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    Student killed by hit-and-run driver




    hit and run, belleview, BHS student killed, Zachery Holt, ocala news, fhp, belleview high school student
    Zachery Holt [Deceased] and Vanisha V. Weir [mugshot]
    Belleview, Florida — On May 18, the Florida Highway Patrol was notified of a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on U.S. Highway 301, at the intersection of Southeast 125th Place, Belleview.

    According to FHP, Zachery T. Holt, 17, who was known by his friends as “Zach”, was walking southbound, adjacent to the roadway, when Vanisha V. Weir, who was driving a 2006 Hyundai  Sonata, slammed into Holt and continued driving.

    Holt was thrown onto the west  grassy shoulder.

    Troopers said that Weir left Burger King, where she works, at approximately 11:46 p.m.

    Holt’s body was discovered by a Belleview police officer at approximately 1:51 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

    According to reports, FHP received information that the vehicle involved in the crash was at a Waffle House located on State Road 44.

    Troopers say that Weir left the scene of the accident and drove to Wildwood, where she called law enforcement and reported that her car had been vandalized. When Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrived at the Waffle House, they inspected the vehicle and immediately knew Weir was not telling the truth.

    Weir later stated that she thought she had hit an animal. However, troopers said that Weir was seen wiping evidence from the front of her vehicle. Troopers indicated that Weir had attempted to wipe away fabric that was transferred to the front of her vehicle from Holt’s clothing.

    At the crash scene, troopers found pieces of Weir’s car. One of the damaged pieces had a vehicle identification number on it, which matched her vehicle.

    Weir was arrested and Charged with Failure to Stop and Remain at a Crash Scene Involving Death and Destroying-Tampering with Evidence. She is being held at the Marion County Jail on a $30,000 bond.

    Holt was a student at Belleview High School.

    Authorities say he might have been on his way home from work when he was hit and killed.




    Vacant house was being used as meth lab

     

    faces of meth, meth lab, methamphetamine, ocala news, marion county news
    Amanda Bacon, 19, and Calvin Bell,19.

    Ocala, Florida — Members of the United Drug Enforcement Strike Team were notified after Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to a residential burglary and discovered a meth lab.

    When deputies arrived at 5049 Southeast 42nd Street, in response to a burglary in progress, they immediately smelled an odor consistent with cooking methamphetamine.

    Amanda Bacon, 19, and Calvin Bell, 19, who were standing outside, were detained while deputies searched the house for other suspects.

    According to reports, Bacon stated, “I have a meth addiction and I ‘banged’ meth two days ago.”

    Bell told deputies that he has been “clean” for a few months, but usually “shoots” meth when he is using.

    During a search of the residence, UDEST agents found a plethora of needles, burnt spoons, coffee filters, and rubber gloves. Additionally, agents found pseudoephedrine packs, a HCL generator, and two bottles of meth oil. In total, the raw weight of the oil was 240 grams.

    Authorities said that the residence did not have electricity and had been vacant for a long time.

    After searching their vehicle, which was parked in the driveway, UDEST agents found a cosmetic bag that contained needles and a baggie of heroin.

    Bacon stated, “All those ‘bangers’ (meaning needles) are mine.”

    Bacon and Bell were arrested and charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. They are being held on a $25,000 bond, each.

    Bacon has a previous arrest for Possession of Methamphetamine.

    Murder suspect says he was compassionate, did not kill kid




    Darren Decker, murder, home invasion, ocala news, home invasion robbery, marion county news, dunnellon
    Darren Decker

    Dunnellon, Florida — Since January 2016, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Levy County Sheriff’s Office, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Williston Police department have all been investigating a string of burglaries that are now linked to suspects Jessica Baker, 44, and Darren Decker, 41.

    Dubbed the “Pillowcase Burglars,” the two were also named as persons of interest in a Marion County murder. The nickname was given to the suspects because they would use a pillowcase from each crime scene to carry stolen property.

    According to reports, the husband and wife duo were also wanted in connection with a murder which occurred during a home invasion robbery in Citrus County.

    They have been connected to more than 60 burglaries throughout North Central Florida.

    During questioning in the Tamara Bedenbaugh murder, Decker inadvertently implicated himself in another home invasion robbery.

