On June 11, a hiker reported finding the torso of a female in the Ocala National Forest near Northeast 115th Avenue and State Road 40.
The Marion County Sheriff’s office then released a photo to the media of a tattoo hoping that the public could help identify the human remains.
Within 24 hours, the remains were identified as that of Robin Lee Upson of Belleview, Fl.
Christopher Lee Takhvar, 43, of Hawaii, became the number one suspect after Upson’s mother told detectives that her daughter and Takhvar had argued.
Takhvar was Upson’s business partner and had traveled from Hawaii to help her with some work.
While at Upson’s residence, the two began to argue. During the argument, Takhar killed Upson and then stole her van.
The van was later found in Orlando. Takhvar then fled to Texas where he was arrested on August 15, on an outstanding Marion County warrant for Grand Theft Auto.
Takhvar claims that he killed Upson in self defense. He stated that Upson came at him with a knife so he defended himself with a chainsaw that he “accidentally turned on” as he was defending himself. Takhvar stated that he accidentally decapitated the woman.
However, Takhvar later told detectives that he dismembered Upson’s body with the chainsaw. He cut of her arms, legs, and head and buried them in the backyard of Upson’s home. He then discarded her torso in the Ocala National forest.
A forensics team was able to locate the rest of Upson’s body.
In addition to Grand Theft Auto charges, Takhvar was charged with Second Degree Murder. He is being held without bond at the Marion County Jail.
Lorraine Gardner [deceased]22-year-old Lorraine Gardner died Friday while in the custody of the Marion County Jail.
According to MCSO, Gardner was found unresponsive and could not be revived.
This is the third death of an inmate at the jail this year.
Diana Lynn Eldredge, 50, who lived in Fruitland Park, died on May 3, 2018. Mary Elizabeth Moody-Lazabeck, 34, dies on July 25th.
According to Lazabeck’s family, she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. The family, who lives in Pennsylvania, said MCSO called to tell them that their daughter was being taken to the hospital. The family said MCSO would not tell them why.
The family said in less than 20 minutes after the phone call, their daughter was dead.
Family members say they believe that Lazabeck’s death was the direct result of poor care while at the jail.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement told Ocala Post Monday that all three deaths are currently under investigation.
FDLE said that they could not comment on the cause of death.
Additional security was in place Thursday morning after a teen made a threat on Snapchat Wednesday night to shoot up Citrus Springs Middle School.
The photo threat showed a male holding a rifle and it was captioned “Don’t go to school tomorrow. “CSMS be careful. Spread the word.”
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office detectives quickly identified the suspect holding the gun and arrested the 16-year-old who attends Lecanto High School.
The student, Conner Nee, gave a full confession about his involvement. He was charged with one felony count of False Report Concerning the Use of a Firearm.
According to reports, detectives recovered the firearms he was holding in the social media post.
Additionally, detectives arrested the boy’s mother, 49-year-old Nancy York. She was charged with one felony count of Tampering with Evidence. Detectives said York attempted to hide the weapons Nee had in his possession.
“Anyone who makes a social media post threatening to be a potential shooter should expect to be identified and prosecuted,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “This is every parents’ nightmare and we’re not going to tolerate it. We understand students and parents are worried and calling into our Communications Center and asking questions. Let me assure you that we are doing everything we can to make sure we find this individual and hold them accountable.”
Detectives said that during the interview with Nee, he smiled several times as if he did not care about what he had done.
Parents said that while they were grateful that the teen was arrested, they were outraged that the school did not immediately notify parents.
Marion County — On Thursday, A Marion County school bus driver was involved in a minor traffic crash with a garbage truck.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers said the bus driver, Robyn Kauffman, 54, of Longwood, was on Southwest 84th Avenue Road near the intersection of Southwest 101 Place when she attempted to go around the garbage truck while the operators were picking up trash.
According to reports, the bus driver failed to make sure there was enough space between the bus and the garbage truck as she passed it and clipped the garbage truck.
There were 39 students on the bus at the time of the accident.
Kauffman was ticketed for careless driving.
There was only minor damage and no injuries were reported.
