Police officers with the Ocala Police Department discovered a bag that contains $36,040 in cash and over 200 grams of Fentanyl.
Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) agents are searching for the owner.
OPD did not say where the bag was found.
If you would like to claim your stash, call 352-369-6890.
The Marion County Interagency Wildland Task Force has rescinded the countywide voluntary burn ban due to the county receiving an adequate amount of rainfall since the ban was enacted on March 26.
“Rainfall in Marion County has been timely, and fire activity has been reduced,” said Marion County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Bart Walker.
Marion County Fire Rescue reminds homeowners to reduce the risk of damage from wildfires by clearing the area around their homes of underbrush or dry plants/vegetation as these items create fuel for wildfires. It is also important to ensure that roofs and gutters are clear of trees and debris.
MCFR urges citizens to continue complying with the current backyard burning regulations.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that beginning Monday, May 4, 2020, as part of phase one in reopening Florida, restaurants and stores will be allowed to open at 25 percent capacity.
For now, the reopening in phase one excludes Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Here is what you should know:
Marion County is reporting 175 COVID-19 cases as of 11 a.m. today. The most recent individuals confirmed to have the virus are:
So far, 4,467 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 4,173 were negative.
Individuals who tested positive for the virus have ranged in age from 1 to 96. Four Marion County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19.
Marion’s positive test rate is 3.9%; Florida’s positive test rate is 8.8%.
For more detailed information on all Marion cases, view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.
Marion County Public Schools’ update and actions taken related to the COVID-19 are as follows:
· Class of 2020 cap and gown deliveries start Monday and continue through May 15. A “drive-thru” format maintains safe social distancing and offers seniors the opportunity to make memorable moments with school leaders. Visit each school’s home page via www.marionschools.net for specific pick-up timeframes based on this schedule and senior’s last name initial:
· High school graduation ceremonies should be announced later this week. School board members and district leaders are committed to honoring the Class of 2020 with recognition built around safe social distancing. Specific details, including dates and times, are forthcoming.
· June 1 is the last day of school for students. The school year was extended to make up days missed due to COVID-19. This extension meets state requirements for 900 hours of instruction annually.
· “Grab & Go” meal service is in the middle of its sixth week. This morning, 5,265 students received 10,530 breakfast and lunch meals. Since March 24, the district has delivered and handed out 257,455 meals. Click here to see updated delivery sites including 21 schools that prepare and deliver to 140-plus locations. Families can call 211 or text “FoodFL” to 877-7877 for their nearest serving location. This program serves ALL children 18 and under regardless of whether they walk or ride a bicycle, bus or car to school and continues Monday-Friday through June 1.
· The Florida Department of Education has launched a vitally important education impact survey for Florida students, parents, and educators to share their thoughts and opinions on recent crisis response from FDOE, their local school district, and their school. This feedback will help keep Florida’s students safe while ensuring they continue to receive the best education in the nation. This survey does not request any personal information, and answers are strictly anonymous. Access the survey here.
· The State of Florida also invites public opinion about reopening the state. Floridians can visit the public comment submission portal to share insight into Florida’s economy including the impacts on small businesses, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, retail, recreation, and sports and construction.
· Summer school plans continue being developed. Students typically attend by invitation only due to academic progress or credit recovery to graduate on-time. This summer’s programs will likely be virtually based and run June 15 – July 9, Monday – Thursday. Extended School Year (ESY) will also be offered on a virtual basis to students with exceptional needs. Summertime driver’s education classes have been canceled because safe social distancing is not possible. More details on summer school programs will be announced in the coming weeks.
· All MCPS employee evaluations are canceled for this school year.
· Current school year enrollment is being handled on a case-by-case basis with the School Choice office. Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year including VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) and kindergarten students is postponed as long as schools are physically closed. Once schools reopen, enrollment must be completed with a mandatory appointment at school. More details will be announced once schools physically reopen to the public, currently not before May 4.
· “Parking Lot Wi-Fi” continues free of charge, Monday-Friday, 9AM-7PM, at these schools: Belleview Middle, Dunnellon High, Forest High, Fort McCoy School, Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, Lake Weir Middle, North Marion High, North Marion Middle, Vanguard High, and West Port High. Users simply drive into the parking lot, log in, and access learning materials online. This service is provided through a partnership with the City of Ocala and its fiber network operation.
