Tyrone Oliver [left], his wife Emily Oliver, and Congressman Ted Yoho at a Republican meeting at a Holiday Inn. OP/File PhotoOcala — The Ocala City Council District 2 seat came open in December after councilman-elect, Tyrone Oliver, 63, was disqualified for a felony charge from 1986.
The charge came to light after the City Attorney Patrick G. Gilligan brought the information forward right before Oliver was to be sworn in.
In an interview with Ocala Post, Oliver expressed his concern about how the situation has been handled by the city.
Oliver, who is a Republican, said he spent a year running for the District 2 seat and won the election…twice.
“Not one time during my campaign was there ever any mention about a felony conviction,” Oliver said. He went on to say, “I was under the impression everything was fine. I had already taken care of everything on my end…not to mention I had been voting for years prior to this coming up.”
Oliver was a police officer at the Ocala Police Department in the late 70s before deciding to leave to finish college.
Then, in 1986, Oliver said he was hanging out with a few acquaintances when his life was turned upside down.
“While hanging out, we were approached by undercover OPD officers. The officers accused us of having cocaine,” Oliver said.
Oliver says he told the officers that he knew nothing about any cocaine. He said he was taken to the police station, at which time the officers interrogated him and instructed him to tell officers who had the cocaine.
Oliver said, “They told me that I either tell them who had cocaine or I would also be charged.”
Oliver told Ocala Post that he was the only black guy in the group of people who had been hauled in, and when he told the officers that he didn’t know anything about the cocaine, they charged him with selling cocaine.
Oliver said, “I remember being scared out of my mind. I couldn’t believe it.”
During his arrest, Oliver said he was not in possession of cocaine, nor had he attempted to sell any cocaine.
“It was simply a case of wrong place at the wrong time. It was a time where if you were a black man in the group, guilty or not, you got charged. If you refused to snitch or didn’t have the information police were looking for, you got charged,” Oliver said.
Oliver said he could not afford a good attorney at the time, and even though there was no evidence, he was sentenced to three months in jail and placed on probation.
After serving the three months, and while attending the University of Florida, Oliver said he paid his probation dues.
“At one point, I notified the court that I needed to move from Ocala to Tampa to finish my education and take a better job,” Oliver said. “I got permission.”
Oliver said he was then arrested in 1990 on a warrant, at which time he was told he had failed to pay $60.00. Oliver said he knew nothing about a warrant.
“I again, found myself fighting the system. I never got in trouble, did what I had to do, and somehow the situation came back to bite me,” Oliver said with a shaky voice. He added, “This never should have happened to me, and after being on this side of it, I now understand the frustration of those who innocently get caught up in the system.”
Ocala Post reached out to both OPD and the state Attorney’s Office. Ocala Post was told that per Florida Statute 119, the records were too old and had been purged out of the system.
Oliver said, “I don’t like to play the race card, but I honestly feel this is because I am a Republican black man who was set to replace a Democrat. I feel like I don’t matter.”
Oliver told Ocala Post that he has since hired legal council and is being represented by Tallahassee Attorney Richard Coats.
Oliver said they have petitioned the Governor’s Office for help with the situation but have not heard anything back.
“The city is saying I don’t have any civil rights, but this is wrong…it’s so wrong,” Oliver said.
Oliver, and his wife, who is a United States Air Force veteran, operate Deliverance Outreach Ministries. The non-profit serves more than 3,000 homeless people. The ministry not only helps with those who are homeless and hungry but they also work with several doctors and provide free healthcare to those who need it.
Oliver said he also worked for Doctor Cannon at the Ocala Orthopedic Group for 26 years as an Orthopedic Technologist.
“All I have ever wanted to do is serve the people. I am hurt over how I have been treated, I am really hurt, but I will not lose my faith,” Oliver said.
Coats says that if Oliver had better representation in 1986 he most likely would not be facing this issue now.
“I will not give up. I won the vote, not once, but twice, and I should be allowed to sit on the Council,” Oliver said.
