July 23, 2015 – Taco Del Mar robbery – Photo by Thomas Gaines/Ocala Post
Ocala, Florida — Investigators with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a man they say robbed the Taco Del Mar, located at Southwest Highway 200, Unit 4, at gunpoint.
A restaurant employee told MCSO Deputy Paul Youmans that the suspect entered the restaurant, pointed a semi-automatic handgun at him, and demanded money.
According to reports, the employee removed the cash register drawer and put it on the counter. The suspect then removed the money from the till and exited the restaurant.
The suspect fled the scene on foot.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall, and 180 pounds. He was wearing a sweatshirt with a hood, sunglasses, and a black bandana around his face.
The robbery took place on July 23, at approximately 4:30 p.m.
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.
Jacksonville, Florida — An Amber Alert was issued for a 21-month-old boy Friday morning after he was allegedly kidnapped during a car theft.
Officials said that 21-month-old Lonzie Barton was last seen outside the Ravenwood apartment complex on South Old Kings Road, Jacksonville, at approximately 2 a.m.
Investigators said that Lonzie’s mother, Lonna Lauramore, 25, was waiting to be picked up from work by her boyfriend, William Ebron, 32, at 2 a.m.
William told investigators that he loaded Lonzie and his 5-year-old sister into their Honda Civic, but had to run back into his apartment to get something.
He left the car running with the children inside.
William said the 5-year-old got out of the car and followed him into the apartment because she was scared.
According to reports, when William returned to the parking lot he saw his car driving off.
Investigators said that as far as they can tell, Lonzi was still inside the car, and that they are treating this as a kidnapping.
Officials said, “Any information could be helpful, no matter how small.” Call the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500, or 1-866-845-TIPS to remain anonymous.
Amanda Schilt [left], Harvey Joshua Jackson, Jr. [center], and Marlene SchiltDavenport, Florida — An ongoing credit card counterfeiting investigation led to three arrests after Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies served a search warrant at 626 Sunset View Drive, Davenport.
According to police reports, in January 2015, a victim in Texas contacted PCSO in reference to his debit card being used in Davenport to withdraw funds.
The victim told detectives he has never been to Davenport, nor does anyone have access to or permission to use his debit card. He has stated that he had never lost his debit card.
Detectives obtained video surveillance footage of a suspect using the victim’s debit card information at a Center State bank ATM in Davenport. Through investigation, the suspect was positively identified as Harvey Joshua Jackson, Jr., 29, of Davenport.
Detectives then obtained a search warrant for Jackson’s residence. When they arrived, Jackson was inside, with his girlfriend, Amanda Schilt, 34, and her mother, Marlene Schilt, 58, along with two minor children, who all live in the same residence.
During the search, detectives found eight potted marijuana plants in plain sight around the screened in pool enclosure.
According to reports, Harvey and Amanda told detectives that the plants belonged to them and denied selling the marijuana. Instead, they stated that they grew it for personal use and that they regularly smoke marijuana.
The family had told the children that the marijuana plants were tomato plants.
Detectives also found a laptop computer with a re-encoder attached to it, which is used to place encoded information from the magnetic strip of one payment card onto the magnetic strip of a different card.
Harvey told deputies he used the laptop and the re-encoder to create counterfeit debit and credit cards. Detectives seized approximately 85 counterfeit cards. Harvey also told detectives that he obtained financial information from the internet — credit card numbers and associated PINs — and used it to encode the cards.
A 9mm semi-automatic handgun was also found in Harvey and Amanda’s bedroom. Harvey is a convicted felon. He was convicted of Felony Grand Theft in Kansas in 2008.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Harvey was unemployed and that Amanda and Marlene had been collecting $2,250 per month in disability and food stamp payments. Detectives said this cost hard working taxpayers thousands of dollars.
Harvey was arrested and charged with the following:
Trafficking in Counterfeit Credit/Debit Cards
Use of Re-encoder to Defraud
Fraudulent Use of Credit/Debit Card
Criminal Use of Personal Identification
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use
Petit Theft
Cultivation of Marijuana
Possession of Paraphernalia
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
On Thursday, he remained in jail on $16,250 bond.
Amanda & Marlene Schilt were arrested and both were charged with the following:
Cultivation of Marijuana
Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
They both remain in jail on no bond.
“Crimes like these are a sign of the times – no longer does a thief have to steal your wallet to steal your debit card and your money. We are early in this investigation and it is too soon to say how many people these suspects have victimized. Fortunately, they are now in the Polk County Jail, where there is no Internet,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.
The Department of Children and Families responded to the scene and took the children into state custody.
If you think you might have been a victim of these criminals, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.
Ocala, Florida —Aspen Foods, A Division of Koch Poultry Company, a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,978,680 pounds of frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken product that may be contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The product was distributed Nationwide, however, there are no reported illnesses in Florida associated with this recall at this time.
The frozen, raw, stuffed, and breaded chicken items were produced between April 15, 2015, and July 10, 2015, with “best if used by” dates between July 14, 2016, and October 10, 2016.
