy if the product is similar in appearance to an existing candy product that is familiar to the public as a widely distributed, branded food product, such that the edible could be mistaken for the branded product, especially by children
Bear any markings, symbols, images, graphics, or words, other than the universal symbol, as described herein
Are decorated with icing, sprinkles, or other toppings of any kind
Are a primary or bright color. Edibles shall be produced in a manner to minimize color intensity and other color and visual characteristics attractive to children.

So far, according to a press release, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried’s office has authorized four of the state’s medical-marijuana operators to begin manufacturing edible products.

Some law enforcement agencies have already taken to Facebook to express their dismay. Some claiming it will make their jobs harder.

Dispensary owners say they expect sales to increase by 20 percent or higher.

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