Ocala – HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC) announced today the launch of Thank a Teacher, a partnership to celebrate dedicated educators.
Each month, sponsor HCA Florida Healthcare, which operates HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, will provide a winning teacher $250, highlighting the teacher on social media.
“We are truly appreciative of the partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare for providing this opportunity for parents, community members, and students to nominate and acknowledge educators who have a positive influence on student’s lives every day,” said Meghan Magamoll, executive director of the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. “Teachers deserve praise all year long, not just during the dedicated ‘Teacher Appreciation Week,’ and this is our chance as a community to come together and Thank A Teacher.”
Nominations start today, August 16, using the form on the Public Education Foundation of Marion County’s website. Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, students, families, and staff members are encouraged to share their stories about a particular teacher’s inspiring actions, supportive words, creative lessons, or just their overall positive impact. Teachers selected as a result of nominations from the public will receive a special email containing those heartfelt messages.
“We are thankful for the continued partnership with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County and look forward to helping students and parents recognize the impact teachers make on the students and our community,” stated Alan Keesee, CEO of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital.
Winners will be announced each month’s end during the school year. The teacher’s colleagues also will be treated to a meal as a thank you for their collective contributions toward our students’ success.
The only thing left to be answered by Marion County is, “Who are you going to nominate?” Go to the Thank a Teacher webpage to submit a nomination.
Florida — Today, rentals are hard to come by and when you find one most who are looking tend to “jump” on the opportunity.
Does the property have an Action Rental Management Realty sign out front? You might want to think twice before dialing their number.
Action Rental is accused of illegally withholding thousands of dollars in deposits and rent monies from clients and tenants. The company is also accused of being predatory.
Hundreds of unsuspecting renters have used the company not knowing that their lives would soon become a nightmare.
Stories of clogged sinks, broken cabinets, backed-up sewage, faulty wiring, and failure to return deposits are very common with the company.
For years, residents have complained to Action Rental Management Inc. about sewage backing up into sinks, dishwashers, and toilets at a Lecanto apartment building managed by Action Rental.
For years, the landlords ignored the problem.
Rather than address the issue, which was discovered to be a faulty drain field, Action Rental repeatedly had the septic pumped. However, residents say that the septic company had told the landlords on multiple occasions that the drain field needed to be replaced.
Even after pumping the septic, especially if it rained, toilets, sinks, and dishwashers continually backed up into the apartments. Sometimes, it would take days for the water to drain.
One of the tenants reported that the sink was backed up for 4 days before Action Rental sent out a plumber.
While on-site, the plumber informed the tenant that Forestview Apartments had been an issue for years.
Two years after the initial complaint the drain field was finally replaced.
The biggest complaint renters have is about the owner of Action Rental, Marie Hager, refusing to return deposits.
Sarah P. said, “The owner of this company is appalling at best. No class or professionalism and is callous with how she handles prospective renters.”
The complaints about Hager refusing to return deposits are in the dozens.
Tenants say it doesn’t matter if a renter vacates an apartment and leaves it in perfect condition or if they hire professional cleaners, “Hager always finds an excuse to keep a deposit.”
Ocala Post was provided with pictures from several tenants and the pictures show backed-up sinks and broken cabinets. Additionally, photos show immaculate apartments that were professionally cleaned upon move-out.
Joy P., Said, “Not recommended to anyone, between action Rental and the owner of the mobile home, it was an awful experience. I rented the home for 5 years, never late. There were no damages, even after he assured me he would see to it that Marie would return the deposit. They refused to give my deposit back.”
Like tenants, property owners have also complained about Hager illegally withholding rent monies.
