(OCALA, Fla.) Oct. 6, 2020 – Five Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) members were honored today at Fire Station 1 (320 NE 8th Ave.) during an intimate presentation by Hires-Baxley, in celebration of the 3rd Annual Hometown Heroes awards.
Post Date: 10/06/2020
One Firefighter, two Fire Equipment Operators (FEOs), and two Captains were recognized for efforts that proved invaluable in resolving each of the emergencies to which they responded.
- Firefighter Shantelle Nichols was recognized for his courageous actions searching for occupants in a home threatened by flames from a vacant structure on fire next door, despite being off-duty. His immediate action allowed crews to focus on containing the fire to the structure of origin. Firefighter Nichols not only assisted his teammates before their arrival, but he also remained on scene to operate a fire hose and help as needed, demonstrating an absolute commitment to his profession and community.
- Captain Jesse Blaire was recognized for his integral role in OFRs fight against COVID-19. Proposing a strike team dedicated to Coronavirus responses, Captain Blaire’s trailblazing methods proved vital in decreasing exposures to the virus for citizens and first responders alike.
- Captain John Toms, FEO Ryan Brady, and FEO Jagger Maguire were recognized for their life-saving actions during an apartment structure fire. Upon arrival at a fire scene, this crew learned that a senior was unaccounted for. As they prepared to search the building billowing with smoke, a second man was spotted attempting to evacuate through a second-floor window. FEOs Brady and Maguire laddered the window to help bring the man down safely. Meanwhile, Captain Toms searched the first-floor apartment units for the senior. Firefighter Toms located, woke, and guided the senior through the heavy smoke and out of the building. For actions that helped save two lives Captain Toms, FEO Brady, and FEO Maguire each received Act of Valor Awards.
“We are overjoyed for each of the team members recognized today,” said Public Information Officer Ashley Lopez. “Because we know that they would repeat their actions without hesitation, time, and time again.”
(OCALA, Fla.) Oct. 5, 2020 – Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”
Post Date: 10/05/2020
The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”
OFR encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.
“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Fire Chief Shane Alexander. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
OFR wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire. Continue reading
(OCALA, Fla.) Oct. 1, 2020 – Ocala Fire Rescue is launching the Ocala Recovery Project (ORP), a complimentary program for addiction rehabilitation.
Post Date: 10/01/2020
Funded by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant and the Marion County Hospital District, the ORP was designed to reduce opiate overdose deaths and dependency. Through a systematic approach comprised of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, and counseling, the ORP addresses participants’ emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being.
The program aims to help recurring overdose patients, new and expectant mothers suffering from substance dependency, Substance Exposed Newborns (SEN), and anyone ready to begin the path toward recovery.
“Addiction can affect anyone, at any time,” said OFR Captain Jesse Blaire. “With a hands-on approach, including emotional support and comprehensive medical care, we are certain that participants will achieve program success.” Continue reading
OCALA, Fla.) Sept. 11, 2020 – Ocala Fire Rescue
(OFR) responded to reports of a fire alarm at Canterbury Circle apartment complex at 7:38 p.m.
OFR Engines 3, 4, and 6, Rescue 3, Squad 7, Battalion Chief 22, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the call at the 3500 block of SW 38th Terrace
Upon arrival, crews encountered a strong smell of smoke near the unit that triggered the fire alarm. Without residents to facilitate access, firefighters forced entry into the unit. Upon entering, crews found a dog attempting to exit the smoke-filled staircase of the second-floor duplex unit. The dog was removed and taken to safety.
Engine crews made their way up the stairs to find a fire in the kitchen and an active sprinkler system dousing the flames. The fire was under control by 7:52 p.m. and extinguished by 7:56 p.m.
The sprinkler system was deactivated, and overhaul operations began.
Four people (two second-floor unit residents and two from the first-floor unit) were displaced due to significant water damage. No injuries were reported.The cause of the fire is unknownThe Ocala Police Department, Ocala Electric Utility, and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded.
Folks have been seeking the clear waters of Marion County for millennia.
But it was in the years following the Civil War that Silver Springs began to attract tourists from the North via steamboats up the Silver River, according to the website for Silver Springs State Park.
It wasn’t until the late 1870s that Hullam Jones and Phillip Morrell fixed a piece of glass to the bottom of a rowboat and created the first glass bottom boat.
Col. W.M Davidson and Carl Ray, who acquired rights to the springs, near Ocala, in 1924, perfected a gasoline-powered version of the glass bottom boat.
