FORT MYERS, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has secured the conviction of Phuc Minh Tran, 38, of Lehigh Acres, on 40 counts of child pornography possession.
“This predator is facing decades behind bars, which is right where he belongs,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Deputy Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Julie Chaikin and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Agnieszka Thomas, this monster is off the streets and away from our children.”
On August 15, 2024, Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers carried out a search warrant at Tran’s residence after known child sexual abuse material was flagged by the FDLE cyber squad as being downloaded by Tran. Tran was arrested on the scene.
After a week-long jury trial, Tran was found guilty on all 40 felony charges of second-degree possession, control, or intentional viewing of child pornography.
Tran will be sentenced on December 22 and faces up to 600 years in the Department of Corrections.
BROOKSVILLE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a Hernando County grand jury indicted Nathan Douglas Holmberg, 36, on twenty-five counts, which include seven counts of capital sexual battery on a child under twelve, following an investigation by the Hernando County Sheriff, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. The State of Florida will seek the death penalty in its case against Holmberg.
“If you harm a child, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will seek the maximum penalty under the law,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “The nature of these crimes demanded a statewide special task force, and the investigation is far from over. Hernando County Sheriff Nienhuis and State Attorney Gladson have the full support of our Office of Statewide Prosecution.”
“When an individual commits a truly heinous crime, as in this case, the full weight of the law must be brought to bear,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit. “There is no place for mercy when the acts committed against a child are so unspeakable. Accountability will be had, any chance of recidivism will be nonexistent, and justice will be served.” Continue reading
STUART, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier today announced that Isaias Coy, David Desormeaux, Miguel Angel, Antonio Rojas, Mohamed Mesregah, and Jeremiah Gillyard have been arrested on charges relating to the sexual exploitation of children.
“These predators believed that they could hide behind a screen to exploit our children—they were wrong,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Several of these defendants are now on ICE detainers and will face prison before deportation. We will never stop protecting kids in Florida; those who target them will be caught and punished.”
“These men will soon come to realize that they traveled to the wrong county in the wrong circuit,” said Thomas Bakkedahl, State Attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
“This operation is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal partners come together with one shared mission—to protect our children,” said Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek. “These arrests should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can prey on children in our communities. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will hold you accountable.” Continue reading
Creative Stitches
Tuesdays | Sept. 2 – Dec. 2 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Free
Learn to crochet step-by-step and create personalized items like blankets, scarves, or hats. Whether you’re new or experienced, everyone’s welcome to create with yarn. Some supplies are provided, but, if possible, please bring your own H hook.
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Woodcarvers Social
Tuesdays| 1 – 3 p.m. | Free
Learn the hobby of woodcarving. Open to all levels from beginners wanting to learn the basics or experienced carvers to share ideas and socialize. Participants should bring their own tools, wood, and patterns.
Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center | 830 NE Eighth Ave.
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Footloose Line Dancing
Come join us for an hour of dancing fun. This class is for anyone who loves to dance, whether you are experienced, or new to the dance floor. You will learn the basic steps of many soul and line dances while getting a workout at the same time.
Tuesdays | 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Free Program
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave. Continue reading
By Matt McCormick
It is a true honor to join the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership as your new president and CEO. During my visits to Ocala and my conversations with members of this remarkable community, one thing has become abundantly clear—this is a place defined by excitement, growth, energy, and collaboration. My family and I are beyond thrilled to make Ocala our new home.
The CEP’s mission is to be “the catalyst for a prosperous community.” At its core, our work is about helping businesses do business—and thrive—in a vibrant, growing region. We are also a “convener of collaboration,” because economic development never happens in isolation. It takes partnerships among business, government, education, and the broader community, all working toward shared success.
The CEP has a proud history of supporting businesses, driving growth initiatives, and serving as a strong advocate for this region. I’m eager to build on that legacy while staying partner-focused and mission-driven. Over the coming months, my focus will be on listening and learning—hearing directly from you about what matters most. What challenges are you facing? What opportunities excite you? And how can the CEP be a part of helping you achieve success? Continue reading
By TomL
I received a call one day that a veteran just outside the Villages Sumter County side needed help. Apparently this veteran managed to buy a new mobile home. The mobile home company set up the mobile home put a regular pair of stairs in the front and left. The veteran was in a wheel chair. Someone got him in the home but he had no way to get out. I was ask to help because I had run into this problem before. I called the mobile home company and they refused without the vet paying money. I called a guy I met that helped Veterans and they went to the church and got a volunteer group together. We got the lumber company to donate four sheets of plywood and some 2 by 4’s and they went to work. It was a smart the way to make the ramp 3 sheets of plywood long 24 ft ramp and the top deck was the fourth sheet of plywood. The Veteran was happy he could get in and out without any trouble. Here comes code enforcement, the volunteers did everything wrong and was not being very co-opertive. I told the volunteers to go to the next Board meeting which I attended with my camera, it was not long the approval came through. It seems as though there was just a couple of minor adjustments and the Veteran was good to go. Continue reading
By TomL
This a disclaimer that this is what I think happened, not anyone else’s Ideas.
What should Marion County do next? It needs to rebuild and strengthen the Republican National Committee. I noticed that politically we are being skipped by, by many leaders in our state. I noticed that the Governor gave money out to county (Small) town’s but skipped Marion County and by the way I told him about it, if my email ever got through. The Republican Party got split in half some year’s back in Marion County and has not pulled back together YET! Let me tell you a story, I will leave out some names because to some the story still hurts. By the way the sheriff of today had nothing to do with all this, it was before his time..
Some years back the Sheriff was training his replacement so when he retired his second in command could just step in and take over. It was not that easy, he had to win an election! But to make a long story short he ran and won the election. Before he could be sworn in a scandal hit and he was no longer eligible to be Sheriff. Continue reading
The Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park serves as a place of honor for our service men & women. Events are hosted at the park throughout the year including Quarterly Memorials, Memorial Day, & Veterans Day to name a few. Memorial bricks & benches are available to commemorate one’s service to our great nation. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Please contact Marion County Veterans Services at 352-671-8422 to purchase a brick or bench, or to volunteer.
Rider from all over compete at the Florida Horse Park. This picture was taken by CK Johnson. She is seen around the horse Park frequently. The park hosting horse shows, polo matches, trail rides, and an array of special events. Public restroom · Dogs allowed 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala, FL 34480
500-acre ocalamarion.com Phone: (352) 307-6699
LADY LAKE — The Town of Lady Lake will host a new signature event, the Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy, on Friday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Lady Lake Library. The 21-and-over event is part of a weeklong celebration marking the town’s 100th anniversary. Guests will enjoy samples from local restaurants and caterers, a cash bar, and live music by Sofia and The Speak EZ Band. Tickets are $20 in advance and are on sale through Nov. 5. Four VIP sit-down tables that seat six are available at $180 per table.
A portion of proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization that supports Lady Lake Library programming.
The 1920s themed evening celebrates Lady Lake’s century-long journey from its early days as a citrus and watermelon hub along the railway to the vibrant community it is today. The library, which has become a cornerstone for residents, will serve as the backdrop for the celebration.
“This event is a chance for our community to come together in a fun, lively way to celebrate 100 years of Lady Lake,” said Events Coordinator Amy Alicea. “We’re proud of our history, from our roots in agriculture to becoming the birthplace of The Villages, and we invite everyone to raise a glass to our next century as a strong and vibrant community we are proud to call home.” Continue reading
