Ocala, Florida — Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes detectives are asking for the public’s help in the search for Raeqwon Emmanuel Munnerlyn, 19.
According to a press release, detectives have obtained warrants for Munnerlyn’s arrest for Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Armed Robbery with a Firearm, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Attempted False Imprisonment.
MCSO Major Crimes detectives have been working a case where an 18-year-old female stated that Munnerlyn struck her with a firearm and instructed unknown females to take her phone and put her in the trunk of a car.
The victim was able to get away from Munnerlyn and the unknown females and ran to a nearby residence for help.
This incident occurred in the late evening hours of January 6, 2016, at an area near 481 Spring Drive, Ocala, which is Munnerlyn’s residence.
If you see Munnerlyn, do not attempt to approach him. Instead, call 911 immediately.
If you have any information about this case, please 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.
Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man was arrested after investigators learned that he had installed a recording device in the bathroom of a business.
On Monday, January 4, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies began an investigation where a female victim alleged she had found a recording device in a bathroom at Gator Smokes, located at 11175 SW 93rd Court, Ocala.
The victim told deputies that after using the restroom, she discovered a recording device in a fake plant in the bathroom. She stated that the device appeared to have a lens and SD card holder.
According to reports, the victim then took a picture of the device, but did not remove it.
Shortly after she exited the restroom, the manager of the store, Jonathan Gage Johnson, 46, entered the bathroom two times with no warning from the victim about what she had found.
When MCSO Deputy Nicholas Austin arrived on scene, the recording device had been removed from the plant.
Following a short investigation, the recording device was found in a storm drain in the store’s parking lot.
According to a witness, they observed Johnson kneel over the drain and drop something in it.
MCSO Major Crimes detectives analyzed the SD card and found videos of Johnson planting the device in the bathroom, as well as a video of the victim.
On Thursday, Johnson was arrested and charged with one count of Video Voyeurism. He was released on a $1,000 bond.
If anyone suspects that they may have been a victim, please contact Detective Mike Dodd at 352-369-3535.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Lauren Lettelier, said, “We cannot confirm [that the remains are those of Radabaugh Jr.] at this time. We still have an active investigation and are still waiting on a final report from the FDLE forensic lab. We can confirm that our investigators have recently spoken to the family as they have been in continuous contact since this investigation began.”
Radabaugh Jr. went missing while he and his father were raking leaves at their residence. According to detectives, the father allegedly went inside the residence to answer the phone and when he returned, Radabaugh Jr. was gone.
Radabaugh Jr., was 48, has been missing since February 25, 2014.
Ronnie Damon [Deceased]Silver Springs Shores – In the late evening hours of January 6, 2016, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to 301 Larch Road in reference to a shooting. When deputies arrived on scene, they found that Ronnie Charles Damon, 29, had been shot to death in front of his residence.
According to a press release, deputies performed CPR on Damon until medics arrived and pronounced him dead.
Damon was a former Corrections Officer with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. He reached the rank of Corporal and served Marion County as a dedicated employee from December 2007 to October 2014.
Damon resigned from his position to pursue other career ambitions.
MCSO Major Crimes detectives are in the preliminary stages of their investigation, but they do believe this death is suspicious.
If you have any information on this case, please call Detective Zachary Hughes at 352-369-6805, or Marion County Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP.
Tom Champeau, John Dinnis, and Mike Kirkhart presenting Hall of Fame Winner, Porschia Gabrielse, with one of her three mounts for this season. FWC photo by Melody Killborn
TrophyCatch Season 3 ended on a very positive note, and Season 4 is off to an even better start, with peak fishing time right around the corner. TrophyCatch is the citizen-science program that allows the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to collect data on largemouth bass heavier than 8 pounds. In return, corporate partners reward anglers for properly documenting the catch with a photo of the entire bass (head to tail) on a scale with the weight showing, and releasing it. Check out these trends to find your own trophy bass.
During Season 3, the FWC verified 1,744 TrophyCatch bass, with more than 70 percent of the submissions being approved. The previous season, 993 bass heavier than 8 pounds were verified, which was about 60 percent of submissions. The first season, 185 were verified, which was less than 40 percent of submissions.