    Decker stated, “You guys know I have compassion because I didn’t kill a kid.” He went on to say, “I usually do not enter [someone’s] house without trying to make sure they are not home. I can’t believe the kid was home.”

    Decker was referring to a February 26, 2016, home invasion robbery that took place on Southwest 110th Street, Dunnellon.

    The incident was reported by a juvenile.

    Investigators said that the juvenile was home alone when Decker knocked on the front door.

    The juvenile stated that when he looked out the window he saw a newer black Nissan parked in the driveway and immediately ran and hid in his mother’s bedroom.

    A short time later, the juvenile exited the bedroom and saw Decker standing in the hallway.

    The boy said that Decker then instructed him to “turn around and walk slowly to the bedroom.” Once inside the bedroom, Decker told the boy to get into the bathroom and shut the door.

    According to the juvenile, Decker said “If you move from [the bathroom] I am going to shoot you and you are going to die.”

    The victim stated that while he was in the bathroom he could hear drawers opening and closing.

    Investigators reported that the boy did not exit the bathroom until his step-father returned home.

    A search of Decker’s home turned up several items that had been stolen from the home, including a W-2 with the victim’s name on it.

    Decker was able to be identified because he did not wear a mask during the home invasion.

    Decker was arrested on May 9, and charged with Grand Theft, False Imprisonment of a Child Under 13, and Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling.

    He is being held without bond.

    Decker is still a suspect in the murder of Bedenbaugh, but has not been formally charged.

    The investigation is ongoing.




    Woman and her dog die after being struck by car





    pedestrian killed, marion oaks, ocala news, fatal crash

    Marion Oaks – A woman and her dog are dead after an 18-year-old lost control of his car and struck her as she walked along the side of the road.

    The accident occurred at 8:49 a.m.

    According to FHP, Sarah and Manuel Rodriguez, along with a friend, Norris Parker, were walking the couple’s dog on the paved shoulder of Marion Oaks Trail.

    Devontra T. Goolsby, who was driving a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis, was also traveling on Marion Oaks Trail, near Southwest 61st Court, when he lost control of his vehicle.

    Troopers said that Goolsby veered toward the right shoulder of Marion Oaks Trail and slammed into Sarah and her dog.

    The dog was killed instantly. Sarah was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.

    Manuel and Norris were not injured.

    Sarah was 65 years old.

    The crash remains under investigation and charges for Goolsby are pending.




    Shooting at On Top of the World, two dead




    [Last updated on May 12, 2016, at 4:10 p.m.]

    Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting that occurred at 8747 Southwest 93rd Place — a residence at On Top of The World in the Friendship Colony neighborhood.

    The call came in at approximately 8:40 a.m.

    The MCSO SWAT team and Air-1 were also on the scene.

    Authorities said that the area was placed on lockdown while MCSO searched for the shooter.

    Early reports suggested that the incident was a domestic dispute that turned violent.

    When deputies arrived, they found a woman on the front lawn of a neighbor’s house. She had suffered a gunshot wound.

    According to reports, June Jackson, 60, was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

    At 12:15 p.m., MCSO said that the shooter had been “contained within an area.”

    Then, at approximately 2:25 p.m., Ocala Post received information which indicated that the gunman, Clifton Erhardt, 51, had barricaded himself inside the residence and taken his own life.

    MCSO’s Bomb Squad’s robot made entry to the home and, by utilizing robot’s on-board cameras , deputies discovered that Erhardt was dead.

    According to detectives, Jackson and Erhardt were involved romantically.

    In 2002, Erhardt was arrested in Marion County as a fugitive from justice. At that time, he was wanted in Baldwin County, Alabama, on charges of fraud. Court records also show that Erhardt’s ex-wife had filed domestic violence injunctions against him.

    The motive for the shooting is not known at this time.

    Updates will be posted as they become available.

    Anyone with information can call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.




    Marion Oaks man arrested, 20 counts of Possession of Child Pornography

    2




    Albry Emmons, child pornography, ocala news, marion oaks, marion county news, child porn,
    Albry Emmons

    Marion Oaks — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 69-year-old man Wednesday, after it was reported that he had downloaded child pornography.

    Albry Emmons, who lives in the 6900 block of Southwest 132nd Place in Marion Oaks, had been using a Russian website similar to Facebook to download child pornography.