A man who was in possession of child pornography on his cellphone was arrested and charged with Enticement of Minor for Indecent Purposes.
Cameron Michael Brewer, 24, who was wanted on a warrant out of North Carolina, was arrested at Hickory Road in Silver Springs Shores on Thursday and will be extradited to North Carolina by the Unites States Marshalls Office.
Witnesses, who Brewer had been living with, discovered the images on his cellphone. They said he had been recording females taking a shower at the residence.
According to the criminal complaint, Brewer was forced to leave the residence.
He left an apology note that read, “I am sorry I didn’t mean to betray you.”
After obtaining a search warrant, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office discovered multiple pictures and videos of unsuspecting women taking showers.
Investigators said the phone also contained images of nude little girls.
Henderson County Officials were not sure if the images would be considered child erotica or child pornography. After consulting with Federal officials, investigators said the images were considered child pornography due to the nature in which they were taken.
The Florida Springsfest at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala kicks off this weekend, March 7 and 8.
The 2020 event will include half-price glass-bottom boat tours, ranger programs, guest speakers, scientists and researchers, exhibitors and vendors, live music, games and more.
The cost of attending the festival is included in the park admission fee.
This year’s Florida Springsfest includes signature events such as a ceremony honoring the history and heritage of Silver Springs’ glass-bottom boat captains. For decades, these men and women have been the voice of Silver Springs, introducing countless visitors to a fascinating underwater world. Other highlights include photo opportunities with mermaids, as well as live music on both Saturday and Sunday.
OCALA, Fla.—Mental health topics can be less understood and less spoken about compared to physical health topics due to stigma and other issues. This can lead to people not being aware of important distinctions, such as when someone may not just be sad or acting differently, he or she may be depressed. At a free March 14 event, attendees can learn how to become more aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and learn what to do next if they or a loved one may be dealing with it.
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will host a Women’s Mental Health Forum on Faces of Depression on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event will be held at the department’s Ocala office (1801 SE 32nd Ave.) and feature personal stories with speakers Nancy Castillo and Shameka Cook on facing depression and how attendees can become more aware of depressions’ signs and symptoms.
The event is free for women ages 18 and up and will have free food, giveaways, and more.
Please note that every product shown in this image may not be on the approved list.
WASHINGTON — On Thursday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
“Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses along with other critical aspects such as hand washing,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “There is no higher priority for the Trump Administration than protecting the health and safety of Americans. EPA is providing this important information in a public and transparent manner on disinfectant products to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
Products appearing on EPA’s list registered disinfectant products have qualified for use against COVID-19 through the agency’s Emerging Viral Pathogen program. This program allows product manufacturers to provide EPA with data, even in advance of an outbreak, that shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses than SARS-CoV-2. It also allows additional communications intended to inform the public about the utility of these products against the emerging pathogen in the most expeditious manner.
Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product. Consumers using these disinfectants on an enveloped emerging virus should follow the directions for use on the product’s master label, paying close attention to the contact time for the product on the treated surface (i.e., how long the disinfectant should remain on the surface).
Craft beer and charity come together Saturday, March 21st in historic downtown Sanford with the 9th annual Pints n’ Paws Craft Beer Festival to benefit Dolly’s Foundation and Pet Rescue by Judy.
Hosted by West End Trading Company and Celery City Craft, this pet-friendly event features 100-plus of the top craft brews, local food trucks, and live entertainment.
Pints ‘N Paws has quickly grown to become the premier craft beer festival in Central Florida, in part because all profits go to Dolly’s Foundation and Pet Rescue by Judy. In 2018, more than 10,000 attended Pints ‘N Paws and raised $65,000. During the event’s 8-year history, Pints ‘N Paws has raised $300,000 for the two pet charities.
“I love to throw a good party, and I love animals, so I guess you could say I’m a party animal,” said Paul Williams, owner of West End Trading Company. “Seriously though, these two great organizations mean a lot to me, and I’m honored to help them further their good works.”
