Ocala Post (Ocala News) - Archive

Deputy’s wife breaks her silence, blows the whistle on corrupt sheriff

Ocala Post

-

May 24, 2024

Deputy’s wife breaks her silence, blows the whistle on corrupt sheriff

1 of 5

Note from the editor: This is a perfect example of what Ocala Post has been reporting on for years. Not only the corruption within the CCSO, but also MCSO. MSCO, in particular, makes it extremely difficult to report the corruption because they go to extreme lengths to cover it up and oftentimes withhold vital information from the press. They choose what news agencies they release information to and what agencies can and cannot report the news. The public turns a blind eye to it because they cannot see behind the scenes. The public has been trained to believe that this level of corruption only happens in the movies. Well, guess again. This is not about Right or Left…it is about right and wrong.

******** Continue reading below********

by Michelle Lahera, the wife of Deputy Andy Lahera

This is a very long read, but please read it all the way to the end to understand everything else we’ve been dealing with as far as the Sheriff’s Office is concerned – on top of the accident:

One year ago today, our lives changed forever. It was a normal morning as Andy and I were both hustling to get to work. Our morning routine was to kiss each other goodbye, wish each other a great day, and say we would see each other later. Well, that later never came.

Andy reminded me that he was going to be late because he was working at Lecanto High School’s graduation. I said OK, I’ll stay at school a little later and get my end-of-year gifts and party set up for the next day. Once I was done, I went home and waited for Andy.

At 9:05 pm, I received a message asking if Andy was ok. I said yes, he was working on the graduation. At the same time, I received a phone call asking the same, to which my answer was once again yes. But just in case, I texted Andy to make sure.

No answer. I called Andy. No answer. Now I started panicking. I called my son Nicholas and told him I think your dad was in an accident, not realizing at that moment how bad things really were.

Let me back up for a minute. A school official had said that he didn’t want the side gate opened, but a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Captain was heard over the walkie talkie, and in front of several witnesses, saying that he didn’t want to be stuck there all night and that he wanted to hurry up and get home.

So Andy was placed there to direct traffic and the Captain never made it home early that night.

The Captain can happily go on with his life, take vacations with his family, enjoy holidays with his family, and spend time at home with his family, but our family is forever broken and will never be the same again because he was in such a rush to get home that night.

Unfortunately, Andy never got to come home.

As a result, now I’m never home because after my job at school each day I drive almost two hours one way to be by my husband’s side in a facility while he fights to try to relearn everything due to his traumatic brain injury.

Our boys are never home because, instead of coming home, they are forced to visit their dad in a facility. They spent last Father’s Day sitting in an ICU watching their father fight to just stay alive.

You have no idea how hard it is to watch the strongest man I have ever known try to just barely lift his arm. You have no idea how hard it is to sit next to him while he tries so hard to do tasks that we don’t even think about. You have no idea how many times a day I cry and how many times I ask God to just take me because I can’t stand to see Andy like this.

I live in a constant state of panic, fear, and anxiety. I have nothing left to lose anymore. They have taken everything from me. The worst thing you can say to me is: “I can’t even imagine,” because I can’t even imagine either, and I’m living this nightmare every single day.

So if you’re thinking, “WOW, hang on because it keeps getting better,” – on July 27, 2023, just two short months after Andy’s accident, I reached out to the Sheriff’s Office about filling out the open enrollment for insurance.

Andy carries the boys on his policy, along with life insurance for himself. Long story short, because it is a LOOOONG story, I walk into HR and notice more people than I expected, one especially a high-ranking member of the command staff.

So, I think it’s odd that this many people are there just for me to sign insurance paperwork, but I go in nonetheless.

We go through all of the policies Andy had, and I sign the paperwork. Then the high-ranking official says, “There’s something else we need to discuss.”

Now I’m thinking, “What more do we need to discuss?” and the official proceeded to tell me that if Andy can’t return to work within six months of his accident, which would be Nov. 10, 2023, the Sheriff’s Office would be “SEPARATING” from him.

It took me a minute to process what the official was saying and I’m sure they could see that by the look on my face. So then I say, “Are you telling me Andy will no longer be employed?”

The response was yes. It was literally as if someone took a knife and shoved it right through my heart. My husband, who has dedicated 15 loyal years to the Sheriff’s Office, who was literally still fighting for his life, due to no fault of his own, but simply because he was doing his job, and they tell me they will be “SEPARATING” from him?

Once I got back into my car, I called Nicholas, and just began sobbing! I was completely blindsided by them because I thought I was just going in to sign open enrollment paperwork to keep his health insurance and his life insurance.

This conversation also included the fact that Andy would no longer be getting paid from the Sheriff’s Office because Workman’s Compensation would be taking over and that it will only pay 66 percent of his income.

Because Andy had sick time and PTO, I could use those to supplement his insurance until they ran out, and then I would have to call the companies on my own to see if I could continue paying privately.

I know many of you have been told that the Sheriff is paying 100 percent of Andy’s payroll, but that is not true.

Well, that entire conversation obviously didn’t sit well with me, so I told everyone I knew, and anyone that would listen, what was happening to us, all while we were still trying to just make it through one day at a time.

n n n

On Aug. 5, 2023, while Nicholas, a family friend/ advocate, and I, were sitting with Andy at his Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH), I received a phone call from a high-ranking official, which I answered on speaker phone so that everyone, including any hospital staff that might be near, could hear.