“This reflects an increasing awareness by anglers of the TrophyCatch program and how to document their catches, but also shows how prolific the trophy bass fishery is in Florida,” said KP Clements, director of TrophyCatch.
By going to TrophyCatchFlorida.com anglers can register, submit fish, and examine other catches from around the state. Just registering makes you eligible to win a $40,000 boat package. Ed Prather was the lucky winner of the third Phoenix Bass Boat given away by TrophyCatch. The prize boats are powered by Mercury and equipped with a PowerPole shallow-water anchoring. To be eligible for the random drawing at the end of Season 4, simply ensure you are registered and your information is up-to-date.
Data has shown FWC biologists that while there are hot lakes, like Kingsley Lake in Clay County (which has limited access to the military and homeowners), numerous catches come from small urban or rural ponds or even golf course ponds. Large popular public lakes like Istokpoga, Tohopekaliga, Okeechobee and Kissimmee provide equal opportunity for all anglers and are popular tourist destinations. At TrophyCatchFlorida.com you can search for catches by county or water body to determine how your favorite area is doing or where to try next.
Another trend wasn’t unexpected but was interesting to see confirmed. Last season about 50 TrophyCatch bass were verified in December, which doubled to over 100 in January, then increased to about 150 in February and peaked in March with almost 400 approved submissions. Trophy bass catches then declined through November before picking up again, in a typical annual cycle. Of course, this is keyed to the bass’ spawning cycle and anglers’ enthusiasm for finding bass during early spring. TrophyCatch helps ensure these big bass get put right back to continue their activities and challenge other anglers.
March panned out very well for the 15 Hall of Fame winners from Season 3, who were honored in December at an event at Bass Pro Shops, Orlando. Those anglers caught, documented and released 17 bass over 13 pounds; five of which were caught last March. This included Seth Chapman, who earned the TrophyCatch championship ring, donated by the American Outdoors Fund, for a 15-pound, 11-ounce bass submitted from Kingsley Lake. The ring goes to the biggest verified bass of the season.
Each Hall-of-Fame angler earned a fiberglass replica of their first Hall-of-Fame catch prepared by New Wave Taxidermy, gift cards from Bass Pro Shops, a SpiderWire sweatshirt and sunglasses, a Fitzgerald rod and Glen Lau DVD. In addition, American Registry presented them with a customized plaque featuring a photo of their catch with all the details. These custom plaques will be available during Season 4 as a new incentive to Hall-of-Fame winners and at a special discount for Lunker Club (8 to 9.9 pounds) and Trophy Club (10 to 12.9 pounds) recipients.
Porschia Gabrielse was the first angler with three Hall-of-Fame bass — a 13-, 14-, and 15-pounder — all from small Polk County ponds. She has contributed a total of 41 TrophyCatches to the program. Other anglers with more than 30 include: Robert Burnett, Mark Lemieux and AJ Jackson —all dedicated trophy anglers. In addition, thousands of other anglers have submitted at least one catch, many of whom were just average anglers out for an enjoyable day on the water.
“TrophyCatch provides significant data to help manage our valuable fisheries ensuring that Florida remains the ‘Fishing Capital of the World’,” said Tom Champeau, director of the FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management.
Clements added, “This program shows what can happen when government, the public, and the business community partner to improve fisheries conservation.”
“It’s great to see this program growing and amazing to see how many giant bass we have swimming in Florida. TrophyCatch anglers documented four fish over 15 pounds this year, and we know there are bigger fish out there” added Keith Alan, from the American Outdoors Fund.
Each Hall-of-Fame fish would be a state record in 28 states, and Florida has had 23 documented in three years. A 15-pounder exceeds the records in all but 12 other states.
To become a TrophyCatch winner yourself catch, document and release a largemouth bass legally that is eight pounds or heavier in Florida. To enter a trophy bass take a photo of the entire bass on a scale with the weight visible, and release it alive. Being legal includes having a Florida freshwater fishing license or approved exemption, so make sure you are covered. You can buy or renew a fishing license at License.MyFWC.com.
Triple homicide at 2314 East Magnolia Drive, Lot 2, Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida — Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives are investigating a triple homicide that occurred at 2314 East Magnolia Drive, Lot 2, Lakeland. A fourth victim was transported to an area hospital.
