Ocala Post (Ocala News) - Archive

Case of Hepatitis A surfaces at Old Mill Tavern

Ocala Post

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February 7, 2020

Citrus County — The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) has identified a positive case of hepatitis A in a food service worker in Homosassa.

DOH-Citrus conducted an epidemiological investigation and Friday determined an individual who worked at Old Mill Tavern, located at 10465 W. Yulee Dr. in Homosassa, from January 19 through February 3 may have been infectious.

The hepatitis A vaccine may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Therefore, the hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for anyone who ate or drank at this restaurant between January 24 through February 3. Those who consumed food or beverage between January 19 through January 23 should instead observe for signs and symptoms of hepatitis A infection. This includes sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, fever, diarrhea, pale white stools, or yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Anyone experiencing these symptoms should promptly seek medical attention.

If you previously have received the hepatitis A vaccine or have had a past history of a Hepatitis A infection, you are considered immune to the Hepatitis A virus and do not need to take additional action.

Those with specific questions about exposure to hepatitis A at Old Mill Tavern can call 352-527-0068 to reach DOH-Citrus.

DOH-Citrus is encouraging all health care providers, including hospital emergency departments to stay on high alert and immediately report cases of Hepatitis A to DOH-Citrus, as well as identify those who would benefit from vaccination.

Contact your county’s health department for hepatitis A vaccinations if you live outside Citrus County. Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. People who should be vaccinated for hepatitis A include:

• All children at the age of 12 months
• People who are experiencing homelessness
• Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
• Men who have sexual encounters with other men
• People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis A
• Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
• People with chronic/long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• People with clotting factor disorders
• Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common

DOH-Citrus is offering the hepatitis A vaccine at no cost for individuals who ate or drank at this restaurant between January 24 thru February 3 at the health department in Lecanto, 3700 W. Sovereign Path on the following dates:
•Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to noon
•Monday, February 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that attacks the liver. People infected with hepatitis A are most contagious from two weeks before the onset of symptoms to one week afterward. Not everyone who is infected will have all the symptoms. Symptoms usually start within 28 days of exposure to the virus with a range of 15-50 days. Symptoms can include:

•Jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of eyes)
•Fever
•Diarrhea
•Fatigue/tired
•Loss of appetite
•Nausea and vomiting
•Stomach pain
•Dark-colored urine
•Pale or clay-colored stool

How is hepatitis A treated or hepatitis A infection prevented?

Hepatitis A vaccine is the best method of preventing infection.

Practicing good hand hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.

Use soap and running water and wash for at least 20 seconds, wash hands after changing a diaper or caring for a person, and wash hands before preparing, serving or eating food.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill the hepatitis A virus.

No medicines can cure the disease once symptoms appear. People with hepatitis A symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

Most people get better over time but may need to be hospitalized.

Previous infection with hepatitis A provides immunity for the rest of a person’s life.

People that are exposed to hepatitis A may be given vaccine or immune globulin within 14 days of exposure to prevent infection.

Frost advisory for these areas

Ocala Post

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February 7, 2020

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…FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 9 AM EST SATURDAY…

Temperatures as low as 32 will result in frost formation. This advisory is for portions of southeast Georgia and northeast and northern Florida

Eastern Marion
Central Marion
Western Marion
Lynne
Moss Bluff
Ocala
Weirsdale

Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Ocala & OFR to donate firefighting apparatus to Bahamian community

Ocala Post

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February 7, 2020

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The City of Ocala and Ocala Fire Rescue will be donating Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) apparatus to Marsh Harbour, Abaco Island, Bahamas.

In a press release, Ocala Public Information Officer, Ashley Lopez, wrote, “Hurricane Dorian wreaked havoc through the Bahamas in late August 2019, the need for aid was not only evident but immediately addressed by countless organizations. While assistance was plentiful, the devastating effects of the category five cyclone are evident to this day. In November 2019, a plea for aid was received by Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR). Following a thorough examination of the department’s fleet and inventory, a potential donation was identified.”

OFR will be presenting the keys to a retired ARFF apparatus to Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire Rescue in hopes of assisting with the recovering community’s needs.

Temporary lane closures along Oak Road

Ocala Post

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February 7, 2020

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Motorists can expect temporary lane closures along Oak Road between the intersections of Southwest Maricamp Road and Oak Track on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Marion Rock will be repairing a broken water line requiring the use of the county right-of-way.

Please note that construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances, and if this happens, the closure could be rescheduled.