The official began the phone call by asking if I was in town or out and about. I said that if I’m not at work, I’m with Andy.

As the official began speaking, I started taking notes and I’m glad I did. The official said they wanted to ask about rumors they were hearing.

I stopped her and asked if they weren’t separating from Andy, to which the official replied, we are.

So, I said, “Then they’re not rumors, but the exact words that came straight out of your mouth.”

They then said that they were hurt that I was telling people these things.

HURT?! They said several times that I should communicate with her and not vent to others.

The high-ranking official then proceeded to tell me that this is a business. To which I replied that my husband is NOT a business!

The official said I was being too emotional. REALLY! As you can imagine, at this point, I was getting extremely irritated and said, not very calmly, that they go home to their spouse at night and the Sheriff goes home to his wife, but I go to a hospital every night.

The high-ranking official then said, “We’ve been here since day one.”

I replied, “Well, I would hope so because he’s your employee and you put him in this situation.”

That is/was correct.

Back then, the official and the Sheriff would drive to Tampa together (to see Andy) every time they came down, every so often, spend about an hour or so, and then leave.

But once they realized that Andy wasn’t going to just come out of it like we were hoping, that is when they started becoming more distant from us.

I then brought up the fact that we had deputies with Andy since this happened, but as soon as I went back to work they pulled all deputies from sitting with him without even the common courtesy of giving me a heads-up.

After my first day back at work, I drove down to the LTACH, and a CCSO deputy was with him. He asked me if I knew that there would no longer be any deputies with him.

I said I had no idea that they pulled the deputies. I still don’t understand why they never told me and why they would do that when this was the most important time to have them there because I couldn’t be there.

At this point my friend took the phone from me and The high-ranking official said to her, “What does she want?”

My friend said she wants insurance for her husband and her boys and life insurance for her husband because we don’t know what’s to come.

NOW HERE’S THE BEST LINE OF THAT CONVERSATION: The high-ranking official said, “If we did this for him, we’d have to do it for everyone,” and then compared Andy’s injury to a broken ankle.

I screamed, “Then do it for everyone!”

The official said they had to see what the Sheriff wanted to do.

By the way, if you didn’t already know, the Sheriff writes his own policy, to include catastrophic injury, and can decide how he wants to take care of his deputies.

A few days later I received a call from a high-ranking official asking if I could come in and who would I be bringing with me.

On Sept. 5, my family friend/ advocate and I went to the Sheriff’s Office, and we had Nicholas on speakerphone. This time there were only three people who met with us.

Neither The high-ranking official nor Prendergast were there. They said that the Sheriff has agreed to extend our separation until August 2024 and we will revisit it at that time.

Well, August also happens to be the primary.

The last time Prendergast and I actually spoke on the phone was in November of 2023 when I was already in Georgia.

I made sure to text him with every single move we made so that he would know what was happening with his employee since he, the Sheriff, was no longer asking.

The last text I sent to him was when we were back in Florida and that we were limiting visitors at that time so Andy could get acclimated.

Other than that phone conversation in November, the last time Prendergast called me was in January of 2024.

Since I couldn’t answer because I was in therapy with Andy, I called him back and left a message. A few days later, he called back. Once again, I was in therapy with Andy and called him back afterward. I left a message stating that I can’t answer when I’m in therapy with Andy and to call me back anytime after 4 pm.

I have never heard from him since. He has cut all ties with us.

Everyone always talks about the police brotherhood. You know where I felt that? In Georgia, by strangers who immediately took us in as one of their own, and cared for us.

I was also hurt to learn that the Sheriff didn’t show up for the BBQ fundraiser that Leon McClellan and Joe Faherty hosted and then come to find out he encouraged his deputies not to support it.

Why? Why would you do that? Why create a divide that isn’t necessary during an already tragic time?

I guess we’ll have to wait and see what the Sheriff decides Andy’s fate will be in August.

I truly hope that none of you are ever in the situation that we are in. Every day is a struggle. And unless you have been through this yourself, you really can’t understand it.

I never could have imagined that our lives could be so shattered. We are the ones left here to pick up all the pieces.

I hope you now understand why I continuously ask that Andy not be forgotten, because it seems as though he already has been by the very people who caused this.

It’s as if he never existed. I don’t care if they don’t check in on me and the boys, but for God’s sake, check in on Andy!

I have lost all respect for so many people and am disgusted by how they are treating their employees.

I watched the May 14th County Commissioners meeting and heard the Sheriff fighting hard for more deputies, yet my husband lies in a hospital bed without any consideration.

Prendergast has absolutely no clue how Andy is doing. That’s absolutely heartbreaking to me.

He spoke about these amazing men and women who put their lives on the line every day for their community. Well, my husband did too, and yet he has forgotten him.

Will Andy only be remembered in the time of his passing? That’s not good enough for me!

You know, at first, I was extremely impressed with how involved the Sheriff was with us and I thought he genuinely cared, but as it seems to be with everything else, I’m sure there was an ulterior motive.

Let Andy’s story be a true testament to what’s really going on.

My husband has worked his ass off to become a deputy. When he didn’t think he could pass the physical fitness aspect of the academy, he pushed himself harder.

When he wanted to apply for the Sergeant’s position, he went back to school in his late 40s to earn his degree. When Parkland happened, he gave up his detective and hostage negotiation positions to become a school resource officer to keep the kids in our county safe.

