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    Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger was shut down following complaint, allowed to reopen after 24-hrs

    43
    Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger, ocala post, ocala news, restaurant inspections
    Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger

    Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger, located at 3558 SW College Road, was immediately shut down after it was inspected following a consumer complaint.

    The Department of Business and Professional Regulation visited the establishment on October 11. The fast-food restaurant was ordered to close for one day, and allowed to reopen on October 12 after violations were corrected.

    The violations are as follows:

    • Case/container/bag of food stored on floor in walk-in cooler/freezer. In walk-in cooler, a case of chicken was on the floor, Employee moved off the floor.
    • Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. At the dry storage area, near office; six live roaches on floor, Employee killed. Also three live roaches inside a hole. At the drive-thru area: approximately ten live roaches on the floor. Dead roaches on premises. At the dry storage area, one dead roach on the floor. At the drive-thru window, under prep table, three dead roaches, Employee cleaned. Also at the dry storage area, one dead roach on the floor and one dead roach inside cup holders bag. The inspector noted that finding roaches on the premises was a repeat violation.
    • Floor area(s) covered with standing water. At the front counter between the reach-in cooler and custard machine, also near Drive thru the area.
    • Single-service articles improperly stored. At the dry storage area, single service boxes on the floor.
    • Stored food not covered in walk-in freezer. In the walk-in freezer, chicken not covered, Employee covered.
    • Commercially processed ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Reach-in cooler at the cook line: hot dogs no date marked.
    • There was Encrusted material on can opener blade. Manager moved to sink.

    Ocean Buffet inspected following consumer complaint

    64
    Ocean Buffet, Chinese restaurant, ocala news, ocala post,
    Ocean Buffet

    Ocean Buffet, located at 3425 SW College Road, was inspected following a consumer complaint.

    The Department of Business and Professional Regulation visited the establishment on October 9.

    The violations are as follows:

    • Accumulation of debris inside the ware washing machine.
    • Bowl or other containers with no handle used to dispense food. At the dry storage area, bowl inside sugar and rice containers.
    • Case/container/bag of food stored on the floor in the kitchen. At the kitchen, oil containers on the floor, Manager moved off the floor.
    • Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Multiple drinks on prep table also above ice machine, Manager moved all.
    • Hood soiled with accumulated grease, dust or food debris. At the cook line.
    • In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. t the cook line, one knife between prep table and reach-in cooler, also at the sushi bar area, a knife between wall and handwash sink, the manager moved them all to a sink.
    • In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. At the cook line, Manager moved to sink.
    • In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board at the cook line. An employee removed the towel while the inspector was on site.
    • Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food thawed in standing water. Chicken and beef inside the sink, Employee moved the beef and opened the water for the chicken.
    • Cooked meats or poultry hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above. At the buffet station, fried chicken 107°, Manager will add fried food to Time as a Public health control, items will be discarded at 2:30 p.m.
    • Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach-in cooler at the cook line, seafood salad 46°, Manager moved to the freezer, also on the shelf next to the cooler, fried sushi roll 69°, manager moved back to cooler. At the buffet station, eggs 47°, Manager moved some to cooler.
    • Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Items at the sushi bar, Manager time marked.
    • Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in walk-in freezer – not all products commercially packaged. Raw chicken above wontons, Manager moved.
    • Self-service salad bar/buffet lacking adequate sneeze guards or other proper protection from contamination. At the hibachi area (bar area).
    • Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. Ice machine next to three compartment sink.
    • Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in a chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment. For oysters, Manager organized tags.
    • Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with the last date served. For oysters.
    • Handwash sink not accessible for employee use due to items stored in the sink. Handwash sink at the prep area with containers inside, Manager moved.
    • Reach-in cooler shelves soiled with food debris. At the cook line.

    The inspector stated that the violations had been corrected by October 16.

    69th annual Blessed Trinity Carnival coupon

    18

    blessed trinity carnival, ocala post, ocala news, events

    Ocala — Blessed Trinity School is hosting its 69th annual Carnival, located at 5 Southeast 17th Street, Ocala, on October 18, 19, 20, and 21.

