ARREST MADE IN SUMMERFIELD MURDER INVESTIGATION
MARION COUNTY, Florida (September 26, 2018) – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives have arrested 36-year old Jake Napier (DOB: 06/28/1982) for the murder of Walter Russell Elliott which occurred in July of 2018. During their investigation, MCSO Major Crimes detectives discovered surveillance video that depicted Napier shooting and killing the victim.
On July 28, 2018, at approximately 1:00 p.m., MCSO deputies were called to 5495 Southeast 145 Street in reference to a man being shot and set on fire. Deputies responded and found victim Elliott deceased in a workshop located under a pole barn on the property. MCSO Major Crimes detectives responded and began their investigation. It was later determined that Elliott’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and that his body was set on fire after his death. During their investigation, detectives discovered surveillance cameras in the workshop which captured the murder on camera. The footage showed the victim sitting in a chair at the workshop with Napier and several other witnesses in the room. Continue reading
The Marion County Genealogical Society would like to have this notice printed in the paper for a meeting of interest in the Ocala area. There is no charge and everyone is invited. Thank you.
Richard Plesser, Secretary
Marion County Genealogical Society
This week, I hosted Florida’s 2018 Human Trafficking Summit bringing together local, state and national leaders in the fight to eradicate trafficking. Hundreds of Floridians dedicated to this fight attended the one-day summit in Orlando, including law enforcement, prosecutors, survivors, advocates, educators, counselors and more.
Florida’s annual summit allows us to share strategies about identifying, reporting, investigating, and prosecuting trafficking cases. It also allows us to continue our collaborative efforts to help victims become survivors.
To view the opening session of the summit, click here.
We have gained a lot of ground in this battle. Since taking office in 2011, we’ve strengthened human trafficking laws, prosecuted traffickers, improved reporting practices and worked together to identify and develop resources to help survivors. Continue reading
8/31/18
Horror unfolded in a Jacksonville pizzeria last Sunday. While gamers competed in a video game tournament, one contestant took out a weapon and began firing at competitors. The attack ended in a matter of minutes leaving three dead, including the shooter, and several more injured.
First responders participating in a nearby training exercise rushed to the scene and immediately began rendering aid to victims of the shooting. Local law enforcement began clearing the scene. I immediately sent my victim advocates to help the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office counsel survivors, offer trauma services and assist with medical expenses. While in Jacksonville following the shooting, I also had the opportunity to visit with some of the victims and hear their stories. Continue reading
FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at First Baptist Church of Ocala, 2801 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL 34471. Classes begin Wednesday, August 29th, and are held weekly. All classes begin promptly at 6:00 pm, ending with conversation and refreshments at 7:15 pm. There are 3 levels of classes (beginner, intermediate and advanced) taught by loving & caring instructors. If needed, there are fun & entertaining programs such as Awana for your children, and child care provisions are available, as well as programs for teens and adults. Please contact the church office at (352) 629-5683 for more information.
August 24, 2018
Last Sunday, Clay County Deputy Ben Zirbel sustained critical injuries from a motorcycle accident. Just three days later, we learned that he passed away from those injuries. Every time I hear about a brave law enforcement officer getting critically injured while protecting our communities, it takes my breath away. My deepest sympathies go out to Deputy Zirbel’s family, friends and the entire Clay County law enforcement community.
May you rest in peace deputy.
This week, we filed legal action against a Florida travel agency that collected millions from consumers, then failed to provide promised vacations. Legendary Journeys, a now-shuttered Sarasota-based travel agency, still owes customers nationwide more than $3 million in refunds. Continue reading
(OCALA, Fla.) August 16, 2018 – Ocala Fire Rescue is proud to present the department’s second annual report to the community, showcasing the milestones, achievements, and progress made in the year 2017.
Molded by the dynamic nature of the fire service and its demands, Ocala Fire Rescue has continuously served this community since 1885. For more than 133 years the department has evolved to satisfy citizen’s needs. The year 2017 was no exception, in fact, it was noteworthy, marking the initiation of construction for Fire Station #7 (completed earlier this year), a rebuilding project, and improved Insurance Service Office (ISO) fire protection rating to Class 2, among other accomplishments. Continue reading
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OBL Members
Boys and Girls Club / April Savarese
Writing Nicely Karin Nicely
Yandle’s Quality Building Material / Mr & Mrs Yandle
Ocala Insurance / Riley Smith (Thanks for the Door Prize) Continue reading
MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INTRODUCES NEW PROGRAM FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED DRIVERS
MARION COUNTY, Florida (August 24, 2018) – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office
(MCSO) has just introduced a new program designed to assist hearing-impaired drivers interact with our deputies. Statistics show that nearly 3 million Floridians have some form of hearing loss. Realizing the potential for miscommunication during a traffic stop between the deputy and the driver, MCSO has designed a communication card to assist with this.
The program works as follows: MCSO provides the hearing-impaired driver with a special sticker to place on the rear of their vehicle which alerts the deputy to the fact that the driver is hearing-impaired. A visor card is also provided for the driver to keep in the car with them to present to the deputy during a traffic stop. This visor card uses pictures and phrases that both the deputy and the driver may point to in order to better communicate with each other. This will help ensure that the driver knows the reason for the traffic stop and will ensure that the deputy knows how best to help the driver. Continue reading
Friends,
It is a great day to live in America! This week, across the State of Florida, school has begun again. There is much anticipation and excitement from students, parents and teachers. Excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and that we live in a great country where anything is possible. A country where a young man who got his start washing cars at Hiers funeral home, could go to school, get a degree and one day become the principle of that company. That same man is now your State Senator, and it is an honor and privilege to serve you in Tallahassee. This is the final column of a short series that has highlighted many of our accomplishments since joining the Senate in 2016.
Last year, your Senator was awarded an “A” by the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida (ICUF) in recognition of our continued support for higher education in the 2018 legislative session. The ICUF is a diverse association of 29 private, not-for-profit, educational institutions based in Florida that serve more the 130,000 students. Continue reading