Officials ask that all drivers remember to yield to roadside workers and obey posted speed limits. Speeding fines are doubled in a construction zone.

Crews will place barricades and signs to direct traffic through the work zone(s).

Use extra caution during rainy weather.

Vanguard High School on brief code yellow following police chase

Ocala Post

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February 7, 2020

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In a press release, Friday, the Ocala Police Department stated that at approximately 11:00 a.m, OPD units responded to a stolen vehicle call out of Ford of Ocala, located at 2816 N. Pine Avenue.

Police spotted the vehicle traveling in the area of N. Pine and 35th Street, at which time pursuit of the vehicle ensued.

The chase lasted several minutes before the vehicle, a Ford F450, got stuck in a wooded area along a row of power lines off of NW 16th Avenue.

Because the suspect fled on foot, Vanguard High School was briefly placed on a code yellow as a precaution.

According to OPD, the suspect was later tasered and captured.

This is a developing story.

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National Weather Service: tornado watch for the following areas

Ocala Post

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February 6, 2020

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TORNADO WATCH 32 REMAINS VALID UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN FLORIDA.

THIS WATCH INCLUDES 11 COUNTIES IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA.

CLAY, DUVAL, FLAGLER, NASSAU, PUTNAM, ST. JOHNS IN NORTHERN FLORIDA, ALACHUA, BRADFORD, GILCHRIST, MARION, UNION IN GEORGIA.

THIS WATCH INCLUDES 2 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA CAMDEN GLYNN.

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF AMELIA CITY, ANASTASIA, ANTHONY, ARLINGTON, BAKERSVILLE, BELLAIR, BOSTWICK, BURBANK, CARRAWAY, COUNTRY CLUB ESTATE, DOCK JUNCTION, DOCTORS INLET, DOVER BLUFF, DUNGENESS, DURBIN, FERNANDINA BEACH, FRUIT COVE, GAINESVILLE, GAINESVILLE AIRPORT, GLYNN HAVEN, HILLIARD, JACKSONVILLE, JEKYLL ISLAND, KINGS FERRY, KINGSLAND, LAKE BUTLER, LAKESIDE, MIDDLEBURG, NEW RIVER, NEWNANS LAKE, NORMANDY, OCALA, OCALA AIRPORT, OCEANWAY, ORANGE PARK, ORTEGA, PALATKA, PALM COAST, PALM VALLEY, PONTE VEDRA BEACH, RATLIFF, RIVERSIDE, SAN MARCO, SEA ISLAND, ST. SIMONS, STARKE, SWITZERLAND, THALMANN, TRENTON, WEIRSDALE, AND YULEE.

Wind Advisory

Hamilton-Suwannee-Baker-Inland Nassau-Inland Duval-Union-Bradford- Clay-Inland St. Johns-Gilchrist-Putnam-Inland Flagler- Northern Columbia-Coastal Nassau-Coastal Duval-Coastal St. Johns- Eastern Alachua-Coastal Flagler-Eastern Marion-Southern Columbia- Western Alachua-Central Marion-Western Marion-Coffee-Jeff Davis- Bacon-Appling-Wayne-Atkinson-Pierce-Brantley-Inland Glynn- Coastal Glynn-Echols-Clinch-Inland Camden-Coastal Camden- Northern Ware-Northeastern Charlton-Southern Ware- Western Charlton- Including the cities of Jasper, Jennings, West Lake, Belmont, White Springs, Houston, Live Oak, McAlpin, Newburn, Suwannee Springs, Macclenny, Olustee, Ratliff, Hilliard, Kings Ferry, Bryceville, Normandy, Ortega, Riverside, San Marco, Lake Butler, Starke, New River, Doctors Inlet, Lakeside, Bellair, Middleburg, Orange Park, Fruit Cove, Switzerland, Bakersville, Picolata, Trenton, Bostwick, Carraway, Palatka, Bunnell, Espanola, Andalusia, Winfield, Suwannee Valley, Amelia City, Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Arlington, Jacksonville, Oceanway, Tallyrand, Ponte Vedra Beach, Durbin, Palm Valley, Anastasia, Saint Augustine, Gainesville, Gainesville Airport, Newnans Lake, Palm Coast, Lynne, Moss Bluff, Columbia, Lake City, Oleno State Park, Lulu, Watertown, High Springs, Newberry, Archer, Anthony, Burbank, Ocala, Weirsdale, Ocala Airport, Douglas, Hazlehurst, Alma, New Lacy, Baxley, Pine Grove, Plant Hatch, Doctortown, Gardi, Jesup, Axson, Pearson, Willacoochee, Blackshear, Atkinson, Hickox, Hortense, Nahunta, Raybon, Waynesville, Hoboken, Thalmann, Jekyll Island, Glynn Haven, Sea Island, St. Simons, Country Club Estate, Dock Junction, Needmore, Statenville, Homerville, Colesburg, Tarboro, Waverly, Woodbine, Dover Bluff, Kingsland, Dungeness, Needham, Waycross, Winokur, Folkston, St. George, Homeland, Race Pond, and Stephen Foster State Park 209 AM EST