At approximately 6:45 a.m., on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a call advising there had been a shooting at the East Magnolia Drive residence.
According to the PCSO, patrol deputies responded and located three deceased victims; Angelica Guadalupe Castro, 23, David Washington, 24, and Eneida Branch, 31. A fourth victim, Felix Campos, 18, was shot in the face and was transported to an area hospital.
Detectives are asking for the community’s help in this investigation. Anyone with information about the events leading up to the shooting, or anyone who may have details about activity occurring in the area at the time of the shooting, is urged to contact the PCSO at 863-298-6200.
You can also call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS, or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
At the request of Paynes Prairie Preserve, the Florida Highway Patrol is monitoring a prescribed burn at Prices Scrub in northwest Marion County near County Road 320 west of Interstate 75.
Smoke signs are in place and motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in this area.
Visibility may deteriorate quickly due to fog/smoke-type conditions, especially during the nighttime and early morning hours.
Motorists are reminded to reduce their speed and utilize low beam headlights in order to adapt to changing weather conditions.
Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is currently investigating two armed robberies.
Both robberies took place on Sunday night between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
In the first robbery, which took place at the Texaco Station, located at 3401 Southwest College Road, a man, along with his accomplice, pointed a gun at the clerk and told her he would shoot her if she did not hand over the money. Police said that the woman complied with the robbers and they escaped with money and cigars.
In the aforementioned robbery, the suspect who pointed the gun was wearing a white panda bear-type hat, brown jacket, light-colored long-sleeve shirt, gray sweat pants, dark-colored high-top shoes, and something over his face.
His accomplice was wearing dark-colored pants, dark shoes, and a dark hooded jacket.
According to police, the second robbery occurred at Gloria’s Beauty Salon, located at 729 Northwest 16th Avenue.
Police said that the victim let a man into the salon, then two more men entered and were wearing black ski masks.
According to reports, one of the suspects had a gun and yelled for the victim and another person to get on the ground. Police said another suspect held a gun to the back of the victim’s head and demanded money.
Police said that the thieves took the keys to the salon, money, keys to an employee’s car, and a Samsung tablet.
No injuries were reported in either robbery.
No other descriptions were provided about the suspects.
If you have any information about the aforementioned cases, call 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.
Collaboration makes healthcare function. Symphony Healthcare makes collaboration successful by involving patients as partners in their care.
At Symphony Healthcare, they help patients stay central in the cause for their health by targeting dietary improvements, stress management, activity, exercise, sleep patterns, and the overall hormonal milieu, specifically insulin resistance.
Why Insulin resistance? Because it may cause a variety of diseases (including diabetes, heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer) and is a primary focus of the practice. They know that by reducing the chronic generalized inflammatory state they will see marked improvement in chronic pain as well as in many other chronic disease symptoms. Sometimes they can reverse complications as the friendly staff aim to affect lifelong lifestyle changes in patients.
As practitioners, they know patients have the best opportunity for improvement with healthy lifestyle changes. They also know it is best to make these changes earlier rather than later. While this challenge is easier said than done, Symphony Healthcare excels as a family practice helping a growing number of patients and practitioners seeking more natural, successful approaches to care.
Symphony Healthcare accepts most commercial insurance plans and Medicare. Attractive self-pay rates are available for uninsured patients. Symphony Healthcare is now accepting new patients ages 10 years and up.
Join Symphony Healthcare on Wednesday, January 6, 2015, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for open house. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 352-629-5939.
Ocala, Florida — Authorities say a man was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Domestic Battery, and Kidnapping-False Imprisonment after an argument with his on-and-off girlfriend turned physical.
According to reports, Kevin L. Hill, 37, of Ocala, was temporarily living with his on-and-off girlfriend when they began to argue about the fact that he had “overstayed his welcome.”
The girlfriend told authorities that she had allowed Hill to move in with her because he was homeless. She stated that he was only supposed to stay a few weeks.
Investigators reported that while the two were in the garage of the victim’s residence arguing, Hill grabbed a piece of wood that was shaped like a sword and struck the victim on both of her legs. As Hill struck her, he asked, “Are you still scared of me?” He then stated, “Stand where you are.” It was at that time Hill grabbed a machete and began waving it at the victim and told her that he would kill her.