As the start of this year’s mosquito season begins (as if it’s not always mosquito season), Marion County residents can take comfort in knowing that the pesky insects cannot spread COVID-19.
It’s a question many Marion County residents have asked.
Dr. Eva Buckner, an expert at the University of Florida, said that mosquitos have immune systems. She said they aren’t as complex as a human’s system, but they do serve as a barrier in preventing them from transmitting most viruses.
Buckner stated, “Only those viruses that they transmit, such as Zika and West Nile, those viruses have been able to overcome those barriers through evolution. But there are viruses that they come in contact with, such as HIV, that they’re not able to transmit because of their immune system basically breaking that virus down.”
She went on to say that there has never been a reported case of a mosquito transmitting any strain of coronavirus.
“For a mosquito to transmit viruses, the virus must be able to multiply inside the female mosquito and then make its way to her salivary gland,” said Mosquito Control Manager Carl Boohene. “When an infected mosquito bites someone, it injects the virus into that person and they become infected and can become sick. Mosquito-borne viruses that spread like this include West Nile, Zika, Dengue Fever, and others.”
In comparison, COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from sneezing or coughing. People who are infected with COVID-19 can have symptoms of illness, however, people without symptoms are able to spread the virus, too.
As for other mosquito-borne illnesses and spraying, in a previous e-mail, Marion County Public Information Specialist Stacie Causey wrote, “The decision to spray is a state-level decision. The county asks on the state agency’s directive to spray and in which areas of the county. Although there are counties that maintain a higher tax base to keep a mosquito spray contractor on retention, Marion County does not.”
The e-mail also states that “Marion County does not have an active mosquito spray policy. The county will spray for mosquitoes upon direction from the Florida Department of Health following three confirmed cases of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.”
Ocala Post also reached out to the FDOH.
“We want to ensure that our residents and visitors protect themselves from mosquito bites to prevent the spread of disease. Due to the complexity of arboviral disease control, we do not have cut-and-dried guidelines that determine whether to recommend spraying. However, the number of animal or human cases will inform the Department’s decision to issue a Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory or Alert to the community,” Ackerman wrote in an e-mail.
However, Marion County policy states the county will spray upon three confirmed cases of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
“Here are some basic steps the Department takes before recommending that Marion County spray for mosquitoes,” said Ackerman.
For people, preventing mosquito bites is the best way to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease. Mosquitoes can be found in many different environments and you may not always notice when you have been bitten. “Drain and Cover” are key:
Twelve men and one woman were arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at a cock-fighting event in Frostproof.
Deputies had been tipped-off regarding a large crowd attending a possible cock-fight event at 1940 West Frostproof Road, and when they arrived, they found wounded and bloody roosters, a fighting ring, acrylic spurs, and scales.
Detectives from the PCSO Agriculture Crimes Unit obtained a search warrant for the property which led them to additional evidence that the illegal sport had been operating there, such as: sparring gloves with spurs, vitamins, antibiotics, performance-enhancing drugs, and blood-clotting ointments.
The residents of the property, Jorge Luis Ocasio-Montanez and Carmen Idalia Rivera-Rodriguez, both 56, were determined to be the owners of the roosters. They were each charged with Owning Equipment for Animal Fighting (F3), Promoting Animal Fights (F3), Owning Animals for Fighting (F3), and Operating a Property for Animal Fighting (F3).
“We appreciate the tip we received about this cock-fighting event. Keeping and fighting these animals for the purpose of gaming and profit will not be tolerated. It’s extremely violent and cruel to the birds. I’m glad we were able to shut this down.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
The other eleven men who were arrested were charged with Attending the Fighting of Animals (F3). They were identified as: Samuel Rosario-Maisonet, 18, of Sebring, Ramon Rivera-Ortiz, 71, of Avon Park, Eleazar Jimenez-Laporte, 44, of Avon Park, Paulino Adelso Borgen-De Jesus, 56, of Orlando, Victor Manuel Montes-Maldonado, 39, of Sebring, Wilfredo Rivera-Herrera, 61, of Sebring, Jose Guadalupe Martinez-Martinez, 38, of Avon Park, Leasiv N. Pantoja, 38, of Frostproof, Rafael Marquez-Baez, 56, Kissimmee, Johnathan Ernesto Colon-Portilatin, 25, of Kissimmee, and Jose Angel Garcia-Baez, 52, of Kissimmee.