    On April 11, 2016, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children stated that Google had reported a Google Plus user who had uploaded an image of a child which was sexual in nature. The image was titled “Lick.” It depicted an adult female with a young male in-between her legs while simulating oral sex.

    The IP address traced back to a Brighthouse Networks customer.

    During the investigation, investigators subpoenaed Brighthouse Networks and were able to obtain Emmons’ address.

    On April 22, detectives made contact with Emmons at his home.

    Emmons gave detectives consent to search his computer, at which time they discovered multiple files that contained child erotica. Emmons computer was then seized.

    On May 2, detectives obtained a search warrant for the computer and found 20 files that depicted children — both male and female — in various sexual manners.

    Emmons was arrested and charged with 20 counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

    He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

    Google is one of law enforcement’s largest informants when it comes to illegal activity on the internet.




    Men drove to motel that would not ask for identification, had sex with a minor




    child molester, ocala news, marion ocunty news, Lewd and Lascivious Battery, pedophile, sex offender
    Christopher James

    Ocala, Florida — A felon was arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a Girl Younger than 12.

    The victim had been reported as a runaway by her mother the day before the incident.

    According to deputies, when the girl returned home, the mother noticed “hickies” on her daughter’s neck. The mother then drove her daughter to a local hospital.

    A short time later, a nurse notified the sheriff’s office due to the girl’s age.

    The girl told authorities that she had gotten a ride home with her friend after school. She said that there were also two older males in the car.

    According to reports, the men drove through McDonald’s and then to the Silver Princess Motel, located at 3041 South Pine Avenue.

    Deputies said that the men drove from one motel to another until they found one that would not ask for any type of identification during check-in.

    Once inside the motel, the victim stated that Christopher James Jr., 20, got her onto the bed and climbed on top of her. She stated that she told him no, but he became angry and continued to have sex with her. She also stated that she attempted to call her mother, but James refused her access to her cell phone.

    During the interview, the girl told investigators that the two men joked about James going to jail because of her age.

    The incident occurred on November 6, 2015. A warrant for James’ arrest was not issued until April 25, 2016. He was arrested on May 6, 2016.

    James was released the same day on a $10,000 bond.

    James has previous arrests for Burglary, Prowling, Resisting Arrest, and Driving without a License.

    According to MCSO, the victim is under the age of 12.




    Local office hiring a medical assistant




    medical assistant, ocala jobs, marion county news, ocala news,
    Symphony Healthcare, Inc., Ocala’s premier family health care center, is now looking for a Medical Assistant to join their team.

    Ocala, Florida — Symphony Healthcare, Inc., Ocala’s premier family health care center, is now looking for a Medical Assistant to join their team. The position will be available on June 1.

    Symphony Healthcare, Inc. is an Integrated Family Practice that focuses on preventative care and they encourage their patients to be an active partner in their health care.

    As a Medical Assistant, you would be responsible for providing clinical care commensurate with your medical education.  Duties will be wide and varied, but essential responsibilities in this role include, but are not limited to:

    • Performs phlebotomy and other laboratory testing to include CLIA-waived testing and accurately processes specimens to appropriate lab
    • Obtains and accurately documents patient vital signs, updates medical history including family and social history, current medications, allergies, and other pertinent historical information as appropriate
    • Performs diagnostic testing and the ability to operate equipment, such as: EKG, vision examinations, inhalation machines, pulse ox.
    • Administers injections, dispense medications, eye/ear irrigations, dress bandage/wound/incisions
    • Assists with procedures and examinations
    • Assists staff members in other departments of the practice with their duties to include check-in, check-out, and other administrative work
    • Ensures that equipment is in proper working order and reports any malfunctions
    • Follows documentation procedures and completes required paperwork related to patient visit
    • Maintains examination rooms and stock/inventory
    • Adheres to infection control/safety guidelines and HIPAA policies
    • Maintain excellent patient satisfaction at all times
    • Promptly greets patients when entering the lobby, exam room, or laboratory
    • Consistently, clearly, and confidently communicates and educates patients on the prescribed treatment plan
    • Provides solutions to patient concerns and recognizes and seeks helps in emergent situations
    • Provides timely follow-up calls to patients
    • Understanding, willingness, and eagerness to be able to both demonstrate personally and promote and educate our patients on an active, healthy lifestyle along with the benefits of proper nutrition as it relates to chronic health conditions