According to reports, when the victim attempted to leave, Hill grabbed her to prevent her from exiting the garage.
A short time later the victim’s son arrived home and he drove her to the nearest store where they called 911.
Silver Springs, Florida — A Silver Springs woman faces several charges after authorities were notified about possible abuse on a child.
Authorities say that Ann Montross, 25, became angry when her child “pooped” in her pants.
A second victim in the house, Montross’ partner, stated that Montross became so agitated that she threw the child to the floor and began punching her in the back. Montross then grabbed the child by the throat, dragged her into the bathroom, and started punching the child in the face.
Montross’ partner was eventually able to pull her off the child, at which time he told her that he was going to call the Department of Children and Families.
According to reports, Montross told the victim that if she was going to jail then she was going to kill him. Authorities say that is when she grabbed a “bread knife” and “jabbed” the victim with it.
During questioning, Montross told investigators that she was angry because the victim had told her he was leaving her and she didn’t want him to go.
Montross was arrested and charged with Cruelty Toward a Child, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Ocala, Florida — On December 18, Marion County Fire Rescue crews from several south west county stations responded to 8156 Southwest 100th Street Road, Ocala, in reference to a residential fire.
According to officials, EMS 100 arrived on scene, took command, and quickly evaluated the perimeter of the home.
MCFR Public Information Officer James P. Lucas said that smoke and flames were coming from the “Florida room” when units arrived.
Firefighters from units EMS100, E31, E32, E24, Sq21, R20, T24, Div1, DC4, and A103 were able to quickly extinguish the fire, which kept it from spreading into the main portion of the residence.
Lucas said that the cause of the fire is unknown and is currently under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal.
Ocala, Florida – Marion County Fire Rescue firefighters delivered approximately $25,000 worth of toys to 15 Marion County public schools on Thursday, wrapping up the department’s annual Holiday Helpers drive.
For six weeks, firefighters collected gifts and donations from residents at all Marion County Fire Rescue stations. On Dec. 17, firefighters loaded toys onto several fire engines and took them to schools across the county. From there, guidance counselors and administrators handed the toys out to parents who requested, and qualified for, assistance.
In addition to the toys dropped off at MCFR’s career stations, firefighters received more than $8,000 in cash donations from residents and community partners, such as Fire Rescue Support, the Professional Firefighters of Marion County Local 3169 and the Marion County Firefighter Benevolence Fund. They used these funds to purchase additional toys to fill needs on the children’s lists. In all, with the help of the community, Marion County Fire Rescue firefighters were able to sponsor more than 80 families and provide 337 children with approximately $25,000 in gifts.
To spread additional holiday cheer, Marion County firefighters took part in a “Random Acts of Kindness” Day at the Silver Springs Shores Walmart on December 16. Families that were shopping in Walmart were surprised as firefighters purchased their carts of toys and food.
MCFR is a professional fire rescue department comprised of 31 stations and about 500 employees. The department’s full-time, state-certified firefighter/paramedics, firefighter/EMTs, EMTs and paramedics respond to an average of 200 emergency calls a day. These emergencies include structure, brush and vehicle fires; medical emergencies; vehicle accidents requiring extrication; hazardous materials incidents; natural disasters and many others.
Ocala, Florida — A Summerfield woman who stole a car from the Leesburg Regional Medical Center was tracked to Marion County.
According to reports, the Leesburg Police Department requested the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after they tracked the car to Marion County. The vehicle had been seen in the 2100 block of Southeast 152nd Place.
When deputies responded to the area, Jennifer Marie Brockmeyer, the driver of the stolen vehicle, saw the marked patrol car and sped off.
When deputies activated their lights and sirens, Brockmeyer recklessly passed vehicles, followed vehicles too close, and nearly wrecked several times.
Brockmeyer eventually crashed into a power pole.
She then exited the vehicle and fled on foot, but was stopped by a fence which was approximately 50 feet away from the crash scene.