Thu Feb 6 2020 …WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 3 AM EST FRIDAY… Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected. Portions of southeast Georgia and northeast and northern Florida. From noon today to 3 AM EST Friday. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor object

Quick-thinking bank teller thwarted man’s plan to cash check

Ocala Post

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February 6, 2020

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Quick-thinking bank teller thwarted man’s plan to cash check

ocala-news, ocala news, ocala post, fraud, bank teller — Efthimios Mikedis

A quick-thinking Regions Bank teller notified authorities when she recognized the name on a check that a tattoo-covered man was attempting to cash.

The bank is located at 451 South Highway 314A.

The bank teller told investigators that she knew the victim and called to see if she had written a check to the suspect, identified as Efthimios Mikedis. When the victim told her no, she notified authorities.

When authorities arrived at the bank, Mikedis stated that he and the victim’s son came up with the idea to forge and cash the stolen check.

Mikedis then began to profusely apologize. He said he was sorry and couldn’t go back to prison for violating his parole.

The victim told authorities that she knew the suspect because he had been living on her property in a camper with her son, but did not write the check or give permission to cash it.

Mikedis was charged with Uttering a Forged Check and Petit Larceny. Additionally, he was arrested on a warrant for violating his parole on a previous charge of Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

He is being held at the Marion County Jail in lieu of a $3,000 bond.

His next court date is slated for March 3, 2020.

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Drug dealer with fitting name of Cartel arrested during traffic stop

Ocala Post

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February 6, 2020

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Drug dealer with fitting name of Cartel arrested during traffic stop

ocala news, marion county news, ocala post, drug dealer — Cartel Granison

While patrolling the area of SW 60th Ave, an Ocala police officer saw a Dodge Durango swerving and crossing over the yellow line multiple times.

When the officer ran the tag, he was advised that the tag was registered to a Ford pickup, at which time he officer initiated a traffic stop and called for backup.

The driver, Cartel Granison, told the officer that he had two drinks at the Ale House.

Granison was given a breathalyzer test and blew a .119. He was then placed under arrest.

Upon searching his vehicle, police found a loaded gun, cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamines, Xanax, crack cocaine, marijuana, and various prescription pills.

Granison was charged with DUI, Driving an Unregistered Vehicle, Armed Trafficking in Oxycodone, Armed Trafficking in MDMA, Possession of Xanax, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Clonazepam, Oxycontin, Marijuana, Methylphenidate, and Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Ownership of a Conveyance for Trafficking, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

With a confused look on his face, Granison was booked into the Marion County jail and is currently being held on a $195,000 bond.

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Man arrested following argument that began over trash

Ocala Post

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February 6, 2020

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Man arrested following argument that began over trash

ocala news, ocala post, marion county news, domestic violence — Anthony McBride

A 45-year-old man was arrested following an argument that began over trash. Apparently he did not want to clean up his mess from inside the victim’s car.

Ocala police met with the victim who advised that she and her boyfriend, Anthony McBride, had been involved in a verbal argument that turned physical.

The victim advised that she has had an intimate relationship with McBride since August of 2019, and has lived with him in the same residence, located in the 700 block of NW 15th AVE, since October of 2019.

According to reports, the victim and McBride were driving to work so McBride could drop her off. During the car ride, the two began arguing about taking the trash out of the vehicle and McBride picking up the victim’s son up from school.

The victim stated that the argument became very heated, and due to the argument, she decided that she did not want to leave McBride to with her vehicle while she was at work. Instead, she decided to take McBride back home.

According to the arrest affidavit, on the way back to the house, McBride threatened the victim and stated: “give me a reason to call the police.”

The victim told police she was in fear for her safety and decided to go to her
son in law’s residence instead of taking McBride back to the house.

When the victim was stopped at the stop sign at the intersection of NW 14th AVE and NW 12TH ST, McBride stated: “if you turn right, I’ll beat your ass.” McBride then threw the vehicle in park.