    Requirements:

    • Completion of a Medical Assistant program
    • Proficient Medical Terminology
    • Ability to pass a background check
    • Ability to pass Pre-Employment Skill and Personality Assessment (both written and practical)
    • BLS Certification
    • Computer/data entry skills
    • EMR experience
    • Ability to multi-task, have initiative, have a positive attitude, and likes to work together as a team
    • Medical coding and billing knowledge helpful

    Additional Information:

    • Hours will be Monday-Thursday from 7:30am-3:30pm with the ability and flexibility to adjust schedule based upon staffing needs
    • Optional employee funded dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance plans
    • Pay scale to be discussed at time of interview and is based upon experience and education

    For more information visit http://shcocala.com/careers-2/. You can forward your resume via email to chrissy@shcocala.com, or fax it to 352-629-7833.

    Paid listing




    First city in Central Florida decriminalizes marijuana




    decriminalize marijuana, ocala news, orlando news, marion county news, marijuana
    Orlando becomes first city in Central Florida to decriminalize marijuana.

    Orlando, Florida — Orlando has now passed an ordinance that decriminalizes the use of marijuana.

    On Monday, the ordinance passed with a 4-3 vote.

    Effective October first, those caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana, which is approximately 40 joints, would receive a citation for a fine of $100 for the first offense and $200 for a second offense. Those who do not pay could have the option of performing community service, or taking a substance abuse course.

    Orlando is the first city in Central Florida to decriminalize marijuana.

    On Monday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said that the change shows understanding and mercy

    During a press conference, Mayor Dyer said, “What we are saying is, to someone who has made a youthful mistake for the first time and they have no other background of any sort and are not associated with any crimes, we are probably going to be able to give them a second chance.”

    Two former police officers on the council, Tony Ortiz and Samuel Ings, as well as Commissioner Jim Gray opposed the new ordinance.

    In July of 2015, Ocala Post reported that commissioners in Miami-Dade County, Florida, were the first in the state to pass an ordinance allowing marijuana (http://bit.ly/1QlQDDj) possession to be treated as a civil offense.

    At that time, Ocala Post reached out to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and asked, “Would the BOCC ever consider decriminalizing marijuana possession for anything under 20 grams?”

    Marion County Public Information Officer Elaine DeIorio McClain wrote, “Commissioner Arnett has been working with the Sheriff and others regarding a new ‘civil citation program’ that offers certain first-time arrestees of non-violent offenses the opportunity for a first arrest to be handled through a civil citation process.”

    Ocala Post then informed the BOCC that passing such an ordinance is not the decision of the Sheriff. And even though law enforcement could possibly use their own discretion whether or not to arrest an individual for marijuana possession, as do many Florida law enforcement agencies; ultimately, it is the job of the BOCC to vote on such an ordinance.

    Ocala Post also stated to the BOCC that they had not answered the exact question.

    “The BCC will not determine the specific offenses applicable under the program we referenced. The specific item (marijuana) you’re writing on is not currently on the BCC agenda,” Public Information Officer McClain said. She went on to say, “That is a question for the Commission. We have forwarded your request to our commissioners, as they would be the ones to advise if they would consider it.”

    Marion County has not made any progress with adopting a similar ordinance.

    In fact, according to the Public Policy Institute of Marion County, Inc., Marion County’s incarceration rate is 1.5 times the state average.

    Commissioners in Broward County, Miami Beach, and Gainesville are currently discussing a similar ordinance.

    We want to hear from you. Do you think Marion County should decriminalize marijuana?




    All Nail & Spa employee arrested




    all nail & spa, ocala news, aggravated battery, marion county news,
    All Nail & Spa employee, Dieu Pham arrested.

    Ocala, Florida — A nail salon employee was arrested after he threatened another employee with a machete.

    Ocala police responded to All Nail & Spa, located in the Gateway Plaza, after a witness reported seeing “several Asian people fighting in the parking lot.”

    The victim, Johnny Chau, told police that he and the suspect, Dieu Pham, 48, had been arguing about something that happened inside the salon the day before. Chau stated that Pham tried to punch him with his fist, but he was able to duck and avoid the strike.

    That is when Pham said he was going to his vehicle to get a weapon.

    Chau then stated to Pham, “You cannot carry a weapon in America.”