    This is a family-friendly fundraiser for Blessed Trinity School.

    The carnival will feature carnival food favorites, an Outdoor Marketplace, raffles, and Dreamland Amusements midway rides games and games for all ages.

    There is no charge for carnival parking.

    Admission is free except after 6 p.m. on Saturday, Family Night when there is a $5 entrance fee unless guests have an advance ride wristband voucher or are families with children.

    Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36 inches and taller) are $35. Ride tickets are $1.50 each, $25 for 20 tickets, or $50 for 50 tickets plus 1 free ride. (Rides take 2 or more tickets each.)

    The times are Thursday – Friday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    carnival coupon, blessed trinity carnival coupon, ocala news, events,

    Deputy hospitalized after he crashed patrol vehicle.

    2

    A Marion County Sheriff’s deputy was hospitalized after he crashed his patrol vehicle.

    According to the Florida Highway Patrol, MCSO Deputy Timothy Fretts, 29, was driving his marked K-9 unit, a 2015 Ford Explorer, north on Southeast 38th Street early Sunday while responding to a domestic violence call.

    Troopers say that the SUV’s right side tires left the roadway, which caused Fretts to lose control of the SUV.

    The front of the SUV slammed into a mailbox, a utility electronics box, and then struck a wooden utility pole.

    The SUV then rotated counter-clockwise around the pole, overturned one time, and landed on its wheels.

    Fretts suffered incapacitating injuries and was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center. He has since been released.

    School board member under fire following whore comments

    108

    Marion County School Board, Ocala Post, Nancy Stacy, School Board member calls victims Wars

    Marion County School Board member Nancy Stacy said she stands by her comments that she posted on Facebook earlier this week.

    Her comments appear to be politically fueled after Christine Ford accused now Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault.

    Stacy posted several comments which have upset many Marion County residents.

    One woman, Yoseline Diaz Lopez, spoke to Ocala Post about Stacy’s comments.

    Lopez said, “As a woman, I do not approve of these comments. She is a school board member and I think it is a shame what she said.”

    Stacy wrote, “I do not consider a whore to be a victim in rapes” and “If the girls went with a married man to forbidden grounds they went looking for trouble.”

    In another Facebook post, Stacy wrote, “All you know what comes in my head is out my mouth. Tired of whores destroying men. Set Bill Cosby free says ‘Mama Bear’ with sons.”

    Article continued below

    Brett Kavanaugh, Ocala Post, Marion county School board, Ocala news

    Many thought Stacy’s Facebook account had been hacked. However, she said her account was not hacked and that she stands by her comments.

    She said her posts were referring to prostitutes and women who intentionally engage in that type of behavior and then attempt to claim rape.

    Article continued below

    Brett Kavanaugh, Ocala Post, Ocala news, sexual assault, Marion County School Board

    Stacy says that she feels we live in a society where a woman can falsely accuse a man and ultimately destroy his life based on false accusations.

    Article continued below

    According to Stacey, she was not directing these comments to all women in general.

    What do you think about her comments? Should she be able to utilize freedom to speech as a school board member, or did she go too far?

     

    Food Stamp benefit early disbursement due to Hurricane Michael

    26

    Food stamps, hurricane Michael, Ocala post

    The Florida Department of Children and Families announced that current SNAP customers who normally receive benefits October 11-28 will receive their benefits by October 10 due to Hurricane Michael.

    Early disbursement will be for recipients in following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.

    If you wish to speak to an ACCESS Call Center representative, call 866-762-2237. Callers might experience long wait times to speak with a representative. This is due to closures and call volume related to Hurricane Michael.

    Hurricane Michael warnings, watches, and evacuations

    Video brought to you by our partners at Accuweather.com

    Hurricane Michael strengthens as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico and by Wednesday could become a category three hurricane.

    As of 1:45 a.m., Tuesday, a tropical storm watch is in effect for Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Clinch, Coffee, Columbia, Echols, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jeff Davis, Suwannee, and Ware.

    According to the U.S. National Weather Service, the storm is approximately 480 miles south-southwest of Gainesville, or 580 miles south-southwest of Waycross, Georgia.

