Gag grouper will open for recreational harvest in most state Gulf of Mexico waters and all federal Gulf waters June 1 and will remain open through December 31.
Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor, and Jefferson counties are excluded from this opening because they have their own season from April 1-June 30 and September 1-December 31. Monroe County is also excluded from this season because it follows the Atlantic state season.
The minimum size limit for gag grouper in Gulf waters is 24 inches total length. The daily bag limit is two fish per person within the four-grouper per person aggregate limit.
“If you plan to fish for gag grouper in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required),” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. T
To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.” Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
If you plan to travel on Memorial Day weekend you will have to open your wallet to higher gas prices.
According to a press release from AAA, the national average continues to rise toward $3 a gallon.
On May 20, the national average of $2.92 was 5 cents more than a week ago and 57 cents more than this time last year.
As of Sunday, gas prices averaged above $3/gal in 14 states. The majority of them are in the northeast and western United States.
AAA says the price hikes are due to rising crude costs, however, online polls show most people believe oil companies prey on drivers during the months they are known to travel.
“Current fundamentals will likely lead gas prices higher before the Memorial Day weekend,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Regardless of higher prices at the pump, AAA still forecasts the most holiday road trippers in more than a dozen years. Those with smaller gasoline budgets will find other ways to finance their travel plans, like cutting back on discretionary expenses like shopping or dining out.”
Florida gas prices held steady through the past week, yet remain at their highest levels in more than three years (November 2014). Sunday’s state average of $2.82 is 52 cents more than this time last year.
AAA stated that, on average, it costs $42 for a full tank of gasoline – an increase of $8 from this time last year.
The most expensive gas price averages in Florida are in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($2.93), Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($2.92), and Pensacola ($2.89)
The least expensive gas price averages in Florida are in Punta Gorda ($2.76), Orlando ($2.76), and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ($2.77).
Gas prices are excepted to increase for Florida drivers as Memorial Day approaches.
Ocala, Florida — When the school year ends, a drive down Easy Street, through Marion Oaks, or Silver Springs Shores after 11 p.m. would reveal children by the dozens roaming the streets, many carrying backpacks, and wearing all black clothing in the darkness of the night.
The state of Florida does have a curfew law, but unlike the City of Ocala, Marion County has not adopted the law. Authorities say even though Marion County has not adopted the law, parents should use common sense. For the safety of the children; keep them from walking the streets after dark.
However, the City of Ocala would like to remind parents that the Ocala Police Department does enforce Florida’s curfew.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said that during the summer months when students are out of school, crime does increase. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice said [that] is because, in this day and age, unsupervised juveniles are the most likely to commit a crime. Namely due to a complete lack of supervision and discipline from a child’s parents.
Last summer, OPD responded to multiple calls from businesses in reference to juveniles who had caused a disturbance or disrupted the normal flow of business. Some of the calls involved juveniles as young as 12 who were harassing other patrons within those businesses. And many of the calls came in after midnight.
In all instances, there was no adult supervision present and their behavior was disruptive to other patrons of the businesses as well as the business owners. Once the juveniles were stopped and detained, parents were called to respond and take custody of their children.
Officials said many parents could not pick up their children or simply didn’t care enough to arrive prior to the close of business, therefore the minors had to be transported to OPD headquarters to await pickup.
The City of Ocala adopted Florida’s curfew law for minors, and the law holds the parents responsible for making sure their child/children do not violate this law.
OPD suggests that all parents familiarize themselves with the statute.
Minors prohibited in public places and establishments during certain hours; penalty; procedure:
(1)(a) A minor may not be or remain in a public place or establishment between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day, Sunday through Thursday, except in the case of a legal holiday.
(b) A minor may not be or remain in a public place or establishment between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
(2) A minor who has been suspended or expelled from school may not be or remain in a public place, in an establishment, or within 1,000 feet of a school during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during any school day.
(3) A minor who violates this section shall receive a written warning for her or his first violation. A minor who violates this section after having received a prior written warning is guilty of a civil infraction and shall pay a fine of $50 for each violation.