All thirteen were transported to the Polk County Jail in Bartow.
On Monday, April 27, 2020, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 45-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico after detectives received a tip that he had been downloading files containing child pornography.
Nabor Molina, who has been residing in Lakeland, was charged with 125 enhanced counts of Possession of Child Pornography (F2). The charges were enhanced from an F3 to an F2 due to the number of files, the age of the children in the images, and the content of the files.
“These images are not just pictures of children without clothes. These videos and images are horrific displays of children being forced to expose their genitals, forced to perform sex acts – images of children being raped. Nabor Molina has access to children; at this time in the investigation, it doesn’t appear that any of them are victims, but we will continue to investigate whether he has abused any children he’s had access to. But Molina is a part of a child pornographic exploitation distribution pipeline that victimizes children across the world. His behavior is disgusting.” Grady Judd, Sheriff.
The PCSO Computer Crimes Unit began working on the investigation in February 2020 after receiving Cyber TipLine reports from NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children).
The tips showed that a Google user, later determined to be Molina, downloaded over 200 video files, with several of them depicting child pornography. Once becoming aware of the illicit files, Google reported them to NCMEC.
Detectives reviewed all of the files and identified 125 video files containing child pornography.
The video files consisted of male and female victims, some as young as 18-36 months, being sexually battered by adults or other children, and/or exposed in a lewd manner.
After making a connection between the videos to Molina’s residence, internet service, and cell phone, detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for his home.
Early Monday morning, Molina was arrested during a traffic stop, and his cell phone was confiscated. Detectives then served the search warrant at his home. Various electronic storage devices were collected from the residence and will be searched forensically.
Molina admitted to viewing child pornography and stated that he did so “out of curiosity” and that he accessed it using his WhatsApp account.
Molina was transported to the Polk County Jail, at which time he was also charged with Driving without a Valid Driver’s License.
Due to him being in the United States illegally, ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement were notified.
Molina is being held without bond and he will face deportation. Additionally, investigators will see who shared images with Molina.
He would face deportation after serving prison time, if he is convicted. If he isn’t convicted, he would be turned over to ICE.
He had seven children at home.
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County WIC program continues to welcome families during COVID-19.
In order to limit exposure and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, some Marion County WIC clients may now receive services over the phone without having to come to one of the WIC office locations.
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children who meet income and nutrition risk requirements. WIC provides participants who qualify for the program with the following at no cost: healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care and community services.
For more information, call 352-622-1161 to speak to a WIC representative.
The Marion County Sheriffs Office is investigating after the charred remains of a 2019 F-250 pickup truck were found in the Florida Highlands.
The owner of American Sites & Utilities, Inc. said the truck was stolen from the vicinity of Southwest 151st Place in the Highlands.
Company Vice President Garry Bach said they are now offering a reward for any information that leads to an arrest.
At this time, foul play is not suspected (as far as insurance fraud). The investigation is ongoing.
If you have any information about this case, call MCSO at 352-732-9111.
[Last updated on May 13, 2020, at 1:05 p.m.]
The human remains have been identified. Read the updated story here.
Crystal River — On Sunday, April 26, 2020, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office was notified by a landowner, who was surveying his property, that he had discovered skeletal human remains located in a wooded area near West Riverbend Road.
Detectives with the CCSO’s Major Crimes Unit and Forensics Unit, along with Medical Examiner’s Office, responded and secured the scene.
At this time, there is no threat to public safety.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information can contact the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 352-726-1121, or contact the Citrus County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous.
Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a train at 500 NW 4th Ave. Monday at approximately 4:43 p.m.
According to a press release, OFR Engines 1 and 3, Rescue 1, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 22, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the call.
When crews arrived, they found Eric Bennett, 46, pinned under the train. He had been jogging along the tracks.
Paramedics assessed Bennett and began rendering medical care while extrication began.
Bennett was removed from under the train at 5:01 p.m and trauma alerted to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
He passed away last night at approximately 10 p.m.
OCALA, Fla.—Marion County is reporting 160 COVID-19 cases as of 11 a.m., April 28.