The brands associated with this recall include:
Acclaim
Antioch Farms
Buckley Farms
Centrella Signature
Chestnut Farms
Family Favorites
Kirkwood
Koch Foods
Market Day
Oven Cravers
Princess
Rose
Rosebud Farm
Roundy’s
Safeway Kitchens
Schwan’s
Shaner’s
Spartan
Sysco
The product subject to recall bears the establishment number “P-1358” inside the USDA mark of inspection. This product was shipped to retail stores and food service locations nationwide.
Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses.
The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the organism. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days.
Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.
Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.
For more information on the recall, visit www.fsis.usda.gov.
Belleview, Florida — On Monday, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Levi Rackard responded to the 1200 block of Southeast 104th Terrace, Belleview, in reference to a domestic battery.
Upon arrival, Deputy Rackard met with the victim, who stated that his brother, Aaron Lance, 20, had punched him and his father in the face.
The brother stated that he was in the computer room when he heard his father and Lance arguing. He said when he heard the arguing he exited the room.
According to reports, Lance snatched a cell phone from his father, and when the father reached for it, Lance punched him in the face. Lance then turned and punched his brother in the face.
The brother then returned a punch.
Lance told the deputy that he was “only defending himself.”
According to records, Lance has a history of having a violent temper.
On May 16, Lance was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon after he pulled a gun on a neighbor over a dolly that he had borrowed.
The victim in that case stated that he had gotten into an argument over the dolly with Lance’s friend, Joseph Taylor. The victim said that during the argument, Lance and Taylor threatened to burn down his house.
The victim stated that later in the day, they both came to his residence with weapons. Taylor pulled out a stun gun and Lance pulled out a handgun.
According to reports, Lance put a gun to the victim’s head and stated, “What motherf***er, now what.”
After several intense moments, both suspects slowly walked away as if nothing had happened.
Lance claimed self defense in that case as well.
Lance, who was out on bond, was charged with Battery in his most recent arrest. He had just been released from jail on July 7.
On Wednesday, he remained behind bars with a $30,000 bond.
Neighbors, who were too scared to be identified, said they honestly believe Lance will end up killing someone if he is not kept locked up.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man they say assaulted a woman in front of her child as she attempted to do laundry.
MCSO Deputy Eduardo Bustamante-Munt reported that the victim had only been dating the man for three months.
The victim stated that she and her boyfriend, Jose Angel Garcia, 29, had been involved in a verbal argument inside her residence when it began to “get out of control.”
The victim told the deputy that when the argument became heated, she decided to go to a Laundromat so “things could cool off.”
The victim said that she left the residence with her 7-year-old daughter and went to the Senor Bubbles Laundromat.
A short time later, Garcia arrived at the Laundromat and started a second argument with the victim.
During the argument, the victim told Garcia that she did not like his attitude or the way he was treating her. She then told Garcia she was breaking up with him.
The victim told the deputy that Garcia then became enraged, snatched her by her hair, and dragged her around the Laundromat.
Unfortunately, the victim’s daughter witnessed the incident.
The victim was able to break free, at which time she attempted to dial 911 from her cell phone. However, Garcia grabbed the phone and slammed it on the ground, and it broke into multiple pieces.
The victim screamed at Garcia and told him to leave her alone, and that she was going to find a cop.
Garcia then went to his scooter, retrieved a screwdriver, and punctured the victim’s left front tire on her car.
Garcia then held the screwdriver in his hand and stated, “I will kill you, bi**h.”
According to reports, the victim then ran into a store where the clerk let her call 911.
Deputy Bustamante-Munt reported that the victim’s phone was shattered into multiple pieces. He also noted that the tire on the victim’s car was flat. Additionally, the deputy reported that he saw the victim’s hair had been pulled out and was in complete disarray.
Garcia told the deputy that he was arguing with the victim at the residence, when she decided to leave.
Garcia said that he followed her to the Laundromat because he “was not finished with her.” He stated that it made him upset that she walked out during the argument.
He said that when he arrived at the Laundromat, he confronted her, but she kept asking him to leave.
He told the deputy that after a short argument, the victim stated, “I am done with you.” Garcia said he then became angry.
“I didn’t hit her. I only held her while trying to reason with her,” Garcia told the deputy. “I took her cell phone because I did not understand why the cops needed to get involved.”
Garcia told the deputy that he punctured the victim’s tire because he didn’t want her to leave.
He denied that he had threatened to kill her with the screwdriver.
As the deputy was speaking with Garcia, he saw a screwdriver sticking out of his front pocket.
According to reports, when Deputy Bustamante-Munt told Garcia he was under arrest, he stated, “Wait, wait, wait.”
Garcia refused to place his hands behind his back, at which time Deputy Bustamante-Munt and Deputy Peters, who had also responded to the scene, grabbed Garcia’s arms and forced him to place them behind his back. He was then handcuffed.
Garcia was charged with Resisting Arrest, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery, Property Damage over $200 (x2), and Obstructing Justice-Intimidate Threaten Witness.
Seaman Apprentice Christopher Kimball with Lieutenant Commander Todd Dunn, commanding officer of Manatee Division presenting the citation in front of his unit.
Ocala, Florida — Seaman Apprentice Christopher Kimball, 14, a Marion County resident and member of the Manatee Division of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, recently graduated from recruit training.
The two week exercise was held at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida.
Cadets participated in physical training, drills, inspections, and course work.