McBride then began dumping the contents of the victim’s purse out of the window on the
passenger side where he was sitting.

The victim stated that she then got out of the car and walked around to pick up her belongings and realized that McBride had taken her cell phone. When she asked McBride for her phone so she could call the police, he refused.

McBride then snatched the keys out of the ignition and threw them into the bushes.

The victim said she then began yelling “HELP” because she was scared.

Police said that the victim located her keys, and when she attempted to put them back in the ignition, McBride reached for a baseball bat that was in the car. Police said McBride then attempted to strike the victim with the bat but missed.

The victim then backed away from the driver’s side of the vehicle, at which time McBride came after her and shoved her into the side of the vehicle.

The victim took off running while screaming for help.

During that time, she heard a window shatter. McBride had allegedly busted out her passenger side window with the baseball bat.

McBride then fled the scene with the victim’s purse, phone, and other items from the car.

McBride was located a short time later but refused to answer any questions.

He was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Tampering with a Victim/Preventing from Calling 911, and Domestic Battery.

McBride has a lengthy criminal record with a history of violence toward women.

Student brought marijuana, stolen gun to school, arrested

Ocala Post

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February 5, 2020

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On Monday, Lake Weir High School resource officer, Deputy Craig, received information that a student on campus had marijuana in his backpack.

The dean then conducted an administrative search of the juveniles backpack and discovered a stolen Smith & Wesson 9 millimeter handgun.

The handgun have been reported stolen following a burglary in 2019.

The student was identified as 17 year old Jacques Javier Brown.

Brown was charged with Possession of a Firearm on School Property, Possession of Marijuana Less Than 20 Grams, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Someone Under the Age of 18, Grand Theft of a Firearm, and Burglary.

Commissioners want more regulations on panhandling

Ocala Post

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February 4, 2020

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Commissioners want more regulations on panhandling

ocala-news, ocala post, marion county news, panhandling — Ocala Post File Photo

At a meeting, Marion County Commissioners discussed how to regulate panhandling in the county.

The county has an anti-panhandling ordinance in place, however, the State Attorney’s Office says the ordinance is not enforceable.

Commissioners don’t really know how to proceed, but the possibility of erecting signs to ask drivers not to give money to panhandlers on the side of the road was mentioned.

Commissioners are considering asking F-DOT for help.

Many citizens have expressed their dismay with leaders and believe that while some do take advantage, that this is just another way to push out the homeless.

The board plans to have further discussion about this issue at future meetings.

What do you think?

Federal lawsuit filed against the City of Ocala, criminalizing homelessness

Grandpa got ran over by a deer, literally

Ocala Post

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February 4, 2020

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Grandpa got ran over by a deer, literally, and surveillance video captured the entire incident.

On Facebook, Ken Worthy wrote, “Many of you have heard about this now you get to see it. Last Wednesday (1/22/2020) at about 12:30 in the Afternoon. Deanne Dee Morgan Worthy and I were walking out of the McDonald’s in Locust NC with Coke’s in hand. What happened next I would have never believed. Life is crazy sometimes. God is good ALL the time! Not injured. Please share this it is unbelievable! PS: Didn’t spill my coke!”

Worthy says he was not injured and joked about not spilling his coke.

Human remains found in Florida Highlands

Ocala Post

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February 4, 2020

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Human remains found in Florida Highlands

Florida Highlands — Human remains were discovered over the weekend outside a mobile home in the Florida Highlands.

A tipster alerted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to the fact that human remains could have possibly been buried in the backyard.

At the scene, a man stated that he had recently dug out an area for a bonfire and gave investigators permission to search the area.

According to reports, authorities discovered the body of an adult male.

At this time, a positive identification has not been made.

If you have any information about this case, call Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP. Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

Flori-DUH man strikes again during traffic stop

Ocala Post

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February 4, 2020

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Flori-DUH man strikes again during traffic stop

Santa Rosa County — The Florida Highway Patrol said they pulled over two men traveling 95 mph on I-10 Saturday and the men did not do a very good job of hiding their drugs.

According to reports, when the trooper stopped Ian Simmons and Joshua Reinhardt, both 34, they observed bags labeled “Bag Full of Drugs.”

The men denied that there were drugs in the bags so the trooper called a K-9 unit, to which the dog alerted for the presence of drugs.

During a search of the vehicle, troopers found 1.36 kilograms of the date-rape drug GHB, 1 gram of cocaine, 75 grams of methamphetamine, 3.6 grams of fentanyl, 15 MDMA tablets, and drug paraphernalia.