Parents in Marion County are not likely to forget the pain inflicted on children at the hands of pediatric dentists Michael and Rebecca Tarver.
Ocala Post recently received several e-mails from parents who are concerned that the former owner of Polliwog, Michael Tarver, might still be operating in Florida.
Following an investigation, Ocala Post discovered that parents’ concerns are warranted.
Michael and Rebecca Tarver are currently operating Clermont Children’s Dentistry, located at 1020 W Hwy 50, Clermont, FL.
State records show that the Tarver’s were operating under Gulfstream Dental, but have since changed the business name to Clermont Children’s Dentistry. No affiliation to Clermont Pediatric Dentistry.
Tarver has not only lashed out at Medicaid patients in the past, but he has also been accused of over-sedating children with what Tarver called the “kiddie cocktail”…nearly killing one child.
Tarver was investigated by the DEA back in July on suspicion of overmedicating children. Tarver was accused of using Demerol and Versed to sedate and “control” children whom Mr. Tarver felt were misbehaved, according to his own words.
Additionally, Tarver was investigated for Medicaid fraud.
According to police reports, one child, four years of age, was given a dose of Versed and the child stopped breathing. Tarver performed CPR to revive the child but failed to notify the parents. Tarver’s notes, which were seized by the DEA described the incident as a “brief apnea episode.”
Tarver was also accused of abusing children by placing his hands over several children’s nose and mouth. One boy had bruises on his cheeks from where Tarver had grabbed the child by his face.
According to reports, Samantha Catozzi, stated her 6-year-old daughter told her “Dr. Mike” scared her. The girl told her mother that Tarver said if she wouldn’t be quiet, he would give her shots.
The 6-year-old then stated she began crying for her mother, causing Tarver to cover her mouth with his hand.
Catozzi also told police that she specifically told the dental office she did not want her daughter having any shots. Catozzi told police that even though she signed papers, they were not explained to her.
According to reports, after Catozzi filed the complaint, Tarver called her, wanting to know why she did it. He said he didn’t understand her reasoning.
Catozzi told police that Tarver’s tone made her fear for her family’s safety.
Ocala Post has been told many times that Tarver has threatened patients as well as employees. Many of the threats were sent via Facebook.
Even though there have been dozens of complaints against Tarver and multiple police reports filed, he was never criminally charged and his license was eventually reinstated.
Tarver has also changed his business name several times over the years.
On Tarver’s new website for Clermont Children’s Dentistry, it reads, “We offer safe and effective conscious sedation and have the skills to successfully treat hard cases.”
Marion County — Marion County remains under a mosquito-borne illness advisory due to eastern equine encephalitis activity.
In an August press release, Florida Department of Health Operations director Craig Ackerman, said, “The risk of disease being spread from mosquitoes to humans through mosquito bites is currently increased due to the number of local EEE cases.”
Ocala Post turned to Florida Department of Health for answers, who directed Ocala Post to county officials, who then pointed back to the health department.
In an e-mail, Marion County Public Information Specialist Stacie Causey wrote, “The decision to spray is a state-level decision. The county asks on the state agency’s directive to spray and in which areas of the county. Although there are counties that maintain a higher tax base to keep a mosquito spray contractor on retention, Marion County does not.”
The e-mail also states that “Marion County does not have an active mosquito spray policy. The county will spray for mosquitoes upon direction from the Florida Department of Health following three confirmed cases of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.”
Ocala Post then reached out to the FDOH.
“We want to ensure that our residents and visitors protect themselves from mosquito bites to prevent the spread of disease. Due to the complexity of arboviral disease control, we do not have cut-and-dried guidelines that determine whether to recommend spraying. However, the number of animal or human cases will inform the Department’s decision to issue a Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory or Alert to the community,” Ackerman wrote in an e-mail.
However, Marion County policy states the county will spray upon three confirmed cases of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Since Ocala Post last reported on EEE, three more animal deaths have been reported in Marion County; bringing the total to 13 since February — eleven horses and two emus. Yet, county officials have not given the go-ahead to spray.
“Here are some basic steps the Department takes before recommending that Marion County spray for mosquitoes,” said Ackerman.
