Crystal River — The Crystal River Scallop Festival is almost here. This year the festival will be on…READ MORE.
Recreational bay scallop season for certain counties begins today
Recreational bay scallop season for Franklin through the northwestern portion of Taylor, as well as Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties opens July 1 and will remain open through September 24. This includes Carrabelle, Lanark, St. Marks, Cedar Key, Crystal River, and Homosassa.
Rules
Do not discard scallop shells in inshore waters commonly used for recreational activities such as the Homosassa River or Crystal River. Piles of discarded scallop shells can create hazards for swimmers and damage seagrass habitat. Scallop shells can be discarded in trash receptacles or in larger bodies of water where they are more likely to disperse.
Bag limits and other regulations
Bag and vessel limits for 2019 through the entire bay scallop harvest zone are two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of ten gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or a half gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.
Scallops may be collected by hand, or with a landing or dip net.
There is no commercial harvest allowed for bay scallops in Florida.
Direct transit of legally-harvested bay scallops is now allowed through closed areas.
Boaters may not stop their vessels in waters that are closed to harvest and must proceed directly to the dock or ramp to land scallops in a closed area.
50th annual God and Country Day festival
Ocala — This year will be the 50th annual God and Country Day festival the JCI Ocala Jaycees, Marion County’s largest firework show.
Activities begin at 2 p.m. and will continue until the fireworks are over.
Take your family and enjoy train rides, inflatable water slide, bounce houses, kid games, and more.
Visit the arts and crafts expo and grab a bite to eat from the food vendors.
At dark, the half-hour long spectacular firework display will light up the sky.
The festival will be held on July 4, at the Golden Ocala Property, located at 7340 US-27, Ocala, 34482.
The parking entrances are off of 225A, South of Hwy 27, and there is a parking fee of $5 at the entrance.
Do not bring your own fireworks.
New texting law, what an officer can and can’t do
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is leading Florida’s Put It Down Focus on Driving campaign to ensure all motorists are aware of the state’s new regulations regarding wireless communications while driving and reminding everyone to never drive distracted.
In conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Sheriff’s Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, and AAA – The Auto Club Group, FLHSMV with its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) advises all motorists that beginning July 1, utilizing wireless communications while driving becomes a primary driving offense.
“This law makes Florida roads safer and I am proud to give law enforcement the ability to more proactively enforce safe driving,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Texting and driving are one of the most dangerous driving behaviors and it is every driver’s responsibility to help ensure we all get home safely.”
“Distracted driving is truly a killer. Enforcing the crime of texting while driving as a primary offense, rather than a secondary offense, will now allow law enforcement to enforce the law and save lives in the process,” said Sheriff Mark Hunter, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association.
“This new law will undoubtedly prevent crashes and save lives on Florida’s roadways,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “With every traffic stop, FHP will be educating motorists about the new law and taking the time to remind them of the dangers of driving distracted. We never want a driver to learn the hard way.”
Starting July 1, 2019, Florida motorists can be stopped and cited for texting and driving.
The first violation for drivers is a non-moving offense with no points assessed to the driver’s record. The second violation is a moving violation with three points assessed to the driver’s record.
In most circumstances, Florida Highway Patrol Troopers will issue warnings for texting and driving through December 31, 2019, to provide drivers with additional education of the new law. Exceptions would apply in extremely dangerous driving situations.
Starting October 1, 2019, wireless communications devices can only be used in a hands-free manner when driving in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area. Drivers will be issued warnings through December 31, 2019. Starting January 1, 2020, drivers will be cited for using any wireless communication devices in a handheld manner in a work zone or school zone.
According to Florida’s Supreme Court, a law enforcement officer cannot request to see your phone without a warrant. If an officer does not obtain a warrant but issues a citation based on texts he read on your phone, the citation could be dismissed and the officer could be disciplined. However, there are circumstances in which an officer could possibly look through a drivers phone, such as an accident involving serious injury or death.
What do you think about the new law?