    The storm is moving at 12 MPH with an intensity of 90 MPH.

    A storm surge and tropical storm warning remain in effect for Crystal River and Homosassa. Wind gusts of up to 45 MPH are expected, which is a decrease from 57 MPH from previous forecasts.

    Article continues below

    Hurricane Michael Storm Surge, ocala post, citrus county
    Hurricane Michael Storm Surge

    Citrus County residents should secure any lightweight objects.

    The Homosassa and Crystal River areas have the potential for 5-8 feet storm surges in prone areas. This will be a concern from Tuesday afternoon to Friday evening.

    Additional rainfall of 1-3 inches is expected and higher in some areas.

    The conditions are also favorable for tornadoes.

    Inland Citrus County is also under a tropical storm warning.

    This includes Inverness, Homosassa Springs, and Crystal River. Wind gusts of up to 35 MPH can be expected. Due to heavy rain, localized flooding may occur. Thunderstorms are excepted. Again, the conditions are favorable for tornadoes.

    Article continues below

    hurricane michael, crystal river, ocala post

    Citrus County is under a Local State of Emergency and the declaration has been signed by the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners for the immediate evacuation for the following:

    • Affected Evacuation Areas: Zone A, and;
    • Mobile homes, RVs, manufactured housing countywide

    If you do not know what zone you are in, refer to the Evacuation Zone Map at www.sheriffcitrus.org or gis.citrusbocc.com/address-lookup.html.

    This immediate evacuation order takes effect Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at 9 a.m.

    SCHOOLS CLOSED: The Citrus County School Board has closed schools for both Tuesday, October 9, and Wednesday, October 10, in anticipation of Hurricane Michael.

    Shelters will open Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at 9 a.m.

    GENERAL POPULATION:

    • Lecanto Middle School
    • Citrus High School

    PET-FRIENDLY:

    • Lecanto Primary School

    SPECIAL NEEDS:

    • Forest Ridge Elementary

    SANDBAG LOCATIONS:

    City of Crystal River: Crystal River Fire Station; 650 NW 3rd Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428 — self-serve

    Citrus County: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 – 8:00am – 8:00pm

    LOCATION 1:

    4508 S. Grandmarch Ave. Homosassa (Near Grover Cleveland Blvd.)

    LOCATION 2:

    7490 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy. Crystal River (Near Dan’s Clam Stand – on opposite side of the road)

    There is a limit of 25 bags per vehicle.

    For storm information call 352-249-2775, 352-249-2776, or 352-249-2777.

    Former Sheriff Chris Blair appointed to tax oversight committee

    ocala post, taxes, marion coutny school board, chris blair
    Former Sheriff Chris Blair/Ocala Post file photo

    Former Sheriff Chris Blair on Thursday was appointed to the one mill ad valorem tax oversight committee, or Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee, by the Marion County School Board.

    Blair will be one of 15 members. ICROC functions as an advisory body to the School Board, advising the School Board on whether the proceeds of the additional one mill ad valorem tax are being utilized for the purposes approved by the voters of Marion County in the referendum.

    Marion County citizens voted for the one mill tax referendum in August, but it was originally passed in 2014. It was renewed with more than 70 percent of the vote.

    The referendum must be used for necessary operating expenses, including art, music, physical education, library/media, reading, and vocational programs; meeting class size requirements; and retaining State Certified teachers and paraprofessionals. The referendum brings in approximately 19 million annually.

    The ICROC committee and its members do not have access to use of the funds themselves, which are controlled by the School District through the Chief Financial Officer, Theresa Boston-Ellis.

    Blair was recommended for the position by board member Angelia Boynton.

    Boynton told Ocala Post that, of the candidates she invited to sit on the Committee, Blair was the only person who replied. Blair was appointed on September 5, 2018.

    Boynton said she was hoping to increase the diversity of the committee by appointing a minority to fill the position but had no luck.

    “As a former Sheriff and Deputy, [Blair] could read and understand our School Board Referendum Budget, staffing, payroll, accounting, personnel, loss prevention, controlling expenses, and payroll budgets,” said Boynton.

