Belleview, Florida — TSL Commercial Landscaping, located 10521 US-27, Belleview, suffered significant damage Monday following a fire.
According to Marion County Fire Rescue, at approximately 6:54 p.m, units were dispatched to the fire after callers reported seeing smoking coming from the garage doors.
In a press release, MCFR wrote, “Engine Company #18 arrived on scene at 6:58pm to find heavy smoke showing. District Captain #3 arrived on scene, established command and completed a 360 degree inspection of the fire grounds. Spruce Creek Truck Company #1, Shady Engine Company #16, Heavy Rescue #1, Rolling Greens Engine Company #28 and Shores Engine Company #17 arrived on scene to assist in battling the blaze.”
Firefighters had the fire under control by 7:21 p.m.
The fire remains under investigation by the MCFR Fire Marshal.
Two troopers were injured Monday, April 6, after their cruiser, a 2014 Dodge charger, was struck while doing traffic control on I-75.
A marked Florida Highway Patrol unit was parked on the paved median emergency lane facing north on I-75, when a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, driven by who troopers at that time thought was Feston Senganidzojasi, 38, of North Dakota, slammed into the rear of the cruiser.
It was later learned that Senganidzojasi was actually 38-year-old Gorata Montonga.
The impact caused the cruiser to rotate counter-clockwise and slam into a guardrail two times.
Montonga sustained critical injuries during the crash and was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
Trooper Brett Detweiler suffered non-incapacitating injures and was transported to West Marion Hospital. Detweiler’s passenger, 21-year-old Trooper Justin Loney sustained minor injuries.
Both vehicles were completely destroyed during the crash.
Montonga was released from the hospital on Sunday, April 19, and immediately taken into custody by FHP.
He was charged with Driving Without a Valid Drivers License, Reckless Driving, and DUI.
Marion County – Marion County Public Schools’ update for April 20, 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.
· 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.
· Field trips and extra-curricular activities are canceled for the remainder of this school year.
· Additional distance learning resources include www.fldoe.org/em-response/distance-learning.stml and www.flvs.net/community.
· “Parking Lot Wi-Fi” continues at these 10 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. This free service is available Monday-Friday from 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 kicked off its fifth week of serving. Though severe weather delayed delivery this morning, 3,635 students received 7,270 breakfast and lunch meals. Since March 24, the district has delivered and handed out 184,043 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.
· Overdue library books from schools should be kept at home until the COVID-19 crisis is over. Schools are not accepting any materials for intake so late fees will be waived. Materials can be returned later without penalty.
Video courtesy of Seth with Florida Cleaning & Restoration Group [Last updated on April 20, 2020, at 2:55 p.m.]
The National Weather Service has confirmed several small storm cells touched down across Florida on Monday before noon.
In Marion County, trees and other debris were scattered across I-75 and caused traffic to be backed up.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, two vehicles were traveling south on I-75 — a tractor-trailer, driven by John Taylor, was hauling a 36′ portable building and was in the outside lane and a Ford F-150, driven by Thomas Walker, was behind the tractor-trailer.
As the vehicles neared mile marker 340, a tornado touched down and lifted the portable building off of Taylor’s trailer. Upon being lifted from the trailer, the building
went airborne in an easterly direction and part of the building struck the right rear of the F-150.
The building continued eastward above the northbound lanes of the Interstate until it landed on the east grass shoulder and disintegrated.
No injuries were reported.
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Photos courtesy of MCSO
Courtesy of FHP
A tornado was also recorded by Seminole County officials after it touched down over the Boombah Sports Complex. No injuries were reported.
Additionally, the NWS confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in Citrus County. The tornado damaged several homes, vehicles, and took down powerlines. No injuries were reported.
The damage extends from the Grover Cleveland/ HWY 19 area all the way to Halls River Rd/ Riverhaven area.
Citrus County Fire Rescue said the damage is still being assessed.
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Citrus County — Following a week of exhaustive searches, including the use of K9s, air support, and volunteer search parties, Diane Mcinnis was found alive in the early morning hours of April 16th, 2020.
While performing a routine traffic stop in front of the Homosassa Walmart, Sergeant Callahan was approached by two Walmart employees who described hearing strange noises coming from the wooded area behind the store.