Late night hosts show no mercy to Beto O’Rourke
Late night hosts jumped on the chance to mock Beto O’Rourke after he attempted to gain Latino voters by…READ MORE
Home of the six-pound burrito challenge
Crystal River — In a family, friendly environment where the food is always prepared with the freshest of ingredients, awaits a behemoth dish for one person.
The owners of the Riviera Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, located at 1935 SE U.S. Highway 19, pride themselves on great food, 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.
It’s a dish that will surely separate the men from the boys.
What is this dish? It is the six-pound burrito. You read that right…a six-pound burrito. Hence the term “six-pound burrito challenge.”
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The six-pound burrito costs $24.99, however, if you finish the meal, it is free.
According to restaurant owner, Angel Lewis, 306 people have attempted the challenge, but only nine people have succeeded.
Are you brave enough to take the challenge?
You can enjoy this 6-pound feast while sipping on a $2.00 margarita. The refreshing ritas’ is only offered at this price on Fridays.
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 the Riviera to attempt the burrito challenge, please share your photos with Citrus Gazette.
You can view their full menu here.
Chickens now allowed in city, regulations attached
The City Council on June 18 voted in favor of residents to have backyard chickens.
The vote passed 3-2 — Council members Brent Malever and Jay Musleh voted against the ordinance.
Ocala residents will now be allowed to have up to six chickens as long as, what most call ridiculous legal requirements, are met.
Chicken owners cannot kill them for food, or breed them to sell the eggs, manure, or feathers. Owners must also obtain a permit and allow officials to inspect their property at least twice a year.
No free-range chickens are allowed. Chickens must be in a predator-safe, ventilated, covered chicken coop. The coop must be in a backyard. The ordinance prohibits roosters, turkeys, geese, ducks, or other fowl.
Malever and Musleh were completely against allowing chickens in the city.
In the recorded audio from the meeting, Musleh said, “I do not think this is a path I want to go down. If you open the door to chickens, you open the doors to other things.”
We want to hear from you. What do you think about the restrictions?
Man re-arrested while in jail, harassing domestic violence victim
Dunnellon — A man was re-arrested while in jail and charged with Violation of Condition of Pretrial Release (when the original arrest was for domestic violence) and Tampering or Harassment of a Witness/Victim/Informant.
Thomas Burnett, 46, has been in jail for domestic battery against the victim since May 9, 2019.
Following his arrest, Burnett was ordered not to have any contact with the victim.
However, while in jail, deputies said Burnett called the victim several times.
Deputies were able to listen to several jail recordings which showed Burnett had intimidated and harassed the victim via phone conversations.
During one call, the victim told Burnett that they could no longer be in a relationship because he was abusive.
Burnett replied by telling the victim that they would still be in a relationship because they were “meant to be together.”
“No, we are going to make it work. Listen to me, we are going to make it work. Who are you gonna’ go to? My brother? Go to f***ing John H. now? You stay right where you are supposed to be…right by my f***ing side,” Burnett told the victim.
During another call, Burnett stated, “Don’t show up for court. No victim, no trial. And don’t file a f***ing injunction on me.”
Burnett then proceeded to tell the victim that it was her fault that he was abusive and in jail.
“I am in jail because of your mouth,” Burnett told the victim.
On June 25, deputies went to the Citrus County Detention facility and re-arrested Burnett.
Due to the fact that Burnett violated his pretrial release conditions related to domestic violence, he was refused bail.
Popular buffet allowed to reopen after being shutdown
Ocala — Golden Corral, located at 2111 SW College RD, Ocala, was immediately shut down after an emergency order was issued on June 20, following a consumer complaint. The restaurant was allowed to reopen on June 21, but will need a follow-up inspection after a time extension was given.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation cites violations of Florida’s sanitation and safety laws, which are based on the standards of U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code. High Priority violations are those which could contribute directly to a food-borne illness or injury and include items such as cooking, reheating, cooling and hand-washing.
Many of the offenses were repeat violations.
Violations:
- Build-up of food debris, dust or dirt on nonfood-contact surface. Exterior of shelves in kitchen containing dishes and dry storage items. Also, front of pie display in dessert area.