    Blair will serve as a Volunteer ICROC member.

    FWC seeks input on invasive species rules

    Yellow anaconda, florida news, ocala post, nonnative species,
    Yellow anaconda

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is requesting public input as staff improves rules for non-native species. The potential changes will affect rules related to the importation of high-risk species and include possible additions to the Prohibited Species list. Staff will also work on clarifying language in existing rules.

    People can provide input to the FWC in three ways. Staff will be conducting a series of workshops where people can ask questions and comment on the proposed changes. People also can provide feedback through an online survey found at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives by clicking on “Attend a non-native species rule development workshop,” or via email to NonnativeSpeciesRules@MyFWC.com.

    The workshops will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the following locations.

    • Fort Myers, Oct. 15 — Joseph P. D’Alessandro Office Complex, 2295 Victoria Ave.
    • Homestead, Oct. 16 – University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center, 18710 SW 288th St.
    • Davie, Oct. 17 – University of Florida Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, 3205 College Ave.
    • Apollo Beach, Oct. 29 – FWC Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road.
    • Ocala, Oct. 30 – Ocala Police Department Community Room, 402 S. Pine Ave.

    “We would like the public’s input on how to help prevent new high-risk species from becoming established here in Florida,” said Kirsten Sommers, section leader for the FWC’s Wildlife Impact Management Section. “Public feedback is crucial to help the FWC establish appropriate regulations to help protect our precious natural resources, the economy and the overall well-being of our great state.”

    While the staff is working on new regulations, a temporary Executive Order will act as a stopgap measure to limit the importation of species being considered as “Prohibited Species.” Working with Commission Vice Chair Robert Spottswood, FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton signed the EO on Oct. 2. Executive Order 18-46 is now in effect and will be repealed once rulemaking for these species is complete.

    If a species is added to the Prohibited Species list, it may only be possessed or imported into the state for research or qualifying public exhibit. Species being considered for this list include three species of anaconda, the Indian wild dog, flying fox, and several other species.

    To view the Executive Order, visit MyFWC.com and click on “About,” then “Executive Orders.”

    Invasive species are animals not native to Florida that cause economic or environmental harm or pose a threat to human safety. More than 500 non-native species have been reported in Florida. Eighty percent of these have been introduced via the live animal trade with more than 150 established in Florida, meaning they are reproducing in the wild.

    The public can help the FWC control non-native invasive wildlife by reporting sightings to the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 888-IveGot1 (888-483-4681), online at IVEGOT1.org or by using the free smartphone app IVEGOT1.

    The FWC also encourages the public to safely remove non-native invasive species from the wild when possible. Non-native species are not protected, except by anti-cruelty law, and may be humanely killed on private lands at any time with landowner permission (no permit required). People may also lethally remove non-native reptiles from 22 FWC-managed public lands without a license or permit.

    Actor vomits while filming Howl-O-Scream commercial

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    Tampa – A paid actor apparently had a weak stomach while riding the SheiKra roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa.

    The actor, whose name was not released, projectile vomited during the filming of a commercial for Howl-O-Scream 2018.

    In the behind the scenes video, you can see the female actress pat him on the arm after he vomited as the “zombie” stares at the male actor.

    A spokeswoman said that Busch Gardens’ pulse-pounding thrill rides will be overrun with creatures riding alongside their soon-to-be-victims, and the outtake from the video shows just how heart-pounding the rides can be.

    You can see how the final cut of the commercial turned out here. (https://bit.ly/2Rvqf19)

     

    House Bill 29, Veteran and Military Family Opportunity Act, is complete

    1

    veterans, military family, ocala news, ocala post

    Tallahassee – The Florida Office of Financial Regulation announced Wednesday that rulemaking to implement Florida House Bill 29, the Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and Military Family Opportunity Act, is complete.

    Active military members, veterans, and their spouses can now apply for reimbursement of fees associated with licensure of mortgage loan originators and securities associated persons.