Dave, a property owner, said, “Poor Communication with clients. I have been a client for approximately 10 years. Throughout the entire experience, I have felt trapped with [Action Realty]. Because of the way the contract is written, the only time you can get out of the contract is if there is no tenant occupying the house. That finally happened for me. I was not notified that the tenant had notified them that they were moving out at the end of [the month]. I was expecting my portion of the rent check to arrive in the mail. [Two weeks had passed] and the check had not arrived (not unusual) so I waited a couple more days before I contacted Action Rental Management to ask what was going on. I have sent about 10 emails over the past 8 weeks trying to resolve the problems to no avail. On July 10th the President of the company (Marie Hagar) called me on the phone, she was yelling and screaming about how dare I say that they ignore my emails, that I have no reason to complain because I keep my property in such poor condition, and how sick and tired she was with owners like me who are always whining about how poor they are and that they need their money right now!! This company has held my property hostage by not returning the keys to me making it impossible for me to hire a new property manager. Also, they still have not paid me $1330.00 they owe me.”
Again, this is just one of dozens of complaints by not just tenants but property owners who have hired Hager’s company.
John H., said, “If you do not mind being treated like a child and dealing with the arrogance of the owner, you like having your deposit withheld, then this is the place for you.”
Tanya D, said, “Why bother cleaning the apartment and stressing over the deposit if you are not going to get it back anyway? Leve it and make them work for it.”
Even more disturbing, Ocala Post discovered that Action Rental allows pest control techs to enter properties without giving the tenant 24-hour notice.
Ocala Post reviewed an Action Rental contract and it does not make mention of pest control techs being given keys to the property.
One tenant described that she had no idea techs had been entering her apartment and for months felt like sometimes when she returned home some of her underwear would be missing. She also reported a missing bra and a pillow.
Ocala Post reached out to Action Realty during our investigation. However, the company refused to answer any questions.
Ocala Post also reached out to the Federal Trade Commission. A follow-up story will be published once they respond.
Florida — An Italian dinner lands a Florida man in jail on charges of Battery and resisting arrest.
According to police, On Sunday, shortly before 8 p.m., officers were called to a St. Petersburg home on Wahoo Drive after an argument turned “physical.”
Police said that Anthony Fiacco was having dinner with his mother when she said something that offended him.
Fiacco then took Mom’s spaghetti and threw it at his mother. It appears he lost himself in the moment.
The police report stated that Fiacco “doused his mother with spaghetti and sauce. It was on her shirt, body, and in her hair.”
Fiacco ran from the scene but later returned to the home. He was found hiding in the backyard bushes.
According to reports, an officer yelled, “Police, show me your hands.” Fiacco tried to run off again but was tackled and taken into custody. His feet did, in fact, fail him.
He was booked into the Pinellas County jail and released the next day.
Duke Energy Florida said they rapidly restored power for 90% of its customers within 24 hours after Hurricane Debby made landfall in the Big Bend.
Crews continue to work tirelessly to restore power in areas hardest hit, and the company said they will not stop until every customer has power.
Duke Energy Florida anticipates restoring 95% of customers in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, and Sumter counties by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, though many customers will be restored before then.
Hurricane Debby brought strong winds, heavy rainfall and widespread flooding to Florida. The company has relocated crews to concentrate on the hardest hit areas as they require additional work to complete restoration.
The estimated time of restoration for 95% of the remaining customers in the hardest hit areas is 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.
The remaining customers in the hardest hit areas include:
Alachua County
Columbia County
Dixie County
Gilchrist County
Hamilton County
Jefferson County
Lafayette County
Madison County
Suwannee County
Taylor County
Wakulla County
The company continues to work alongside its neighboring utilities, cooperatives and municipalities served by Duke Energy Florida transmission lines and substations to ensure estimated times of restoration are coordinated.
Flood and meter box damage
For customers whose homes or businesses were flooded, Duke Energy cannot reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. If there is damage, an electrician will need to make repairs and obtain verification from the local building inspection authority before power can be restored.
If the meter box is pulled away from a customer’s house or mobile home service pole and power is not being received, the homeowner is responsible for contacting an electrician to reattach the meter box and/or provide a permanent fix. In some instances, an electrical inspection may be required by the county before Duke Energy can reconnect service. An electrician can advise customers on the next steps.