“Craft beer lovers will have a huge selection of fine brews to sample. It’s very paws-able you’ll find a beer you’ve never tried before,” said Celery City Craft owner Shane Hardenbrook with a grin.
Pints ‘N Paws is set in historic downtown Sanford, the Craft Beer, and Entertainment Center of Seminole County, and local officials are enthusiastic supporters of the event.
“There may be bigger beer festivals, but there is not a better one,” said Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett. “(Event organizers) Paul and Shane do a great job in bringing the best breweries, and 100% of the profits go to pet charities. Their hard work and generosity is just another reason why Sanford is the preeminent craft beer destination in Central Florida.”
Popular radio personalities “A Mediocre Time with Tom and Dan Podcasts” will emcee the event.
Those attending the event are encouraged to bring their pets to participate in the “Best Trick” and “Pet Costume” contests are sponsored by Paw Park Place.
In addition, there will be a Dog Photo contest. Local photographer Kelly Clore from Kabiki Studios will snap a photo of all dogs that want to participate. Those photos will be posted on the Pints ‘N Paws Facebook page. The dog receiving the most likes during the month-long contest following Pins ‘N Paws will be featured on the 2021 Pints ‘N Paws posters, t-shirt, and advertising materials.
The event begins at 2 p.m. (1 p.m. for VIP ticket holders). Advance tickets are $40 and include free samples of all craft beer. VIP Tickets are available for $55 and include early entry into the event, a commemorative 9th Annual Pints n’ Paws t-shirt and koozie. Tickets at the gate are $50 for General Admission and $65 for VIP (if available).
Advance tickets are available at West End Trading, Celery City Craft. Will-call tickets can be purchased online at pintsandpaws.com and picked up the day of the event.
The Florida Department of Health (Department) has announced there are two presumptive positive cases of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Florida.
At this time, both individuals remain in isolation. Despite these cases in Florida, the overall immediate threat to the public remains low.
While contracting coronavirus in the U.S. is currently low, remember, like, with the seasonal flu, older adults and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk of being impacted if the illness does spread. Also, we are still in the middle of the seasonal flu season, which impacts older adults every year. According to the CDC, it’s estimated that 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people aged 65+.
State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees said, “This is the scenario that we prepare for every day in public health. The Department is moving forward with the appropriate plans, and we are working directly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local medical providers to ensure these individuals receive the proper treatment and that anyone who has come into contact with them is following the necessary protocols, limiting or stopping any further spread. Thanks to Florida’s integrated public health system, we have been able to proactively engage and plan with our public health partners at every level, enabling us to take these important steps in a very expeditious manner. Our epidemiological teams are among the best in the nation, and they are right now aggressively pursuing every potential lead during these critical early moments of this outbreak in Florida.”
FACTS
The first patient is an adult Manatee county resident without travel history to countries identified for restricted travel by the CDC. This person did seek health care, is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The Florida Department of Health is working closely with the patient, their close contacts and health care providers to isolate and monitor persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and implement testing of anyone who may develop COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
The second patient is an adult resident of Hillsborough county with a history of travel to Italy. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. As a reminder, the Department always recommends everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health;
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue;
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
The CDC does not recommend that asymptomatic, healthy people wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
A person that experiences a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and any other destination under CDC travel advisory should call ahead to their health care provider and local county health department (CHD) and mention their recent travel or close contact.
If a person has had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who have recently traveled from this area or been in contact with a person with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, they should call ahead to a health care professional and the county health department. The health care professional will work with the Department to determine if the person should be tested for COVID-19.
[Video of Press conference fromMay 3, 2014/Ocala Post attended and followed the case from beginning to end]Trooper Chelsea Richard shown with her son.
Ocala, Fla. – On Friday, February 28, 2020, a portion of Interstate 75 between the 340 and 344 mm in Marion County will be named in remembrance of fallen Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper, Chelsea Renee Richard.