Simmons and Reinhardt, who had an active felony warrant in Orange County, were both charged with Drug Trafficking.

According to authorities, the men are represented by an attorney and were instructed not to answer any questions.

“Note to self- do not traffic your illegal narcotics in bags labeled ‘Bag Full Of Drugs,’ Our K-9’s can read,” officials wrote on Facebook.

Severe weather alert, Thursday, for these areas

Ocala Post

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February 4, 2020

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Severe weather alert, Thursday, for these areas

The National Weather Service has issued a severe storm warning for Thursday, February, 6, for the following areas.

Marion County- Southern and Eastern
Ocala
Moss Bluff
Sumter
Pinellas
Polk
Hardee
Highlands
DeSoto-Coastal
Levy-Coastal
Citrus-Coastal
Hernando-Coastal
Pasco-Coastal
Hillsborough-Coastal
Manatee-Coastal
Sarasota-Coastal
Charlotte-Coastal
Lee-Inland
Levy-Inland
Citrus-Inland
Hernando-Inland
Pasco-Inland
Hillsborough-Inland
Manatee-Inland
Sarasota-Inland
Charlotte-Inland
Lee-Tampa Bay waters-Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound
Coastal waters from Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River FL out 20 NM
Coastal waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs FL out 20 NM
Coastal waters from Bonita Beach to Englewood FL out 20 NM
Waters from Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River FL out 20 to 60 NM
Waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs FL out 20 to 60 NMWaters from Bonita Beach to Englewood FL out 20 to 60 NM

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for West Central And Southwest Florida.

For Marion County and surrounding areas:

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 3 AM EST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph
  expected.

* WHERE...Portions of southeast Georgia and northeast and
  northern Florida.

* WHEN...From noon today to 3 AM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

…THUNDERSTORM IMPACT…
On Thursday night into Friday morning, a line of thunderstorms
is expected to move through the area. Some of these storms may be
strong to severe and produce damaging winds and perhaps a few
tornadoes. However, all thunderstorms will be capable of producing
strong gusty winds…locally heavy rains… and frequent deadly
lightning strikes.

…HIGH WIND IMPACT…
On Thursday, strong and gusty winds will be possible over land and
water. Wind gusts in excess of 30 mph may impact sensitive outdoor
events and boaters on rivers and lakes.

…COASTAL FLOOD IMPACT…
Thursday night into early Friday morning conditions will be
favorable for coastal flooding, especially during times of high
tide. Coastal residents should be alert for later statements or
warnings…and take action to protect life and property.

…RIP CURRENT IMPACT…
Thursday through Saturday, strong onshore winds and high surf will
produce rip currents along area beaches.

…MARINE IMPACTS…
On Thursday and Friday, wind speeds of 20 to 33 knots in addition
to high seas will create hazardous boating conditions for small
craft operators.

Earth Fare to close its doors

Ocala Post

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February 3, 2020

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earth fare ocala, earth fare closes, ocala-news, ocala post — Ocala Post file photo

Earth Fare announced Monday, February 3, they will be closing the remainder of their stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Stores are now marking down inventory.

In a press release, it states, “We encourage shoppers to visit their nearby location now and take advantage of these savings before it’s too late.”

“Despite our best efforts, we can no longer keep our stores open. Earth Fare has been proud to serve the natural and organic grocery market, and the decision to begin the process of closing our stores was not entered into lightly,” the press release states.

The closure includes the Ocala location.

Cattle Drive and Cowboy Round-Up event

Ocala Post

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February 1, 2020

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Ocala, Florida – Head on down to the Cattle Drive and Cowboy Round-Up event Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tuscawilla Park, 500 NE Sanchez Ave.

The cattle drive, hosted by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, will begin at 9 a.m. near Jesse’s Computers and Repair located at 300 SE Eighth St. The cattle will come down SE First Ave., cross Silver Springs Blvd., then turn toward Tuscawilla Park along Watula Ave.

Admission to this event is free and the public is invited and encouraged to line the streets to watch the cattle pass by on their way to Tuscawilla Park.

There will be live entertainment by regional bluegrass band Brett Bass and the Melted Plectrum, cowboy demonstrations, authentic gunfighting re-enactments from the Six-Gun Territory Gunfighters, can-can dancing from the Palace Saloon Revue dancers, pony rides, mechanical bull rides, farm animal petting zoo, kids’ corral with family-friendly games, antique tractors and trailers and more.