Duke Energy will continue to update customers through emails, text messages, phone calls, social media, and its website, including the outage map.
“Duke Energy is grateful for our customers’ continued patience and understanding as our crews have been working around the clock to get the lights back on,” said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. “We are proud of our progress so far, but we remain laser-focused on safely restoring power for every last customer, going above and beyond to demonstrate our commitment to the communities we serve.”
Downed power lines are hazardous
Duke Energy reminds customers and the public to stay away from downed power lines that have fallen or are sagging and to consider all power lines – and trees, limbs or anything in contact with power lines – energized and dangerous.
If a power line falls across a vehicle you are in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, try to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
Customers using generators
If you use a generator at home to provide power until your service is restored, please watch for utility crews and turn the generator off when crews are in your area. The electrical load on the power lines can be dangerous for crews making repairs. The excess electricity created by a generator can feed back onto the electric lines, severely injuring a line technician who might be working on a power line, believing it to be de-energized.
For more information, customers can sign up online for phone and email alerts or text REG to 57801 for text alerts, bookmark the outage map, and download the mobile app for updates.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.
Big Lots plans to close up to 300 stores by the end of 2024 and the company said at least 11 Florida stores are amongst those closing.
Big Lots announced the closings after analysts said multiple stores were losing money due to inflation.
Amid the 2024 closings, Big Lots said it plans to open three stores by 2025. The locations are projected to be money-makers. Those locations have not been made public.
Big Lots is just one of many big stores closing shop at some locations. Walgreens closed dozens of locations and Walmart closed all 51 health centers.
Restaurant chains like Red Lobster, Tijuana Flats, TGI Fridays, and Hooters also announced closings.
Additionally, retail outlets such as rue21, Express, Best Buy, Macy’s, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar all announced bankruptcies or location closures.
According to Big Lots, 11 Florida stores will be closing
Ocala, Florida – Traffic in Ocala was backed up from exit 350 through mile marker 339 earlier today after a tractor-trailer slammed into a portion of the busy interstate’s guardrail.
At 11:28 a.m., Ocala Fire Rescue responded to reports of a single-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer and the I-75 northbound guardrail leading to the State Road 200 overpass. Engine 6, Rescue 6, and Battalion Chief 11 responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, units found Road Rangers directing traffic around the crash site. The tractor-trailer’s cab was resting on I-75’s right shoulder guardrail, with the angled trailer blocking the right-most northbound lane. Additionally, a fuel leak was identified.
Ocala Fire Rescue crews assessed the driver, who was unharmed, and proceeded to address the fuel leak.
The State Warning Point was notified, and absorbent materials were used to mitigate the spill and prevent further hazards.
Given the involvement of the SR 200 overpass, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) requested an assessment to ensure structural integrity and safety. Following the initial emergency response, the scene was handed over to the FHP and the Department of Transportation (DOT) for clearance.
Regular traffic patterns resumed at approximately 2:30 p.m.
NI RE: ESTATE OF THERESA .E MEYER
Deceased.
PROBATE DIVISION
File No. 24-CP- 001760 Division Probate
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NI THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
The administration of the estate of Theresa .E Meyer, deceased, whose date of death was April 5, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 10 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH NI FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TMI E PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.
The date of first publication of this notice is Attorney for Personal Representative:
A Chicago-based company purchased a building and property at the Florida Crossroads Commerce Park in Marion Oaks and plans to open a cannabis cultivating and processing facility.
The property was purchased for 37 million.
The plant will be located at 14130 SW 57th Ave. inside the Florida Crossroads Commerce Park just south of County Road 484.
At this time there is no word on how many people the company plans to employ.
This move comes just as Florida is prepared to vote Yes on Amendment 3 which will allow adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state-licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories.
Law Enforcement is against the Amendment, particularly Marion County. Marion County has the highest incarceration rate for marijuana per capita.
Amendment 3 is sponsored by Morgan and Morgan, who also says they will look into assisting with having hundreds of people released from jail who have been incarcerated for misdemeanor marijuana possession over the years.