All I am asking for is to give Andy the respect that he has rightfully earned and deserves.

I implore you to put yourselves in our shoes for even just a moment and imagine if this was your husband, father, or son before you speak or share your opinions with anyone.

We’re not interested in your “medical diagnosis.” We are navigating this the best we know how because we were never prepared for something like this.

We don’t need opinions, advice, or sympathy, we just need a lot of grace and prayers, please.

I will continue to sit by my husband’s side until God decides otherwise. Every night I tell him how sorry I am that this happened to him and how he didn’t deserve this.

When I die, I truly believe that it will be of a broken heart, but, until then, I will protect him until my very last breath.

All Andy was doing was what he was told to do that night, his job, and he was hurt IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

Thank you to those deputies who had checked in on us and those who continue to do so.

To our amazing community: We are so grateful for all of the support you have shown us over this unbearable year.

All I have ever wanted and will continue to ask for is to please pray for Andy.

Ocala Post, a Subsidiary of Jaguar Media Holdings, LLC, is working with the family to accept donations. These donations will go directly to the family to assist in their time of need.

Letter to the Editor: MCSO caused me to lose my career, insurance, and livelihood.

Lawsuit filed against Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, disobeyed Supreme Court ruling

Marion County Jail on ICE’s Declined Detainer Outcome Report

Deputy shot neighbor’s dog, laughed about it, says woman

Ocala Post

-

May 15, 2024

7

Deputy shot neighbor’s dog, laughed about it, says woman

Inverness — Diane Stanley says that May 11 started as a normal day for her and her family, but around dinner time everything turned tragic.

Stanely said that her husband was outside preparing dinner with their dog Halo when the dog snuck over to their neighbor’s house, owned by Citrus County Deputy Jacob Chenoweth.

The dog then got under the fence and onto Chenoweth’s property.

Stanley said that Deputy Chenoweth had threatened many times to shoot their dog.

On May 11, as Halo tried to escape back under the fence to go home, Chenoweth shot the small dog twice in the chest while Stanley’s children looked on.

The family became hysterical.

Article continued below

citrus county deputy, shot dog, citrus gazette — Halo (deceased) and Deputy Chenoweth

Stanley said that Chenoweth showed no remorse and even laughed after he shot the dog.

“My children, my husband, and myself are devastated,” Stanley wrote in a post. “How can you be so heartless to do that to a loving animal.”

A neighbor who sided with Chenoweth said the dog had been known to get out and go onto Chenoweth’s property. Even alleging that the dog bites. However, other neighbors say the dog was friendly and always wanted to play. Some said Halo could be excited but was harmless.

Stanley said that Chenoweth, through his own comments had been looking for a reason to shoot their dog.

In an email to Citrus Gazette, an unnamed source who said they used to work with Chenoweth, said he has been known to have the “I can do what I want because I’m a cop” mentality. “He has always been a smug person, but he has gotten worse as a deputy.”

Stanely called the sheriff’s office, however, she said they sided with Deputy Chenoweth.

In an email statement, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, Community Relations Specialist, Madeline Scarborough, wrote, “A deputy with the Citrus County Sheriff’s office was dispatched on Saturday to Slate Street in Inverness in reference to a call for shots fired with a deceased canine. The responding deputy did generate a report to document the incident. However, the report is still under review at this time.”

This is not the first time a Citrus County deputy has shot and killed a dog.

In 2011, Deputy Nick Hesse shot and killed a Jack Russell that belonged to Inverness resident, Nancy Blackwell.

Blackwell was home with her two small dogs when the deputy approached her residence. The two dogs saw the deputy and ran to the screen door. When one of the Jack Russells breached the screen, the deputy backed up, drew his gun, and shot the dog dead.

The deputy, with no body camera to back up his statement, said that he felt threatened because the Jack Russell named Princess seemed aggressive and was running toward him.

At that time, Blackwell was crying and asked, “How can you be scared of a lap dog?”

In 2012, four months after the incident, Deputy Hesse was disciplined, reassigned, and ordered to undergo further training.

As for Halo, Stanley said that she wants Deputy Chenoweth to pay for his actions and is demanding change.

Man who caused crash that killed 8 migrant workers has lengthly conviction record

Rebecca Long

-

May 15, 2024

4

1 of 9

At approximately 6:37 a.m. on May 14, 2024, Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to reports of a bus rollover at the intersection of West Highway 40 & SW 148th Court in Marion County.

Meadowood Farms Station #12 arrived on the scene at 6:46 a.m. to find a bus rolled over with multiple casualties. Engine 12 immediately requested additional resources.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 2010 International Bus transporting approximately 53 farm workers collided in a sideswiped manner with a 2001 Ford Ranger Truck.

FHP said the bus traveled off the roadway, went through a fence, and overturned.

A total of 53 patients were involved, with 8 of them being declared deceased by MCFR Paramedics on scene. A total of 45 patients were transported to local area hospitals: 8 in critical condition and 29 with non-life-threatening injuries.

FHP investigators said the bus was carrying migrant farm workers.

The Florida Highway Patrol told Ocala Post Tuesday that investigators had made an arrest in a bus crash that left eight people dead and 38 others injured.

According to reports, shortly after 1:45 p.m., FHP arrested Bryan Maclean Howard. He was the driver of the 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck that caused the fatal accident Tuesday morning.

Howard has been charged with eight counts of DUI manslaughter.