The most recent individuals confirmed to have the virus are:
So far, 4,221 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 3,927 were negative. Four Marion County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19.
For more detailed information on all Marion cases (including zip code level data), view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.
OCALA, Fla.—Marion County is reporting 145 COVID-19 cases as of 6 p.m. April 23, 2020.
The most recent individuals confirmed to have the virus are:
So far, 3,155 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 3,008 were negative. Three Marion County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19.
For more detailed information on all Marion cases (including zip code level data), view the COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.
[Last updated on April 23, 2020, at 10:55 p.m.]
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeast Florida, with a chance to reach Central Florida.
Article continued below
For Marion County–showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2 a.m and 3 a.m, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3 a.m. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain.
The NWS said these storms have the potential to produce nighttime tornadoes.
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Enhanced Risk of Severe Thunderstorms Thursday into Friday Morning
• When: Thursday afternoon through Late Friday
• Where: Southeast GA and Northeast Florida
• What: Tornadoes, Damaging Wind Gusts, Hail, & Heavy Rain Possible
Slight Risk of Severe Thunderstorms Friday
• When: Friday Morning Through Friday Afternoon/Evening
• Where: Northeast Florida and parts of Southeast Georgia
• What: Tornadoes, Damaging Wind Gusts, Hail, & Heavy Rain Possible
Severe Thunderstorm Potential possible again Saturday
Minor Flooding Forecast along Altamaha River Basin
Secure anything that could potentially become projectile.
Microsoft released Windows 10 update KB4549951 on April 14. The update was supposed to apply several security fixes, but, instead, the update caused numerous issues.
Many Windows 10 users found they couldn’t install the auto-update at all, and if they were able to install it, they found themselves plagued with Blue Screen of Death errors.
Microsoft says the most common errors are as follows:
The update can also interfere with Bluetooth and WIFI connectivity, and overall performance.
Some of the Blue Screen errors are intermittent and require a PC reboot, but other users are experiencing a loop of BSOD errors, which means their computer crashes instantly on reboot/startup.
This update poses a serious problem during these hard times, especially for teachers, students, and those working from home. Why? Because users have reported files being moved to other folders following the update, and in many cases, files have been completely deleted.
In a Microsoft forum, a teacher wrote, “This update is a disaster. It deleted my files, pictures, documents saved in system drive, as well as my apps which had been downloaded from the Windows Store.”
A college student wrote, “My system automatically updated on the 19th of April. I lost important Word files from my university as well as an entire folder. I have tried to uninstall the update but the missing documents did not reappear.”
Many users have abandoned Windows 10 altogether and reverted back to Windows 7, but unfortunately, that is not an option for teachers, students, and other employees who are using company equipment.
Microsoft has not said much about the issue and has not responded to multiple requests as to whether or not they will have a fix anytime soon.
Microsoft would only say that users should “uninstall the update” and posted the following statement on their website.
IMPORTANT “We have been evaluating the public health situation, and we understand this is impacting our customers. In response to these challenges, we are prioritizing our focus on security updates. Starting in May 2020, we are pausing all optional non-security releases (C and D updates) for all the supported versions of Windows client and server products (Windows 10, version 1909 down to Windows Server 2008 SP2).
There is no change to the monthly security updates (B release – Update Tuesday); these will continue as planned to ensure business continuity and to keep our customers protected and productive.”
The City of Ocala electric customers will notice some financial relief beginning in May.
On Tuesday, April 21, Ocala City Council members approved a reduction to the power cost adjustment (PCA) rate that electric customers will see on their monthly bill. The PCA is the mechanism by which the fluctuation of fuel costs is passed on to the customer. Due to a reduction in these costs, the city will pass on these savings to its customers through June 30, 2020.
Effective Friday, May 1, the cost adjustment rate of $0.014 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will be lowered to $0.00 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For a residential customer, this will reduce their overall rate by approximately 12 percent per month, or approximately $14. For commercial or industrial customers, a similar reduction will be reflected per month.
“Many of us need every penny,” said Eric Weaver, Interim Director of Ocala Electric Utility. “Ocala Electric Utility cares, and I am glad we can stand with our friends, family, and neighbors during this difficult time to show our support of the community.”