About 20 movies were filmed there, including “Rebel Without a Cause,” starring James Dean, “Distant Drums,” starring Gary Cooper, the James Bond movie “Moonraker,” “Creature from the Black Lagoon” and six Tarzan flicks, according to the website. Episodes of television shows such as “Sea Hunt” also were filmed.
Internet Information
by Tom L
a noisy, violent public disorder caused by a group or crowd of persons, as by a crowd protesting against another group, a government policy, etc., in the streets.
Law. a disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons acting together in a disrupting and tumultuous manner in carrying out their private purposes. Violent or wild disorder or confusion.
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: a violent public disorder
specifically : a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent public violence, tumult, or disorder
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A rioter is someone who takes part in a brawl or a violent disturbance. If you want a peaceful protest rally, don’t invite rioters.
Sometimes protesters are accused of being rioters: the difference between the two is that protesters are generally peaceful, and that even if they’re stirred to violent action, protesters have a social or political goal — or an event or policy to protest. Rioters only have the goal of causing a disruption. Sports fans sometimes turn into rioters after a big loss (or win). Rioter comes from the Old French, in which it means “chatter, dispute, or quarrel.”
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(NAPSI)—Hurricane season officially runs through November, and while no one can predict what lies ahead, there are things you can do to prepare. Here, T-Mobile offers eight ways to stay connected.
1.Make a disaster kit: Include things such as batteries, snacks, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight and device chargers.
2.Update your family, friends and emergency services contact numbers. Make sure they’re saved and backed up in your devices AND written down someplace accessible.
3.Subscribe to official text alerts and connect with official social networks to learn about new developments before, during and after a disaster.
4.Keep your mobile devices fully charged. Have charging cables handy and consider picking up a car or portable charging device.
5.Protect your technology with waterproof re-sealable plastic bags.
6.Download emergency-assistance apps from the Red Cross and FEMA.
7.Make sure your phone supports Wireless Emergency Alerts and that you have enabled notifications on your device. Visit t-mobile.com/wea for details on how to set up alerts on T-Mobile and Sprint devices. Continue reading
I saw a sales pitch that said reach your first customer before they have their first cup of coffee. I don’t know about you but, I don’t do or read anything before my first cup of coffee. Wait a minute I might go do something I can’t mention. I’m trying to reach my reader with their first cup of coffee. They would have time to read and be relaxed.
I have a great circulation story my nephew is in the military, while in AfKanistan they got some packages from the United States “Show Box”. My newspaper was in it, “The Village Spectator”. I reach the troops overseas! Then the next day I go into the mens room at the Elks Club and there is my newspaper again in a book holder. HMMMMmmm How could I use that as a promotion?
CIRCULATION FACTS
I reach from the mens room at the Elks Club in Ocala to AfKanistan.
No I don’t think that would work as a promotion but it is an interesting fact!!!
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today released the 2020 Hurricane Preparedness Guide. The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins today and runs through the end of November. Attorney General Moody is urging Floridians to review the preparedness guide now and understand that planning will be different this year as Floridians continue to take measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As Floridians, we know that hurricanes are an unfortunate reality of living in our beautiful state. As we continue to deal with the challenges presented by COVID-19, it is equally important that we not drop the ball on our preparedness for hurricane season. The safety of you, your family, pets and property, depends on you preparing now.”
Entering hurricane season with already two named storms, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season to be “extremely active” with 13 to 19 named storms. The Attorney General’s Hurricane Guide could serve as a useful tool to help families prepare with helpful tips, resources and information. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today launched a new website seeking to educate Floridians about the dangers of misusing prescription painkillers and other opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. The website, called Dose of Reality, provides a one-stop shop of information about opioid addiction and resources to use for businesses, caregivers, educators, medical professionals, parents, seniors, service members, students, veterans and others.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “We can defeat the opioid crisis by working together, and Florida’s new Dose of Reality website is designed to provide Floridians easy access to vital information and resources to stop opioid abuse.
“As the Chair of the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse, I will work to make sure local, state and federal agencies are coordinating efforts. Identifying effective strategies and implementing them statewide will improve the state’s response by making sure everyone is using the latest and most effective data and resources. Much in the same way, ensuring the public has an online portal with the latest information and medical recommendations will help Floridians make informed decisions and fight the opioid crisis in their communities.” Continue reading