After clearing his stop, Sergeant Callahan began inspecting the area when he heard the faint sounds of a woman’s voice. Callahan found Diane Mcinnis in a five-foot ravine and immediately came to her aid while calling for emergency medical services. EMS evaluated Ms. Mcinnis on the scene, and she was later transported to a local medical facility.
“Our citizens are amazing and if not for these two employees following their instincts and reporting suspicious noises, this case would have ended much differently,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “I could not be more proud of the deputies, detectives, and volunteers who spent hundreds of cumulative hours searching for Ms. Mcinnis.”
Mcinnis was reported missing to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office on April 7, 2020, after last being seen at approximately 10 p.m. on the night of April 6 at her residence.
The CCSO said they also extend their gratitude to Sergeant Callahan, whose actions served as a shining example of service above self.
“Together, our community saved Ms. Diane Mcinnis’s life,” said Prendergast.
Michigan — In what many are calling a historic event, thousands protest in Michigan Wednesday as tensions surrounding the state stay-at-home order mount.
Healthcare workers, EMTs, off-duty police officers, some military personnel, and thousands of others participated in the protest. Armed citizens even stormed the steps of the capitol building.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order is in effect through April 30, and gatherings of any size outside a home are strictly prohibited.
Officials say Whitmer’s stay-at-home order is “extreme” and includes “extreme measures” that are not necessary.
According to Michigan Conservative Coalition organizer, Meshawn Maddock, the order called for certain streets, highways, and exits to be closed. The order also prohibits travel (including house to house), unless related to work, doctor visits, or food pickups.
The order also limits what a person can purchase in a store and outlines what the Governor considers essential items.
For instance, if a person were to go into a box store and decide to purchase a new T.V, bug spray, American flag, seeds, plants, paint, a car seat, and many other items, they would not be considered essential and the purchase would not be allowed. The same applies to those who attempt to fuel up a boat.
Maddock said, “Most all businesses are closed, people are frustrated.”
Workers who most states consider essential, Whitmer does not.
Citizens say they are protesting much more than just a stay-at-home order, it is about civil liberty.
Lansing nurse, Peggy White, who participated in Wednesday’s protest, wrote on Facebook, “Myself and dozens of my colleagues participated in this protest. We understand the risks, but we would rather have our liberties.”
As thousands of protesters shut down Lansing and stormed the state capitol during “Operation Gridlock”, four Northern Michigan sheriff’s, in a joint press release, voiced their concerns about Whitmer’s stay-at-home order.
Benzie County Sheriff Ted Schendel, Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, Leelanau County Sheriff Mike Borkovich, and Manistee County Sheriff Ken Falk said they will not strictly enforce Whitmer’s orders in their counties.
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From top left — Manistee County Sheriff Ken Falk, Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, Benzie County Sheriff Ted Schendel, and Leelanau County Sheriff Mike Borkovich
The sheriffs said, “Each of us took an oath to uphold and defend the Michigan Constitution, as well as the US Constitution, and to ensure that your God-given rights are not violated and we believe that we are the last line of defense in protecting your civil liberties.”
The sheriffs said they should be focusing on reopening their counties and getting people back to work, not tightening restrictions.
“While we understand Whitmer’s desire to protect the public, we question the restrictions that she has imposed as overstepping her executive authority,” the sheriffs said. “She has created a vague framework of emergency laws that only confuse Michigan citizens.”
The sheriffs say they absolutely believe that the Constitution overrides any local or state law.
The sheriffs went on to say, “Together, as a community, we will overcome this pandemic, and as Americans, we will persevere and come out stronger than before. As sheriffs of your community, we want you to know we have your back and will continue to serve the people who have entrusted us with your protection.”
Lansing police told Ocala Post that there were no reported injuries or property damage. Police said there were reports that legally armed citizens were “waiving guns” in the air, but that the information being spread over social media was completely false.
Officials said they were made aware of several rumors that just were not true. No one was arrested, detained, and no warnings were written. They said that citizens were asked to stay in their vehicles during the protest, however, it is not the law.
“Everyone has the right as a citizen to protest and this protest was very peaceful,” the department said.
Additionally, police said protesters were respectful and also made sure that there were no emergency vehicles blocked if one tried to pass. This contradicts a rumor started by Chelsea Barrera, an employee at the Sparrow Professional Building, who said the emergency entrance and emergency vehicles were being blocked.
A spokesperson with Sparrow said the emergency entrance was not blocked and that they are looking into Barrera’s accusations.