According to state records, Howard has been convicted 20 times since 2003. He has charges such as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Drugs, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving on a Suspended License (x3), Careless Driving, Grand Theft, DUI, Dealing in Stolen Property, Multiple Traffic Convictions, and was sued in 2001 after causing a crash that seriously injured another person.

Ocala Post also learned that Howard had wrapped his mother’s car around a tree just three days prior to the May 14 crash.

Initially, Ocala Post was told that Howard had been drinking. Later, it was stated that he was “impaired.”

When asked how Howard was “impaired,” FHP said that Howard’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, and added that his speech was slurred.

Additionally, FHP said Howard admitted to smoking marijuana oil with his friend the night before and took prescription medications before he went to bed.

Howard said on the day of the crash he was “driving extra carefully” after totaling his mom’s car.

Howard told FHP he was on his way to a methadone clinic in Ocala because of a “chipped vertebrae in his back.”

Drunk charged with 8 counts of DUI manslaughter after crash

Ocala Post

-

May 14, 2024

1

crash, 8 killed, ocala news — Bryan Maclean Howard

Ocala, Florida — The Florida Highway Patrol told Ocala Post Tuesday that investigators had made an arrest in a bus crash that left eight people dead and 38 others injured.

According to reports, shortly after 1:45 p.m., FHP arrested Bryan Maclean Howard. He was the driver of the 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck that caused the fatal accident Tuesday morning.

Howard has been charged with eight counts of DUI manslaughter.

At approximately 6:37 a.m. Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to reports of a bus rollover at the intersection of West Highway 40 & SW 148th Court in Marion County.

Meadowood Farms Station #12 arrived on the scene at 6:46 a.m. to find a bus rolled over with multiple casualties. Engine 12 immediately requested additional resources.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 2010 International Bus transporting approximately 46 farm workers collided in a sideswiped manner with a 2001 Ford Ranger Truck.

FHP said the bus traveled off the roadway, went through a fence, and overturned.

A total of 46 patients were involved, with 8 of them being declared deceased by MCFR Paramedics on scene. A total of 38 patients were transported to local area hospitals: 8 in critical condition and 30 with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Today, we faced a tragic incident on West Highway 40 in Ocala with a devastating bus wreck. It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the loss of eight lives,” stated Fire Chief James Banta. “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the 35 MCFR units that promptly responded to the emergency. I also want to thank our partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, HCA Ocala, Advent Health Ocala, and the Marion County Public School system for their invaluable assistance in transporting 45 patients to local hospitals. Their coordinated efforts were crucial in managing this crisis.”

FHP said the agency will release the identities of those killed in the crash once next of kin have been notified.

1 of 7

Red Lobster closing many locations, including Leesburg

Ocala Post

-

May 14, 2024

2

Leesburg – Red Lobster announced it is closing several locations across the United States this week after it announced weeks ago the company was filing for bankruptcy.

Bloomberg reported in April that the restaurant was heavily considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy to renegotiate some leases and address other long-term contracts and rising labor costs.

This week, Liquidator TAGeX Brands announced it is holding one of the largest online restaurant auctions ever held due to Red Lobster restaurants closing in 21 states, including Florida.

The auctions run through Thursday and include fixtures, furniture, and kitchen equipment.

Red Lobster locations closing in Tampa

17021 Palm Pointe Drive, Tampa
2625 East Busch Blvd., Tampa
10500 E. Ulmerton Road, Largo

Red Lobster locations closing in Florida

Altamonte Springs: 340 West SR 436
Daytona Beach Shores: 3162 S Atlantic Ave.
Gainesville: 6910 W. Newberry Road
Hialeah: 1750 W 49th St.
Jacksonville: 13090 City Station Drive
Jacksonville: 416 Commerce Center Drive
Jacksonville: 8720 Baymeadows Road
Jensen Beach: 3544 NW Federal Hwy.
Kissimmee: 4010 West Vine St.
Leesburg: 10010 US Highway 441
Orlando: 3552 E. Colonial Drive
Orlando: 7373 W Colonial Drive
Orlando: 8003 Golden Sky Lane
Sanford: 20 Towne Center Circle

Signs on the door of some Red Lobster locations with empty parking lots, including the one in Leesburg, read, “This location is closed. We look forward to serving you at another Red Lobster in the future.”

8 dead, many others injured following bus rollover

Ocala Post

-

May 14, 2024

1

1 of 7

Marion County — At approximately 6:37 a.m. Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to reports of a bus rollover at the intersection of West Highway 40 & SW 148th Court in Marion County.

Meadowood Farms Station #12 arrived on the scene at 6:46 a.m. to find a bus rolled over with multiple casualties. Engine 12 immediately requested additional resources.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, for unknown reasons, a 2010 International Bus transporting approximately 46 farm workers collided in a sideswiped manner with a 2001 Ford Ranger Truck.

FHP said the bus traveled off the roadway, went through a fence, and overturned.

A total of 46 patients were involved, with 8 of them being declared deceased by MCFR Paramedics on scene. A total of 38 patients were transported to local area hospitals: 8 in critical condition and 30 with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Today, we faced a tragic incident on West Highway 40 in Ocala with a devastating bus wreck. It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the loss of eight lives,” stated Fire Chief James Banta. “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the 35 MCFR units that promptly responded to the emergency. I also want to thank our partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, HCA Ocala, Advent Health Ocala, and the Marion County Public School system for their invaluable assistance in transporting 45 patients to local hospitals. Their coordinated efforts were crucial in managing this crisis.”