“The recruits got to stay in barracks on base at the end of the airfield so we heard the planes fly over at all hours,” Kimball said. “Touring the USS Independence was a highlight of the event.”
Early in the training, Christopher developed blisters on his feet that ended up infected, but with appropriate medical attention he stuck with it and powered through for the duration. This went a long way to impress the officers and helped him earn Company Honor Cadet. The citation notes that his “performance, initiative, and motivation are in all respects outstanding.”
Among fellow cadets, instructors, family, and friends, cadets proudly graduated from boot camp and are now eligible to participate in over 60 different Advanced Training Exercises based on jobs found in the Navy and Coast Guard.
Manatee Division meets at Station Yankeetown and learns about Naval Service. The Sea Cadet Corps is a youth organization for Americans 11-17 years old. For more information, call the Commanding Officer LT Todd Dunn at 352-212-5473 or visit them online at www.manateediv.org.
Ocala, Florida — Former College of Central Florida softball players continuing softball careers at The University of South Carolina, USC Spartans.
Amy Szymanowski is from Florida State, and Holly McKinnon and Lindsay O’Steen are from the College of Central Florida. Szymanowksi will have one year of eligibility remaining after transferring to USC, while McKinnon and O’Steen will have two.
Szymanowksi played for the Seminoles in 2015 after transferring to Florida State from the College of Central Florida, where she spent the first two years of her college career. She was the Mid-Florida Conference Player of the Year and a NJCAA First Team All-American at Central Florida in 2014. Meanwhile, McKinnon was the Mid-Florida Conference Pitcher of the Year and a NJCAA First Team All-American in 2015 after transferring to the school from South Alabama after the 2014 season. Additionally, O’Steen was a Mid-Florida Conference First Team All-Conference selection in 2015.
Holly McKinnon | P | Ocala, Fla. | College of Central Florida | North Marion HS
McKinnon played a large part in the success of the College of Central Florida in 2015. She was named the Mid-Florida Conference Pitcher of the Year and a JUCO All-American in leading the Patriots to a No. 2 national ranking. She was 28-3 with a 1.08 ERA in 35 appearances and 30 starts. She also struck out 190 batters in 200 1/3 innings of work. She was a three-time state player of the week selection and was named the national player of the week one time during the season. She spent her freshman season at South Alabama where she made three starts for the Jaguars, where she finished 2-1 with 15 strikeouts. She was a standout in high school and travel ball as well and led the North Marion High School squad to two consecutive district championships as a junior and senior. She was named the Marion County Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013, and she finished her senior season with a 21-5 record, 0.43 ERA and 260 strikeouts in 164 innings of work. She also hit .415 with nine doubles, five home runs and 37 RBIs. She played travel ball for Team North Florida and helped lead the squad to the ASA U18 national title.
Lindsay O’Steen | P/UTL | Mayo, Fla. | College of Central Florida | Lafayette HS
O’Steen turned in a solid junior college career at the College of Central Florida over the past two seasons. She was named a first team All-Mid-Florida Conference selection as a sophomore in 2015 after helping to lead the Patriots to their first-ever conference championship and a No. 2 national ranking. She hit .298 with nine doubles, six home runs, 34 RBIs and 46 runs, and she also stole 15 bases. She also had a standout season as a freshman, when she helped lead the Patriots to the championship game of the NJCAA National Tournament and earned all-tournament honors. She finished the season with a .377 batting average and hit a team-best 17 doubles to go along with six home runs, 33 RBIs, 40 runs and seven stolen bases. She was a standout athlete at Lafayette High School where she lettered five times in both softball and volleyball. She hit .450 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs as a senior in 2012. She helped lead Lafayette to the 1A state championship as a junior in 2012 and runner-up in 2013, and she was a member of the Lafayette squad that was runner-up in the 2A state tournament in 2010. She was named the Small School Athlete of the Year by the Gainesville Sun as a junior and senior, and also earned several player of the year honors in volleyball. She was a standout in the classroom as a member of the Beta Club.
Amy Szymanowski | C | Land O’Lakes, Fla | Florida State | Sunlake HS
Syzmanowski comes to Upstate after spending her junior year at Florida State in 2014-15. She played in 31 games for the Seminoles, and 19 as a starter at either designated player or catcher. She finished the season with three home runs, two doubles, 11 RBIs and nine runs. She had a standout junior college career at the College of Central Florida prior to enrolling at Florida State. At CCF, she was a two-time NFCA All-American, earning first team honors in 2014 and second team recognition as a freshman in 2013. She was named the Catcher of the Year as a sophomore after hitting .381 with 22 home runs, 59 RBIs and 65 runs en route to leading the Patriots to the championships game of the NJCAA National Tournament. She set a national tournament record with four home runs and was named to the all-tournament team. She hit .343 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs as a freshman. She finished her career as Central Florida’s single-season and career home run leader, was a two-time first team All-Mid-Florida Conference selection and was named the player of the year in the Mid-Florida Conference in 2014. She was also a standout at Sunlake High School, where she hit .468 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in 14 games as a senior. In addition to playing softball, she also played volleyball, basketball and was a member of the cheerleading squad. A standout student as well, she was named the Mid-Florida Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2014 and graduated from Central Florida with honors as a Magna Cum Laude student.