(4) If a minor violates a curfew and is taken into custody, the minor shall be transported immediately to a police station or to a facility operated by a religious, charitable, or civic organization that conducts a curfew program in cooperation with a local law enforcement agency. After recording pertinent information about the minor, the law enforcement agency shall attempt to contact the parent of the minor and, if successful, shall request that the parent take custody of the minor and shall release the minor to the parent (Depending on the reason the minor was taken into custody).
In the past, business owners and residents alike have expressed their concerns and stated that they feel this matter is a parenting issue. Business owners have made it clear that they will not risk losing business over a disruptive child. Multiple business owners told Ocala Post that if a child/teen is causing an issue that OPD would be notified.
Previously, the owner of an Easy Street restaurant, who did not wish to be identified, said, “This is a parenting issue. I read OP (referring to Ocala Post) and see the posts on the Ocala Police Department’s Facebook page. Many of the crimes in this area are being committed by kids who are not being watched.” He went on to say, “Kids are committing the crimes then the parents cry about it when their children get arrested. If you (referring to parents) don’t want a business to have your child arrested, then do a better job as a parent.”
Parents are being asked to step up and take more responsibility for their children. However, some parents feel their hands are tied and fear being arrested for child abuse if they discipline their children.
In the city limits, the curfew will be enforced and fines will be issued if parents do not take appropriate measures.
Ocala, Florida — A 22-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday and charged with making a false report of sexual battery.
Nicole Hosmer, who is from Leesburg, reported to Ocala police on May 2 that she had been kidnapped by an armed man.
She stated that she was driving down the street when the man entered her vehicle and forced her to drive him to a gas station and McDonald’s.
Hosmer told police that the man had removed her pants and attempted to rape her at gunpoint.
The man, who was falsely accused, denied all accusations when he was interviewed.
According to reports, Hosmer had actually stopped the man on the street and asked him to get into her vehicle. She told the man she felt sorry for him because he was homeless.
Detectives reported that after the man entered the vehicle, Hosmer drove to an ATM and withdrew $60. Hosmer then told the man that she wanted him to use the money to buy drugs for her. When he refused, she became angry. That is when Hosmer went to police and accused the man of attempted rape.
Hosmer later retracted her story and confessed to lying. She told OPD detectives that the man never made any sexual advances toward her.
Hosmer was released from the Marion County jail Wednesday on a $500 bond.
Detectives said the man was not arrested during the investigation.
We want to hear from you. Do you feel the penalty should be greater for a woman who falsely accuses a man of rape?
Summerfield, Florida — A double shooting in Summerfield Tuesday night sent two men to the hospital — one in critical condition and the other is stable.
Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to 9430 Southeast 145th Place after receiving a call about a double shooting.
Deputies arrived at the home to find that two males had been shot. One man was shot in the leg and the other was shot in the buttocks.
Detectives have not released the names of the victims who were shot.
No further details have been released at this time.
If have any information about this incident, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP. Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Marion County — A Uniform Crime Report released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tuesday shows that crime is up by four percent in Marion County.
According to FDLE, the number of violent, serious crimes in Marion, have increased.
These crimes include robberies, rapes, aggravated assaults, larcenies, and motor vehicle thefts.
Murder dropped by one — from 18 in 2016 to 17 for 2017.
The Annual UCR calculates crime rate – a calculation based on population; the total number of index crimes reported per 100,000 people, and crime volume – the total number of index crimes known to law enforcement.
In 2014, statistics showed that Marion County was listed as number 30 out of 67 counties for most dangerous. Ocala was number 17 in the state of Florida for most violent cities. Orlando comes in as number two and Miami Beach is number one.
After discussing these crime statistics with FDLE, it was determined that the crime increase was only half true due to the fact that the four percent only pertained to the portion of Marion County patrolled by the Sheriff’s Department. According to FDLE, the statistics do not include the crimes that had taken place within the inner city. Moreover, the percentage did not include the vast majority of crimes that occurred in Marion County in 2016, such as drug offenses, prostitution, DUI arrests, etc. Furthermore, Ocala Post was told by FDLE that the crime rate statistics are only as good as the information reported to them by the local law enforcement agency.