Eastbound on S.R. 40: Take U.S. 41 Northbound to West C.R. 328, then head East on West C.R. 328 back to S.R. 40.

Westbound on S.R. 40: Take West C.R. 328 Westbound to U.S. 41, then go South on U.S. 41 back to S.R. 40.

The crash did not involve a Marion Count School bus.

UPDATE – UPDATE – UPDATE

National Weather Service alert: Tornado watch for following counties

Ocala Post

-

May 14, 2024

1

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm and tornado watch for the following counties (this includes inner cities within the listed counties):

ALACHUA              BAKER               BRADFORD
CITRUS               CLAY                COLUMBIA
DUVAL                FLAGLER             GILCHRIST
HAMILTON             HERNANDO            LEVY
MARION               NASSAU              PUTNAM
ST. JOHNS            SUMTER              SUWANNEE

The watch will remain in effect until 1 p.m.

This thunderstorm could produce lightning, hail, flooding, and damaging winds. Be sure to secure any loose yard debris or lawn furniture.

Power outages could also occur.

Facts about cicadas

Ocala Post

-

May 13, 2024

0

There is a lot of misinformation being spread through social media about the “invasion of cicadas.” Many of the posts have been written by people who are clearly not from Florida.

Here are the facts

Two types of cicadas commonly exist in the Eastern United States: annual cicadas, which emerge every year, and periodical cicadas, which emerge every 13 or 17 years.

In May and June of 2021, periodical cicadas are expected to emerge in Washington, DC, and 15 states in the Eastern U.S. to mate and lay eggs. This group (or brood) of cicadas is called Brood X (i.e., Brood 10). The cicadas will only be active aboveground for about eight weeks.

Cicadas are not harmful to humans, pets, household gardens, or crops.

Periodical cicada adults are about 1-1.5 inches long and have a wingspan twice that length. They have black bodies, large red-brown eyes, and membranous wings with orange veins. Cicadas are often noticed due to adult males’ loud courting sounds.

Benefits of Cicadas

Cicadas are not dangerous and can provide some environmental benefits including:

Cicadas are a valuable food source for birds and other predators.
Cicadas can aerate lawns and improve water filtration into the ground.
Cicadas add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.

Managing Cicadas

Below are tips for managing cicadas for the short period of time they are above ground.

No need to spray! Pesticides are generally ineffective in keeping cicadas away. So many cicadas emerge at once that more will inevitably move in. Spraying also doesn’t make sense because cicadas are generally harmless. Applying pesticides to control cicadas may harm other organisms, including animals that eat cicadas. Pesticides can be harmful to other non-target, beneficial insects. Pets and people may also be unnecessarily exposed to pesticides.

Cicadas do not bite or sting. Cicadas are not poisonous or venomous and are eaten by many organisms.

Cicadas are not dangerous to pets

If dogs or cats eat many cicadas, this may temporarily cause an upset stomach or vomiting, but there is no need to worry if a pet eats a small number of cicadas.

Take simple steps to protect young trees. Young trees may need protection from cicadas. Cover them in mesh or netting with ¼-inch or smaller openings. This will protect against damage that could occur when cicadas deposit their eggs in small tree branches. Cicadas cannot harm larger, more established trees.

Cicadas will go away! Cicadas will not eat leaves, flowers, fruits, or garden produce, so it is not necessary to take special precautions to cover or apply additional insecticides in your garden. Above ground, adult cicadas only consume small amounts of sap from trees and shrubs.

Background Information on Cicadas

Periodical cicadas are known for their highly synchronized life cycles.

Those emerging in 2021 have lived underground for 17 years.

During the final molt of their exoskeleton, immature cicadas (i.e., nymphs) construct a tunnel through which they emerge from the ground. They will then molt into adults, leaving the nymphal exoskeleton behind, often attached to a tree.

The adults climb into trees and shrubs and mate. Females deposit their eggs onto small twigs (pencil diameter to ½ inch). The nymphs will hatch from these eggs after 6 weeks and fall to the ground. They will then burrow into the soil and begin feeding on roots of trees and shrubs to restart the cicada lifecycle.

People might notice that the most extreme tips of tree branches, where small twigs are found, have leaves that turn brown in the middle of summer. This is often an indication that a female cicada has laid eggs in that twig. This type of twig dieback caused by cicadas is called “flagging.” Cicadas are not typically considered destructive pests to trees or shrubs.

Postal Service denies mail to Citrus County neighborhood

Ocala Post

-

May 10, 2024

2

Postal Service denies mail to Citrus County neighborhood

Citrus County — Inverness Village 4, a Citrus County neighborhood, has now been denied mail delivery due to the condition of the roads.

USPS sent out a letter to residents. In the letter, they describe the roads as impassable.

According to neighbors, the development was built with no drainage and roads were never installed even though the streets have been deemed as public.

Residents say the roads are worse than a sandy beach.

Homeowners are frustrated because the builder is pointing the finger at the county and vice versa. Van Der Valk Construction built many of the homes in the area. The construction company says it is not their responsibility.

County Commissioner Holly Davis said any further discussion about the neighborhood will not go to her.

Davis, said, “I’m done.”

Davis said her “toolbox” is empty at this point.

In a statement, USPS, said, “Until the roads are fixed all residents must pick up their mail at the Interview Post Office on Hwy. 41.