Mosquito-borne illness confirmed in animal(s) or human(s)
Evaluation of site to determine if spraying will result in a reduced risk of transmission of disease to humans. Considerations include:
Proximity to other residences
Level of mosquito infestation
Distance and elapsed time between other confirmed illnesses
Other geographical and weather considerations
Make recommendations to Marion County Board of County Commissioners
For people, preventing mosquito bites is the best way to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease. Mosquitoes can be found in many different environments and you may not always notice when you have been bitten. “Drain and Cover” are key:
Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
Cover your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.
Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.
We want to hear from you. What do you think? Should the FDOH order the county to spray for mosquitoes?
Ocala, Florida — A 19-year-old Ocala firefighter was arrested Sunday and charged with sexual assault.
The woman, also 19, who was heavily intoxicated, said she was at a club with D’Andre J. Brown and a friend when they decided to go back to a residence located in Ocala. They left the club at approximately 3:30 a.m.
The woman stated that she and Brown had fallen asleep in the same bed. She told authorities that she awoke to find Brown on top of her. The woman alleges that Brown put a pillow over her face and told her to “keep quiet.”
She told detectives that she then ran from the residence.
Brown said that the 19-year-old female was rubbing all over him and that, he thought from her actions it was a green light to have sex with her. He said they were in the same bed and did have sex.
Both Brown and the woman admitted to being intoxicated.
According to city officials, Brown was not on duty at the time of the incident.
Brown has worked for Ocala Fire Rescue since January 1, 2018.
The City of Ocala released the following statement: “Mr. Brown is currently on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation. He was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident.”
Brown was released from jail on a $15,000 bond.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office refuses to release the booking photo of any public servant who has allegedly committed a crime.
Little Caesars Pizza restaurant in Belleview was shut down after health inspectors found several high priority violations that were never corrected by management.
The restaurant is located at 10135 Southeast U.S. 441, Belleview.
The inspector issued a stop-sale order after pizza sauce was found sitting in a cooler, which had been made two days prior to the restaurant closing. The inspector noted that condensation on the lid of the sauce was the result of the sauce not being cooled from ambient temperature. This makes food hazardous to a consumers health, the inspector noted.
“Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. In walk-in cooler, Pizza sauce made 08/21/28 and 08/22/18 47° and 48°. Containers too deep and covered (condensation on lids),” the reports states.
Other violations were found which could contribute directly to a foodborne illness or injury and included items such as cooking, reheating, cooling, and hand-washing.
According to the report, more than a dozen live roaches were found on the premises. Additionally, dozens of dead roaches were located in various areas, including directly under the pizza oven, prep table, and soda fountain.
The reports states, “Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Hand washes sink at the three compartment sink area. Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach inside paper towel dispenser. At the three compartment sink area: twenty live roaches on the wall behind three-compartment sink and hand wash sink, an employee killed five. One live roach on the floor under the pizza oven. One live roach on the floor under handwash sink at the front station, Manager killed several of the roaches onsite.”
The inspector reported that conditions were unsanitary and extremely hazardous. This included employees having personal items and open beverages and food containers on the table in the food prep area.
In addition to these violations, gaskets inside a reach-in cooler that had a “slimy/mold-like build-up.”
The inspector has been to the location three times, however, violations have not been corrected.
The state says that the restaurant will remain closed until all violations have been fixed.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting death of 34-year-old Jason Boek, of Buchanan Drive in Winter Haven, who was shot and killed by an UBER driver.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:20 a.m., Tuesday, August 28, on Dundee Road in an unincorporated part of Polk County.
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, late Monday evening early Tuesday morning, an adult female called for an UBER to drive her home from the Grove Lounge, located on US Hwy 27 in Dundee, because she had been drinking.
A woman in the lounge, who is unknown to the victim, walked the patron out to the UBER when it arrived.
According to reports, the UBER, a Hyundai Elantra being driven by 38-year-old Robert Westlake of Lake Wales, picked the passenger up and headed westbound on Dundee Road.
The woman who assisted the UBER passenger then began receiving text messages from her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Boek, which indicated that he thought she had gotten into the Hyundai instead of the other women.