FDLE says that the overall crime rate in Florida has decreased by six percent.
What do you think about the increase in crime rate?
The Florida Highway Patrol arrested a man Monday they say was involved in a hit-and-run crash.
Joshua Turner, of Weirsdale, was arrested and charged with Hit and Run-Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage (x6), Hit and Run-Failure to Remain at a Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury (x3), Driving while License Suspended-Second Offense, and Grand Theft Auto.
According to reports, Joshua Turner, 28, and his passenger, 27-year-old Andrea Fedore, were traveling eastbound on Southeast 175th Street in a stolen 2012 Ford Explorer.
Troopers said as the Explorer approached the intersection of southeast 155th Avenue, Turner failed to stop for the stop sign and T-Boned a 2011 Dodge Ram, driven by Harlie Coppernoll, 24. Chris Cornelius, 38, and a three-year-old were passengers in the Ram.
Armed with what was later determined to be a black BB gun, Turner fled on foot.
Troopers said they were able to get a good description of the suspect. FHP, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) officers, FWC K-9 units, and multiple FHP and FWC K-9 teams from Gainesville and Orlando were brought in to search for the suspect.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., an FWC officer who was patrolling County Road 42 near the intersection of Southeast 150th Avenue Road, spotted Turner.
In wet clothes and without shoes, Turner was immediately taken into custody.
Turner stated that he didn’t know anything about a stolen vehicle and denied his involvement if the car crash.
A search of Turner’s pants pocket turned up a Ford key, which fit the ignition of the stolen vehicle.
The occupants of the Ram were treated for minor injuries and are expected to make a full recovery.
Turner’s bond was set at $27,000. As of 12:52 p.m., Tuesday, Turner remained at the Marion County Jail.
Millions of subscribers have threatened to abandon Netflix after the movie streaming giant announced Monday that the company had signed a television deal with Barack and Michelle Obama. Netflix boasts more than 120 million subscribers.
Barack and Michelle have opened their own production company, Higher Ground Productions. Their content will allegedly feature scripted and unscripted series, documentaries, or features.
In a released statement, Michelle said, “Barack and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others.
In a Netflix press release, Barack Obama said, “We hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the wider world.”
“Barack and Michelle Obama are among the world’s most respected and highly-recognized public figures and are uniquely positioned to discover and highlight stories of people who make a difference in their communities and strive to change the world for the better,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “We are incredibly proud they have chosen to make Netflix the home for their formidable storytelling abilities.”
Sources have said that the material will likely target liberal audiences.
We want to hear from you. What is your opinion? Will you abandon Netflix?
Marion County — The family of a 60-year-old Ocala woman who died following a May 10 car accident is outraged that the drunk driver was released on a $30,000 bond.
The crash occurred at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Northwest 60th Avenue.
The Florida Highway Patrol said they arrested Angenette Marie Welk, 44, A.K.A. Angenette Marie Missett, at the May 10 crash site and charged her with DUI with Serious Bodily Injury — she smiled ear-to-ear for her booking photo.
The family stated that they felt Welk showed disrespect by smiling.
On May 14, the woman who Welk hit, Sandra Clarkston, was removed from her ventilator while at Ocala Regional Medical Center. Surrounded by family, she passed away a short time later.
On May 19, FHP investigators upgraded Welk’s charges to DUI Manslaughter.
She was booked into the Marion County jail and released on bond approximately two hours later.
Welk was driving her 2011 Chevrolet Avalon eastbound on U.S. Highway 27 around 11:54 a.m. on May 10 when she failed to brake and slammed into the rear of a 2017 Hyundai, which was stopped in front of her, according to the arrest report. 18-year-old Shiyanne was the driver of the Hyundai. Clarkston was the passenger.
The force from the crash forced the Hyundai into the back of a horse trailer.
Shiyanne was treated for her injuries and released.
Welk told troopers that she rear-ended the vehicle because she had dropped her phone.
Welk has since hired the law firm Blanchard, Merriam, Adel & Kirkland to represent her.
Clarkston had just turned 60 the day before the accident.