The event will be held on November 23, 2024, in downtown Ocala from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Light Up Ocala is a longstanding community tradition that kicks off the holidays and attracts thousands to downtown Ocala. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event!
There will be over 100 vendors including crafts, art, and plenty of food options! Live entertainment will fill the air with festive sounds and an interactive kids zone will keep the whole family entertained.
Junior Sunshine Parade
The City of Ocala has announced that applications are now open for the Junior Sunshine Parade at Light Up Ocala. Apply today to showcase your talent and creativity in a memorable parade experience.
Community Showcase
Calling all talented performers! Step into the spotlight by applying for the Community Showcase performances on the Citizens’ Circle stage. The city is looking for dynamic dance and music groups to dazzle and entertain the crowd. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your artistry to the community. Apply now to secure your spot on stage.
Want to be a sponsor?
Light Up Ocala is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. The city invites you to explore the sponsorship guide and reach out if you are interested in becoming a sponsor. Your support helps continue to bring this wonderful event to the community.
Some would say this generation is doomed following a video that shows a man taunting a deer after he hit it with his car.
In a submitted video a man can be heard cussing at a deer that was struggling to get to its feet.
On July 19, Shaquille Coldman, posted the video to Facebook for the world to see. What he thought to be funny has turned into a whirlwind of backlash.
The video has also been turned over to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Coldman can be heard referring to the deer as a “little b**ch” and a “ho” as he continues to yell and complain about his headlight being broken.
When Coldman posted the video he exclaimed that it was “so funny.” However, most viewers disagreed.
Jay R., wrote, “Nah this not funny, it’s actually sad at least call SPCA to help the poor guy, your headlight can get fixed he can’t get another life, I didn’t laugh not even a lil bit, this corny.”
When asked if he reported the injured deer, Coldman replied, “LMAO, No.”
Karla C., wrote, “F**k your car.”
Coldman continues to defend himself and insists the video is “funny.”
Rebranding Earth, a company founded in Florida is dominating the wholesale market with Blind Date With a Book.
Rebranding Earth says its goal is to redistribute unwanted, preread books back into the world in a unique way, with Blind Date With a Book (BDWAB)!
The company started on the retail end but branched off into wholesale.
How does it work?
You tell them your favorite genre and they do the rest!
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You will receive a hand-selected book from your favorite genre wrapped in heavy-duty contractor paper and you won’t know what book you are getting until you open it.
Each book comes with a handmade bookmark and stickers!
Rebranding Earth has hit the shelves in many stores across the U.S
Marion County — A Dunnellon man has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Billy Woods.
59-year-old George Nathansen filed the lawsuit after being wrongfully arrested in July of 2021 for filming a car accident and the deputies who were at the scene.
It took the Marion County Sheriff’s Office a month to release the bodycam video despite multiple requests from media outlets. The delay was because the deputy’s report was fabricated and greatly differed from the video.
The State Attorney’s Office on Monday, August 23, 2021, announced that the charges against Nathansen were dropped.
The State Attorney’s Office provided Ocala Post with the ruling that Monday morning.
Ruling
Comes now the State of Florida, by and through its undersigned Assistant State Attorney, and announces that it will file no information in the above-entitled cause based on the following grounds:
“After review of the body cam video, the actions of the defendant do not support prosecution of the charge.”
The lawsuit states that while Nathansen was being arrested the deputy twisted [his] arm to the point that it fractured his shoulder.
The arrest came weeks after the 4th District Court of Appeal ruled on August 4, 2021, that every citizen has the right to film police. It was brought before the court following the arrest of a woman in Boynton Beach for filming police officers after she was called to a movie theater about an incident involving her juvenile son.
Judge Martha Warner said the Supreme Court has already made this clear and that the officers should have never arrested the mother. Warner went on to say that any agency that violates this court ruling should be punished.
