Date: June 18, 2020
Florida Department of Health in Marion County Community Health Nurse Gina Rohr speaks to a resident about the testing process before being swabbed for COVID-19 on June 16 at the department’s drive-through test site. The department tests individuals for COVID-19 both at its facility and at off-site locations. Staff tested close to 400 individuals today at Stonecrest, a local 55+ community.
So far, 19,488 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 19,149 were negative. Individuals who tested positive for the virus have ranged in age from 6 months to 97 years old. Eight Marion County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19. Marion’s overall positive test rate is 1.7%; Florida’s positive test rate is 5.6%. For more detailed information on all Marion cases, view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/96dd742462124fa0b38ddedb9b25e429.
If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptoms of the virus (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing), DOH-Marion recommends that you get tested for the virus. The department offers free COVID-19 testing; call 352-644-2590 to schedule an appointment at the health department. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested. Testing is also available at other local medical providers; call before visiting a facility if you would like to be tested for COVID-19. Continue reading
SAVE THE DATE!
13TH ANNUAL APPLAUD THE ARTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
6 – 8 p.m.
APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART
Yes we know it’s only June, but we want to make sure you have this date on your calendar. You won’t want to miss MCA’s signature event, Applaud the Arts, the greatest gathering of artists and arts enthusiasts.
We will make sure to incorporate the best practices of social distancing while staging a phenomenal Masquerade Mixer.
Ticket information will be posted soon.
To show your support for MCA and the Arts, sponsorship opportunities are available! Please contact jaye.baillie@mcaocala.com
By TomL
It is said there are many Universities in the United States that receive monetary gifts (money) from China. We are talking about more than a one hundred. Many of the Colleges are required to disclose the donation. This means a Communist Country has influence over the education of some of our finest…There are many colleges that teach a program by the Chinese government to teach American students about the Chinese Culture.
Any College with credentials must disclose gifts or money of more than $250,000 from a foreign power. About a third teaching the way of China culture (Confucius Institute) report it. Now we are beginning to see where some of this way of thinking that is coming out of the mouth of our college students.
Is this how you want your young to be educated? Socialism and eating animals from a live market that are unsanitary. I can’t get that vision out of my head, there was a video sent to me. There were dogs/ cats / bats/ creatures we would try to swat is on that market, for sale to eat, not healthy.
What say you? tloury@att.net
OCALA, Fla. (June 15, 2020) – The City of Ocala, through its Cultural Arts and Sciences Division, announces the installation of a new public art project throughout downtown. Ocala based artist, Diana Cahal, the creator of the project, will begin installing on June 17. The latest project commissioned by the Division will serve to bring awareness to ten local not-for-profit organizations that have been featured at the City’s Levitt Amp Ocala Music Series. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC) through the State of the Arts license plate fees.
Originally inspired by Atlanta’s Tiny Door Project, “Small Spaces, Big Places” is an outdoor miniature art project focusing on Ocala’s vibrant arts scene and not-for-profit organizations. The artworks are miniature versions of each of the organizations home-bases and they will be displayed in “secret gardens” throughout the downtown area. The placement of the structures will be permanently anchored into the landscaping and will lead viewers on an interactive journey from location to location. The art projects will be on display for the next eight months.
Cahal said, “After my experience with Horse Fever (I painted two Horse Fever horses 2001 and 2011) and Take Me, I’m Yours! (an abandoned art project funded by a Pop-Up! Grant from the City of Ocala and Fine Arts for Ocala), I’ve seen first-hand how outdoor, interactive art projects invigorate our community and foster a sense of belonging and pride in our artful city. These miniatures will enhance our arts climate and bring a unique focus to some of the wonderful art spaces we already have.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians about a new scam targeting seniors with offers of fake COVID-19 grants. The Florida Attorney General’s Office is receiving reports from seniors offered thousands of dollars in federal grant money to stay isolated at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Scammers are contacting seniors via Facebook Messenger, email and text message to offer these sham grants and request upfront payment as insurance for the expedited delivery of grant money.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This scam appears to involve an international criminal organization utilizing a multifaceted communications plan to deceive seniors. These criminals are hacking Facebook accounts to send messages to targets from a friend’s profile—creating the illusion that the grant program is being promoted by an acquaintance. Once contact is made, the criminals request personal information, bank account numbers and insurance payments purportedly to help ensure the safe delivery of thousands of dollars in federal grant money, and of course, the money is never sent.