Residents say they won’t hold their breath because the county has done nothing to help anyone at this point.

Records show that the roads are public and are supposed to be maintained by the county.

Tractor-trailer full of watermelons goes up in flames

Ocala Post

-

May 6, 2024

1

1 of 6

On May 6, at approximately 5:00 a.m., Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) units were dispatched to mile marker 356 Southbound, I-75, in reference to a semi-tractor trailer fire.

The 911 caller reported that the semi’s rear tires caught fire and that the fire was quickly spreading through the trailer.

According to officials, the driver of the semi was able to detach the cab and pull away before the fire could spread to the rig.

By the time MCFR Lowell Engine Company #11 arrived on the scene, the trailer was fully engulfed with flames.

The trailer was hauling watermelons, which were a total loss.

Firefighters called the fire under control at 5:29 a.m., however, they remained on scene until 6:30 a.m. in order to complete extended mop-up operations.

No injuries were reported to firefighters or civilians on the scene.

Units on scene: E11, E20, A105, T9, BC6

Law abiding citizens should be very concerned, law enforcement obtaining your personal information without warrant

Ocala Post

-

May 6, 2024

1

For years, law enforcement has been obtaining your private and personal information from third-party vendors without a warrant.

Typically, if a law enforcement agency were to go directly to the source, such as a cell phone carrier like T-Mobile, or Facebook, they would be required to have a court order to do so. However, law enforcement has been skirting around the warrant by using third-party vendors.

On April 29, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filed a lawsuit for $200 million against T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and other providers for illegally selling personal information including customer location to third-party vendors.

According to the FCC, multiple sheriff’s offices in Florida and other states have used these third parties to illegally obtain personal data.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has been open about obtaining the information and says that it’s a useful tool when working on an investigation.

In 2016, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was in talks with a developer to secretly have a script written that would illegally “scrape” personal information from social media and other platforms.

To protect Floridians from such invasive tactics, Congress is working on an initiative dubbed “The Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale” and has introduced H.R. 4639.

Summary of the Bill

“H.R. 4639 would prohibit law enforcement and intelligence agencies from purchasing personal information about customers or subscribers of electronic and remote computing service providers (for example, social media, cell phone, email, and cloud-computing companies) from a third party. Current law prohibits those entities from disclosing such information, which includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and locations, directly to government agencies without a court order. However, those companies are permitted to voluntarily disclose such information to third parties, which can then provide it to the government. H.R. 4639 would require a law enforcement or intelligence agency to obtain a court order before acquiring customer or subscriber information from a third party. Under the bill, any information purchased from a third party would be inadmissible as evidence in court.”

Supporters of the bill say that Florida residents must vote “Yes” if they want to prohibit government agencies from illegally acquiring their personal information.

According to law enforcement, the information is only used against those who break the law, however, that is a false statement. Third parties say the illegal information is sold mostly in bulk to those willing to pay for it. Ironically, it is the law breaking the law to obtain the information.

In 2020, Ocala Post reported a story in which a Gainesville, FL man, Zachary McCoy, was falsely accused of a crime after the Gainesville Police Department had illegally obtained his information from a third party. The police department used his Google location to track the man to an area where burglaries had been occurring. As it turned out, the man had only been riding his bike in the vicinity.

According to reports, it was Google who called McCoy and told him that authorities had obtained his information and were asking questions. McCoy’s attorney said that he was able to get ahead of the police because Google did the right thing by tipping off McCoy. He said otherwise, McCoy might have been railroaded.

Attornies say there have been hundreds of cases in Florida where law enforcement has attempted to arrest someone based on location information that had been purchased from a third party.

At that time, McCoy said, “I had not done anything wrong and I was hit with a really deep fear knowing that police had the ability to abuse their power.”

Those who sponsored bill H.R. 4639 say that law enforcement and other government agencies are supposed to follow the law and protect the Fourth Amendment, not violate it. Supporters say that law enforcement is trying to mislead the public by telling them that the bill hurts victims, when, in fact, it protects innocent people from becoming victims of corrupt government.

Sheriff Judd sees it differently.

He said, “The ‘Fourth Amendment is not for Sale Act’ is another step in the wrong direction. If this bill passes, it will allow crime to go UP and our ability to arrest bad guys to go down. Law enforcement officers need every tool available – and quickly – when they are searching for criminals and trying to find missing people. When it comes to keeping people safe, time is always of the essence. Urge your local congressmen and women to vote against this bill, and help law enforcement continue to fight crime and keep people safe.”

In 2013, Google demanded that government officials in the White House reform the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) by making it mandatory for the government to require a warrant prior to reading citizen’s e-mails and using tracking information.

Whichever way you fall, remember to vote.

Google continues to slap down The National Sheriffs’ Association

Google Fighting Nosey Government

Woman says she should be entitled to a job, blames Americans

Ocala Post

-

April 30, 2024

2

Woman says she should be entitled to a job, blames Americans

A woman with face tattoos and a dozen face piercings turned to social media to express her anger after being denied a job.

Ash O’Brien (Putnam) says that she applied to TJ Maxx and was turned down due to her tattoos and piercings. TJ Maxx denies that her tattoos had anything to do with her not getting the job.

O’Brien, stated, “I applied to TJ Maxx a few weeks ago and they denied my application. They couldn’t even call me. They just sent me some automated email.”

She said she was annoyed at the situation and went to TJ Maxx to confront the manager.