As text messages show, Boek told his girlfriend he was going to pursue the UBER driver and then beat “the f**k” out of him.
Meanwhile, just east of Carl Floyd Road, a Ford F-250 truck aggressively approached the Hyundai from behind, and then abruptly passed and pulled in front of it.
Westlake told deputies that he believed the driver of the truck was trying to run him off the road.
Boek then stopped his F-250 on the roadway in front of the Hyundai, forcing Westlake to stop his car.
In the video, Boek is seen getting out of his truck and walking towards the Hyundai, yelling at Westlake and claiming that he had a “pistol.”
Boek continued to approach the UBER, at which time Westlake, who is a concealed weapon permit holder and a licensed armed security guard, reached into the pocket of the driver door and retrieved a handgun.
Westlake fired one shot at Boek. After Boek was shot, Westlake called 9-1-1 and attempted to save his life.
Boek died at the scene.
Boek’s criminal history includes previous arrests for aggravated battery, battery, burglary, marijuana possession, forgery, larceny, resisting arrest, and VOP. He’s on felony probation for battery, which began in June 2016 and was scheduled to end in June 2021. His driver’s license was suspended in May 2018, and the truck he was driving does not belong to him – he borrowed it from a friend.
“Leave people alone…they may have a gun and shoot you,” said Judd. “This is clearly a case of stand your ground.”
Deputies obtained a search warrant for the truck Boek was driving and recovered a marijuana cigarette and a glass pipe containing methamphetamine residue.
Westlake had just graduated from the police academy.
William Matthew Parrish Jr., 32, and McKenzee Dobbs, 20.
Two drug dealers remain behind bars after their house was raided by the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST).
Agents executed a search warrant on the house on August 23.
According to Ocala Police Department SWAT, they located three adults and two juvenile children inside a mobile home, located at 3117 Northwest 23rd Place. A fourth adult was located inside a camper trailer that was on the property.
Agents confiscated, a digital scale, plastic baggies, 3.5 grams of fentanyl, $5,064 in cash, and an address book with the listings for others suspected to be involved in drug activity.
According to OPD Public Information Officer, Meghan Shay, four overdoses have occurred at the aforementioned residence. Shay said investigators are trying to determine if any other overdose death cases are tied to this seller.
Investigators stated that the drug dealers used the kitchen window of the mobile home as a drug sales drive-thru window so-to-speak.
Agents arrested McKenzee Dobbs, 20, and William Matthew Parrish Jr., 32.
According to reports, Parrish resisted arrest and had to be escorted to the ground as he was being taken into custody.
Dobbs was charged with;
Keep or maintain dwelling used to keep/sell drugs
Possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell (Fentanyl)
Introduction of contraband into receiving facility (Fentanyl)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Sale of a controlled substance, and
Possession of a controlled substance (Fentanyl)
Parrish was charged with;
VOP
Keep or maintain dwelling used to keep/sell drugs
Possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell (Fentanyl)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Resisting arrest w/o violence
According to investigators, while at the jail, a baggie of fentanyl fell out of Dobbs’ vagina. Dobbs stated that she put it there when she heard the police coming.
According to OPD, to date, within the city limits, there have been 98 overdoses. 13 of those overdoses resulted in death.
Parrish refused to cooperate with investigators.
Earlier this year, Parrish was arrested charged with armed robbery. The State Attorney’s Office later dropped the charges, citing that a conviction was not likely.
The two other adults, Melissa Young and Rosetta Parrish, have not been charged.
The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified about this case.
Mrs. Amyotte, a resident of Ocala, said that on August 25, under the darkness of night, someone stole her family’s baby miniature donkey from her yard.
“The baby is only two days old and needs its mother,” said Mrs. Amyotte.
The donkey was stolen from the area of Southwest 80th and 16th Street, Ocala.
The family is offering a $2,000 reward for the safe return of their baby.
The family said they are afraid the baby donkey will die if it’s not properly cared for.
If you have any information about this theft, please contact Mrs. Amyotte at lenciu1@hotmail. You can remain anonymous.
The family respectfully requests that you only email if you have information about the whereabouts of their baby donkey.
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s Mobile Health Unit will be going to several new locations soon. The bus will provide immunizations and other department services.