“The death of any trooper is a true loss for the Florida Highway Patrol and for the State of Florida, but when that trooper is a vibrant young 30-year-old mother who leaves behind a 4-year-old son and loving would-be fiancé, our hearts ache that much more,” said Senator Lauren Book. “Remembered as grateful and giving, Trooper Chelsea Renee Richard was a beam of light for the Ocala District Command Office, for all those she worked with, and for those whose lives she touched out on the roadway. She showed up to work each day willing to run toward danger at times when others are running away. During her near-decade of service, there is no telling how many lives Trooper Richard saved and protected, how many individuals and fellow patrolmen she assisted in times of emergency. But while we may never know the totality of her service, the people whose lives she touched know and remember. With kind actions and words, and Trooper Chelsea Richard provided assistance and safety in times of fear, stress, and confusion. We thank her for her courage. It is my honor to have worked with FHP and the Florida Legislature to ensure the proper recognition of Trooper Richard and the legacy of service she has left behind. Gone, but never forgotten.”
Trooper Richard was a member of the Florida Highway Patrol, serving the citizens and visitors of Florida for nine years. She began her career with FHP on June 20, 2005, as a member of the 111th Basic Recruit Class in Tallahassee.
The story of that tragic day
Troy Thomas Owens, then 23, did not face any jail time for hitting and killing three people, including Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Chelsea Richard in the May 3, 2014, accident.
Trooper Richard was completing a single-vehicle crash investigation in the center median when a truck, driven by Owens, of Ocala, traveled into the median and slammed into Trooper Richard, tow truck driver John Duggan, and Robert Phillips. Trooper Richard and Duggan were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Phillips expired later that evening at Ocala Regional Medical Center.
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Troy Thomas Owens
According to court records obtained by Ocala Post, Owens was adjudicated guilty, received a six-month suspension on his license, and had to pay a $1,000 fine.
Owens was cited for failure to use due care in the accident and attempted to fight that as well, but lost.
The family of those killed in the accident strongly believe that Owens walked away with “a slap on the wrist.”
Owens was driving a black Ford F-250 pickup, and pulling a trailer large enough to haul a car. Between his truck and the trailer, it weighed nearly 10,000 pounds.
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Judge Thomas Thompson III said it was proven that Owens was doing at least 65 MHP in the rain, in the left-hand lane, while approaching slowed traffic and a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle in a state with a “Move Over” law. However, Owens didn’t move over. Moments later, Owens drove off the roadway and slammed into the trooper.
Owens’ defense attorney, Pravesh Bobby Rumalla, said it was John Lindecamp who was driving a 2005 black Mercury Mariner that caused the accident.
According to records, Lindecamp stated that he saw the slowed traffic and began to slow down. He said his brakes locked, causing him to fishtail, and possibly swerve out of his own lane a “little bit” and into the left lane where Owens was driving.
Owens told the judge he slowed to the low 50s, and had his turn signal on; however, he continued to pass several cars in the middle lane. He said when he got close to Lindecamp’s vehicle, Lindecamp hit him.
When the judge again pointed out the issue of being in the left lane and not following the “Move Over” law, Owens claimed he didn’t have room to move over in accordance with the law.
However, several witnesses that had already merged into the middle lane, disagreed.
Witnesses testified that there was room, but that Owens didn’t attempt to move over or slow down. Witnesses also stated that while Owens had been weaving in and out of traffic and passing cars in the rain, he never used his turn signal; another allegation Owens denied.
Rumalla tried to argue that Owens had planned to exit at the County Road 484 off-ramp; therefore, it didn’t make sense that Owens was in the left lane.
Several of Owens’ statements seemed to contradict one another.
According to reports, witness Amy Barco, who was pulling a trailer with horses, said she saw Owens get on the highway at State Road 40, Ocala.
Barco testified that Owens entered the highway at a high rate of speed, and cut her off while he made his way across the lanes. She said she was doing 73 MPH when he cut her off and sped past her.