Marion County — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County stated Thursday that a raccoon in the Sparr/Anthony area tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was tested for the rabies virus after an interaction with a domestic animal on May 14, 2018.
Residents who reside in the Sparr/Anthony area should maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in the area, particularly those who live north of Northeast/Northwest 100th Street, south of County Road 316, east of U.S. Highway 301, and west of County Road 200A.
Officials said domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated and that, rabies is always a danger in wild animal populations. An animal with rabies could infect other wild or domestic animals that have not received a rabies vaccination.
Two Florida residents died from the rabies virus in 2017. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to humans and warm-blooded animals. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
Individuals who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at 352‑644‑2713. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek immediate veterinary assistance for the animal, and contact Marion County Animal Services at 352‑671‑8727.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
Avoid all contact with wildlife, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
Do not feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or trash.
Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all pets.
Keep pets under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals.
Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might encounter people and pets.
“This notice is designed to give public awareness but should not give residents a false sense of security if their area has not been named,” said health officials.
School Superintendent Heidi Maier says that the Forest High School agriculture teacher, Dewie Brewton, who enlisted students to help him drown two nuisance raccoons and an opossum, should be fired.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is still investigating the incident.
On Wednesday, Marion County Public Schools Public Information Officer, Kevin Christian, said, “Our school district is investigating this incident at Forest High School. While law enforcement tells us the teacher may not have done anything illegal, his actions before students are certainly questionable.”
“The district placed this teacher on paid administrative leave Tuesday pending the outcome of our investigation, which is standard procedure anytime an employee is accused,” said Christian.
The Florida Statute for animal cruelty reads:
828.12 Cruelty to animals.—
(1) A person who unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates, or kills any animal, or causes the same to be done, or carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, commits animal cruelty, a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.
(2) A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal, or a person who owns or has the custody or control of any animal and fails to act, which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, commits aggravated animal cruelty, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.
The FWC is not sure if Brewton actually broke any laws, but the investigation is still underway.
However, the FWC says there is a proper way to deal with nuisance animals.
“Live-captured nuisance wildlife must be released legally or euthanized humanely within 24 hours of capture or trap inspection. Any non-target wildlife should be released immediately at the capture site. Unless prohibited by rabies alert or quarantine issued by County Health Department or County Animal Control, live-captured nuisance wildlife may be transported only for the purpose of euthanasia or for legal release, Euthanasia guidelines can be found on the Report of the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia. Only native species of wildlife may be released.”
Once FWC has completed its investigation, the case will be turned over to the State Attorney’s Office. Ultimately, the SAO will determine if any charges should be filed against Brewton.
Investigators said there has been no mention of any type of punishment for students who willfully participated in the drowning of the animals.
Many have defended Brewton’s actions, stating that he is a man of faith. Some parents say that Brewton has been a great mentor for the students at FHS.
The Marion County School Board has since released the following statement.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC CONCERNS REGARDING FHS TEACHER’S ACTIONS
Marion County Public Schools is appalled at the actions of an agri-science teacher accused of killing nuisance animals in front of students earlier this week. While the district conducts its own investigation, we are now aware two additional agencies are also investigating — the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Health. Regardless of the investigative outcomes, Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier is recommending termination.
Marion County’s education standards – in fact, Florida’s education standards — do not include activities for the destruction of live animals, nuisance or not. While law enforcement determines whether this teacher’s actions were legal or not, his actions before students are entirely unacceptable and cause us great concern.
The teacher involved remains on administrative leave while the district, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Department of Health each conduct separate investigations.
Until those investigations are complete, no further details can be officially released.
Marion County — The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating a May 15, two-vehicle crash caused by a Marion County sheriff’s deputy.
FHP said Deputy Joseph Soucey, 25, was “running code” (lights and sirens on) headed south on Southwest 140th avenue.
Troopers reported that the deputy failed to slow or stop at a stop sign and traveled into the path of a 2003 Suzuki sports utility vehicle, driven by Margaret Segarra, 45. Margaret’s husband, Jose Segerra-Moreno, 47, was a passenger in the SUV.