Below are the scheduled dates and locations.
Sept. 1: Forest Community Center (777 S. Highway 314A, Ocklawaha) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sept. 7: AMEX Food and Deli (125 NW 110th Ave., Ocala) from noon to 4 p.m.
Sept. 8: Tuscawilla Park (300 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sept. 10: Interfaith Emergency Services (108 N. Pine Ave., Ocala) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 13: Marion Oaks Community Center (294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sept. 15: First Baptist Church (11350 E. Highway 316, Ft. McCoy) from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sept. 25: Estella Bird Whitman Wellness and Community Resources Center (819 NW Seventh St., Ocala) from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 29: Ocala Seventh-day Adventist Church (415 NE 41st Ave., Ocala) from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Gulf of Mexico gag grouper recreational season in state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties will be open for harvest September 1, through December 31.
The season for all other Gulf state and federal waters is June 1 through December 31.
The minimum size limit for gag grouper is 24 inches total length, and the daily bag limit is two fish per harvester within the four-fish grouper aggregate bag limit. Charter captains and crew have a zero bag limit.
The newest excuse coming from the media concerning elected officials caught red-handed and found guilty of crimes is that “everyone does it!” I was dumbfounded to hear this statement reiterated by the American public along with the double-down, “Well, they just got caught.”
I want to let you know that not everyone commits crimes of perjury, not everyone purposely commits fraud, not everyone tries to cover-up affairs through financial payments and then, lies continually to cover-up the cover-up.
It is not just the criminal activity that is reprehensible, but the moral character as well.
My son is a special needs child, and if ever a person tried to make fun of or bully him, there would be consequences. And, if my child ever called other’s names or bullied on social media, or in any other format, there would be consequences for my son as well.
I have been a teacher for twenty-five years. If I ever behaved in a manner such as Mr. Trump, if I ever lied continually, or if I ever committed crimes to the extent that we are now witnessing, I would have been made to answer for my actions, and fired!
So I ask, why do Americans give a pass to those in power?
I am running for Congress, and I asked my friend, who did vote for Mr. Trump, and who has given him pass after pass forever transgression, would you ever expect that behavior from me? She replied, “You’re not rich.” This statement had a profound impact on me. Do we now give a pass to the rich? Have we totally segmented our society into the haves and the have-nots? No, you should not get a pass for being rich, or for having power.
We are currently walking a very dangerous line when our current representative, who is running a campaign on morals and family values, does not demand the same conduct of character from the president that is demanded of every other American. With great power comes great responsibility. All elected officials should be held to the same standard, and party should not come before country!
Dana Cottrell (D)
US House of Representatives, District 11, Florida
This letter was provided to Ocala Post by Marion County Court judge Robert Landt.
I run a courtroom where the law rules supreme and everyone is treated with the fairness they are guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America. Over the last few weeks, my record has come under attack by the state attorney. Although the Judicial Canons severely limit what judicial candidates can say during the election process, I am specifically authorized to respond to attacks, which I believe has become necessary.
State Attorney Brad King wants you to believe … well, I’m not exactly sure what he wants you to believe because it keeps changing.
First, he claimed that because of limited resources he wanted to reduce the number of criminal dockets in Marion County from four to three. Next, he claimed the reduction was because the results in my courtroom weren’t favorable to him. Then he claimed “he did not have any input into the reassignment of any county judges prior to the motion he filed on July 17th,” even though his own employee, my opponent, posted on his campaign website a July 12th memo from Mr. King to all the county judges that did just that.
Finally, he’s now dragging up allegations he formally complained about over four years ago, which were investigated and cleared. If I had done what Mr. King complained about, I would have been sanctioned or removed from the bench, neither of which occurred.
Make no mistake, Mr. King is upset because I don’t always rule the way he wants. It is true — on several occasions, I have ruled to suppress evidence that his office has brought before the court because it violated the Fourth Amendment rights of the defendant. After 5 1/2 years on the bench, and approximately 7,000 criminal cases, only once — once in 5 1/2 years — has my ruling to suppress evidence been reversed by the Appellate Court. I stand by this record, and I am proud of this record.