- Dead roaches on premises. Five dead roaches in hallway going to restrooms. 28 dead roaches under steam table at main buffet. Two dead roaches between wall and buffet counter on main buffet. Five dead roaches under signage at main buffet. Five dead roaches on floor under ice cream station at dessert buffet. Five dead roaches on floor under salad buffet. Three dead roaches between wall and counter. Two dead roaches on wall in server station. Manager swept and discarded several roaches.
- Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried – wet nesting. Plastic pans on clean dish rack.
- Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In several places throughout kitchen.
- Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. On floor in walk-in freezer. Large area covered with ice.
- Old food stuck to clean dishware/utensils. On large plastic pans at clean dish shelf.
- Stored food not covered in walk-in freezer. Cases of crust cheese and pepperoni uncovered in walk-in freezer. Also, tea in pitcher near front counter near register with no lid.
- Water draining onto floor surface. Under triple sink and inside walk-in cooler.
- Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Male employee wiped hands on clothes and continued to line to stir food without washing his hands.
- Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach in electronic components under main buffet line. Two live roaches behind signage at main buffet line. Two live roaches between counter and wall at main buffet line. Two live roaches between wall and counter at dessert buffet line. Eight live roaches between pie display and counter.
- Tracking powder pesticide used inside establishment. Under buffet lines, powder in electronic components.
- Accumulation of food debris/grease on food-contact surface. Interior of reach in cooler near fryers.
Man shoots mother, sets house on fire
Ocklawaha — A man was arrested after it was determined that he shot his mother and set the house on fire.
At approximately 3:20 a.m., Marion County Fire Rescue responded to a residential fire at 16663 SE 53rd Street, Ocklawaha.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the home fully engulfed in flames.
Once the fire was out, firefighters found the remains of a charred body.
Law enforcement officials were then notified.
During the investigation, a man, later identified as Colby Glen Larue, went to a sheriff’s substation and told a deputy that he has just killed his mother.
Larue told the deputy that he shot his mother, Angela Limbaugh, and then set the house on fire with her inside.
Larue had shot his mother twice in the head and then shot his dog twice.
He was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.
Larue was charged with Homicide and First-degree Arson of a Dwelling.
He is being held without bond.
The investigation is ongoing.
Sex offender cut off ankle monitor, on the run
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is currently attempting to locate a sex offender, Micah Joseph Lamb.
He is…READ MORE.
OPD seeks information in shooting at mobile home park
Ocala — The Ocala Police Department is looking for information involving a shooting at White Oaks Mobile Home Park, located at 3920 Southwest 30th Street.
Police responded to the MHP on June 18, after a woman reported that someone fired shots through her bedroom window.
Police said that there were children present in the home at the time of the shooting.
The victim told police that she was sitting in her bedroom when she heard three gunshots and then glass breaking when one of the bullets passed through her bedroom window.
The woman and the children heard the shots but did not see or hear anything prior to the shots being fired.
No one was injured during the shooting.
If you have any information about the shooting, you are urged to call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP. Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Owner of roofing company under criminal investigation
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate Elite Roofing and Gutters in Crystal River after customers from multiple counties reported that they had been scammed out of thousands of dollars.
The company is accused of scamming customers in multiple counties, therefore, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has also started a statewide investigation.
Despite the fact the owner of Elite Roofing, Jason Lee Beville, has scammed residents out of thousands of dollars in deposits, he is still licensed with the state of Florida.
Court records show that Beville was arrested in April and charged with Grand Theft after a customer filed a complaint with the CCSO.
The Better Business Bureau revoked the company’s accreditation shortly after Beville’s arrest, however, the company still claims they have an “A” rating with the BBB.
According to court records, Beville and his company are being sued for business loans exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars with lawsuits dating back 11 years.
The company used to be called Top Knotch Roofing, but Since 2006, in an attempt to continue his scams, Beville has changed the company name multiple times.
The FDLE and CCSO urge consumers to avoid doing business with the company.
Beville has a court appearance on July 30.