Fort McCoy, Florida — On Saturday, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Eduardo Bustamante-Munt was running radar at the intersection of Highway 316 and Highway 315 when he noticed a woman, later identified as Bobbi S. France, 29, driving a SUV without her seat belt on.
The deputy then conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.
France told the deputy that she was trying to find her cousin’s address when she decided to pull into a gas station and removed her seat belt. She stated that she forgot to buckle up before leaving the gas station.
The deputy reported that he could smell the strong odor of alcohol emitting from France’s breath while speaking with her. He also noted that her eyes were bloodshot and watery.
When the deputy asked for the woman’s drivers license and registration she began fumbling through her purse to try and find it. A few moments later, France realized she was already holding her license in her left hand.
As France continued to look for her registration, the deputy notice that there was a 6-year-old juvenile in the backseat, who appeared to be on the verge of crying.
Upon seeing the child, the deputy asked France if she had been drinking, to which she replied, “A couple.”
According to reports, France’s face was flushed and she was having a hard time speaking.
France told the deputy that she had three or four drinks of vodka because she had really bad sunburn. She said she was drinking to “take the pain away.”
France failed all of her sobriety exercises and blew a .169 during her breathalyzer test.
Upon searching her vehicle, the deputy found a bottle of Oxycodone, which was prescribed on July 15, 2015. The prescription was for 45 pills. The deputy noted that there were only six pills left in the bottle.
France was arrested and charged with DUI with a Person Under 18 in the Vehicle.
She was released on $1,000 bond.
Department of Children and Families was also notified in this case.
The juvenile was released into the custody of her cousin’s husband.
Summerfield, Florida — A Summerfield man remained behind bars Monday after he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend over a video game console.
On Saturday, July 18, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Vernon Reese responded to The Villages Regional Hospital and met with the assault victim.
The victim told the deputy that on July 17, her boyfriend, later identified as Samuel A. Glover, 24, had assaulted her because she could not correct a problem with Glover’s XBOX game console.
According to reports, Glover demanded that his girlfriend fix the XBOX, and when she could not, he became angry.
Deputy Reese reported that Glover “literally physically threw the victim out of the house and down two steps.” This caused the victim to sustain several abrasions about her body.
Glover then grabbed the victim and placed her in a chokehold, which made it difficult for her to breathe.
The victim told the deputy that she was able to grab Glover’s finger and bend it back, which caused him to let go of her neck.
Glover then left the residence and the victim called her mother to pick her up.
According to reports, when Glover found out that his girlfriend had left, he showed up where she was staying and demanded that she come back home. However, the girlfriend refused.
Glover then threatened to “shoot up” the house where the victim was at if she didn’t do what he said.
The victim told the deputy that she got in the car with Glover out of fear. She also told the deputy that Glover has previously threatened to kill her on multiple occasions.
The victim stated that during the car ride Glover was screaming at her, but she didn’t say anything back because she was terrified. She said that all of a sudden, Glover backhanded her in the mouth and asked, “You aren’t talking to me now?”
The victim said that after Glover hit her in the mouth her lips began to swell.
Once they were home, Glover went to use the restroom. The victim said she then called her mother to come get her again.
When the victim’s mother pulled into the driveway, the victim ran out of the house, jumped into the car, and locked the door.
Glover chased after her and attempted to open the car door, but was unsuccessful.
According to reports, the mother then drove off and Glover gave chase in his pickup truck.
The victim stated that at one point during the chase, Glover hit her mother’s car with his truck in an attempt to run her off the road.
When Deputy Reese questioned Glover, he stated that the argument was “pretty much verbal only.” He also stated that his girlfriend was jealous because he had been getting text messages from ex-girlfriends.
Glover stated that a vehicle pulled up in his front yard and his girlfriend ran out screaming “Help Me! Help Me!” He said the vehicle then drove off. He denied following it.
Glover could not explain the injuries that the victim had sustained.
As Glover was being placed in handcuffs, he told the deputy that his girlfriend had stabbed him in the chest. Those accusations later proved to be false, following a medical examination.
Deputy Reese reported that he later received a call from the victim, who stated that she had changed her mind and did not want to press charges. She told the deputy that she feared for her life and the life of her family members.
The victim stated that she “just wanted it to be over.”
The victim was then provided with instructions on how to file an injunction.
He has previous charges for Grand Theft, Petit Theft, Burglary, Flee and Elude, and Possession of Marijuana.
Glover, who was out on bond following a May 5 arrest, was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Person. He is currently being held on $22,500 bond.
UPDATE
Glover bonded out of jail just before midnight on July 20.
Ocala, Florida — Symphony Healthcare, Inc., located at 202 SW 17th Street, Suite A, Ocala, is now offering back to school and sports physicals for $30.00.
They are also offering an optional screening/preventative electrocardiogram (EKG) for $25.00.
School will be starting in August, but sports and other activities have already begun.
These services are being offered for anyone 5 years of age and above, including adults.
Don’t wait until the last minute: schedule your appointment today by calling 352-629-5939. To learn more about Symphony Healthcare, Inc. visit www.shcocala.com.
Tallahassee, Florida – In light of the cowardly attack that was perpetrated against U.S. military personnel, which was carried out by a Muslim terrorist on U.S. soil, Governor Rick Scott has taken action.