She wrote, “A rule otherwise would mean that everyone who pulls out a cell phone to record an interaction with police, whether as a bystander, a witness, or a suspect, is committing a crime.”
In a press conference, Attorney Samuel Alexander, said, “It’s an important case and an important body of law for the state of Florida. It needs to be made clear that the public has the right to videotape police who are performing their duties in public places.”
Another attorney close to the case, said, “Officers are sworn to protect the constitution, not trample all over it and that’s why they need higher education and to be required to study case and constitutional law, not just statutes that are widely misinterpreted by cops and their superiors.”
The action against the Boynton Beach Police Department came after the American Civil Liberties Union, the Florida Justice Association, and 12 news media groups joined the lawsuit. In the lawsuit, it states, that any other ruling “would have a chilling effect not just on citizens, like [this mother], but on the First Amendment rights of ANY news-gathering organizations.
The American Civil Liberties Union is also looking to end qualified immunity.
Marion County Case
On July 24, 2021, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy N. Rosaci, was getting gas at a Circle K, located at 11946 North Williams Street, and was advised by a witness that a vehicle accident had just occurred and both parties were involved in a verbal altercation.
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Deputy Rosaci
While “neutralizing” the situation, Dunnellon Police Officer F. Depka responded to investigate the traffic crash.
While speaking to the individuals at the scene, Deputy Rosaci threatened to arrest the grandmother of the young girl who was involved in the accident. Deputy Rosaci told her that he would take her to jail if she did not leave the scene. Aggravated at the grandmother, Deputy Rosaci approached Officer Depka and asked if he was going to arrest the girl for having an expired registration. Officer Depka then advised Deputy Rosaci that he was only going to issue a citation.
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Dunnellon Police Officer F. Depka
At the same time, as Rosaci was speaking with the parties involved, Nathansen approached the area while filming. As he walked up to the scene, he looked inside a patrol vehicle to see if it was occupied. Nathansen was immediately approached by Deputy Rosaci and ushered from the area and down a public sidewalk.
Deputy Rosaci later tells his colleagues that Nathansen was “recording inside his patrol vehicle and all over.”
In his report, he wrote, “While an active investigation was being conducted [Nathansen] arrived on the scene with signs and a camera and was filming inside my agency patrol car while I was outside of the vehicle, causing a distraction and obstructing the crash investigation that I was assisting officer Depka with.”
Nathansen complied with the direction of Deputy Rosaci. However, the Deputy continued to yell at Nathansen from a distance.
Then, as seen in the video, Deputy Rosaci becomes more agitated, approaches Nathansen who is more than 30 feet away, and places him in handcuffs.
Nathansen requested a supervisor, but he was not provided one at the scene.
Deputy Rosaci did contact his supervisor via phone, however, his story was much different than what the body cam video showed. At no point during the conversation with his supervisor did Deputy Rosaci tell his superior that Nathanson had compiled and was standing on a public sidewalk more than 30 feet away.
In the report, Deputy Rosaci, wrote, “I gave the defendant three orders to leave the scene and advised him he was in the middle of an investigation. I advised the defendant he could stand on the sidewalk outside of the scene of the investigation. I then observed the defendant exit the sidewalk and walk toward the occupants of the involved vehicles. He began interacting with them and once again diverting our attention and interfering with the investigation. I again ordered the defendant to leave the scene, or he would be arrested for interfering.”
In the video, you can also see the deputy place his hands on Nathansen and push him to the sidewalk as he was asking others if they recognized a vehicle of occupants who had recently shot him with pepper balls.
Additionally, during a second phone call, Deputy Rosaci again distorted the facts of the interaction while relaying the information to his supervisor. He told his supervisor that he informed Nathansen that he could film from the sidewalk and at no point did Deputy Rosaci inform his supervisor that Nathansen had complied.
After reviewing the body cam video, Deputy Rosaci did not inform Nathansen that he could film from the sidewalk.