“Sadly, we have uncovered evidence that some are falling for this scam. Please know that the federal government is not contacting seniors and offering them grant money to stay home and stop the spread of COVID-19. We are actively working with law enforcement to investigate and stop this scam. You can help us by reporting suspicious messages to our office.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today issued a Consumer Alert warning students at Florida colleges and universities of an emerging work-from-home employment scam. Scammers are targeting students via emails that appear to be sent from a college or university advertising fictitious work-from-home employment opportunities. The scammers obtain personal information from the student while posing as a university representative. Savvy scammers convince students to cash counterfeit checks and send them the money.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “During the COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic downturn, Floridians are looking for work, and it is unconscionable that scammers are exploiting these times of uncertainty to prey on our college students. Students who fall victim to this scam could face serious repercussions to their financial stability and credit record. I am urging all students currently enrolled at Florida colleges and universities to take extra precaution when receiving online job offers.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is working with Florida sheriffs, police chiefs and university police to stop child porn Zoombombing. Zoombombing occurs when hackers hijack internet video conferences, like those offered by the fast-growing platform Zoom. These hackers often present inappropriate, offensive material or otherwise disrupt video conferences. Recent reports indicate that hackers are crashing online meetings with child pornography. After learning of this criminal activity, Attorney General Moody began working with local law enforcement to thwart the offensive conduct and ensure local, state and federal law enforcement are coordinated in their efforts.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It’s heartbreaking that anyone would exploit children in this manner, but child pornography is pervasive online. It’s disgusting and illegal. When hackers hijack meetings and force participants to view these disturbing images, we must ensure we have an immediate, aggressive and coordinated law enforcement response. That is why I am working with our great law enforcement agencies to track down Zoombombers and hold them accountable for the victimization of our children.” Continue reading
Tallahassee, Fla. — Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, mental health awareness has been a central part of the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19. Florida’s state agencies have coordinated with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Florida Department of Health during the public health emergency to ensure Floridians have access to free mental health resources and necessary support.
First Lady Casey DeSantis said, “Mental health must always be an important point of emphasis in disaster response and recovery – especially for individuals already suffering from mental health issues, individuals affected by the disaster directly and health care workers and first responders. In Florida, I am proud of the steps being taken by several state agencies during the COVID-19 public health emergency to offer mental health services and support.”
Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez said, “As our state continues to wage its battle against this new illness, we must recognize the toll taken on those individuals who fight every day to keep our communities safe. With these important tools and strategies, we are arming these selfless professionals with the resources they need to take care of themselves and their loved ones as they continue their commitment to keeping Florida healthy.” Continue reading
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Heather Beato to the Tenth Circuit Court, Brett Waronicki to the Nineteenth Circuit Court, London Kite to the Duval County Court, and Andrew Bain and Elizabeth Gibson to the Orange County Court.
Heather Beato
Beato, of Sebring, has been an Assistant State Attorney for the Tenth Circuit since 2002. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary and her law degree from the Florida State University College of Law. Beato fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Bruce Smith.
Brett Waronicki
Waronicki, of Stuart, has been a Partner and Shareholder for Wiederhold, Kummerlen, and Waronicki, P.A. since 2011. He previously served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Nineteenth Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from West Virginia University College of Law. Waronicki fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Barbara Bronis. Continue reading
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Cary Rada to the Fifth Circuit Court, George Wright to the Eighth Circuit Court, William Henry to the Fourteenth Circuit Court, Paige Gillman to the Fifteenth Circuit Court, Tabitha Blackmon to the Broward County Court, Jason Jones to the Leon County Court, Cristina Rivera Correa to the Miami-Dade County Court and Chiaka Ihekwaba to the Miami-Dade County Court.
A Judge from this area is…
Cary Rada
Rada, of Tavares, has been a Judge for the Lake County Court since 2018. He previously served as a prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and his law degree from Stetson University College of Law. Rada fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mark Hill.