Governor Scott today released an executive order instructing the Florida Adjunct General to take immediate actions to secure Florida Guardsmen who work in recruiting centers in the wake of the Tennessee shooting where five military members were murdered.
The Governor’s executive order directs Florida Adjunct General Michael Calhoun to take three immediate actions:
Relocate all Florida National Guard personnel at the state’s six storefront recruitment centers to the nearest Florida National Guard Armory until there are recommendations made to improve the security of store-front recruitment centers.
Begin discussions with local law enforcement agencies to arrange regular security checks for Florida National Guard Armories.
Ensure that all qualified full time guardsmen are adequately armed for their personal protection.
Since the Tennessee shooting, gun free zones have come under scrutiny.
Many are outraged that ISIS had previously made threats against U.S. military personnel, yet, many facilities remained gun free and unprotected.
Presidential candidate, Donald Trump, has been extremely outspoken on the issue.
Get rid of gun free zones. The four great marines who were just shot never had a chance. They were highly trained but helpless without guns.
Marion County Fire Rescue Training photo from July 2015.
Ocala, Florida — On July 10, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners offered a contract to firefighters and paramedics that provided wage increases of $2 per hour for paramedics and $1 per hour for EMTs.
According to the county’s Facebook page, the offer comes with a price tag of approximately $3.1 million.
However, labor leaders with the Professional Firefighters of Marion County believe the contract comes with a much more significant cost.
According to the Professional Firefighters of Marion County, the contract offer would initially come with a pay cut.
“On October 1, 2014, our employees received a three percent across the board pay increase due to language in our contract that expired September 30, 2014,” Ryan O’Reilly, public relations director for the fire and EMS union said. “In [this new] proposal, they eliminate the article that allowed this to happen, which would essentially eliminate that pay bump. For me, I would lose 39 cents an hour.”
Public Information Manager Barbra Hernández disagrees.
Hernández said, “The proposed contract would not require a pay cut of any kind, nor would employees forfeit the three percent they received in 2014.”
O’Reilly said that other employees would get considerable retroactive pay as well as other increases for becoming paramedics.
“According to their new pay structure, newly certified paramedics would actually receive pay increases of $12,000 to $15,000 per year,” O’Reilly said. “This would put a great burden on the budget since it was not accounted for in their proposal, and would create a situation where brand new paramedics would make more money than the senior guys who trained them.”
Hernández said , “The proposed contract reads: newly-certified employees who successfully complete the State Paramedic program and upon date of certification, shall have $3 per hour added to their base hourly rate. This is equivalent to approximately $9,000 per year.”
Union leaders said they are unsure about some of the language in the contract, and they feel that the contract was rushed.
“It’s a hurried contract and written sloppy,” O’Reilly said. “This plan has a lot of unintended consequences, and I am not about gotcha’ moments, or taking advantage of a poorly written offer. We have more work to do.”
O’Reilly said county negotiators also wanted “things” in return for this cash offer.
He said that if firefighters accepted this deal, it would eliminate the current pay plan that provides regular raises tied to education and experience.
“We already have a pay plan in our contract. But when the economy crashed we agreed to put those raises on hold nearly six years ago,” O’Reilly explained. “Now the economy is back, and [the BOCC] wants to make sure we have to beg for money every year.”
Hernández said, “The proposed contract would eliminate the current technical ladder that has been frozen in the contract for the past several years. It is the intent of the county to work with the union toward pay bands for a future contract.”
Union leaders also believe that the county’s offer eliminates a minimum-staffing clause that has been around for approximately a decade. Firefighters say that this would directly affect their safety and their ability to save lives. But also, the number of firefighters who could respond to a fire directly would affect the amount of money homeowners and business pay for insurance.
“The proposed contract eliminated a portion of the article that addressed minimum staffing due to the fact that the county does not budget staffing the way the contract reads,” Hernández said.
Firefighter health
Labor leaders say that the county further demanded that if first responders become ill and could not recover fast enough, that [the BOCC] wants the right to be able to fire them if they are absent for 18 months in a 24-month period.
“Firefighters get cancer, among other diseases, faster and at more alarming rates than the general population and cancer is not covered as work related in Florida,” O’Reilly said. “To think that after putting [their lives] on the line protecting the citizens of Marion County that our administration would want to throw us to wolves, is reprehensible.”
Hernández told Ocala Post that the proposed contract does have language that clarifies the amount of time an employee could be out on a leave of absence. She said the leave of absence should not exceed 19 months in a 24-month period.
According to union leaders, the county has also refused to work with firefighters to prevent cancer and heart related disease through changes in current practices and providing early detection.
O’Reilly said, “It has been shown that early detection and prevention reduces sick leave, reduces workers’ comp claims, and reduces insurance cost. Yet we cannot make any movement on these issues.”
Hernández said that although the state of Florida does not currently recognize cancer as a compensable occupational disease for firefighters, the county has been actively researching the benefits of Life Scan as proposed by the Fire Union. According to Hernández, firefighters currently receive an annual exam that includes a physical exam, EKG, spirometry, audiometry, urinalysis, lab work, periodic chest x-rays, and stress testing.
Retaining firefighters
“Looking over the entire package, there is nothing in it that retains the skilled firefighter paramedic. It would appear they are committed to only retaining this revolving door,” O’Reilly said.
