The symbols for change and opportunity are the same symbol in Japanese (or so I’ve been told).
As we are returning for legislative committee weeks, that certainly rings true with new Florida Senate and House leaders. Many new legislators, new governor, new lieutenant governor, new cabinet members, new Secretary of State, new department heads, staff members, and new committee assignments with new looks at familiar issues and some new issues before us. Now is a great time to reach out to elected leaders with your concerns for the approaching 2019 Legislative Session.
It has been very refreshing and informative to be at home with “the people” since election season to hear how these public policies touch the ground and where the rubber meets the road. It has been inspiring to visit with so many people meeting the challenges and confronting realities as they engage to make our state the best place to visit, work, play, build a business, raise a family, gain education, and enjoy retirement. Despite our challenges, North Central Florida is a great place to do life—because of each of you. Thank you for doing your part. Remember, it’s your government!
Onward and upward,
Dennis Baxley
Florida State Senate – District 12.
As part of the CEP’s mission to be the catalyst for a prosperous community, the organization partners closely with local governments (as well as state and Federal) to ensure that we are creating and maintaining a business climate which encourages growth and prosperity. A recent example of this can be found in the issue of revisions to the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
Over the last several months, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners held workshops and public hearings on potential revisions to the Comp Plan. Among the groups who were active in participating in this process were supporters of our area’s equine industry as well as builders, developers, environmentalists, and others. Two of the clear desires of both the participants and the Commission was to strengthen our Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) and to incorporate language into the plan regarding the development of future transportation corridors especially in the FPA.
The FPA encompasses an area in northwest Marion County which is home to many of our iconic horse farms. While the FPA has existed for a number of years, it really did not have the structure to do as its name suggests—preserve farms. The CEP has been a proponent for quite a while of strengthening the FPA. Supporting the basics of the finalized language was an easy step. Continue reading
Tallahassee, Fla – Today, the Florida Cabinet unanimously approved Governor DeSantis’ appointment of State Representative Danny Burgess to serve as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“I thank my fellow members of the Florida Cabinet for approving Danny to lead the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “His unwavering commitment to our nation and support for our veterans during his time in the legislature make him the right man for the job and I could not be more excited to see what all he accomplishes for our veteran community in this new role going forward.”
Danny Burgess is a Captain and Judge Advocate in the United States Army Reserve. He was elected to represent eastern Pasco County in the Florida House of Representatives in 2014, and was subsequently re-elected in 2016 and 2018. Prior to joining the Florida House of Representatives, Burgess served on the Zephyrhills City Council and as Mayor of Zephyrhills. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida and his Juris Doctorate from the Barry University School of Law.
Tom Davis from Blood South Blood Bank said “The accident claiming all those lives on I-75 recently wiped out their supply of blood.” “Please give blood!”
I see Marco Rubio was in town visiting. Not my favorite Politician. Ask me why? tloury@att.net
Dunnellon Fl., Lake Tropicana: There is still a cloud over a report of a missing husband and wife and of human remains being found at deadline. They found the car and the relative driving the car in Omaha! Marion County MCSO is going to pick him up with a warrant. There are a lot of unanswered questions. We will report on our websites when we get press releases.
Lady Lake Florida: a battle between the residents and the Town Manager is going on over the Chief of Police allegedly being forced out. The statement being given for his reason for quitting is to take on new challenges. The Town Manager sent that same statement to me when I ask why the Chief quit. I have made the statement that I think “It is an insult to my intelligence to make that statement!” Also part of the statement from Town Manager was that he did a good job! I suspect he did not leave for those reasons. The Chief will not go on record with any statement. Hmmmm! I suspect he did not want his reputation to be toxic, because he does need to find another job. The truth is coming out, but probably too late to save the chief’s job. They might fit the same mold! Maybe Lady Lake needs to look at what they did there. Continue reading
MARION COUNTY, Florida [January 25, 2019] – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives have arrested Demetrius Antonio Wright (DOB: 11/05/1999) and Calvin Denard Epps (DOB: 10/01/1998) for the “drive- by style” shooting and murder of June Hugo (DOB: 07/31/2000), which occurred on Thursday, October 11, 2018.
On October 11th, MCSO deputies responded to the Circle K gas station located at 5986 W Highway 40 in reference to a report of a male subject being shot. Upon arrival, deputies found Hugo in the back seat of a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. It was discovered that the shooting occurred in the area of the Ocala Ridge neighborhood, near the intersection of NW 6th Place and NW 58th Avenue, and the victim was driven to the gas station immediately after the shooting. During their thorough investigation, detectives developed Epps and Wright a
s the prime suspects in the case. Electronic data confirmed that both suspects were in the immediate area where and when the crime occurred. Additionally, witnesses came forward and told detectives that Epps was driving the car while Wright (Epps’ passenger) shot at the car Hugo was in. Continue reading
Nothing But Networking a Lady Lake Chamber event was held at the Texas Road House Grill. Feedback from the 70 who attended was “it was real good”. I was sick with the bug so I stayed away from everyone except when I took these pictures. They had so much fun they ask if we could have the Texas Road House Grill again. So it will be there again in February the first Thursday. If you would like to attend call the Chamber 352-753-6029 to make arrangements. Tell them Tom sent you!
Art in the Park was a great success again. The weather was great. Lot’s of visitors strolling through the park, looking at the exhibits in amazements. There food vendors so you could enjoy the event, eat lunch and just relax. Art in the Park is hosted and put on by the Lady Lake Chamber. It is an annual event you don’t want to miss. Watch this newspaper for the next announcement in 11 months. Put it on your calendar!
Sebring, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis issued the following statement regarding the tragic shooting in Sebring, Florida:
“This is a terrible day for Sebring, Highlands County and for the state of Florida. Casey and I extend our most sincere condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims. The people of Florida stand with the community of Sebring. In light of this tragic circumstance, I’ve directed FDLE to provide the necessary resources at the state level to assist with the ongoing investigation. This is an individual that needs to face very swift and exacting justice.
“I want to thank both the Sebring Police Department and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for their response and continued efforts during this tragedy.”
Publishers Note: My son was in that bank the day before!
Rubio was in town. He went to visit the Mojo Family, a great group of people. Here they are posing for this picture at one of the many locations. Rondo has done a great job!
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis formally announced the appointment of Gregory Tony as Sheriff of Broward County. Tony, a former Coral Springs Police Sergeant, will serve as Broward County’s first African-American Sheriff.
“The people of Broward County deserve accountable, competent leaders who can safeguard our communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Gregory Tony will be a champion for Broward County who will work tirelessly to safeguard our schools and our streets while ensuring accountability within the Sheriff’s office.”
“This is an enormous honor and privilege to be appointed Sheriff of Broward County,” said newly appointed Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony. “It is my intention to embark on this enormous task to restore the confidence of families and residents of Broward County toward the Broward Sherriff’s Office, which also requires that I fix the problems that exist. I thank Governor Ron DeSantis for this honor and I commit to faithfully fulfilling my duties to this office.”