“So went in today and I was like, ‘What was the reason I didn’t get hired?’ And she was like, ‘Oh, like you just don’t have enough experience. There [were] candidates that had more experience than you,” O’Brien said in a video she posted to social media.

“I asked her if it was ‘cause of my tattoos, ‘cause obviously a lot of places don’t like tattoos,” she stated. “[TJ Maxx] said that wasn’t the reason. I don’t feel like that’s true but whatever I’ll leave it at that.”

O’Brien went on to say, “I wanna know if I’m the only one experiencing this or not. I hate that my tattoos are such a defining factor for me getting a job or not. Like, just because I have tattoos doesn’t mean I’m not gonna be a good worker… I do not understand that at all because quite literally some of the most smart, intelligent people I’ve ever met are people with tattoos and piercings.”

She said that in other countries people with tattoos get hired easily.

“Has America not got on the bandwagon, yet?” she asked.

She said now she plans to create an Only Fans account to make money.

Delectable dishes and friendly faces at Naha Sushi

Ocala Post

-

April 30, 2024

0

Delectable dishes and friendly faces at Naha Sushi

Crystal River — In a family-friendly environment where the food is always prepared with the freshest of ingredients, awaits some of the freshest hibachi-style food Crystal River has to offer.

The owners of Naha Sushi, located at 2010 SE US Hwy 19 unit 1, pride themselves on great food, and service, and promise to always make you feel like family.

But in the kitchen of this restaurant lurks something much larger than the smiles of the staff.

Article continued below

It’s a delight that will surely satisfy anyone’s tastebuds.

What is this delight? It is the various delectable dishes of real, fresh sushi made with the freshest of ingredients.

From cooked sushi to raw sushi, Naha has something for everyone and it’s always cooked to order.

This restaurant indeed has friendly faces and delicious food at reasonable prices. But don’t take our word for it, give this local family-owned restaurant a try. You will be glad you did.

If you visit Naha, please share your photos with Ocala Post.

You can view their full menu here.

Multi-vehicle crash on I-75 crash leaves one seriously injured

Ocala Post

-

April 29, 2024

0

Multi-vehicle crash on I-75 crash leaves one seriously injured

1 of 3

At approximately 3:30 p.m., crews from Alachua County and High Springs Fire Rescue responded to I-75 southbound at Mile Marker 396 in regards to a multiple-vehicle accident with entrapment.

According to FHP, one person was seriously injured. Several others suffered minor injuries.

The accident happened when a 43-year-old Orlando man driving a 2019 Chevrolet 3500 southbound on I-75, in the center lane attempted to pass a Suburban pulling a trailer with a car loaded on it.

The 3500 clipped the car trailer and both traveled in a westerly direction until the pickup struck a 2016 Volvo semi-truck. The semi was disabled on the side of the road and being worked on by a mechanic.

The driver of the pickup truck and his passenger, a 40-year-old man, received minor injuries.

The suburban, driven by a 27-year-old man and two passengers, a 21-year-old woman and her 1-year-old baby, received minor injuries. The fourth passenger in the SUV, a 40-year-old woman, was seriously injured.

Sheriff Prendergast a no show, new ordinance will increase taxes

Ocala Post

-

April 29, 2024

0

Sheriff Prendergast a no show, new ordinance will increase taxes

Sheriff Mike Prendergast, citrus county news, school threats — File photo-Sheriff Mike Prendergast

Citrus County — For years, the budget allocated for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office has come from the county’s general fund.

The sheriff’s office budget makes up approximately 47 percent of ad valorem taxes collected by the county.

County commissioners voted to hire a legal firm that will draft an ordinance to create a municipal service taxing unit (MSTU).

The MSTU will separate the sheriff’s budget from the county’s ad valorem collections. The MSTU would also make Sheriff Mike Prendergast more accountable to the public since the budget would be more transparent. Prendergast will now have to be very clear about why he wants budget increases, present those requests for public comment, and convince the public that the increase is needed.

Commissioners will still be responsible for approving the budget.

The MSTU will also increase taxes for Citrus County residents. Every time the sheriff’s office asks for a budget increase and it’s approved, the MSTU will go up. Ergo, your tax bill will increase.

On Monday, April 29, 2024, Commissioners agreed to meet with Prendergast to discuss the budget, however, the sheriff nor his staff bothered to show up to the meeting.

Commissioner Ruthie Schlabach made it clear that Prendergast’s no-show would make negotiations impossible.

Others say this is typical of the sheriff when he doesn’t get his way.

Prendergast has attempted to make it appear to the public that commissioners do not support the sheriff, but Schlabach said that is the farthest thing from the truth. She said every single commissioner supports the sheriff.

Many have turned to Facebook in frustration with the sheriff.

In one Facebook comment, Angela Sykes, wrote, “The lack of transparency is typical with our sheriff. The fact that he refuses cameras to be used in patrol cars and by deputies should tell the public a lot. There is no accountability.”

Sheriff Prendergast refuses to require deputies to use body cameras or dash cams

Commissioners cave in fear of being sued, approve more land to be destroyed

Ocala Post

-

April 24, 2024

1

Marion County — Out of fear of being sued, Marion County commissioners approved a request to rezone over 22 acres of land next to On Top of the World, located at 8441 SW 9th Street, Ocala.

The land will now be overdeveloped with a 312-unit apartment complex and will sit right next to the retirement community. The complex is being built by Continental Properties.