When questioned, Brockmeyer said that she didn’t steal the car. Instead, she said her friend had allowed her to use it and she just didn’t return it in a timely fashion. She said she fled from deputies because she was scared and had outstanding warrants out of Lake County.
A search of the vehicle and her personal items turned up MSM, which is an agent used to “cut” methamphetamine, a syringe, and a spoon.
Brockmeyer was charged with Driving on a Suspended License, Fleeing and Eluding Police, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Grand Theft Auto. She is being held on a $9,000 bond.
Marion County Fire Rescue Press Release – During this winter season, Marion County citizens will be busy cooking for family and friends, enjoying festive decorations and keeping warm on chilly days. By following these tips from Marion County Fire Rescue, you can help to ensure your holidays and winter months are full of safe warmth and light.
Winter Warnings
Never burn paper in a fireplace and hire a professional to clean your chimney annually.
Soak stove and fireplace ashes and charcoal in a metal pail for at least 24 hours before disposing them.
Hire a professional to service your furnace once a year and install an emergency shut-off switch.
Keep space heaters out of halls and away from doors, stairs, children and pets.
Clear 30 feet of defensible space around your home, leaving nearby bushes only three to four feet high.
Clean your roof and gutters regularly to avoid an accumulation of flammable materials.
Call 911 immediately after a fire ignites. A house fire can double in size every minute.
Install and routinely check smoke alarms and practice family fire escape plans.
Holiday Cooking
Turn pot handles in and away from children’s reach and never leave cooking unattended.
Never throw water on a grease fire; the water will spread the fire, not extinguish it.
Keep holiday decorations and other kitchen clutter away from the heat of the stove.
Keep all appliances in good working order.
Never overload electrical outlets and remember to unplug appliances when not in use.
Keep an “ABC” approved fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure it’s charged and working properly.
Holiday Decorations
Make sure your holiday tree is fresh; shedding needles is a sign of a dry tree.
Keep your tree moist by placing it in a stand that holds water.
Make sure artificial trees are flame-retardant.
Never smoke or hang flammable decorations near your tree and do not put trees in front of exits.
Buy electric lights that are approved by a national testing lab and look for the “UL” tag.
Never run electrical cords through doorways or under rugs and always unplug lights before going to bed.
Keep candles in a sturdy holder away from combustibles, children and pets.
Ocala, Florida — The owner of a local bail bonds company was arrested after he fired a shot at one of his clients.
According to reports, two males, later identified as Larry Muir, 69, and Hans Hernandez, 49, were chasing Dorothea Stolicker, who was out on bond through ABC Bail Bonds. Muir is the owner of the bail bonds company.
Ocala Police say that Larry Muir fired a shot at Stolicker, who Muir claimed was running from him. Muir said he had gone to Stolicker’s home to revoke her bond.
Witnesses at the scene told police that Muir raised his arm as if he were aiming at the woman and fired one shot. However, Muir told police that he aimed at the ground and was “just trying to scare” Stolicker so she would stop running.
During an interview, Stolicker stated that she felt like her life was in danger.
According to state records, Hernandez, who was assisting Muir, is not a licensed bail bondsman.
If investigators determine that Hernandez was in fact working as an unlicensed bail bonds agent at the time of the incident, under Florida statute 648.285 and ss. 648.44(2), he could be charged with a felony.
Records show that Hernandez has prior arrests for DUI, Battery, and Trespassing.
So far, no charges have been filed against Hernandez.
Muir was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. He was released on a $2000 bond.
Ocala, Florida — An Ocala teen was arrested after she struck her girlfriend with a baseball bat.
Ocala Police responded to the Checkers, located at 1239 East Silver Springs Boulevard, and made contact with a female victim who stated that she and her girlfriend, Ke’asha Pullings, 18, had been in a physical altercation.
The victim said that Pullings had entered her bedroom and demanded to see her cell phone, and when the victim said no, the pair began to argue.
According to reports, the two then began to tussle over the phone, at which time Pullings grabbed the victim by the hair and said, “I got something for your ass.” Pullings then left the room and retrieved a wooden baseball bat.
Pullings then reentered the room and demanded the cell phone a second time. When the victim refused to hand over the phone, Pullings struck the victim on her rib cage with the baseball bat. The victim then gave the cell phone to Pullings and ran from the residence.