Deputy Rosaci then advised Nathansen that he was being placed under arrest for Obstruction. When Nathansen requested a supervisor, which was within his rights, he was refused and the deputy closed the door on him.
On the way to the jail, Deputy Rosaci turned up the radio so he could not hear Nathansen speak. When he realized he could still hear Nathansen, he turned it up even louder.
Nathansen was charged with Resisting Officer/Obstruction.
A supervisor eventually spoke with Nathansen at the jail but stood by the deputy’s actions. Sergeant J. Shealy signed off on the report.
Ocala Post reached out to the State Attorney’s Office to see if the charges had been dropped. The SAO said due to an ongoing investigation, the case is still pending.
Ocala Post Spoke with Dr. Shawn Berry, who went public with the video following Nathansen’s arrest. Dr. Berry told Ocala Post that Nathansen was told to take a plea deal, which was refused.
Dr. Berry said he requested the video footage following the July 24 arrest, but when he received the video file it showed an unrelated incident. He then had to jump through hoops to receive the correct video. He said he finally received the video in its entirety on Tuesday.
Since Sheriff Billy Woods was elected, the agency has had a huge problem handing over records requests and has violated Freedom of the Press laws multiple times. Woods has made it clear to numerous media outlets that he does not like being questioned. The topic has come up many times at several media roundtable events.
Residents say they are disturbed by how Marion County deputies talk down to and about citizens in recent videos and how quickly deputies refer to someone as a “sovereign citizen” when a citizen exercises their rights. MCSO was quick to delete all comments posted to their Facebook page.
The video has since been featured on Dr. Shawn Berry’s and Acura Amanda’s YouTube Channels, who are known through the state as First Amendment Auditors.
The lawsuit also explains that Nathansen has a disability limiting his ability to communicate. For that reason, he wore a sign around his neck with information about his disability.
Nathansen and his attorneys are asking for 1 million dollars in damages.
Crystal River, Florida — The Hippie Manatee, which opened in June 2024, is Crystal River’s newest destination for unique gifts and boho-chic clothing.
The female-owned shop showcases down-to-earth and unique gifts and treasures such as Pura Vida jewelry, Ipanema sandals, and flowy fashions from Lotus & Luna or Three Bird Nest.
Additionally, the shop is home to Blind Date with a Book, which is very popular at the Hippie Manatee.
Nestled off the Gulf Coast, the Hippie Manatee has quickly become one of Crystal River’s hottest gift shops.
The shop is located at 425 N Citrus Ave Crystal River, FL 34428.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and his wife were caught red-handed calling turkey to a baited area during a hunting trip in Madison County.
The incident, which was intentionally concealed, took place in 2021. The incident was not leaked to the press until 2023 and Sheriff Woods was heard on camera stating that the only people who would ever know about the incident would be him and his wife.
Instead of immediately issuing the sheriff and his wife a $500 citation, the officer who caught the sheriff, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Randy McDonald, took the matter all the way to FWC Director Sutton before finally being told to issue the sheriff a ticket.
Typically, any other FWC officer would not hesitate to issue a civilian a citation for calling turkey to a baited area which is a Second-degree misdemeanor and punishable by up to 60 days in jail and up to a $500 fine, if convicted.
Woods was given a mail-in citation for $300 so he could avoid court and his wife received a warning.
The nearly two-hour ordeal was captured on body cam, however, nearly an hour of that body cam footage was missing from the FWC video when requested.
FWC verified that there was loose corn spread on the ground where Woods and his wife were hunting.
Ocala, Florida — A 65-year-old man has been arrested after an investigation revealed he had inappropriate contact with a 6-year-old girl.
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes Detective Jordyn Batts arrested Mark Grabenstein and charged him with Lewd or Lascivious Conduct.
According to reports, on May 27, 2024, Corporal Mead responded to a report that a juvenile victim had disclosed that she was sexually abused by Grabenstein.
Additionally, the victim’s mother told investigators she noticed bruising on the victim’s thighs.