    According to repots, a witness stated that she was in Massage Envy when she saw a group of Asians run by the front of the business.

    Once Pham reached his vehicle, he opened the trunk and pulled out a machete.

    Witnesses stated that Pham then raised the machete and threatened Chau, who is also an employee of the nail salon. Chau then pulled out a container of mace and sprayed Pham in the face.

    The owner of the salon, Lisa Vu, stated that she and other employees did follow Pham to his car and saw him with the machete.

    Witnesses told police that Chau sprayed Pham in self defense.

    Pham was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Machete).

    He was released on a $3,000 bond.

    Police said that the machete was not recovered because Pham hid it before they could arrive.




    Panhandler arrested, nothing more than a con artist

    10




    Jesse McAuliffe, con artist, panhandler, ocala news, marion county news
    Jesse McAuliffe

    Ocala, Florida — A panhandler was arrested after police say he was scamming money from passing motorists.

    Ocala police say that Jesse McAuliffe, 26, was standing at Southwest 32 Avenue and State Road 200, with a sign that read “struggling.”

    According to reports, police witnessed McAuliffe taking money from people as they were driving by.

    Officer Douglas Russell stated that this is not the first time he has witnessed McAuliffe begging for money.

    In fact, McAuliffe is no stranger to police at all.

    McAuliffe has been arrested for Grand Theft Auto, Possession of a Concealed Firearm, Possession of Marijuana, Retail Theft, Trespassing, and  Panhandling (x2).

    McAuliffe was released from jail on probation.

    Authorities warn that citizens should not give McAuliffe money if they encounter him on a street corner.

    In the past, McAuliffe has claimed that he was homeless, however authorities say that is not true.

    Panhandling is illegal in Marion County.




    Premier Pediatrics to host their 3rd Annual Community Fair





    Premier Pediatrics fair, ocala news, marion county news, events

    Ocala, Florida — Premier Pediatrics is hosting their 3rd Annual Community Fair on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    The event will be held at the Crossroads Church, located at 8070 Southwest 60th Avenue, Ocala.

    For the past two years, Premier Pediatrics has had great success with the event, and they are hoping the turnout will be even better for 2016.

    So far, they have 20 local organizations participating. Those organizations will be informing the guests about their services, as well as hosting fun activities for the children.

    Those organizations include, but are not limited to, UF Health Shands, the Big Red Bus, Easy Street, Stevi B’s Pizza, Healthy Smiles Dental, Children’s Medical Services, the Early Learning Coalition, and the Center for the Blind.

    Entertainment will include a DJ and lots of games, like soccer, water activities, and a bounce house.

    Premier Pediatrics’ providers and staff will all also be present at the event.

    In addition to all of the fun, there will also be a chance to enter a raffle to win prizes.

    This is a free event. So, head out and enjoy the fun.

    Be sure to RSVP as soon as possible to reserve your child’s goodie’ bag.

    For more information, or to RSVP, e-mail sonda@premierocala.com. You can also visit their Facebook page at Premier Pediatrics.




    Person of interest named in double homicide




    Robert Roy Schwamberger [left], Terrance Hurst [center], and Ruth Amelia Schwamberger
    Robert Roy Schwamberger [left], Terrance Hurst [center], and Ruth Amelia Schwamberger
    Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department has named a person of interest in a double homicide investigation, which began after two bodies were discovered in an Ocala home on Sunday.

    That person is Terrance Hurst, 32. He is the grandson of Robert and Ruth Schwamberger, who were found dead in their Ridge View Acres subdivision home, located 544 Northeast 43rd Avenue.

    Hurst was pulled over and arrested by Largo Police Department on Monday on the unrelated charge of Felony Driving While License Suspended or Revoked.

    According to detectives, they had sent the Largo Police Department a bulletin to be on the lookout for a 2014 blue four-door Chevy, which belonged to the Schwamberger’s.

    OPD  detectives responded to Largo Police Department and are working with the State Attorney’s Office.

    Detectives said that they have interviewed other potential witnesses and will continue to investigate.

    Hurst is being held at the Pinellas County Jail.

    Detectives would not discuss any further details in this case.

    This is an ongoing investigation. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

    Anyone with information in regards to this crime is asked to contact Detective S. McQuaig at 352-369-7029, the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.