Before being elected judge in 2012, I spent 25 years representing the people of Marion County as an attorney. This gave me a deep appreciation for both sides of every legal matter and is an important part of what makes me an impartial judge. I care deeply about this community and am a strong advocate of smart justice, which means I want outcomes that not only save our community’s taxpayers money but produce positive results for our community’s families, through utilization of alternative courts and other options.
Mr. King continuously complains that I am biased against him, but the real problem Mr. King has with me is that I am not biased FOR him. There is a significant distinction.
I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution and I will continue to do so every day as your county judge. No amount of coordinated attacks, misleading information or dirty politics will ever change my commitment to that oath or my commitment to this community. Please exercise your right to vote. I look forward to continuing to serve as your county judge.
Carl Zalak [left] and Eddie LeedyMarion County residents asked for someone to listen and Republican Eddie Leedy, who is running against Carl Zalak for a seat on the county commission, seems to be doing just that.
Leedy, a retired captain from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said he does not agree with politicians who seek more than a two-term seat — referring to Zalak, who is seeking a third term.
Since the approval of the Florida Crossroads Commerce Park, which will destroy more than 1,000 acres of farmland in the middle of Marion Oaks, as well as other projects, residents have asked for change.
Residents have turned to social media groups and demanded that commissioners stop approving projects that not only destroy land and habitats, but also invite crime.
Residents are worried that Ocala is quickly becoming Orlando, and Leedy seemingly hears the people of Marion County.
Zalak spearheaded the Commerce Park Project and refused to listen to citizens who did not want the project in their backyard.
In an on-camera interview, Zalak said Marion Oaks residents were excited. However, dozens of residents interviewed by Ocala Post stated otherwise. Most said they had not even been informed about the project. Residents expressed concerns about the about of crime and traffic the project will bring to the area.
Ocala Post also interviewed real estate specialist Mark H ., who said that these types of projects not only tend to bring crime but also lower property value for surrounding homes. He said, no one “wants to live” next to an industrial or commerce park. Mark said he has been in the real estate business for more than 30 years and much of his career in Orlando. He said residents should be worried.
Mark said, “In my opinion, the commission targeted a community which already has a high crime rate and many of the residents live paycheck to paycheck. I feel like the residents should have had more of a voice.”
In an email to Ocala Post, Stacie Causey, Public Information Specialist for Marion County, wrote that the county did not consider Marion Oaks a high crime area, and denied that the land was chosen because of residents’ socioeconomic status.
As for morning and evening traffic on County Road 484, Causey wrote, “Traffic improvement plans for this area were also part of the original plan for the community and are already in progress. Examples of proposed traffic improvement plans include interchange lane improvements, alternate routes such as the proposed Southwest 49th Avenue extension, and a future flyover at Highway 42.”
Zalak contends that residents of Marion Oaks will now be able to work closer to their home instead of traveling into town.
Leedy says many residents who work inside of Marion County do not even live in the county.
Mark said, “Residents are not going to quit a job as say, a prison guard or nurse, to work in a commerce park for less money. It just doesn’t make sense.”
“The writing is on the wall…Marion County is on its way to becoming Orlando,” Leedy told Ocala Post. “At the state level, Marion County is already being pressured to become a commerce hub. If that happens, there will eventually be a toll road through Marion County.”
Leedy said a lot of taxpayer dollars have been spent on projects like AutoZone and the Florida Crossroads Commerce Park. He said commissioners promised jobs, but AutoZone is still struggling to hire employees.
Residents should also be aware that the Intercoastal Connector project is not a dead issue. It has simply been put on hold until after the election.
Leedy said that if he is elected he will protect Marion County’s reputation and farmland. He said he will also fight to make sure there is not a WaWa on every corner. Leedy said that in his more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, he has seen that these types of establishments not only bring more crime, but they also choke out surrounding businesses.
Leedy, who is an animal lover, has also been vocal about the rate at which the Marion County Animal Shelter euthanizes animals. In fact, Marion County has the highest euthanasia rate in the entire state.
On social media, and after the topic received mass attention, residents said they found it laughable that during an election, Zalak announced Marion County would become a no-kill shelter.