The SUV was traveling west on County Road 484.
” [Margaret] did not have time to avoid the collision” troopers wrote in a report.
The SUV T-boned the patrol car on its left side.
FHP also reported that the roads were wet due to heavy rain.
Some sources reported to Ocala Post that Margaret was cited for driving on a suspended driver’s license and for driving with an improper tag attached to the vehicle. However, at the time this article was published, FHP had yet to confirm that information.
As for Deputy Soucey, FHP stated that he will not be ticketed for causing the accident, however, “his involvement will be investigated.”
FHP Master Sergeant Mark S. Weber told Ocala Post that it was not immediately known how fast the deputy was traveling due to the fact that the onboard dashcam in the MCSO patrol car did not record the speed.
All parties were transported to local hospitals and treated for minor injuries.
Law enforcement officials are investigating a Forest High School teacher, Dewie Brewton, who allegedly drown two raccoons and an opossum in an agriculture class.
The incident was made public after a student showed his mother a video of the animals being drowned.
Brewton apparently drowned the animals because they had been killing the class’ chickens. Students said that Brewton referred to the animals as a nuisance.
The graphic video shows students filling up large trash cans with water then submerging the animals while they are in cages. In one clip, the raccoon was thrashing around and tried to come up for air, at which time students used steel poles to push the raccoon under. They also held a water hose over the raccoon’s face.
In an e-mail to Ocala Post, Marion County Public Schools Public Information Officer, Kevin Christian, wrote, “Our school district is investigating this incident at Forest High School. While law enforcement tells us the teacher may not have done anything illegal, his actions before students are certainly questionable.”
“The district placed this teacher on paid administrative leave Tuesday pending the outcome of our investigation, which is standard procedure anytime an employee is accused,” said Christian.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that they take these matters very seriously and will determine if any laws were broken.
When FWC has completed its investigation, the case will be turned over to the State Attorney’s Office. Ultimately, the SAO will determine if any charges should be filed against Brewton.
Students say they support the teacher in his decision to kill the animals.
We want to hear from you. What do you think about the teacher’s actions?
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FWC provided the following information pertaining to nuisance wildlife.
Nuisance wildlife is wildlife that…
causes (or is about to cause) property damage,
presents a threat to public safety, or
causes an annoyance within, under or upon a building.
How can nuisance wildlife be taken?
Nuisance wildlife, as defined in Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 68A-9.010, may be taken using live traps or snares, or, where allowed, firearms during daylight hours. All traps and snares must be inspected at least once every 24 hours. The discharge of a firearm may be prohibited in some cities and residential areas, check with local law enforcement. A permit issued by the FWC regional offices is required to use steel traps to take destructive mammals (excluding species prohibited by the FWC). A Gun and Light at Night Permit and a hunting license are required to use a firearm and a light at night to take nuisance beaver, bobcat, fox, opossum, rabbit, raccoon or skunk, causing the destruction of crops and/or livestock. A Gun and Light at Night Permit is not required to take wild hog, coyote, armadillo, black or Norway rat and house mouse, with a gun and light at night.
What do I do with a nuisance animal after it is caught?
Live-captured nuisance wildlife must be released legally or euthanized humanely within 24 hours of capture or trap inspection. Any non-target wildlife should be released immediately at the capture site. Unless prohibited by rabies alert or quarantine issued by County Health Department or County Animal Control, live-captured nuisance wildlife may be transported only for the purpose of euthanasia or for legal release, Euthanasia guidelines can be found on the Report of the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia. Only native species of wildlife may be released.
Native nuisance wildlife may be released on the property of the landowner where captured provided the release site and capture site are located on one contiguous piece of property. Native nuisance wildlife may be released off the capture site if the release site is a minimum of 40 contiguous acres, located in the same county as the capture site, and the person releasing the nuisance wildlife has in their possession written permission from the landowner of the release site allowing release on their property. Nuisance wildlife may not be released on federal, state, county, local or private lands without written permission of the landowner.
Where and how is a carcass disposed of?