    Two bodies found in Ocala home, ruled double homicide





    double homicide, homicide, ocala news, marion county news.

    [Last updated on May 2, 2016, at 4:11 p.m.]

    Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is investigating a double homicide after two bodies were discovered in an Ocala home.

    According to a press release, the bodies were discovered, Sunday, May 1, 2016, at approximately 8:09 a.m., after Ocala police officers responded to 544 Northeast 43rd Avenue, in reference to a well-being check. The home is located inside Ridge View Acres subdivision.

    The victims have been identified as Robert Roy Schwamberger, 81, and Ruth Amelia Schwamberger, 77.

    Article continued below

    homicide, ocala news, marion county news

    The Medical Examiners office has completed the autopsies, but that information has not been released.

    This is an ongoing investigation. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

    Anyone with information in regards to this crime is asked to contact Detective S. McQuaig at 352-369-7029, the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.




    Person of interest named in Jiffy Food Store shooting




    Keon'dre Duncan, jiffy store shooting, ocala news, marion county news, shootng
    Keon’dre Duncan

    Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department has named a person of interest in the death of Ujjval “Rocky” Patel, 33, who was shot in the head and killed at a convenience store last week.

    The shooting occurred during an attempted robbery on  April 22, 2016, at  the Jiffy Food Store, located at 2425 Northwest 10th Street, Ocala.

    OPD detectives need the public’s help in locating Keon’dre Duncan, 19.

    Duncan is described as a black male who stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs between 150 and 170 pounds. He was wearing a red hoodie, gray pants/skinny jeans, and had on a skull cap and a mask, which covered the lower portion of his face. The man was also wearing a black backpack.

    Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000. Additionally, the Ocala Police Department is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for Patel’s death.

    No additional information has been released at this time.

    Anyone with information about the shooting can call Detective Jeff Hurst at 369‐7189, Ocala Police Department at 369‐7000 or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 368‐STOP (7867), or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.




    One person and a dog killed, another seriously injured in I-75 crash




    fatal crash, car accident, crash, i-75, car accident in ocala, ocala news
    Ford Explorer on its roof following fatal crash on I-75. Photo courtesy of Presley D.

    Ocala , Florida — One person was killed and another was seriously injured Wednesday on Interstate 75, between the Belleview, County Road 484 and the Ocala, Highway 200 exit.

    According to reports, Amanda Welch, 26, was driving a 2000 Ford Explorer northbound on I-75 when, for unknown reasons, lost control of the vehicle.

    The Explorer then veered across all three northbound lanes and slammed head-on into the center guardrail.

    The SUV then began to flip, at which time the passenger, Jason Rodriguez, 30, was ejected from the vehicle. Rodriguez was not wearing his seat belt.

    Article continued below

    car crash, fatal crash, ocala news, OCALA I-75 ACCIDENTS NEAR EXIT 341
    Ford Explorer on its roof following fatal crash on I-75. Photo courtesy of Presley D.

    The SUV came to its final rest on its roof.

    The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Welch, who was wearing her seat belt,  was pulled from the SUV by Good Samaritans. She was then airlifted to Ocala Regional Medical Center. She is listed in serious condition.

    Troopers said that a small dog that was inside the SUV was also killed.

    The crash is still under investigation.




    Kiwanis Beach closed until further notice




    kiwanis beach, ocala news, marion county news
    Kiwanis Beach closed

    Marion County – Kiwanis Beach, located at 15380 Southeast 140th Avenue Road, Lake Weir, will be closed as of April 27, 2016.

    The Marion County Department of Health announced Wednesday that the beach should be closed to the public due to high levels of bacteria.

    The high concentration of bacteria was detected during recent monthly scheduled testing, therefore the Parks and Recreation Department made the decision to close the beach at the recommendation of the Department of Health.

    The beach will be closed until further notice.

    Officials said that, due to normal test results, Hampton Beach and Carney Island will remain open.

    For more information call 352-671-8560.




    Transgender bathroom ban passes 4-1





    transgender, bathroom, ocala news, marion county news,

    Ocala, Florida — The resolution to ban transgender bathrooms in Marion County schools has been officially adopted.

    During a Tuesday emergency resolution meeting, the Marion County School Board passed the resolution with a  4-1 vote.