Barco testified that Owens was driving so fast she lost sight of his truck very quickly, but several miles down the road saw him again. By this time, he had already been in an accident and was standing by his truck.
The judge said Barco’s testimony was very important because it was consistent with all other testimony. The judge stated that Owens was able to disappear from sight, have an accident, and be standing outside his truck when Barco caught up to him. He said Barco’s testimony was very consistent with the argument that Owens was in the left lane and speeding.
Because criminal charges were never filed against Owens, the trail was about traffic only.
The judge said, “I can only impose what was legally allowed by law.”
Morally, however, he said Owens and Lindecamp would have to figure that out for themselves.
The outcome of this case has created outrage within the community.
Owens has been described on social media as a “spoiled brat” because he allegedly comes from money. Many say they feel the punishment did not fit the crime.
Authorities have also expressed disgust. They said Owens did not show any regret and that while they were investigating the crash scene, he kept asking if he could leave.
A closer look at Owens’ state records showed that he has had several traffic violations in Marion County alone, and was convicted of burglary and grand theft in 2010.
Driving history for Marion County
May 2012, unlawful speed on an interstate; May 2012, no proof of insurance; May 2013, failure to use turn signal; May 2013, excessive emissions (car heavily smoking and causing visibility issues for other drivers), and July 2013, running a red light.
His license was also suspended for failure to meet court obligations prior to the tragic I-75 accident.
Owens was arrested again in July 2014, for violation of probation. He spent one day in jail. He was still on probation at the time of the accident. A condition of his probation stated that he was not to leave Marion County.
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According to transcripts, Owens did not admit any wrongdoing during the trial.
It was also reported that Owens did not show any emotion, signs of remorse, and never apologized to the families of the deceased.
However, Owens’ defense attorney did say that Owens regretted what happened.
Funeral
During the funeral for the trooper, Trooper Tod G. Cloud urged Scott to veto a bill that — at that time — had passed to raise the speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph on Florida highways.
Photo outside the church where the service for Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Chelsea Richard was held on May 8, 2014. [Photo by Richard H. Stewart]Trooper cloud, in front of hundreds of people, said to Governor Scott, “The bill wasn’t a very bright idea.” He went on to say, “I fear working a crash on I-75, because people do not drive with common sense.”
Cloud said he would like to see a law that would drop the speed limit to 55 mph when highways are wet.
Reportedly, Governor Scott didn’t like being “called out” in front of everyone. There was speculation that Governor Scott had Trooper Cloud terminated, but those speculations were put to rest after Ocala Post reached out to the FHP.
“Yes, Trooper Tod G. Cloud is employed with FHP at this time,” said Sergeant Tracy Hisler-Pace, Public Affairs Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol.
Aftermath
“The May 3, 2014, accident has affected many lives, not just those that were killed. The ripple effect that the sudden and tragic deaths of Trooper Chelsea Richard, Mr. John Duggan, and Mr. Robert Phillips has left behind is incomprehensible. Lives were lost, and the lives of the family and friends left behind will be forever changed,” troopers said.
Troopers said it is simple: when you see flashing lights, move over, and if you can’t move over, you are required by law to reduce your speed by 20 mph below the posted speed limit, period.
There are large signs posted along I-75 that clearly inform drivers of the “Move Over” law. Troopers said ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the law; especially when it could cost someone their life. The law will be enforced and drivers will be ticketed.
Jaymi Reilly, wrote, “My brother, who was my hero was killed in that crash…He didn’t have to be taken from us if this boy had used some common sense. My family will never get over losing my big brother and it makes me physically ill that this kid not only fought the ticket he received as the result of killing 3 innocent people, but he couldn’t even show remorse for the result of his actions?!?! He got a slap on the wrist, and my family got a box of ashes to remember a man who was such an inspiration to so many. What a crock!! My brother would have wanted us to find forgiveness so that’s what we are trying to do, but this makes me sick!!”
Ocala Post was not able to obtain photos in memory of Duggan or Phillips.
