MARION COUNTY, Florida (December 27, 2017) – On Wednesday, December 27, 2017, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives arrested Billy Dee Johnson, (DOB:04/06/1978) for the Second Degree Murder of Alfred Jackson Jr., (DOB: 08/13/1952) and Attempted Second Degree Murder of Eclinton Thomas Jr., (DOB: 06/26/1963).
On Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at approximately 6:30 a.m., MCSO deputies were dispatched to a home located at 3105 Northeast 162nd Place in Citra in reference to a disturbance. When deputies arrived on scene, they located Alfred Jackson Jr. and Eclinton Thomas Jr. with multiple stab wounds. Jackson was pronounced deceased at the scene and Thomas was transported to the hospital and is listed in critical condition. Billy Johnson was located with minor lacerations and transported to the hospital for treatment. Continue reading
MARION COUNTY, Florida (December 26, 2017)- Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives are currently investigating a homicide and attempted homicide that occurred this morning in Citra. At approximately 6:30 a.m., on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, MCSO deputies were dispatched to a home located at 3105 Northeast 162nd Place in Citra in reference to a disturbance. When deputies arrived on scene, they located one male deceased inside the home and two other men wounded. Both wounded individuals were transported to the hospital.
At this time, MCSO Major Crimes detectives are actively investigating the incident and we will release more information as it becomes available. The identity of the victims will not be released until their next-of-kin have been notified. Continue reading
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit wrapped up a two-month operation yesterday evening that targeted illegal gambling establishments throughout the county. During the investigation, which detectives dubbed Operation Jackpot, detectives obtained search warrants for 10 business and made 4 arrests on various charges.
The investigation was initiated after receiving multiple citizen complaints about several of the businesses possibly being illegal gambling establishments, as well as similar tips received through Central Florida CRIMELINE.
As the investigation progressed, detectives were able to establish that all 10 locations were engaging in illegal gambling activities, and as a result, search warrants for each location were obtained. Continue reading
Birding is the fastest growing new activity and January is peak birding time in central Florida so join Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society for a field trip and start 2018 off right. On Friday, January 5, 2018, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm they will be doing Golf Cart Birding with the Villages Birding Club which is free. On Sunday, January 14, 2018, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm they will be going to Circle B Reserve Birding and the cost is $10 for members and $15 for non members. Both trips will have expert guides and everyone is welcome no matter what your level of experience. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, cameras, hats, water, snacks and wear comfortable hiking clothes and shoes. Email rayesm105@aol.com or call/text 609-553-0757 for details to register in advance.
Jo Foster, left, and her daughter-in-law, Pam Foster, unveil the bronze plaque commemorating the dedication of the E. L. Foster, Jr. Volunteer Services Program at a celebration at Hospice of Marion County on December 5, 2017.
The Volunteer Services Program at Hospice of Marion County (HMC) has been aptly named for a former mayor and staunch supporter of philanthropic efforts in Ocala. E. L. Foster, Jr. who served as mayor from 1995-2002 was also on the HMC Board of Directors from 2003-2005. A longtime financial supporter of HMC, Foster’s legacy as a volunteer will live on among HMC’s 700 volunteers, who provide patient support, fundraising and administrative assistance to the area’s only non-profit hospice.
His wife Jo says the recognition is a tribute to her husband’s philosophy of giving back: “In the early days of Hospice of Marion County, we were on the giving end. In E.L.’s last days, we were on the receiving end. We came full circle and I can tell you it is a wonderful organization. E. L. loved Hospice of Marion County.” Foster died last year at the age of 82. Continue reading
The National Grange, headquartered in Washington DC has issued a charter for a new chapter of their Fraternal organization here in Florida. Named Tri County Grange #215 of Florida, it has been established in Lake County.
Barbara Borderieux, State Master/President recently presented the charter to Howard Sechler of Leesburg, who will serve as Master/President of the local group.
The Grange is a Fraternal organization, founded after the Civil War, in 1867, as a non profit, non partisan group with an agricultural base in history. The National Fraternity has just celebrated their 150th year in December. The Grange is part of nearly 2,000 hometowns across the United States, and is the first national organization to give full voice and vote to women 50 years before Congress adopted the same. It stresses family values and community service in their activities and events. They have a strong legislative voice and each year contribute many volunteer hours to worthwhile projects. Continue reading
The Marion County Genealogical Society will meet Thursday January 18, 2018 at 2 PM at the Marion County Public Library located at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala. A brief business meeting will be followed by the January program Understanding and Using Your Autosomal DNA Test Results” by Drew Smith. For further information, contact Joel Swanson at (352)897-0840 or president@mcgsocala.org.
Art Meadows spoke at the Ocala Business Leaders breakfast about custom Jewelry. Pictured from left: Debbie Blando, Art Meadows and Leine Cheek.
Pictured are sponsors and recipients of the OBL Scholarships. They had the privilege of providing $2,000 for local college students. Ocala Business Leaders were also honored to be able to provide a total of $1,500 to help several veterans and their families.
Unemployment Rate Remains at 10-Year Low of 3.6 Percent
NAPLES, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses created nearly 14,000 private-sector jobs across the state in November. The state’s unemployment rate also remained at a 10-year low of 3.6 percent. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 jobs. Florida’s annual job growth rate of 2.5 percent continues to exceed the nation’s rate of 1.6 percent.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s unemployment rate is at a 10-year low and that nearly 14,000 jobs were created for families across the state last month. As we near the end of the year, it is important to reflect on how far our state has come and how we must continue to fight every day to build on this success. Over the past seven years, we have turned around Florida’s economy which has allowed us to make record investments in education, transportation and environmental protection. I look forward to kicking off 2018 by working to continue cutting taxes, supporting job creation and education opportunities, and doing all we can to help secure Florida’s future for every family. Florida is a national leader in job creation and the rest of the nation should follow our lead.” Continue reading