Many of the rumors that were perpetuated, were started by Whitmer herself. In fact, officials said she was “hand feeding” information to MSNBC and [that] particular media outlet just “ran with it” without verifying facts.
Whitmer responded to the protest by threatening a longer, more strict quarantine. She said the protest “was nothing more than a Trump rally.”
Tallahassee — In order to address the financial burden caused by COVID-19, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has issued Emergency Order AHCA 20-002 to temporarily suspend nursing home and Intermediate Care Facility assessment payments for March 2020.
“The mission-critical facilities and staff working around the clock to protect Floridians from COVID-19 deserve relief from financial burdens as they focus on this emergency,” said AHCA Secretary Mary Mayhew. “Nursing homes and Intermediate Care Facilities serve some of Florida’s most vulnerable populations, and these facilities are facing greater staffing demands and requirements for personal protective equipment and other necessary supplies. The Agency for Health Care Administration is committed to ensuring providers have every resource needed to safeguard their residents.”
This emergency order extends the deadlines for March Quality Assessment payments until May 20, 2020. These payment extensions are effective immediately as of April 14, 2020.
No action is necessary from providers to receive the extension.
Below is the Marion County Public School updates and actions related to COVID-19:
· “Parking Lot Wi-Fi” is now available at three schools and coming to seven more. North Marion High, North Marion Middle, and Vanguard High parking lots now offer free Wi-Fi service Monday-Friday from 9 a.m-7 p.m. Users simply drive into the parking lot, login, and access learning materials online. Additional schools receiving the service in the immediate future include Belleview Middle, Dunnellon High, Forest High, Fort McCoy School, Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, Lake Weir Middle, and West Port High.
· Overdue library books from schools should be kept at home until the COVID-19 crisis is over. Schools are not accepting any materials for intake so late fees will be waived. Materials can be returned later without penalty.
· “Grab & Go” meal service started its fourth week of service. Today, 5,023 students received 10,046 breakfast and lunch meals. Since March 24, the district has delivered and handed out 136,103 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 until classes resume.
· Schools without “Grab & Go” service will operate on a four-day campus usage procedure starting this week. All buildings will be closed to the public, and air conditioning thermostats will be turned up on Fridays as a cost-cutting measure. Essential staff for those schools will work from home.
· Florida’s Department of Education has announced additional distance learning resources at two websites: http://www.fldoe.org/em-response/distance-learning.stml and https://www.flvs.net/community.
Remember, those who live in the Spectrum service area may qualify for free internet.
As far as senior graduation, MCPS Public Relations Director, Kevin Christian, said, “We can only say graduation ceremonies are postponed for now.”
Marion County – Members of the Marion County School Board unanimously chose Dr. Diane Gullett to be its first-ever appointed superintendent starting this fall.
Gullett serves as deputy superintendent of Clark County Schools in Las Vegas, Nevada, the country’s fifth-largest school district with 323,000 students and over 42,000 employees.
With 30 years in public education, Gullett will lead Marion County’s 43,000 students and 7,000 employees as its top educator starting in November. She will replace currently-elected Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier who took office in 2016.
Gullett holds a doctorate in educational leadership specializing in business administration from the University of Central Florida. She served the Orlando area in Orange County Public Schools for 19 years, first as an elementary school dean then rising through the ranks to become area superintendent. She moved to Nevada in 2018 for the number two spot there. The Marion County appointment is her first superintendent position.
Using the national search firm Ray & Associates, 47 candidates completed steps to be considered for the Marion County top educator position. That firm narrowed the list to 12, which school board members then considered and ranked. The top three candidates were scheduled for interviews, with one dropping out of the running. The final two, Gullett and Dr. Heath Morrison, went through three interview sessions to determine who would be offered the job.
“I am truly honored and humbled, and I greatly look forward to this opportunity to work with all of you and this entire community,” Gullett said.
“I know this is a big decision for the community,” she added.
Last year, Marion County voters approved a measure directing school board members to appoint future superintendents.
Gullett is the first appointed superintendent for Marion County Public Schools and only the third woman to lead the district in its 151-year history.
Sgt. Paul Bloom of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office — Submitted photo
On Sunday, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Paul Bloom, 47, was driving east on County Road 464 when he rear-ended 65-year-old Hilroy Browne who was stopped for traffic.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, both vehicles were traveling east on CR 464 — Bloom was driving his department-issued marked patrol car, a 2015 Dodge Hellcat, and Browne was driving a 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Bloom was behind Browne, and as Browne neared the intersection of Pine Trace, he slowed for traffic that was stopped ahead of him.