Approximately 15-minutes after southbound lanes reopened following a vehicle crash involving a semi, a second A tractor-trailer vs passenger car occurred at the 368 mm.
A 2006 Ford-F150, driven by 18-year-old Carson Green was traveling southbound on I-75 in the middle lane, near MM 368.
A second vehicle, a 2017 Kia Forte, driven by Brenna Gibbons, 41, was stopped in slow-moving traffic behind a semi, driven by Cameron Ford, 34, in the outside (right) lane.
According to troopers, the driver of the pickup truck failed to maintain control of his vehicle on the wet roadway and began to rotate clockwise as it veered to the right.
As the pickup truck was rotating, it continued southbound and towards the right (west) and the front of the pickup struck the left front of the Kia. The left side of the pickup truck then slammed into the left rear corner of the semi and rotated until it stopped with the left rear of the pickup slamming into the left side of the semi-trailer.
When the pickup was no longer in motion, it was facing northeast in the middle lane of I-75 southbound.
The Kia and semi were stopped in the outside (right) lane, facing south.
Green was pronounced deceased at the scene at 5:15 PM by Paramedic Dale Mowry.
Marion County has not had an “Open” County Fair since 1996 when it was called the Peanut Festival/ Marion County Fair.
In fact, Marion County does not have official Fair Grounds.
Those who host the fair said each year in order for the fair to be possible, they have to locate a property large enough to accommodate Mid-way that takes up 5 acres, Livestock shows, Entertainment, Creative Arts, Vendors, and Parking.
The Marion County Fair made its comeback in October 2017 when Marion Military Academy sponsored our first location on 20 acres.
Out of the history of County Fairs, this is the only fair within the USA that was created by a youth group.
In 2012, Florida Kids Helping Kids started off with small family carnivals to raise funds for community projects.
When the event needed to expand, they reached out to a larger midway company Wade Shows to help them grow.
In 2018 the youth group filed with the State of Florida to become a Marion County Fair Association, and it is still in the process of the Charter Application procedures.
The Marion County Fair is scheduled for April 2 through the 5.
Thursday from 4-10 p.m.
Friday 4-11 p.m.
Saturday 12-11 p.m.
Sunday 12-10 p.m.
Admission Fees
Veterans and First Responders get in free any day of the fair with ID.
12 and over Free
11 and under Free
18 months and under Free
Parking
BY DONATION —Several youth groups will be out keeping the parking lots clean and will assist drivers with locating a parking spot. There will be shuttle service (golf carts) and staff is working on locations for a “PARK AND RIDE” so that everyone can experience the fair.
Amusement Ride Tickets
Belle City Amusements will have Ride Tickets available onsite.
At 5:27 p.m, FHP announced that they were in the final stages of cleanup and all southbound lanes have reopened.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a tractor-trailer traveling south on I-75 crossed the median guard rail at the State Road 40 overpass and struck a northbound passenger car head-on.
Three other vehicles were also involved in the collision.
Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to the southbound accident, near mile marker 352, at 1:18 p.m. OFR Engines 4 and 6, Rescues 1 and 4, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 22, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the call.
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Fire engines arrived at the scene to find a four-vehicle collision in which a jackknifed semi-truck was positioned near the guardrail with one other car. due to this accident, another collision involving a car and compact SUV blocked the center lanes of southbound I-75.
According to OFR, two patients needed to be extricated.
Stabilizing the car lodged between the semi-truck and guardrail, crews utilized cutters and spreaders to gain access to the two individuals inside.
Both patients were trauma alerted and are listed in serious condition.
The drivers of the second car and the SUV were also transported to the hospital.
The semi-truck driver was not injured
Marion County Fire Rescue also responded to the accident.
FHP said the accident is under investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.
UPDATE: At 5:27 p.m, FHP announced that they were in the final stages of cleanup and all southbound lanes have reopened .
The Florida Highway Patrol said a tractor-trailer traveling south on I-75 crossed the median guard rail at the State Road 40 overpass and struck a northbound passenger car head-on.