Tillman and Associates, LLC requested a public hearing on the issue on behalf of landowners and On Top of the World Communities, LLC.

During the meeting, commissioners admitted they approved the deal out of fear of being sued by the developer.

Residents feel that the complex is not a fit for the area.

County Commissioner Michelle Stone is the only commissioner who agreed with residents.

The development is expected to substantially impact the area negatively.

Unlike other counties, Marion County does not attempt to protect land.

Instead, the county allows for the over-development of structures such as gas stations, storage units, and car washes.

The county has received hundreds of letters of opposition to the development.

However, in the end, the concerns of those who live nearby did not matter.

After five hours of comments, the commission voted in favor of Continental Properties.

READ MORE ABOUT MARION COUNTY CORRUPTION BELOW

Marion County Fire Rescue & Marion County Sheriff’s Office, railroaded by county leaders

Corruption in your backyard: Lawsuit filed against the BCC

Marion County Board Of County Commissioners corruption/conflict of interest

As the murder rate rises, the investigation continues after two found shot to death

Ocala Post

-

April 24, 2024

0

As the murder rate rises, the investigation continues after two found shot to death

Ocala, Florida — As the murder/homicide rate in Marion County continues to rise, another deadly shooting is being investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation continues after Marion County Sheriff’s detectives were notified of the shooting deaths of two people whose bodies were found inside an Ocala residence on April 21.

The bodies were discovered in the 3000 block of Southeast 132nd Place.

The deceased were identified as 37-year-old Erica Brooks, and James Marean, 64.

At this time, authorities have not released any further information.

Local law enforcement would like Marion County residents to believe the crime rate is down, however, statistics show the opposite.

According to FDLE, the murder rate in Marion County increased from 4.1 percent (13 murders) in 2022 to 6.4 percent (21 murders) in 2023.

Ocala is currently listed in the top 20 in the state of Florida for most violent cities. Orlando comes in as number two and Miami Beach is number one.

FDLE: Crime rates for Ocala/Marion County show a decrease because of the 2020 lockdown, presented to the public under false pretenses

Semi-driver saved three children, two others dead

Ocala Post

-

April 24, 2024

0

Semi-driver saved three children, two others dead

Marion County — The Florida Highway Patrol said two people were killed and three children were taken to Shands following a Wednesday morning crash.

The accident occurred on I-75 in Marion County at mile marker 365, which is just south of County Road 318.

FHP said the crash happened after a minivan clipped the left front of a semi. The driver of the minivan then lost control, went off the highway, slammed into two trees, and burst into flames.

The semi-driver was able to pull the children from the burning van, however, they suffered serious injuries.

The semi-driver was not injured.

Police officer shot himself following chase

Ocala Post

-

April 24, 2024

0

A Washington state police officer who was on the run after killing his ex-wife and his underage girlfriend shot himself in the head Tuesday following a high-speed chase.

Elias Huizar, 39, was under investigation after he was accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl who was unconscious following a night of drinking. Additionally, Huizar was under investigation for having a relationship with a 17-year-old girl with whom he had gotten pregnant.

Huizar was on the run after kidnapping his 1-year-old son. Authorities said he was headed to Mexico.

Huizar was spotted driving southbound on Interstate 5 in Oregon Tuesday and fled after a trooper tried to pull him over.

According to reports, troopers chased Huizar’s vehicle at high speeds and exchanged gunfire with him during the pursuit. The chase came to an end when Huizar slammed into a truck that had been involved in another accident.

When troopers attempted to make contact with Huizar, he shot himself in the head while his 1-year-old son watched.

On Monday, Huizar shot his ex-wife, Amber Marie Rodriguez, outside William Wiley Elementary School in front of their 9-year-old son. Rodriguez was shot eight times. Rodriguez had a restraining order against Huizar.

Huizar’s 17-year-old girlfriend was found dead inside his South Highlands Boulevard home Monday evening. Authorities believe Huizar had been having sex with the 17-year-old since she was 11.

People who knew Huizar posted on Facebook that they could never understand how he became a cop because he always had a temper and was known for liking young girls. Huizar also used to work for the Richland School District. The school district had recommended Huizar to the Yakima Police Department.

Huizar was accused of raping another teen while he was married. His wife divorced him in 2020 and immediately filed a restraining order against him.

Huizar was arrested but posted a $200,000 bond after his arrest. Another rape case was pending at the time of his wife’s and girlfriend’s murders on Monday.

Yakima Police Department, said, “We are extremely disheartened that information about Mr. Huizar’s past was not disclosed to us through the various processes we have in place.”

Huizar’s son was taken into state custody and is safe.

Rock the Country promises to be amazing show

Ocala Post

-

April 18, 2024

0

Rock the Country promises to be amazing show

Colt Ford (-Photo by David A. Smith/Getty Images)

“Rock the Country” will feature headliners such as Jason Aldean and Kid Rock.

The show is coming to Ocala on June 7 and 8, 2024 and will be at Majestic Oaks Ocala, a 100-acre venue at 17500 N. U.S. 441, Reddick.

According to organizers, the Ocala show will include Brantley Gilber, Travis Tritt, Gavin Adcock, Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford, Sadie Bass, Elvie Shane, Dee Jay Silver, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

NOTE: Colt Ford had a severe heart attack this month so he will be unable to perform.

For tickets and other information visit https://www.rockthecountry.com.

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