In a counter offer, firefighters asked that EMTs only initially get 25 cents an hour and paramedics get 50 cents an hour, on the condition that the county incrementally return a pay structure that allows for wage increases in the future.
“Everyone knows there is a problem in this department, but throwing money at it is not the answer,” O’Reilly said. “And this is why people dislike government so much. Instead of working together and finding solutions, the politicians indiscriminately dump cash on it. That is bad for the department, bad for the employees, and bad for the taxpayers.”
O’Reilly said, “All we are asking for is a pay plan that rewards experience, encourages retention, and that accomplishes this over time. We don’t need a money dump.”
Ocala, Florida — On Friday, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners said that Interim Marion County Administrator Bill Kauffman is heading in a new direction.
Kauffman turned in his letter of resignation on Friday. His last day will be August 15, 2015.
According to the press release, he has taken the role of assistant city manager with the City of Ocala.
In May, Kauffman proposed a re-organization of county administration, which included appointing a fire chief without an application process or a review of qualifications.
Kauffman claimed that the re-organization would save $120,000 by eliminating one position and combining others.
Ocala Post investigated the re-organization and covered the story extensively, and after publishing the details of the re-organization on May 3, citizens of Marion County began to scrutinize Kauffman and the re-organization plan.
On May 5, the Board announced during a meeting that they would not support a motion to move forward with the re-organization of the county’s administration.
Many believe the Board’s decision was because the community came together and demanded change after Ocala Post published the May 3rd article, which spelled out issues with Interim County Administrator Bill Kauffman’s proposed plan.
Marion County Fire Rescue Fire Chief M. Stuart McElhaney announced his retirement 11 days after the article was published.
Kauffman is also the person who made the decision to remove the Third National Confederate flag from the Fallen Officers Memorial in front of the McPherson Governmental Complex in June.
“I am blessed to have had this opportunity to work with our elected leaders and staff for the betterment of our community,” Kauffman, who joined Marion County in 2008, said in a press release. “Marion County is privileged to have a committed and dedicated workforce, and I am proud to have served them and our citizens through this advanced leadership role.”
The BOCC appointed Kauffman as interim administrator in December 2014.
“Kauffman did an admirable job during this transition, and contributed great leadership during his participation in the budget process,” County Commission Chairman Stan McClain said in a press release. “We wish him well in his next professional endeavors, and thank him for his committed service to the citizens of Marion County.”
Kauffman has served on an interim basis since the November departure of the former county administrator.
Ocala, Florida — The gunman captured on video carrying a pistol grip 12-gauge shotgun during the pro-Confederate flag rally on July 12 has been arrested.
According to the Ocala Police Department, on July 16 he was arrested on an outstanding warrant unrelated to this case.
On July 17, OPD Detective Steckman went to the jail to speak with Sebastian Devin Boswell, 34, in reference to the July 12 shooting.
According to the police report, Boswell stated that prior to the Confederate flag rally, there was a “street beef” going on.
Boswell alleged that one of his cousins had an issue with another group from a store in the area, and the disturbance carried over into Northroads Apartments.
He stated that he heard shots fired and thought his cousin might have “gotten into something.” Boswell then ran over to Pavilion Oaks and got a shotgun out of a car. He said he found a towel in the trunk and covered it up before running over to Northroads Apartments.
According to reports, Boswell claimed that as he was walking over to Northroads an older man, known as “OG Hit,” stopped him and took the gun away.
Boswell told the detectives that he was not going to hurt anyone, and he had not loaded any shells into the shotgun. He said that after “OG Hit” took the gun from him, he heard more shots.
Boswell stated, “I had no part in the shooting.” He went on to say, “I never shot, I love white people. I have a white baby mamma.”
As the detective was ending the interview, Boswell said that he wanted something on the record.
Boswell then stated, “I am not a racist.” He said that the flag he flies is blue, “not Confederate or red and white,” because he is an “inactive gang member.”
Boswell has been arrested 18 times in Marion County and has served time in the Florida Department of Corrections.
His previous charges include, Aggravated Battery (x2), Failure to Appear (x4), Residential Burglary, Resisting arrest (x2), Driving While License Revoked (x5), Obstruction by Disguised Person, False Name to LEO, Possession of Cocaine (x3), Possession of Marijuana (x3), Domestic Battery (x2), Strong-arm Robbery, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Open Container (x2), Flee and Elude (x2), Violation of Probation, Possession of Narcotic Equipment, Disorderly Conduct, and DUI.
On Friday, he was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Boswell is currently being held without bond.
Detectives said that after the surveillance video footage was released to the media, they received numerous phone calls from people who identified Boswell as the man from the video.
Ocala, Florida – Ocala Utility Services (OUS) has issued a warning to its customers about a bill payment scam that is targeting utility customers.
The scam targets both business and residential customers.
The scam
Someone calls and states that if the individual or business does not pay their electric bill immediately that the electric would be shut of within hours.
Several customers in the area have already been targeted.
What you should do
Individuals or businesses who receive this type of phone call should hang up and immediately and contact the Ocala Police Department.
OUS said that they would never call its customers and ask for the amount paid on their last bill, or demand payment with a credit or debit card.
If you have concerns regarding your OUS account, call 352-629-2489.