Two other vehicles were also involved in the collision.
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The driver of the northbound vehicle is still entrapped and is in serious condition.
FHP said as of 2:25 p.m., all southbound lanes are blocked with traffic being diverted at SR 40.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 12-year-old boy after he tied a dog to a tree and tortured it.
Christopher Alveraz-Murillo has been charged with one count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty.
According to a press release, while repairing a broken water pipe on February 24, a witness asked Alveraz-Murillo where ‘Tiny’, the dog, was.
Alveraz-Murillo allegedly told the witness that Tiny was tied up in the backyard.
The witness then told Alveraz-Murillo to show him where Tiny was tied up.
According to officials, twice Alveraz-Murillo attempted to run to the dog’s location in an attempt to beat the witness there, but the witness forced Alveraz-Murillowait for him.
When the witness approached, he found Tiny unconscious, a rope around his neck, and blood on his face.
Alveraz-Murillo’s mother turned her son into Animal Control and Social Services after she learned that he had beat a dog with a steel pipe. Animal Control then contacted MCSO.
When Deputy Coleman made contact with Alveraz-Murillo, he stated that he had tied Tiny to a tree in the backyard with a rope and began to discipline him by hitting Tiny with his hands and a stick. Additionally, Alveraz-Murillo said he struck Tiny with two silver metal pipes.
Alveraz-Murillo stated that he hit Tiny a total of 10 times in the face and body. Alveraz-Murillo told the deputy: “I think I took it a little too far.”
Alveraz-Murillo was arrested and transported to the Marion County Department of Juvenile Justice.
The dog is being evaluated by Animal Services and is expected to recover.
Five men were issued a notice to appear and cited after they were caught hunting in Silver Springs State Park.
Officer Michael Rice with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was on
patrol in Marion County traveling west on State Road 40 when he saw two pickup trucks parked on the side of the road.
According to reports, he was in the area due to recent complaints that people had been hunting hogs in the area.
The trucks were parked a few hundred yards east of County Road 326 and were on the north side of SR 40, directly across from the equestrian entrance for Silver Springs State
Park. The trucks were pulled a good distance off of the road and were parked along the wood line.
Officer Rice said he approached the vehicles on foot to see if there were any occupants. He stated there were no occupants in either vehicle but did notice dog crates in the bed of the trucks.
At that time, Officer Rice contacted Officer Asa Dias (FWC) for assistance.
Upon arrival, Officers Dias and Rice conducted surveillance from a concealed location on foot near the equestrian entrance. While there, they heard one gunshot from a pistol on state park property.
A short time later, they saw five Hispanic males wearing camouflage and in possession of multiple dogs cross over the state park property fence on the south side of State Road 40.
According to reports, it was dark and the subjects were not using a flashlight. They also tried to stay hidden behind trees. As they walked out, they made sure there were no cars around as they crossed SR 40 to get back to their vehicles.
Officers Dias and Rice then made contact with the men at their vehicles as they were attempting to load up six hunting dogs.
The men were identified as Eider Laredo-Camacho, 18, Dunier Rodriguez, 35, Darian Acebedo-Sotolongo, 30, Haniel Garcia, 48, and Alexis Roque Capote, 33.
A weapons check revealed a long fixed-blade knife on the side of Garcia, a long fixed-blade knife in the bag of Acebedo-Sotolongo, and a revolver pistol on the side of Roque-Capote.
The officers said that the long fixed-blade knives are commonly used by hog hunters to kill the hogs when the dogs have caught them.
The report states that one of the dogs was also wearing a GPS tracking collar.
While inspecting some of the dogs, the officers observed fresh, bloody wounds consistent with being cut by a hog’s teeth when the dogs were attempting to catch them.
Additionally, the officers saw fresh blood on the boot of Rodriguez.
When Officer Dias asked Garcia what they were doing. He stated that they were walking their dogs along State Road 40 from County Road 315. When asked if he ever went on state park property, he stated that he did not.