The PCA rate reduction is another step the City is taking to meet the needs of its customers during these uncertain times. The City had previously announced it would suspend the disconnection of services through May 16, 2020.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the rate adjustment, please contact the Customer Service Office at 352-629-2489.
Dunnellon — A Dunnellon woman was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery Sunday after she cut a man during an argument.
A Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the scene and met with the male victim who stated that he had been attacked by a woman.
According to reports, the victim was attempting to evict April Dawn Hoffman, 45, and had called the CCSO for assistance with the eviction when Hoffman overheard his conversation.
Hoffman became upset and began swinging some sort of blade at the victim, which caused him to put up his arm in a defensive position. That is when the blade made contact with the victim’s arm and “sliced” him.
Hoffman told the deputy she was in a deep sleep and denied fighting with the man. When the deputy continued to ask Hoffman questions about the incident, she became belligerent and argumentative.
While arguing with the deputy, Hoffman blurted out, “Just take me to jail…do what you gotta do.”
Hoffman is being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility on a $10,000 bond.
The victim was reminded that he cannot remove a tenant without proper court proceedings and that all evictions have been put on hold.
Marion County – Marion County Public Schools’ update for April 22, 2020, includes the following actions taken related to COVID-19:
· Per the governor’s order, distance learning continues through June 1, the last instructional day for the 2019-2020 school year in Marion County Public Schools. Teachers and students continue interaction, assignments, and activities through this date. School campuses remain closed to the public.
· Camp Kiwanis, a 72-year Marion County tradition, is canceled this summer for safety reasons. Because this camping experience puts 400+ students in close quarters over four week-long camps, safe social distancing is not possible. Campers with deposits on file have already been contacted and offered refunds.
· Discussions continue regarding summer school. Students typically attend by invitation only due to academic progress or credit recovery to graduate on-time. This year’s programs will likely be virtually based. Extended School Year (ESY) will also be offered on a virtual basis to students with exceptional needs. Summertime driver’s education classes have been canceled because safe social distancing is not possible. More details on summer school programs will be announced in the coming weeks.
· Current school year enrollment is being handled on a case-by-case basis with the School Choice office. Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year including VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) and kindergarten students is postponed as long as schools are physically closed. Once schools reopen, enrollment must be completed with a mandatory appointment at school. More details will be announced once schools physically reopen to the public, currently not before May 4.
· MCPS employee evaluations have been canceled for the 2019-2020 school year.
· Class of 2020 graduation events have been postponed; however, MCPS leaders are committed to recognizing seniors in appropriate ways. Details to come.
· School administrators are discussing year-end activities to help students, teachers, parents, and families bring closure to this school year.
· With so many students online for distance learning, additional Internet safety resources include:
o Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org/) and their “What Is…?” video series for parents
o Netsmartz (www.missingkids.org/NetSmartz) has resources for students of all ages and their parents
o 15 Apps Parents Should Know About
o To help younger children better understand COVID-19, a new “Dave the Dog” book is available to download free of charge at nursedottybooks.com/dave-the-dog-is-worried-about-coronavirus-2/.
o Additional distance learning resources include www.fldoe.org/em-response/distance-learning.stml and www.flvs.net/community.
· “Parking Lot Wi-Fi” continues at Belleview Middle, Dunnellon High, Forest High, Fort McCoy School, Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, Lake Weir Middle, North Marion High, North Marion Middle, Vanguard High, and West Port High. This free service is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-7 p.m. Users simply drive into the parking lot, log in, and access learning materials online. This service is provided through a partnership with the City of Ocala and its fiber network operation.
· “Grab & Go” meal service continues its fifth week of serving. Today, 5,240 students received 10,480 breakfast and lunch meals. Since March 24, the district has delivered and handed out 204,923 meals. Click here to see updated delivery sites including 21 schools that prepare and deliver to 140-plus locations. Families can call 211 or text “FoodFL” to 877-7877 for their nearest serving location. This program serves ALL children 18 and under regardless of whether they walk or ride a bicycle, bus, or car to school and will continue Monday-Friday through June 1.
Ocala Fire Rescue paramedics will be staffing a temporary COVID-19 testing site at the Hampton Center, located at 1501 W Silver Springs Blvd.
Testing will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., until further notice and will be for symptomatic patients, by appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at 352-644-2590.