If you have been scammed, call OPD at 352-369-7000.
Ocala Police Officer Sergeant Erica Hay. Top left – Ocala Post file photo. Other photos were shot by TiAnna S. Greene, of Ocala.
Ocala, Florida — Citizens have no way of knowing what types of dangers or monsters a law enforcement officer encounters on a daily basis.
The disrespect toward officers that Ocala Post witnessed following shots being fired from a neighborhood near the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion on July 12 was just one example of what law enforcement endure every day.
As of lately, it seems that the public’s perception of law enforcement across the county is that all law enforcement officers are badge-wearing criminals.
It is also not surprising that some media outlets have played a significant role in helping the public form that perception.
And while recent cases across the country have involved both good and bad officers; one would hope that the average person would be smart enough to know that one bad law enforcement officer does not spoil the whole bunch.
Often times, the good that a law enforcement officer does goes unnoticed.
But not today.
TiAnna S. Greene, of Ocala, said that what she saw an Ocala Police Officer do on Thursday morning made her day.
Greene, who does not know the officer, said she was blessed to witness the officer taking time out of her morning to have breakfast with a homeless man.
“Although I was the only person blessed to witness less than two minutes of her kindness that definitely came from the heart, it truly made my morning,” Greene wrote. “This absolutely wonderful act of kindness seemed to come naturally to [the officer].”
Greene said it appeared that the officer purchased the breakfast for the man and had decided to eat with him.
And as it turns out, Greene was right.
Through previous contact, Ocala Post was able to identify the officer as OPD Officer Sergeant Erica Hay.
At first, Sergeant Hay was very reluctant to speak with Ocala Post because she did not want the attention, and she was extremely humble about the entire situation.
“I absolutely did not do this for attention,” Sergeant Hay said. “I was heading to Dunkin’ Donuts to get breakfast when I saw this man sitting by himself, so, I decided to buy him breakfast. I then went over, sat down, and ate breakfast with him.”
She went on to say, “He turned out to be a very nice man who just has a sad story.” She added, “He is a person.”
She said, “I never met the man until today.”
“He was a very nice man. He appreciated the conversation and the breakfast,” Sergeant Hay said.
Many have expressed their gratitude toward TiAnna S. Greene for taking the time out of her day to shoot this photo, and then share it with the community.
OPD said, “Thank you TiAnna S. Greene, for sharing this example of our officers’ commitment and concern for all of the citizens in our community. We commend Sgt. Hay for serving Ocala with heart.”
Greene said, “I wasn’t expecting this [attention] at all. I just wanted to share because it truly touched me and brightened my day.”
Ocala Post could not locate the man for an interview.
Edward Earl Kelty [left], Angel Nieves [center], and Alfonza SingletonOrlando, Florida — On July 13, 2015, at approximately 2:43 a.m., Orlando Police Officer William Anderson was working extra duty at the McDonald’s located at 5400 S. Kirkman Road when he saw a vehicle that had been seen fleeing the scene of a shooting.
The officer then conducted a traffic stop at Kirkman Road and Vineland Street on the silver four door Nissan Maxima.
As the officer approached the vehicle with his gun drawn, the passenger, later identified as Alfonza Singleton, 17, opened the passenger side door and fled on foot.
The officer then attempted to move around the vehicle in an attempt to stop the passenger. However, as the officer attempted to run around the vehicle, the driver, later identified as Edward Earl Kelty, 17, accelerated towards the officer and struck him with the car.
After striking the officer, Kelty fled the scene without stopping.
The officer was face down on the pavement for approximately 25 seconds before a Good Samaritan blocked the officer with his car to keep other vehicles from running him over. No one exited their vehicle to help the officer during the incident.
The officer did fire his weapon during the incident.
According to reports, the Maxima was later found located at 1859 Lake Pearl Drive. It had been set on fire and the windshield was shattered.
The parents of the teens did not want their names or photos released to the public. Additionally, the parents filed excessive force complaints against the police officer for firing his weapon at Kelty as he attempted to run the officer over.
The Orlando Police Chief John Mina said that the officer was justified in the shooting and that he had the right to defend himself.
Chief John Mina said, “I am sick and tired of people running from law enforcement and not complying with our orders.”
He said, “These individuals used their car as a deadly weapon and there is no excuse for that.”
A third person in the vehicle, Angel Nieves, 17, was also arrested.
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Officer Anderson, his wife Jessica, and their 18-month-old girl.
On Thursday, Officer Anderson’s status was escalated from stable to serious condition. He was transported to UF Shands Hospital in Gainesville.
The Orlando Police Department also released radio transmissions from the morning of the incident on Thursday. During the transmissions, Officer Robinson told dispatch he fired two shots, which suggests the third shot came from inside the car. These details are still being investigated.
Chief John Mina said Kelty was shot by Anderson through the window of the car. He was released from the hospital and transferred to a juvenile detention center Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators said that Nieves drove Kelty to the hospital. He then removed evidence from the car and set it on fire.
Kelty was arrested and charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest With Violence. So far, Nieves has been charged with Tampering with Evidence. Singleton was charged with Resisting Arrest.
State Attorney Spokeswoman Angela Starke said they have not made the determination about whether or not the suspects will be charged as adults. She said it is too early in the investigation to make that decision.