If you feel you have been a victim, contact the CCSO at 352-726-4488.
The criminal investigation is ongoing.
Warrants served, largest drug bust in Citrus County
Beverly Hills/Crystal River — On June 14th, 2019, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), in partnership with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) Probation Office, completed the largest drug seizure in the history of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.
FDOC Probation Officers visited the home of…READ MORE
Free rapid HIV testing in Marion County
Marion County — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will be offering free rapid HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day, Thursday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Walgreen’s, located at 807 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
Individuals who take the test at this location will receive their results in just 15 minutes. As a bonus, the Walgreen’s location where testing is being provided is offering 15 percent off of purchases for anyone tested for HIV during the event.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals ages 13 to 64 be tested for HIV at least once during their lifetime and that persons at increased risk for HIV infection be tested at least annually.
“By knowing your HIV status, you have the power to take care of your health,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “If you test positive, we have resources to get you into care and on medications that help control your health and reduce the risk of it transmitting to others.”
Florida remains a national leader in HIV testing, with more than 1,400 registered HIV test sites (including each county health department and community-based organizations), which provide high-quality, confidential testing services at low or no cost. Testing is also available through doctors’ offices and other health care facilities.
With early diagnosis, individuals can begin appropriate treatment and care, resulting in better health outcomes. Studies have shown that providing antiretroviral therapy as early as possible after diagnosis improves a patient’s health, reduces transmission, and with continued antiretroviral therapy, can eventually lead to undetectable HIV viral loads.
You can locate HIV counseling, testing, and referral sites by texting ‘FLHIV’ to 898211 or visiting www.KnowYourHIVStatus.com.
For more information, call the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline at 1-800-FLA-AIDS or 1-800-352-2437.
FHP ALERT — Fatal crash, I-75 northbound lanes closed
[Last updated on June 18, 2019, at 4:05 p.m.]
Marion County — A box truck vs tractor- trailer crash (with 1 confirmed fatality) on I-75 at the 340-mile marker in Marion County has all northbound lanes closed.
Northbound traffic is being routed off at CR 484.
Motorist should seek alternate roads to continue north.
According to troopers, Cesar Sanchez Hernandez was driving a 2017 HINO north in the center lane and slammed into the back of a 2019 Volvo tractor-trailer, which was driven by Napolon Bala, 62.
Bala had been stopped in traffic due to an unrelated accident.
Hernandez’s passenger, Lazaro Sanchez Estrado, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hernandez was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
Bala, and his passenger, Kujtim Jaho, 50, were transported to West Marion with minor injuries.
Blood alcohol tests are pending for both drivers.
Troopers said that everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m and traffic was backed up for hours. Northbound lanes were reopened at 4 p.m.
Two arrested following bar shooting
in which another woman was shot in the leg.
Shailya Maruca, 19, and Alexcia Tooley, 20, were taken into custody by the Belleview Police Department over the weekend.
Police was called to Bumbers, located at 10837 South U.S 441, Belleview after a caller reported that shots had been fired during a fight.
Police pulled surveillance video from Bumpers and it shows that both women were in possession of a firearm during the fight.
As several people were fighting, shots were fired and the crowd disbursed.
A woman was shot in the leg and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Both women were arrested and charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Discharging a Firearm in Public, and Improper Exhibit of a Firearm.
Maruca and Tooley were released on a $4,000 bond.
Funnel cloud near Citrus/Marion County border
Citrus/Marion County — The National Weather Service confirmed to Citrus Gazette Monday that a…READ MORE
Two dead in Crystal River following domestic dispute
Crystal River — Details have just been released in a June shooting involving a man and his wife.
On June 7, deputies were dispatched to the 4600 block of North Tallahassee Road, after a caller reported…READ MORE
Woman confronted for cheating, arrested
A Citrus County woman was arrested in Marion County after she failed to show up for a court date.
Deputies responded to the home of Alexis Dawn Poppen, 23, after receiving a domestic disturbance call.
According to reports, Poppen’s fiancé had confronted her after he was made aware that…READ MORE