When asked if he ever crossed a fence, he stated that he had not.
The officers said they knew that Garcia was not being truthful because they had witnessed the men on state park property and cross the fence as they exited.
When asked who the GPS tracking collar belonged to, Acebedo-Sotolongo stated that it was his.
Officer Dias asked if the collar was tracked on a phone and they stated it was on Acebedo-Sotolongo’s phone. When officers looked at his phone, he had deleted the track line.
As officers were obtaining the tracking system from him, inside of his backpack Officer Dias observed several hog tusks.
Silver Springs State Park is closed to any type of hunting unless otherwise permitted and none of the men had permits.
Officers photographed the dogs and their wounds, the knives, GPS collar and tracking system, and the handgun. They then seized the GPS collar and tracking system as evidence and it was placed into the FWC Ocala evidence facility.
The men, who were apparently killing hogs for their tusks, signed their citations and were released.
Ocala, Florida — A suspect who held a mother at knife-point and then raped her is on the run.
The Ocala Police Department is trying to track down a man they say robbed and raped an Ocala mother on February 13, in the vicinity of Northwest 10th Street at approximately 7 a.m. in the morning.
Police said that the mother had just dropped off her child to do volunteer work at a Citgo gas station.
As the mother was walking home, a man approacher her, put a knife to her throat and stated: “I’m not going to hurt you, don’t look at me.”
While holding a knife to the woman’s throat, he demanded money while searching her with his hands.
The suspect robbed the mother of $2.00, a pocketknife, and a pack of cigarettes.
The mother said the man then raped her.
Sadly, police say the mother’s child might have witnessed the incident.
Police said that security cameras did not capture the attack.
The suspect kept his face covered, however, investigators were able to collect DNA samples and send them off for testing.
If you have any information about these incidents, you are urged to call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or Tipsters can visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
A third juvenile has been arrested in association with threats made via Snapchat to shoot up Belleview Middle School and Belleview High School.
On Tuesday, Detective Billy Burleson with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit arrested Romard Gordon, 16, after investigations revealed he was involved in making the threats against the Marion County schools.
Gordon was charged with one felony count of Writing or Sending a Threat to Kill or Injure. He was arrested and transported to the Marion County Department of Juvenile Justice.
Authorities were notified on February 12 after several juveniles reported seeing threats posted on Snapchat against a teacher and students at the school.
Following his arrest, Smith stated that he made the threats because a teacher yelled at him while he was eating in the cafeteria.
On February 12, Deniro Elliot Levarity, 14, a ninth-grader at Belleview High School, was arrestedafter he made threats to shoot up multiple Marion County Schools.
Ocala — The surveillance photos are badly distorted, but the Ocala Police Department needs your help with identifying two thieves who stole nearly $2,000 in merchandise from the Lowe’s located on East SR 40.
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On January 21, 2020, the two suspects, a black male, and a white or Hispanic male entered the store and walked out with several light fixtures and ceiling fans.
According to OPD, the white or Hispanic male came back on January 22 and stole more merchandise.
The store suffered a loss of $1,783.00
If you can identify the suspects, in this case, please contact OPD Det. Gago at 352-369-7000.
The recreational harvest season for snook opens March 1 in some Gulf waters, including Escambia through Hernando counties, and waters south of Gordon Pass in Collier County through Monroe County (also includes Everglades National Park).
Snook remains catch-and-release only in state waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County (includes all of Pasco County, Tampa Bay, and Hillsborough County) through May 31, 2021, in response to the impacts of a prolonged red tide that occurred in late 2017 through early 2019.
Because snook has a May 1-Aug. 31 annual season closure, this species would reopen Sept. 1, 2021.
Unique to the region, snook is one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World.
Seasonal harvest closures and anglers using proper handling methods when practicing catch-and-release help conserve Florida’s valuable snook populations and can ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come.
Weather for Ocala as of March 5, 2020, at 3:59 p.m.