If anyone in the Orlando or surrounding areas have any information about this case, or witnessed this incident, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and receive a cash reward.
Ocala, Florida — On Wednesday, Ocala Police Department Detective Mary Brewton arrested the mother of the 20-month-old child who drowned in a small above ground pool on April 25, 2015.
According to detectives, the pool contained approximately 30 inches of water.
On April 25, 2015, Ocala Police responded to 244 Northeast 44th Avenue, in reference to a child who was found floating in a pool.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the mother of the child, Brandi Dyal, 32. Dyal stated that her two sons, both under the age of three, came into her bedroom at approximately 7:45 a.m. and awoke her. Dyal told the police that the boys, who shared a room together, were “whiney.”
According to reports, Dyal put the boys back in their room, gave them each a cup of juice, and turned the television on.
Dyal stated that she then went back to bed and fell asleep, and assumed the boys would do the same.
According to police, at approximately 8:40 a.m. Dyal was awakened by her 2-year-old yelling, “Mommy! Mommy!” from the backyard.
Dyal stated that she then ran outside and saw her 20-month-old son, Manuel Wilfredo Mercado Jr., floating on his side with his face down in the water.
Dyal told police she then removed her son from the water, began chest compressions, and had her 13-year-old daughter call 911.
According to reports, the 13-year-old was on her cell phone in her bedroom at the time of the incident. She said she didn’t know the boys had gone into the backyard until she heard her mother screaming. She said that when she ran outside, she saw her brother on the ground with green foam coming from his nose.
Dyal’s other daughter, 10, stated that she was asleep on the couch and woke up when she heard her mother screaming from outside. She said that when she went outside, she saw her mother performing CPR on her brother. The 10-year-old told police that she did not hear her brothers walk past her to get outside.
Police reported that there was a blue Summer Escapes 15-foot quick set above ground ring pool in the southwest corner of the yard. The pool had 30-inches of water in it. Police also found a green milk crate behind the pool.
The boy’s father, Manuel Wilfredo Mercado Sr., 24, was at work at the time of the incident.
In the police report, OPD Officer Russell reported that the door located in the northwest corner of the residence, which led to the backyard, was open. Officer Russell also reported that the latch on the door was broken and did not secure the door.
According to reports, in order for the deadbolt to be locked, the door needed to be lifted up on the hinges so the deadbolt would turn.
Authorities said the house was un-kept, there was no food in the house, and the cabinets were infested with roaches.
According to reports, there was also a hoarding issue in the home.
During the investigation, the Department of Children and Families told police that the siblings of Manuel Jr. had previously been removed from the home.
Detectives also discovered that both Brandi and Manuel Sr. had a drug problem and had tested positive for opiates and marijuana when ordered by DCF.
On May 5, after multiple attempts, detectives were finally successful in making contact with Brandi for an interview.
On May 6, Brandi responded to the OPD and participated in a recorded interview. During the interview, Brandi said her alarm clock “went off” at approximately 6:30 a.m., at which time Manuel Sr. left for work. She said she then changed her children’s diapers, gave them juice, and went back to bed. Brandi said the next time she could recall waking up was when she was being called into the backyard.
When asked about the opiates and marijuana, she said the opiates were prescribed to her by Dr. Jackson from Belleview Express Care. She also admitted to smoking marijuana while taking the opiates.
On May 13, also after numerous attempts, detectives conducted an interview with Manuel Sr.
He told detectives that on the morning of the incident, he left for work at 7 a.m. He said the children usually slept until 11 a.m., but for some reason, the kids got up early on that day.
Manuel stated, “Brandi is a good mother and she takes good care of her kids.” He said when the smaller children go outside, either Brandi or the older kids watch them.
Manuel also told detectives that he didn’t check the doors when he left for work.
On July 15, DCF called Detective Brewton and dropped a bombshell.
According to reports, Brandi had told her children to lie about the incident.
One of the older juveniles told Kimberly’s Cottage that she had not told the truth on the day of the incident. The juvenile stated that her mother told her to tell investigators that she was asleep when the drowning occurred. The mother also told the juvenile not to say anything about her drug habits.
However, the juvenile said that on the night before Manuel Jr. drowned, her mother was up all night with friends snorting heroin.
The juvenile also witnessed her mother chop up pills and snort them. At the same time, Brandi was smoking marijuana and drinking beer.
According to reports, the juvenile stated that on the morning of the incident she heard Manuel Sr. tell Brandi to get up and watch the boys. The juvenile said she then put her headphones on and listened to music.
A family member told detectives that on July 14, Brandi was threatening to take one of the children from the family members home where they had been placed. The family member stated that Manuel Sr. had remnants of white pills in his mouth and they both appeared “high.”
On the day of the incident, Mercado Jr. was transported by EMS to Munroe Regional Center, but later flown to UF Health Shands Hospital, Gainesville.
According to police, Mercado Jr. died at 9:42 a.m. Sunday, April 27, 2015.
Detectives said that one of the most disgusting facts in this case was that on the day Manuel Jr. was taken off life support, both Manuel Sr. and Brandi were outside laughing.
Detectives said due to the facts in this case, Brandi was arrested and charged with Manslaughter.
Manuel Sr., who is also no stranger to jail, has not been charged with any crimes.