To dispose of carcasses, please keep these precautions in mind and follow these instructions. When handling dead birds or other wildlife, work outdoors and try to stay upwind of the carcass. When bagging the carcass, keep the open end of the bag away from your face. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling carcasses. Do not store carcasses in a cooler, freezer, or refrigerator used for human or animal food, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wash any clothing that comes into contact with the carcass with normal household detergent at normal temperatures.
Disposal of dead animals: open up two heavy plastic trash bags. Avoid touching the carcass with your bare hands. Pick up the carcass using disposable gloves or plastic bags worn on your hands. Place the carcass in the first heavy plastic trash bag. Keep the open end of the bag pointed away from your face while tying securely. Next, remove gloves or plastic bags from your hands by turning them inside out. Dispose of the gloves or plastic bags in the second heavy trash bag and place the first bag (containing the carcass) in the second bag, as well. Tie the second bag securely and place it in the garbage. If there are many carcasses to be disposed of, please first speak with your local waste management facility.
Permit requirements
Venomous Reptiles
Anyone transporting or possessing live venomous reptiles is required to have a captive wildlife permit.
Conditional Reptiles
Anyone transporting or possessing live conditional reptiles is required to have a python removal permit.
Birds
A permit from FWC is required for taking of any state listed species or any bird species protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). External Website
Gun/Light at Night Permit
This permit authorizes a landowner or their designee to take depredating wildlife (beaver, bobcat, fox, possum, rabbit, raccoon, otter, skunk or nutria) at night with a gun and light. The permit is not required to take wild hog, coyote, armadillo, black or Norway rat, and house mouse, with a gun and light during non-daylight hours. Under special restrictions, authorizes harassment (scaring) deer causing damage to crops with a gun and light at night.
Depredating Deer Permit
This permit authorizes the killing of deer that are causing damage to crops where less lethal means of control are either ineffective or not feasible. First-time applicants requesting a Deer Depredation Permit or if you have any questions concerning this permit, contact your local FWC regional office.
Depredating Bear Permit
Bear Depredation Permits authorize the lethal take of black bears that are causing property damage where less-lethal means to control the damage are either ineffective or not feasible and FWC is unable to capture and remove the bear.
Steel Trap Permit
This permit authorizes the holder to use padded jaw steel traps for the purpose of taking destructive coyotes, fox, bobcats, beaver, and otter.
Protected Wildlife and Bird Permits
Protected fish and wildlife include those species listed as endangered, threatened or species of special concern. Also included are migratory birds External Website and other species protected by FWC rules. FWC rules prohibit activities that may have a negative effect on protected fish and wildlife without a permit.
Mallard Control Permit
This permit authorizes a person in possession of a copy of the Federal permit to lethally control and trap feral mallards from May 1 through August 31 annually and to destroy nests and eggs of feral mallards year-round. This is not a hunting license.
Canada Goose Depredation Permit
This permit authorizes landowners (and their employees and agents) to take birds and nests to reduce depredation to commercial agricultural operations. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to understand and adhere to all provisions set forth in the permit.
Wild Hog Trappers
Hunting and trapping wild hogs is a useful tool to control feral populations on private and state lands. Nuisance wildlife trappers that want to shoot or trap feral swine on private lands do not need FWC authorization. Permission of the landowner is all that is required. A permit is not required to take a wild hog with a gun and light during non-daylight hours.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOACS) regulates intrastate movement of live feral hogs External Website and requires individuals trapping feral swine in Florida to register with DOACS as a Feral Swine Dealer (FSD).
Nuisance Wildlife Trappers – Businesses
The FWC does not license nuisance wildlife trappers. Nuisance wildlife trappers may voluntarily register to have their name and contact information added to the Wildlife Trapper List. Persons contacting FWC looking for help with nuisance wildlife removal are directed to the wildlife trapper list.
The commercial and recreational harvest of stone crab claws in Florida closes on May 16, with the last day of harvest on May 15.
Stone crab season will reopen on October 15.
This five-month closure occurs each year during the peak spawning season to help conserve and sustain Florida’s valuable stone crab resource.
Commercially harvested stone crab claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season, but only if they have been placed in inventory prior to May 16 by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer.
Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season. Stone crab claws cannot be harvested from traps pulled after the season closes.
Trapping Regulations
◾Traps must be pulled manually (not by a trap-puller). Any vessel that is rigged with a trap-puller will be considered a commercial vessel and the appropriate licenses will be required.
◾Traps must be pulled only during daylight hours.
◾Traps must not be placed in navigational channels of the Intracoastal waterways, or in navigational channels maintained and marked by any county, municipal, state or federal governmental agency.
Investigators with the Ocala Police Department are asking for the public’s help in locating a wanted felon.
Howard Lee Hill Jr., 24, who is a convicted felon, is wanted on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Battery, Burglary with a Deadly Weapon, False Imprisonment, and Child Abuse.
Police say that on May 14, they responded to Pavilion Oaks Apartments after Hill attacked his girlfriend.
The victim stated that she and Hill were in bed when he received a text message from his cousin about coming over to hang out, according to the police report.
Police stated that the victim told Hill that she did not want his cousin around her daughter because of “smoking weed in the parking lot of the complex all night.”
Hill then became angry, struck the victim in the face, and elbowed her on the throat, according to reports.
The victim then yelled for her daughter to leave the apartment.
As the girl ran for the back door, Hill grabbed her and threw her to the floor. He then grabbed the victim by the throat and shouted: “you can’t leave the apartment.”
Police said that is when the victim grabbed a kitchen knife and attempted to exit the apartment with her daughter, but Hill fought with her and gained possession of the knife.
Eventually, the victim and her daughter were able to escape and ran to a different apartment.
The occupant of that apartment tried to hide the victim and her daughter from Hill, but armed with a knife, he forced his way into the apartment. Once inside, Hill put the knife to the victim’s throat.
Two occupants of the apartment then wrestled the knife away from Hill.
Hill then nearly strangled to victim unconscious.
Police said that two occupants of the apartment were finally able to drag Hill outside. The occupants then placed a freezer in front of the door.
Hill then fled the scene.
The Department of Children and Families was notified, according to police.
Hill is considered armed and dangerous.
If you have any information, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP. Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
A Miami-Dade police officer, Raymond Rosario, 44, was suspended with pay after he was arrested for hitting his daughter on a school campus.
The incident was caught on school surveillance video.
Rosario arrived at Pinecrest Cove Preparatory Academy after a teacher called him and stated that his daughter, 14, had been disrespectful to a teacher. When Rosario arrived, he asked for his daughter to be brought to the office.
The video shows Rosario hitting his daughter in the face, aggressively pulling her by the hair, and hitting her with a belt on her legs as school employees sat just feet away.
The woman seen in the video said she did not interfere because she thought Rosario was armed and that, she feared for the victim and the life of [her] unborn child.
Witnesses reported that Rosario “sucker punched” the girl with a closed fist.
Rosario was arrested and charged with felony child abuse. He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Officials said that Rosario was relieved of duty, but will receive full pay pending the outcome of an investigation.
Sources say that the teen initially refused to cooperate out of fear of her father.
On Tuesday, May 15, Rosario pled not guilty. Judge Lisa Walsh ordered Rosario to stay away from his daughter and ex-wife until his next hearing, which is scheduled for August 13.
The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified of the incident.
Summerfield, Florida — The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a mobile home fire Monday that left four adults without a home.
The American Red Cross has since stepped in to help.
Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) was dispatched to the 17000 block of Southeast 96th Court, Summerfield, after a neighbor reported smoke and flames emitting from a home. Neighbors told officials that they had busted out a window to save two kittens.
Units arrived on scene at 4:06 p.m. and the fire was extinguished by 4:30 p.m.
While battling the blaze, the ceiling of the mobile home collapsed on firefighters. No injuries were reported.
A short time later, residents arrived home and stated to firefighters that there were still four cats unaccounted for. Firefighters then re-entered the home, at which time they located one kitten and a cat. Firefighters administered oxygen to the cats and they are expected to make a full recovery.
If you plan to travel on Memorial Day weekend you will have to open your wallet to higher gas prices.