The victim used a neighbor’s cell phone to call her grandfather, who then drove her to checkers where they called police.
Pulling was arrested and charged with one count each of Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Assault. She was released on a $7,500 bond.
Ocala, Florida — A Marion County Sheriff’s Office supervisor was demoted and suspended after an internal affairs investigation revealed that he made false statements to the Commander of the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST).
In a letter of suspension to Jeremie Nix, it states that he was demoted to the rank corporal from sergeant. He was also removed from the K9 Unit and Traffic Interdiction Unit and reassigned to the Patrol Division within the Community Police Bureau. Additionally, he was suspended for 40 hours without pay and will be required to attend ethics training.
It all started when Nix was instructed to have a K9 perform a “walk around” on a vehicle suspected of carrying drugs. Marion County Sheriff’s Captain Eric Rawls, Commander of UDEST, was in charge of the investigation.
During the investigation, Nix told Captain Rawls that he had walked his K9 around the vehicle and that the K9 had alerted for drugs. Nix’s statement to Captain Rawls was later included in a police report and subsequently in a search warrant.
According to the internal affairs report, it was later discovered that Nix was untruthful about his K9 having alerted on the vehicle.
Nix was later questioned about his actions. When asked if he had walked his K9 around the vehicle, Nix responded, “No.” Nix then admitted that he had lied to Captain Rawls. Nix stated that because of all the phone calls and questions that he had been asked during the investigation he forgot about walking the K9 around the vehicle.
In a statement, Nix said, “Here is where I screwed up. I should have never lied to Eric. I should have said that I totally forgot about it, but I am on my way there to walk the dog right now, but I didn’t. That’s when I screwed up.”
Ocala, Florida — Grab the purr-fect or fetching pet photo of the year during Pet Photos with Santa sponsored by UF Pet Emergency Services at Paddock Mall, Marion County’s only climate-controlled family friendly shopping destination.
Pet Photos are hosted during regular mall hours and the set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers.
Pet Photos with Santa are for domestic pets only, and all pets must be leashed and/or in a carrier, well behaved and recently walked. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning-up after their pets, as well as for their pets’ behavior while at Paddock Mall.
WHEN: Sunday, December 13, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Paddock Mall – Santa Set in front of Macy’s, 3100 SW College Road Ocala, 34474
COST: Prices will vary based on photo package.
For more information, please call (352) 237-1221, or visit www.paddockmall.com.
Please use the mall entrance at the Food Court for this event.
FWC releases snakes throughout Florida as part of 2016 Python Challenge
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is conducting a Virtual Snake Finding Mission, “releasing” toy snakes near popular Florida landmarks in an effort to raise awareness about nonnative species in Florida. The search for the toy snakes ̶ which are superimposed on pictures of Florida landmarks ̶ is part of the 2016 Python Challenge™. The project allows people from all over the world to be part of this effort to reduce the negative impacts of nonnative species.
Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 8, people can visit Facebook.com/MyFWC for a clue to where one of the brightly-colored toy snakes is virtually hiding. The first person to match our answer will win a Python Challenge™ Prize Pack, which will include a mixture of Python Challenge™ items like a T-shirt, tumbler, sticker hat and bag. The toy snake is included too. Every winner of the Virtual Snake Finding Mission will be entered in a grand prize drawing for a $100 Bass Pro Shops gift card!
“The search for these snakes is designed to remind people that they can get involved and help be a part of the solution to invasive species in Florida,” said Kristen Sommers, Wildlife Impacts Management section leader for the FWC. “The FWC hopes that the 2016 Python Challenge™ activates more people to go out, look for and either properly report or (when possible) remove Burmese pythons from the wild.”
The 2016 Python Challenge™ is a conservation effort that includes an awareness event, social media contest and a month-long competition to remove Burmese pythons from public lands in Florida. The python removal competition in south Florida kicks off on Jan. 16, 2016, and ends on Feb. 14.
The aim of the 2016 Python Challenge™ is to promote Everglades conservation through invasive species removal.
Visit PythonChallenge.org for details about the Virtual Snake Finding Mission, as well as Python Removal Competition rules, registration, training and more.
