Attorney General Bondi’s Weekly Briefing
January 26, 2018
Great news this week in our campaign to eliminate the backlog of untested sexual assault kits. The latest progress report just issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows the state processed more than 6,000 kits. I am thrilled by the progress we have made as we approach our goal of testing 8,600 by June of 2019.
Processing these previously untested kits unlocks DNA evidence that can be used to solve crimes and bring some closure to sexual assault victims. So far testing these kits has produced 1,461 hits in key DNA databases. One of those DNA matches led to the recent arrest of a Virginia man on charges related to a 20-year-old sexual battery in Fort Myers. Our campaign to eliminate the backlog breathed new life into this cold case—and I believe more cases will be solved through our efforts. Continue reading
Pictured is a group of business people that attended January’s “Nothing but Networking Business Lunch”. It is put on by the Lady Lake Chamber and usually some 50 business people attend. This one was held at the Waterfront Inn. We network from 11:30 to 12, have lunch and talk during lunch, with the people at our tables and learn more about each other’s businesses. I have met some great people at these networking events.
Pictured are some of the visitors in one of the aisles of Art in the Park, an annual free event. There were over 70 vendors showing their Arts and Crafts to the crowds of people attending. Some of the Crafts were necklaces, earrings, broaches and scarves, etc. Many art exhibitors showed their talents and they are talented. The event was held at the Log Cabin Lady Lake Florida. A great time was had by all.
Tri County Grange #215 will meet Monday, Feb. 12, at 2:00 PM at the Fruitland Park Library, 230 Berckman St.
A report will be given on the recent State Grange Session held recently in Kissimmee. Light refreshment will be served.
Tri County Grange serves those who reside in Lake. Sumter and Marion Counties.
Guests and snowbird grangers are cordially invited. For more information contact Master Howard Sechler at 484-225-0780, or Secretary Mildred Teisinger at 740-819-4786.
Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society of Lake County is sponsoring a birding, botany & wildlife field trip on Sunday, February 11th 7 am to 12 pm to Orlando Wetlands Park in east Orange County. They will be traveling through the park by tram and the trip will be led Wetlands Park volunteers. The park is home to diverse plant life several species of ducks, grebes, Belted Kingfishers, shorebirds, wading birds, Purple Gallinule, night herons, Bobcat and Alligators. The area has walking trails and fantastic photography opportunities. Continue reading
The Don Harrison Foundation 5013C Charity Presents a two-fer – 2 Golf Tournaments in one day at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club
March 25- 2 shot gun starts – 4 person scramble.
Learn more about our 5 local charities that will benefit & Sign up to: Play, donate &/or volunteer
GOTO: www.donharriosnfoundation.org
The American Association of Women (AAUW) Ocala Branch will meet at the Marion County Public Library, 2720 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, at 1:00 p.m. in Conference Room B, for their regular monthly meeting.
The speaker for this meeting will be Emmett Coyne. He will speak on Black History. Coyne has a Master’s Degree in African-American Studies from Boston University. He taught African-American Studies at St. Mary’s University, Baltimore and the University of Maryland.
All are welcome to attend this meeting and learn about Black History and the AAUW organization. For further information please call 352-237-4889.
Who’s Eligible: MCA Artist Members
Title of Exhibit: Ocala’s Backroads: Bike, Hike and Walk
Description of Exhibit: This exhibit is in conjunction with our annual fundraiser, Ride for the Arts Gran Fondo. Please submit works of art that interpret our theme accordingly. All accepted pieces for this exhibit must have been completed in the past two years; please do not bring in anything that has been exhibited prior in Marion County. Please see requirement list below, as changes have been made. Continue reading
Due to construction for the Watula Avenue Roadway Improvement Project, Phase 1, portions of Watula Avenue will be closed beginning Monday, Feb. 5 and are expected to re-open in early April 2018.
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2018) – Due to construction for the Watula Avenue Roadway Improvement Project, Phase 1, portions of Watula Avenue will be closed beginning Monday, Feb. 5 and are expected to re-open in early April 2018. According to the City Engineer’s Office, this project will reduce flooding in the downtown area.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 5, Watula Avenue will be closed from Silver Springs Boulevard north to NE Second Street. Beginning in mid-February, SE Watula Avenue will be closed from E Silver Springs Boulevard to SE Broadway Street. Continue reading
The City of Ocala will host ‘BOBA: Beginning of Bolted Art,” a biennial sculpture reception, Thursday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park, 223 NE Fifth St.
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2018) – The City of Ocala will host ‘BOBA: Beginning of Bolted Art,” a biennial sculpture reception, Thursday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park, 223 NE Fifth St.
Tickets holders will have the opportunity for docent tours of the ten new sculptures complete with culinary delights paired with adult specialty beverages and live entertainment featuring Ethio-American vocalist and composer, Meklit. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at www.ocalafl.org/culturalarts. Continue reading