    Interim Commissioner Pamela Epting said, “The OFR is proud to support those who serve our nation, veterans, and their families. The Military Fee Waiver Program is one way to give back to these brave individuals. We encourage individuals and licensees who qualify to apply for reimbursement of license fees.”

    For more information follow the links below.

    • https://www.flofr.com/sitePages/documents/OFR-MIL-001.pdf
    • https://www.flofr.com/sitePages/LoanOriginators.htm
    • https://www.flofr.com/sitePages/DealerFinraMemberAssociatedPerson.htm
    • https://www.flofr.com/sitePages/FederalCoveredAdvisorsAssociatedPerson.htm
    • https://www.flofr.com/sitePages/StateRegisteredAdvisorsAssociatedPerson.htm

    You can also call the office of Financial Regulation at 850-487-9687.

    High priority violations at local winghouse

    MJ's Pizza and Winghouse, ocala news, restaurant inspections, ocala post
    MJ’s Pizza and Winghouse

    Silver Springs — MJ’s Pizza And Winghouse, located at 5195 E Silver Springs Boulevard, was inspected following a consumer complaint.

    The Department of Business and Professional Regulation visited the establishment on September 25.

    According to the inspector’s report, food and a cardboard container were stored inside the ice that the restaurant used for drinks. A  stop sale was issued and the ice was discarded.

    A dead roach was found under the grill and one inside the cooler.

    The report also states that raw animal food was stored over ready-to-eat food that was being served to customers. Additionally, a container of raw eggs had been stored over pizza dough and wings were stored over raw bacon in the reach in cooler.

    Commercially processed ready-to-eat and potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food was left opened and held for more than 24 hours. The food (ham and turkey) was not properly date marked after opening. Dates were added while the inspector was on site.

    The handwash sinks were not accessible for employee use at all times due to miscellaneous items being in the sinks.

    The inspector also noted that the interior of the reach-in cooler was soiled with an accumulation of food residue.

    Following the initial inspection, the inspector returned and reported that the violations had been corrected.

    Pasta Faire restaurant in Belleview received high priority violations

    pasta faire, ocala news, belleview news, ocala post, health inspector, ocala restaurants
    Pasta Faire

    Pasta Faire restaurant in Belleview received several high priority violations after they were visited by health inspectors.

    Many of the violations were repeat violations and considered potentially hazardous to consumers.

    The violations are as follows:

    • Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried – wet nesting. Multiple containers at the dry storage shelf in front of dish machine.
    • Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Multiple containers with missing corners.
    • Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Prep table (wood cutting table) near office area.
    • Gaskets with slimy/mold-like build-up. Reach-in coolers at the cook line.
    • No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Multiple handwash sinks at the cook line and pizza station, also at the bar.
    • Walk-in cooler and/or walk-in freezer shelves soiled with encrusted food debris. Soiled and rusted shelves in Both walk-in coolers
    • Walk-in cooler gasket was torn or in disrepair. The right walk-in cooler door doesn’t close completely.
    • Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. At the server station, sugar container, Manager labeled.
    • Employee failed to wash hands before changing gloves and/or putting on gloves to work with food. At the cook line, male employee change gloves no hand wash observed. (High Priority)
    • Food with mold-like growth. In walk-in cooler, cut tomatoes with mold like substance. Stop-sale was issued. (High Priority)
    • In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. At the front counter, dessert utensils on 81° water, Manager moved to dish machine area. (High Priority)
    • Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk-in cooler (left): milk 44°, peppers 46°, mushrooms 46°, ham 46°, cut tomatoes 46°, 46° and 45°, raw chicken 46° and 47°, crumbles sausage 46°, 46° and 46°. Reach-in cooler at the cook line: raw fish 46°, salmon 47°, raw chicken 46°, mussels 48°, raw fish 44°, Manager put ice bags on top of items. Reach-in cooler at the cook line: chicken salad 44°, cheese 45°, chicken 47°, pico 46°, lasagna 46°, veel 47°, raw beef 47°, raw chicken 48°, clams 46°, raw shrimps 56°. A stop sale was issued. (High Priority)
    • Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above. At the pizza station, pizza sauce 106°-168°, Manager stir it 123°, Manager moved to cook line to reheat. (High Priority)
    • Interior of reach-in cooler soiled with accumulation of food residue. Reach-in coolers at the cook line.
    • No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using chlorine sanitizer at three-compartment sink/ware washing machine.
    • Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. At the pizza station.
    • Probe thermometer not within the intended measuring range of use — digital thermometer reading 29°.
    • Reach-in cooler shelves soiled with food debris. Reach-in coolers at the cook line, also walk-in cooler shelves.