    Marion County Public School Public Relations Officer, Kevin Christian, said, “The resolution limits school bathrooms to students based on birth sex, not gender identity.”

    Christian said they the School Board is committed to the safety of all children in Marion County schools.

    The resolution was passed despite threats from the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU says that the ban is considered sex discrimination. However, most all parents who showed up for the meeting disagreed and fully support the ban.

    One parent, who does not want to be identified, said, “It’s simple…if you have a penis you use the boy’s bathroom and vice versa. I do not want a boy who claims to be a girl in the bathroom with my daughter. This is not a “thing,” but rather a sickness.”

    A Virginia school district recently adopted the same ban. Last week the U.S. Supreme Court of Appeals Ruled that the ban was discriminatory.

    School board members said that they have done extensive research on this issue. Members said that the ban was needed to ensure the safety of all students.

    School board members Carol Ely, Nancy Stacy, Angie Boynton, and Kelly King voted for the resolution. However, Board Chairman Bobby James did not want to pass a resolution that would be implemented overnight. Instead, he wanted to evaluate the issue over summer break.

    Christian said, “Students will use restrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities based on their gender at birth, not the gender with which they identify.”

    Those who attended the meeting said that their number one concern was the privacy of their children.

    The School Board said they will stand their ground on this issue.




    Reward offered for arrest in death of Ocala store clerk

    armed robbery, shooting, ocala news, store clerk killed, marion county news, rocky, jiffy store
    Ujjval “Rocky” Patel, 33 [Deceased]
    Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding the person who shot and killed a store clerk.

    The shooting occurred during an attempted robbery on  April 22, 2016, at the Jiffy Food Store, located at 2425 Northwest 10th Street, Ocala.

    Detectives said that at approximately 9:50 a.m., a black male armed with a handgun entered the store and shot the store clerk, Ujjval “Rocky” Patel, 33, in the head. Patel died at the scene.

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    The suspect is described as a black male who stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs between 150 and 170 pounds. He was wearing a red hoodie, gray pants/skinny jeans, and had on a skull cap and a mask, which covered the lower portion of his face. The man was also wearing a black backpack.

    The suspect was wielding a silver and black semi‐automatic handgun.

    Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000. Additionally, the Ocala Police Department is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for Patel’s death.

    Anyone with information about the shooting can call Detective Jeff Hurst at 369‐7189, Ocala Police Department at 369‐7000 or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 368‐STOP (7867), or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

    Craigslist ad lead to capture of two multi-county burglars and murder suspects





    Ocala, Florida — Two burglary suspects, dubbed the “Pillowcase Burglars,” have now been named as persons of interest in a Marion County murder. The nickname was given to the suspects because they would use a pillowcase from the crime scene to carry stolen property.

    Jessica Baker, 44, and Darren Decker, 41, who are husband and wife, were arrested in Marion County. The two were caught when a victim from Sumter County saw an item that had been stolen from their home being sold on Craigslist.

    Since January 2016, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Levy County Sheriff’s Office, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Williston Police department have all been investigating a string of burglaries that are now linked to the suspects.

    According to reports, the duo were also wanted in connection with a murder which occurred during a home invasion robbery in Citrus County.

    So far, Jessica and Darren have been connected to more than 60 burglaries throughout North Central Florida — approximatley 20 of the burglaries were committed in Marion County

    On January 25, 2016, the body of Tamara Bedenbaugh, 57, was discovered by her husband, Kirk Bedenbaugh, at their home, located at 4125 Northwest U.S. Highway 225A. Evidence collected at the scene suggested that Tamara had been murdered.

    Detectives questioned her husband, but he was later ruled out as a suspect.

    On April 1, 2016, Don Plumeri, 71, was killed during a home invasion robbery at his home in Citrus County.

    Citrus County Sheriff’s Capt. Brad Smith said that from looking at the crime scene he could tell Plumeri was killed by someone who had no regard for human life.

    On April 20, the suspects were transported to the Sumter County Jail where they are being held without bond.

    Marion County detectives executed a search warrant on the suspects’  home, located at 6131 Northeast 25th Avenue, Ocala, and found a plethora of stolen property. Detectives also discovered a storage unit that what being used to store stolen items.

    Detectives say that they have recovered thousands of dollars in stolen property.

    Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair said that all of the agencies worked well together on this case.

    Anyone with information can call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.