FHP said Bloom was distracted and failed to slow or stop before the front of his patrol vehicle slammed into the rear of Browne’s Dakota.
FHP confirmed that Bloom had rolled down his window and was speaking to another driver, Cesar Estrada, in the left lane when he became distracted. Bloom was apparently reminding Estrada of the posted speed limit.
Total damages to the patrol car were estimated to be more than $5,000.
Bloom was cited for Careless Driving. He was not injured during the crash.
A 49-year-old female from Marion County passed away over the weekend after contracting COVID-19.
She was an Ocala resident and did not have any underlying health conditions. This is the third death related to COVID-19 in Marion County.
Florida Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander, said, “We are saddened to report the passing of a member of our community. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones.”
As of 11 a.m., Monday, April 13, Marion County has seen 93 total COVID-19 cases.
Areas by zip code
32113
32179
32617
32686
34420
34431
34432
34470
34471
34472
34473
34474
34475
34476 (more than 10 cases)
34479
34480
34481
34482
34488
34491 (more than 10 cases)
The zip codes highlighted in red are the areas with the most COVID 19-cases.
Ocala Post has confirmed that Spectrum is offering 60 days free internet to families with children who are schooling from home due to CODID-19.
According to Spectrum, they are offering free access to internet and WiFi for 60-days for new Pre-K to 12, college students, and teacher households who don’t currently have internet or WiFi service and at any service level.
The service is for up to 100 Mbps.
The discount will be applied as credit for the first two months of internet services. They will also waive any installation or pre-payment fees to help get you started.
You can qualify for this offer if you:
Have a student of qualifying age at your service address with remote education needs
Have not subscribed to our internet services within the past 30 days
Additionally, families who already have Spectrum, but are facing a financial hardship directly related to COVID-19 might qualify for an extension on their bill.
For more details, call (855) 243-8892. Be sure to mention this offer and tell them you saw it on Ocala Post when you call.
The Marion County School District is hoping a “Parking Lot WiFi” program will help students who are less fortunate and do not have access to the internet from home.
According to The City of Ocala, they are working with school officials to provide hotspots in school parking lots.
MCPS Public Relations Director, Kevin Christian, said, “We have installed and tested the first hotspot at North Marion High School. Parents can pull up to the school and the students can access the WiFi from their vehicles.” He went on to say, “More schools could be added as early as Monday.”
43,000 students are being taught virtually, and many of them do not have the proper devices or internet.
The district says they are desperately working to correct that issue as are other local government officials.
This program has already been implemented at dozens of other schools across the country and seems to be working well.
Belleview, Florida — Belleview Police Department officers arrested Colin Guy, 49, of Ocala on Thursday after he was accused of molesting a little girl.
Guy is charged with Sexual Assault on a Child Younger than 12 and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a Child Younger than 12.
The investigation began in February after the girl reported what investigators say was sexual assault.
The US Centers for Disease Control says there have been reports of people sanitizing groceries and washing produce with dish detergent.
The CDC says that there is zero evidence to suggest that COVID-19 spreads through food packaging.
Rutgers University Microbiologist Donald W Schaffner says that he has firmly pushed back against Facebook “experts” and viral posts that suggest sanitizing groceries is a good idea. Additionally, he says that the same people pushing to sanitize groceries are the same people who think wearing gloves in public is a good idea.
Harvard Medical School infectious disease epidemiologist Julia Marcus agrees on both aspects. She says that the chemicals used to kill COVID-19 are not meant to sanitize groceries and could, in fact, contaminate food products. She also says that wearing gloves outside of a medical setting spreads contamination like “wildfire.”
“The best thing a person can do is what we have been saying all along…sanitize or wash your hands,” Marcus said.
The CDC says that people should absolutely not wash their produce with soap and water. Produce should only be rinsed with water.
Schaffner says that after a person handles groceries they can simply wash their hands with soap and water.
“Use sanitizing wipes and other products for what they were intended for…hard surfaces, not food products,” Schaffner said.
Austin Dunmire [left] and Zachary HornbuckleDunnellon, Florida — Two Dunnellon men were arrested after surveillance video revealed they had smashed in the glass door of a Marathon gas station and stole merchandise.