    According to inspectors, a follow-up inspection is required and should be completed the first week of October.

    Woman enraged after she was denied sex

    4
    ocala news, ocala post, sex, denied sex, woman denied sex
    Katherine Nieves-Tavarez

    Vero Beach — A man was transported to Indian River Medical Center Thursday after a woman cut his face with a kitchen knife.

    According to the arrest affidavit,  Katherine Nieves-Tavarez, 27, cut the man’s face because he turned down several requests to have sex with her.

    When police arrived at the scene, the man stated, “She hit me with a knife…I can’t see.”

    Nieves-Tavarez, who was intoxicated, told the man multiple times that she wanted to “f**k [him],” but he refused.

    After being turned down numerous times, she became enraged, grabbed a knife, and cut the man’s face more than once.

    Nieves-Tavarez was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. She is being held on a $15,000 bond.

    14-year-old girl was passed between men for money

    14
    rape, sex trafficking, ocala news, ocala post, eustis,
    Steven Hodge

    Detectives with the Eustis Police Department say they have arrested a man who was selling a 14-year-old runaway from Ocala.

    According to reports, 31-year-old Steven Hodge befriended the girl then passed her around to other men to have sex in exchange for money.

    Detectives said they have been investigating the case since February when Hodge let the girl go.

    Upon her release, the girl told investigators that she had been raped several times by several different men.

    The girl, who had run away from the Arnette House in Ocala, ended up at a Eustis Family Dollar where she ran into Hodge and a woman. Detectives say the befriended her, gained her trust, and then convinced her to go to their friend “Poppie’s” house.

    Once there, she was led into a shed, which was furnished, and given drugs. Detectives said she was forced to take MDMA. “Poppie” then raped the girl. A short time later, she was raped by another man identified only as “Red”.

    Both of the men paid Hodge before leaving.

    Once the men were gone, Hodge and another man raped the girl.

    Detectives said they are using DNA samples taken from the girl during a rape examination to help identify the rapists.

    The girl positively identified Hodge in a lineup.

    Hodge was arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Conduct with a Minor and Violation of Probation for a previous drug charge.

    Two arrested in unprovoked attacks

    129

    Silver Springs – Two suspects who have been accused of attacking multiple people — including an 11-year-old girl — were arrested Thursday.

    According to reports, Julia Napiontek and Brandon Clanton, both 18, attacked four people — ages 11, 55, 47, and 48 in the parking lot of Forest Corners Circle K.

    Surveillance video showed that Napiontek punched the 11-year-old in her face.

    The other victims also sustained injuries to their face.

    As deputies attempted to take Clanton into custody, he assaulted a deputy.

    Clanton was charged with Battery and Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.

    According to authorities, this is not Clanton’s first time attacking someone at a store. Clanton was charged with Aggravated Child Abuse on September 13, after he struck a 17-year-old in the face.

    Napiontek was charged with Battery and Aggravated Child Abuse.

    Authorities said Napiontek tried to use the excuse of self-defense, however, surveillance video and witness statements proved otherwise.

    Napiontek has since bonded out of jail.

    Their motive is unknown at this time.

    On social media, the suspects say that the victims “had it coming”.

    Armed, career criminal fled on foot, returned to car

    1
    career criminal, ocala news, ocala post, drug dealer
    Daryl Bryant

    Ocala police arrested a dangerous criminal know for selling drugs at low-income apartment complexes after he ran a stop sign and attempted to flee.

    Police say they were in an unmarked car patrolling the 100 block of Northwest 23 Avenue when a black car exited out of Laurel Park apartments at a high rate of speed and ran a stop sign.