Leedy said Marion County should have changed its policy a long time ago.
Unlike other commissioners, who after going against citizens’ votes on projects have been quoted as saying “citizens don’t really know what they want,” Leedy believes that if the majority says no, then commissioners should listen.
Marion County remains under a mosquito-borne illness advisory due to eastern equine encephalitis activity.
Since Ocala Post last reported on EEE, three more animal deaths have been reported in Marion County; bringing the total to 13 since February — eleven horses and two emus.
In a press release, Florida Department of Health Operations director Craig Ackerman, said, “The risk of disease being spread from mosquitoes to humans through mosquito bites is currently increased due to the number of local EEE cases.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EEE is a typically fatal virus in the equine population and can have severe effects (including death) in humans. Severe cases of EEE (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with the sudden onset of a headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, or coma. EEE is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the United States with approximately 33% mortality and significant brain damage in most survivors. There is no specific treatment for EEE; care is based on symptoms. You can reduce your risk of being infected with EEEV by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and staying indoors while mosquitoes are most active.
“If you’re going to spend time outdoors, you need to take preventative actions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Health Officer Mark Lander. “Drain standing water around your home or property, cover your skin with clothing or repellent and work with a veterinarian to have your horses vaccinated for EEE if they are not currently vaccinated. Please consult your veterinarian or the University of Florida College of Large Animal Medicine for information on how to prevent EEE through vaccination in animals such as emus, alpacas, and llamas.”
The FDOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue.
The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking the public’s help in finding the driver of a pickup truck who was involved in a hit-and-run crash Sunday.
According to an FHP press release, a pickup was traveling southbound on Northwest 110th Avenue, approaching the Northwest 5th Street intersection when it struck a pedestrian who was walking eastbound pushing his bicycle on Northwest 110th Avenue.
Troopers said the pedestrian was attempting to cross the road.
The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene.
The pickup is described as a dark colored, possibly blue, and missing a front headlight as a result of the crash.
The pedestrian, who has not been identified, was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he later died.
If you have information about this case, you are urged to call CPL Crawford at 352-955-2004, the Jacksonville Communications Center at 800-387-1290, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP. Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Marion County — Motorists traveling in Marion County will experience the following intermittent lane closures:
Aug 7: Southeast 165th Mulberry Lane at the intersection of Buena Vista Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., due to routine maintenance of the median.
Aug. 7 to 14: Southwest 102nd Street at the intersection of Southwest 182nd Circle from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., due to utility work.
Aug 8: Northwest 190th Street from North Highway 329 to Northwest 100th Avenue from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., due to utility work.
Aug 8: Southeast 172nd Legacy Lane at the intersection of Buena Vista Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., due to routine maintenance of the median.
Aug 14: Southeast 86th Belle Meade Circle at the intersection of Buena Vista Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., due to routine maintenance of the median.
Aug 15: Southeast 82nd Calumet Avenue at the intersection of Buena Vista Boulevard from 6 a.m. to noon, due to routine maintenance of the median.
Aug 15: Buena Vista Boulevard at Nancy Lopez Club House, The Villages, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., due to routine maintenance of the median.
Please note that construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances, and if this happens, the closure may be rescheduled.
Officials ask that all drivers remember to yield to roadside workers and obey posted speed limits. Speeding fines are doubled in a construction zone.
Silver Springs Shores — Five girls and a boy — ages 2 to 13 — were removed from a Silver Springs Shores home by the Department of Children and Families Tuesday after the children were found living in filth.
Law enforcement officials were dispatched to the area of Banyan Course after someone reported seeing two children — one of them almost naked — playing in the street.
The children, a two-year-old female, and a four-year-old male were covered in lice and sores. The female child was in worse condition than the little boy. She had multiple open sores on her arms, legs, chest, back, feet, and face.
The home was infested with flies, the floors were covered with dog feces, there was no running water, and no food in the refrigerator.
The children inside the residence also had open wounds and lice.
The children were under the care of Sara Nicole Resko, 30, who had left the children home alone. She arrived at the scene an hour and a half after investigators had.
She was arrested and charged with six counts of Child Neglect.