Zachary Hornbuckle, 18, and Austin Dunmire, 22, were both charged with Burglary, Grand Theft, and Resisting Arrest.
Dunnellon Police Officer James Roberts was patrolling the area of North Williams Street when he noticed that the front door of the Marathon gas station was shattered.
The store owner, Chandrakant Patel, was called to the scene so Officer Roberts could review the security footage. The video showed that Hornbuckle and Dunmire entered the store after smashing the front door and stuffed approximately $2,000 in E-cigarettes into a backpack. The two then fled the scene.
After reviewing the footage and approximately two hours later, Officer Roberts spotted the two suspects in the parking lot of the Taco Bell, located at 11582 N. Williams Street.
Officer Roberts then approached the men and explained why he was there. When he attempted to handcuff Dunmire, he pulled away and refused to put his hands behind his back. Officer Roberts eventually had to use force and escorted Dunmire to the ground.
Once both men were in custody, Officer Roberts was able to recover the E-cigarettes and mask used during the burglary.
Dunmire is no stranger to the law. He has previously been arrested for Assault, Battery on an LEO, Disorderly Intoxication, retail Theft, Trespassing, Criminal Mischief (x2), and Grand Theft.
Dunmire also has a criminal record in Putnam County.
Deputy Jose Rodriguez of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office — Photo courtesy of the LCSO
A Lake County deputy sheriff was arrested Tuesday following an investigation that began in March after a teen victim came forward and filed a complaint with the Clermont Police Department.
The female victim stated that she was riding in Rodriguez’s patrol car when he began to ask about her sex life. He then asked her to describe her panties.
The information that was reported by the female victim was forwarded to investigators with the LCSO who said they immediately launched an investigation.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives later charged Deputy Jose Rodriguez with three counts of Solicitation to Commit Sexual Performance by a Child following allegations of inappropriate conduct with underage girls.
During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Rodriguez met several teenage girls while on duty as a patrol deputy in the Minneola area. Upon meeting these teenagers, he would recruit them to work with him at his secondary, off-duty job as a compliance inspector for ISN Corporation, a business that contracts with the US Food and Drug Administration to verify various businesses’ compliance with state tobacco laws. The teenagers were used to attempt to make undercover purchases of tobacco products at businesses in the Central Florida area.
According to reports, three females who met Rodriguez while on duty reported to detectives that he offered them an opportunity to make hardcore, underground pornographic videos for money. Rodriguez told the girls that he had a friend who produced the underground videos.
Rodriguez told the girls they could make “a lot of money.” One of the girls told the detectives that Rodriguez offered her $500 if she would participate.
The allegations occurred from 2016 to 2019, and the girls were ages 16 and 17.
Detectives interviewed Rodriguez regarding the allegations. He confirmed his employment with ISN Corporation and that he had in fact recruited teenagers for that job while on duty as a deputy, but refused to cooperate any further.
Rodriguez was arrested at his home and transported to the Lake County Detention Center.
He was booked on a $60,000 bond
Rodriguez was suspended and termination proceedings are underway.
On Saturday, April 4, 2020, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the discovery of human skeletal remains located in a wooded area near W Dunnellon Road between North US 19 and North Citrus Avenue, in Crystal River.
Detectives with the CCSO’s Major Crimes Unit and Forensics Unit, along with Medical Examiner’s Office, immediately responded and cordoned off the area.
There is a heavy law enforcement presence in this area but there is no threat to public safety.
According to a CCSO press release, the investigation is still ongoing and they are requesting anyone with information to please 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.
A Crystal River woman was arrested after deputies say she abused her child.
A witness told the responding deputy that, while inside the residence, she witnessed the Jessica Erin Wilson, 38, pick her daughter up off of the floor by her hair, grab her by the throat, and then smack the victim in the face multiple times. The witness also stated that Wilson repeatedly struck the child on the arms and back.
The girl was unable to speak while Wilson held her by the throat.
According to the arrest affidavit, Wilson was angry with her daughter because [she] could not find the car keys.
Deputies said that Wilson was belligerent and heavily intoxicated when they attempted to question her. Wilson refused to cooperate and stated that her daughter was a liar. However, multiple witnesses corroborated the little girl’s account of the incident.
Wilson was arrested and charged with Felony Child Abuse.