    When the officers turned their patrol car around, the driver of the black car, later identified as 35-year-old Daryl Bryant, accelerated and kept driving.

    Reaching speeds of more than 65 MPH, Bryant turned down several roads in an attempt elude police.

    Bryant eventually turned into a private driveway in the 2400 block of Northwest 4 street and exited his vehicle.

    Bryant ran a short distance on foot before he became out of breath and returned to his vehicle with his hands up.

    As police took Bryant into custody, they recovered a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun equipped with laser sighting that Bryant had tossed in the sand. Additionally, Bryant had thrown a bag of narcotics in the sand.

    The gun was loaded and had a round in the chamber. The serial number had also been filed off.

    Police recovered 21 grams of Molly, one Ecstasy pill, two Hydrocodone pills, Methamphetamines, a scale, marijuana, and other unidentified pills.

    As Bryant was being booked into the Marion County Jail, a corrections officer discovered a baggie of methamphetamines inside Bryant’s socks.

    He was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Drugs without a Prescription, Reckless Driving, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Introduction of Contraband into a Detention Facility, and Possession of Marijuana.

    Bryant has previous arrests for Cocaine Distribution while Armed (multiple), Distribution of Ecstasy while Armed (multiple), Distribution of Marijuana while Armed (multiple), Discharging a Firearm in Public (multiple), Possession of a Firearm while Committing a Felony (multiple), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (multiple), Felony Battery, Forgery (multiple), Possession of Cocaine (multiple), Possession of Crack (multiple), and Possession of Ecstasy (multiple).

    Bryant told police that he fled because he thought it was someone trying to rob him.

    He denied that the drugs and gun belonged to him.

    Armed burglary suspect arrested, hiding in air duct

    0

    citrus county news, citrus gazette, burglary, suspect hiding in floor

    On Thursday, September 27, 2018, at approximately 8:15 a.m., detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Community Crimes Unit were looking for….READ MORE

    ACTIVE AMBER ALERT – Two children missing

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    Authorities are searching for two children out of Suwannee County — 7-year-old Brian Mejias, who was last seen wearing a red shirt and blue jean shorts and 6-year-old Gabriela Mejias, who was last seen wearing a pink dress.

    According to the press release, Brian has short hair with a hard part to the left. He has a scar below his hairline on the right side of his forehead and is missing teeth on the top right.

    Gabriela has long, dark hair past her waist. She has noticeable dimples, and all her teeth are crowned except the front four.

    They may be traveling in a black Toyota Camry, with dark tinted windows. The vehicle has a Texas license plate and might be driven by a male by the name of Rochie.

    The children were last seen in the vicinity of the 900 block of Ohio Avenue North in Live Oak.

    This vehicle is possibly traveling in a caravan of three vehicles. One of the other vehicles is a grey, Chevy Tahoe or Suburban with lightly tinted windows and a Texas license plate. The other possible vehicle is a beige Chevy Tahoe or Suburban with no tint; it is possibly being driven by a male named Melecio and occupied by a female named Alexia.

    There are possibly 13 people in total plus the two children.

    If you see these children call the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office at 386-362-2222, or dial 911.

    amber alert, active amber alert, ocala post

    FWC: Mandatory catch-and-release, follow the rules while fishing

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    catch and release, red tide, fishing, ocala news, ocala post

    At its September meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed staff to expand a recent mandatory catch-and-release only measure for snook and redfish due to red tide.

    The mandatory catch-and-release ruling will begin on September 28, 2018, through May 10, 2019.

    The areas include Gordon Pass in Collier County and all of Manatee County through the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island in Manatee. Tampa Bay (including all of Hillsborough County) as well as all of Pinellas and Pasco counties.

    The mandatory catch-and-release ruling was set in place so certain fish killed during red tide have a chance to repopulate.

    The red tide organism Karenia brevis is still present in the aforementioned areas.

    Citizens should not eat any fish caught during red tide.

    According to FWC biologists, red tide is a naturally occurring event in Florida which usually starts offshore and is brought to the shore by current and tide.

    Violaters will be fined or could face jail time.