Food vendors include Big Lee’s Bar-b-que and Chik-fil-A, as well as kettle corn, cotton candy, and funnel cakes. Additional food and drink, including adult beverages, will also be available at the event for purchase.

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517 or visit www.ocalafl.org/cowboy.

The Citrus County School Board warns parents of possible Hepatitis A exposure

Ocala Post

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January 30, 2020

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The Citrus County School Board warns parents of possible Hepatitis A exposure

The Citrus County School Board sent out a letter Thursday, January 30, 2020, warning parents that their child “may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.”

The letter was sent home with students from Crystal River Primary.

The school board says the letters were sent “out of an abundance of caution.”

If your child has any of the following symptoms they should see a doctor.

Know hepatitis symptoms:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Diarrhea
• No appetite
• Joint pain
• Pale or clay-colored feces
• Dark-colored urine
• Fever
• Fatigue

Know how hepatitis A spreads

Hepatitis A is caused by a contagious virus that infects the liver—it can lead to serious liver problems. The virus spreads through the feces of people who have the virus. If a person with the virus doesn’t wash their hands after going to the bathroom, feces can get on their hands and can transfer to objects, food, and drinks. When these things are shared, other people can unknowingly swallow the virus. If a person who has the virus comes in close contact or touches other people—this includes sex—the virus can also spread.

Oddly enough, the school board does not allow teachers to use Lysol wipes, alcohol-based sanitizers, or other types of cleaners known to kill germs in the classroom. Essentially, leading to germs spreading more rapidly.

The Citrus County Health Department says they recommend students get the Hepatitis A vaccination, although it is not required for school admittance.

WANTED: Thief broke into business, trashed office

Ocala Post

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January 30, 2020

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WANTED: Thief broke into business, trashed office

The Ocala Police Department needs the public’s help with locating a thief who burglarized a business on East Silver Springs Boulevard on January 20, 2020.

According to detectives, the criminal gained entry to the business by pushing the air-conditioning unit through the wall.

The man then entered the building through the hole in the wall and trashed the office.

If you have information pertaining to this case or know the identity of this individual please contact Detective Morales at 352-369-7000 ref case# 13161.

Marine veteran now on paid leave, superintendent wants him fired for medical marijuana use

Ocala Post

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January 30, 2020

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Marine veteran now on paid leave, superintendent wants him fired for medical marijuana use

On January 28, Marion County School Board members held a meeting in regards to Mike Hickman, the Belleview High School dean and Marine veteran who was suspended without pay for using prescribed marijuana.

Board members said that they made a mistake, but “thought he would be suspended with pay.”

Superintendent Heidi Maier has made her position clear, she feels as though Hickman should be terminated.

The board has now voted to reinstate Hickman’s pay, however, he still remains on leave.

The issue came about when Hickman was injured at the school when breaking up a fight between students.

Hickman, who served in the United States Marine Corps, was prescribed medical marijuana after being diagnosed with PTSD.

Following his injury, he was treated by the district’s worker compensation doctor. The doctor tested Hickman for drugs and reported that he had traces of marijuana in his urine.

Hickman had planned to become the assistant principal and had just spent $10,000 on obtaining his master’s degree.

Hickman’s attorney, Mark Herdman, located in Clearwater, said Superintendent of Schools Heidi Maier did, in fact, recommended Hickman be fired after learning of the urine test results.

President of the teachers union, Mark Avery, said that Hickman was fired for having a legal prescription for medicine proven to absolutely help PTSD. Avery said Hickman only utilize the medical marijuana at home and that, the medicine has never interfered with his abilities to perform his job.

Avery said it all boils down to money and that, school officials are afraid they will lose federal funding if they employ someone who uses medical marijuana.

Hickman’s attorney says that the district had no cause to fire Hickman.

“[Hickman’s] use of the legally prescribed medication had no effect on his ability to perform his job duties and responsibilities,” Herdman said.

The union is demanding that the school district re-evaluate its policy on medical marijuana use, including for children who are forced to be checked out of school by a parent before the child can be given medical marijuana in any form.

Avery said, “I understand that there is federal funding that could be taken, but we do not have any precedent that such funding has ever been taken.” Avery added, “That is the excuse the School Board uses, and the district uses.”

In an email to Ocala Post, Marion County Public School Public Relations Director, Kevin Christian, wrote, “It is an interesting scenario because you have an employee who is being disciplined for something that is not necessarily against state law but it is against federal law. This puts the school district in a very jeopardized position of losing millions of federal dollars if this is allowed. Our school board also has a strict zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.”

His legal battle is not over yet.

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth