A semi driver was killed early Wednesday morning when overturned his truck and trailer.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the semi was traveling south on the Interstate 75 exit ramp at County Road 326 (mile marker 358) when the driver failed to negotiate the ramp curve.
The semi traveled onto the left grassy shoulder, at which time the driver overcorrected and steered to the right causing the semi to overturn on its side.
According to the accident report, the semi burst into flames and was fully engulfed by the time first responders arrived on the scene.
FHP stated that the driver was trapped.
The driver, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.
FHP said the trailer was fully loaded with toilet paper and paper towels.
The exit ramp was reopened at approximately 10:30 a.m.
A bicyclist was killed Saturday when he was struck by a 1999 Ford F-350 pickup truck.
The bicyclist, identified as 59-year-old Dominick Gonzales, was traveling east on the paved shoulder of County Road 484.
The F-350, driven by Jarvis Watkins, 40, was traveling east on County Road 484 in the outside lane approaching the rear of the bicyclist when the right front of the truck hit Gonzales.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Gonzales was thrown onto the south shoulder of the roadway.
Gonzales was pronounced dead at the scene.
Watkins could be facing charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
Jaden was diagnosed with Leukemia recently and is currently undergoing his second round of chemotherapy.
The Tomlin Brings Hope Foundation has teamed up with Jaden’s family to host #jadensarmy Rib Smokeout to help raise money for Jaden’s treatment.
The University of Florida also donated two tickets to the LSU vs Florida Home Game to be raffled off during the Smokeout. Tomlin Brings Hope Foundation will raffle the tickets off together for $20.00.
The tickets are valued at $120.00 each.
The Smokeout will be held at Jervey Gantt Park on the football side entrance, located at 2200 SE 36th Ave, Ocala, until 8 p.m. Saturday.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Thursday closed down the Regal Hollywood Stadium 16 & IMAX theater concession stand.
The theater is located at 2801 SW 27th Ave, Ocala.
According to the report, the inspector found approximately a dozen live roaches while he was present.
The report states that one of the live roaches had an egg sac attached to it.
The roaches were found in the area of the concession stand where food preparation takes place.
In addition to the live roaches, the inspector noted that there was a black and green moldy-like substance in the ice machine, roach droppings around the sink, and dead roaches on the floor in the prep area of the kitchen.
The inspector was also concerned about opened outdated food and a faulty freezer.
The report states, “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. No date mark on hotdogs in reach in cooler.”
The inspector initially visited the concession stand on July 26. At that time, he was told that the hot dogs were “opened yesterday.” When the inspector returned on July 27, he shut it down.
The inspector said that the concession stand will remain closed until the issues have been corrected.
At this time, Hollywood 16 management has not made any plans to lower ticket prices.
Enjoy food, crafts, beer, and wine at the 2018 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series.
The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series will take place at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Complex located at 1510 NW Fourth St. Check dates for upcoming Concerts.
The Summer Break Spot will provide free dinners for those ages 18 and under.
City officials said the concerts will have an open lawn setting and that, the public is invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the concerts. Gates open at 6 p.m. and admission is free.
The 2018 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series will feature a diverse lineup of high-caliber talent spanning musical genres such as blues, jazz, funk, soul, gypsy swing, Latin, roots/Americana and R&B.
2018 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series Lineup:
Friday, July 27 – Latasha Lee and the BlackTies, with opening act Ecliff Telford
– Spotlight non-profit: Reilly Arts Center, with Ocala Symphony Orchestra
Friday, Aug. 3 – Gedeon, Luke & the People, with opening act Shema Shine
– Spotlight non-profit: Ocala Civic Theatre
Friday, Aug. 10 – Squirrel Nut Zippers, with opening act Miranda Madison
– Spotlight non-profit: Discovery Center
Friday, Aug. 17 – Dumpstaphunk, with opening act Locochino
– Spotlight non-profit: Ocala Storytelling
The series is sponsored in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a national funder of creative placemaking that empowers communities to inject new life into underused public spaces.
“This free concert series is a great opportunity for everyone to gather on the big green lawn at Webb Field,” said Jaye Baillie, Executive Director, Marion Cultural Alliance. “During last year’s series, we saw young and old dancing, swaying and singing side by side.”
Gates open at 6 p.m. and admission is free.
For more information, visit concerts.levittamp.org/ocala. To learn more about vendor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jennifer Normoyle, City of Ocala Cultural Arts Coordinator at jnormoyle@ocalafl.org or 352-629-8220.
Ocala, Florida — Two felons remain behind bars after they used a master key to enter a man’s apartment and severely beat him.
Ocala police were alerted to Village Green Apartments, located at 500 Southwest 33rd Avenue when the person the victim was FaceTiming witnessed the incident.
The suspects, Anthony Caban, 53, and Michael Swint, 38, were still on the scene when police arrived.
The witness told police that she overheard Swint state “I’ll just f***ing kill you.”
Police said Swint was armed with a .38 caliber handgun.
According to the arrest affidavit, police found the victim “drenched in his own blood.”
The victim stated that Swint had broken into his apartment earlier in the day and stole his Sony PlayStation 4. The victim said he had confronted Swint and that is why Swint returned to his apartment.
When questioned, Caban, who is the maintenance man for the complex, told police that Swint had asked him for the master key to the victim’s apartment.
Caban then provided Swint with the key and participated in the beating. Caban also told police that Swint was armed with a handgun and had threatened to kill the victim.
According to the victim, Swint warned him not to say anything about the beating, at which time Caban stated, “just kill him.” Additionally, the victim told police that Caban pulled out a knife and cut him above the eyebrow.
Police said the victim was continually beaten for at least 15 minutes.
Caban and Swint were both arrested and charged with Armed Burglary, Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm, and Aggravated Battery use of a Deadly Weapon. Swint received an additional charged of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He is being held on an $85,000 bond.
Caban is being held on a $65,000 bond.
According to court records, Caban and Swint have more than a dozen felony convictions.
The FBI Jacksonville Division is warning residents of central Florida of a scam that threatens to blackmail individuals who have allegedly committed adultery.
“The scammer threatens to reveal the information to the recipient’s spouse, family and friends, and demands payment in exchange for secrecy. In an effort to avoid detection, the scammer often insists on being paid in bitcoin, a virtual currency that is legitimate but difficult to track,” the FBI wrote in a press release.
According to the FBI, someone in Ocala recently received the “blackmail scam” letter.
The FBI says that the scam is not new, however, it has become more evolved and is difficult to track its origination.
If you do receive a letter but have not cheated on your significant other, you should have nothing to worry about.
A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment protects the right of a person to openly carry a gun in public for purpose of self-defense.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made the ruling and rejected a claim from Hawaii officials that guns should be kept at home.
The ruling by a three-judge panel on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals makes the San Francisco-based court is the sixth U.S. circuit court to make this ruling.
A law professor at the University of California said, “States like Hawaii and California will have to allow far more guns on the streets than they do today. States would be able to ban concealed carry but only if they allow people to carry their guns openly displayed.”
In Tuesday’s ruling, Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain wrote, “We do not take lightly the problem of gun violence. But, for better or for worse, the Second Amendment does protect a right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense.”
According to a press release, two of the three judges on the 9th Circuit voted to reverse a decision by the U.S. District Court in Hawaii, which stated that officials did not infringe on the rights of the plaintiff, George Young, who on two separate occasions was denied a permit to carry a gun in public.
Deputy corporation counsel for the County of Hawaii, Kaena Horowitz, said, “The Young decision is unfortunate as it invalidates Hawaii law designed to protect the safety and well-being of the people of Hawaii,” he said. “Carrying firearms in public clearly poses a significant danger to the safety of our community and greatly increases the risk that police officers confront.”
Horowitz believes that only police should be allowed to carry guns and other weapons.
The decision affects western states under 9th Circuit jurisdiction where guns are currently restricted.
Horowitz said they might attempt to appeal the decision before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Do you feel Florida should be an open carry state?
Celebrate summer at Crystal River’s scallop festival.
The festival will feature live music, bounce houses, karaoke, beer, arts and crafts, a variety of foods, a scallop cook-off, Battle of the Bands, contests, inflatable slide with water slide, seafood, pony rides, and so much more!
Location:
Kings Bay Park, 268 NW 3rd St, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA
July 28, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Lecanto, Florida — A 35-year-old Lecanto man was arrested and charged with Grand Theft and Burglary of an unoccupied Structure (X2) after the homeowner reported several power tools had gone missing.
The burglary took place in the 4800 block of West Pleasant Acres Place, Lecanto.
Ocala, Florida — Ocala police are seeking details in a shooting that left one man dead.
A 54-year-old man was shot and killed Tuesday night at Parkside Gardens Apartments, located at 621 Northwest Second Street, Ocala.
According to the Ocala Police Department, the man was identified as Cornelius Lewis. He was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Police stated that Lewis died a few hours later.
Detectives said they are in the early stages of the investigation and would not release certain details pertaining to the shooting.
If you have information about this case, you are urged to call Detective Dustin Todd at 352-369-7170, 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.
UPDATE
The shooter has been identified as 17-year-old John R. Monroe. Monroe confessed to shooting Lewis.
Monroe told police that he shot Lewis because he was harassing him all the time.
Monroe was charged with Second-degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by Minor.
Marion County — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will host the back to school immunization clinics beginning Saturday, July 21, in Ocala, located at 1801 Southeast 32nd Avenue.
Students entering kindergarten, attending, or transferring to a Florida public school need the following vaccines: four or five doses of DTaP (diptheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis); four or five doses of IPV (inactivated polio vaccine); two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), three doses of Hepatitis B, one dose of Tdap (tetanus-diptheria-acellular pertussis) and two doses of Varicella. All students entering seventh grade must have a Tdap booster (tetanus-diptheria-acellular pertussis). College immunization requirements can vary; entering students should contact their schools to see what is required. More information about requirements can be found at www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/immunization/children-and-adolescents/ school-immunization-requirements/.
Marion County Residents can schedule appointments or attend as a walk-in client.
The schedule is as follows:
Sat., July 21, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Wed., July 25, from 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 1, from 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 4, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and
Wed., Aug. 8, from 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Residents who seek to have their children vaccinated will need to bring a government-issued photo ID and all immunizations and travel records. A parent, guardian, or individual who has power of attorney for medical consent must accompany anyone under age 18. A stepparent, grandparent, adult sibling of the minor, or an aunt or uncle can bring a minor child in for immunizations if they have written consent from the parent, legal guardian, or individual with power of attorney for medical consent; the parent/guardian/individual with power of attorney must be reachable via telephone in this situation.
For more information call 352-644-2695 or 352-644-2770.
Marion County Fire Rescue is teaming up with the Marion County Schools for the 2018 “Stuff the Bus” campaign.
According to an MCFR Facebook post, the Stuff the Bus campaign is an annual outreach program co-sponsored by Marion County Public Schools Homeless Children and Youth Program and local Veteran’s organizations.
MCFR said this is an opportunity for Marion County residents to make a difference in a needy child’s life.
“We are asking for donations of new school supplies, clothes, shoes and personal hygiene items to be dropped off to any Marion County Fire Rescue station. In return, we invite you to take a tour of your local fire station, talk to our professional firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs and take a photo inside the fire truck,” MCFR said. MCFR went on to say, “The donated supplies are distributed by the Homeless Children Program to the guidance offices at each school to meet the needs of our students attending those schools. This keeps all donations local and makes distribution more efficient.”
Locations of the school bus at retail locations varies year to year. Stay tuned to Ocala Post to see when MCFR will be near you or call the Homeless Children office for details.
Current times and locations:
July 21, 2018, 9 am – 5 pm @ Walmart Dunnellon – 11012 N Williams St, Dunnellon
July 28, 2018, 9 am – 5 pm @ Walmart S.S. Blvd. – 4980 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala
Recreational red snapper season closes soon in Gulf state and federal waters.
Red snapper season for recreational anglers fishing from private vessels and for charter captains who do not have a federal reef fish permit is open through July 20 and closes July 21.
For-hire operations with federal reef fish permits are open through July 21 and close July 22.
“Don’t forget to add Gulf Reef Fish Angler on your license (includes those that are exempt) before you go fishing for reef fish from a private recreational boat in Gulf state and federal waters (excluding Monroe County),” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said.
To learn more about the regulations on red snapper, click here.
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 10 since February — eight horses and two emus.
In a press release, Florida Department of Health Public Information Officer Christy Jergens, 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 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.
A Miami man with no arms has been charged with stabbing a Chicago tourist with scissors.
Jonathan Crenshaw, 46, told Miami Beach police that he used his feet to hold the scissors to stab Cesar Coronado, 22, who was visiting from Chicago.
Crenshaw stated that he was lying down just after midnight Tuesday when Coronado came by and kicked and punched him in the head.
Crenshaw then allegedly picked up a pair of scissors with his foot and stabbed Coronado twice.
When questioned, Coronado said he and his friend had stopped to ask Crenshaw for directions when he suddenly stabbed Coronado in the arm.
According to the arrest affidavit, Crenshaw stabbed Coronado twice, put the scissors back into his waistband using his foot, and quickly fled the scene.
Coronado was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center and treated for his injuries.
Crenshaw was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery and is being held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $7,500 bond.
Law enforcement officials said that Crenshaw, who is homeless, has a history of violence.
Locals say Crenshaw is well-known for his artistic abilities by using his feet.
The Target masturbator who was arrested on July 4, was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to six months in jail.
According to Ocala police, Bryan L. Swaim, 51, entered the Target, located at 2000 Southwest College Road, last Wednesday and was followed by loss prevention personnel because he was acting suspiciously.
A loss prevention officer told police that when Swaim entered the store [he] acted like he was going to steal a pair of shorts, but instead, he dropped them on the floor in the holiday section.
According to reports, loss prevention officers then watched Swaim via security camera enter the swimsuit section.
Authorities said Swaim then began watching a female who was shopping, pulled out his penis, and began masturbating while watching the woman.
Loss prevention officers said they then removed customers from the area and waited for police to arrive.
According to the arrest affidavit, a female customer told police that she saw Swaim starring at her while she was browsing the swimsuit section. She said he was creepy and it made her feel uncomfortable so she left the area.
At first, Swaim told police that he was only adjusting himself. However, there was just a “teeny weeny” problem; the entire incident was captured on video. When Swaim realized he had been caught on video he knew police had the better hand and confessed.
Swaim was charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (crack pipe).
He is scheduled to be released from the Marion County Jail on Christmas Eve, 2018.
This is what happens when the DMV fails to restrict some elderly drivers.
Semi nearly hits a vehicle driven by a 76-year-old driver when she creeps onto a Florida highway and directly into the path of the semi.
The skilled truck driver was able to avoid the accident.