When the mother asked her daughter how she obtained the injuries, the victim became upset and stated that an incident occurred at Grabenstein’s home, located at 6701 Cherry Road, Ocala.
The victim stated that On May 22, 2024, she and two other juveniles went to Grabenstein’s home to play.
During this time, the victim was alone with Grabenstein when he began to tickle her. He then placed her on his knee and began to rock her from side to side with his leg in the victim’s genital region while gripping her waist.
The victim stated that the injuries she sustained were caused by what happened after the “wiggling,” but the victim refused to disclose additional information.
On June 4, 2024, Detectives Annemarie Larocque and Ryan Paxton conducted an interview with Grabenstein, who admitted that the victim was sitting on his knee.
Grabenstein denied the allegations of sexual abuse.
However, after a medical examination of the victim, there were positive findings for sexual abuse.
Based on the victim’s disclosure and corroborating injuries, Grabenstein was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he remains without bond.
Due to the nature of this crime and the fact that Grabenstein has had unsupervised access to children for several years, MCSO detectives believe there may be additional victims. If you or someone you know has been victimized by Grabenstein, please contact Detective Batts at (352) 671-3847.
Ocala Police Detective Drake arrested 42-year-old Gregory Ramputi for multiple sexual offenses against students while he was a dean at Vanguard High School.
Ramputi was in a position of authority over the victims and the sexual misconduct occurred over several years on and off school campus.
According to reports, in May, a senior student reported to OPD School Resource Officer Blackman that Ramputi had inappropriate contact with her—and other students—multiple times during her high school years.
Four other student victims came forward and stated that while in Ramputi’s office, he requested them to expose their breasts and made statements about engaging in sexual activity.
Additionally, it was reported by some of the students that Ramputi groped them multiple times and engaged in sexual acts with at least one of the victims.
In another instance, Ramputi asked to see nude photos of a student, which he viewed.
Detective Drake investigated the allegations and ultimately developed probable cause for Ramputi’s arrest on May 31.
Ramputi was charged with:
– five counts of offenses against students by authority figure
– five counts of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors
– three counts of traveling to meet a minor
– two counts of indecent, lewd, or lascivious touching of certain minors
– one count of possession of child pornography
Ramputi resigned from his school position on May 21.
If you believe your child was sexually abused by Ramputti, contact the Ocala Police Department.
Marion County — Residents say it is absurd that Marion County commissioners want the penny sales tax to be implemented for 20 years…a tax that was supposed to be temporary.
On the 2024 general election ballot, commissioners will ask you to vote to renew the penny sales tax for an additional 20 years.
Commissioner, said, “The Penny Sales Tax has funded roads, reduced traffic congestion, built new fire stations, reduced 911 response times, and improved animal control, law enforcement, and other public safety and transportation infrastructure in Marion County and its municipalities.”
Reader, Tony Russo, wrote, “This tax was supposed to be temporary. 20 years is absurd. Vote no all the way.” He added, “More of our taxes for law enforcement? As if the sheriff’s office is not already top have and overspends? No thanks! Cut the sheriff’s 200k salary and use those funds.”
Angela Harding, wrote, “Anytime you have the chance to vote out a tax you should do it. Especially a tax that was pawned off to us as temporary.”
The Penny Sales Tax began collecting revenues in January 2017 after voters approved the referendum via the 2016 presidential primary ballot.
The amount collected from Marion County taxpayers is unfathomable.
2016-17 – $ 25,710,753.38
2017-18 – $ 40,791,198.92
2018-19 – $ 42,537,298.26
2019-20 – $ 44,270,007.45
2020-21 – $ 52,561,047.37
2021-22 – $ 62,671,512.76
2022-23 – $ 65,962,613.03
The tax is largely funded by Marion County residents (70%), not tourists.
Rebranding Earth, a company founded in Florida is dominating the wholesale market with Blind Date With a Book.
Crystal River, Florida — The Hippie Manatee, which opened in June 2024, is Crystal River’s newest destination for unique gifts and boho-chic clothing.
