OCALA, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested the driver of a pickup truck that crashed into a farmworker bus early Tuesday, killing eight, on charges of driving under the influence-manslaughter.
Bryan Maclean Howard, 41, faces eight counts of DUI-Manslaughter, the FHP said in a statement. No further details were released, including what substance allegedly left Howard impaired.
Troopers said he was driving the 2001 Ford Ranger when it crossed into the center line on State Road 40, a straight but somewhat hilly two-lane road that passes through horse farms. The truck sideswiped the bus, causing it to veer off the road at about 6:40 a.m. It crashed through a fence and into a tree before overturning. In addition to the eight killed, at least 40 were injured.
Meet Sassy she is a 16 year old miniature horse, she is certified. She came to our house in 2020 after losing our Golden Retriever. We started taking her on walks to different places. Each time, people would stop us to pet her and ask questions. That’s when I decided to get her certified as a therapy animal. She was certified in September, 2023 by Pet Partners. After that she started making her visits and putting smiles on the faces of many people. More photos on page 6 by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson.
Howard Mautner is one of the oldest living Veterans. He just turned 100 and a celebration was held to honor him on his birthday. Howard is also a big supporter of the Veterans Park and all veterans as well. He served in World War II from 1942 to 1945. He was in the US ARMY AIR CORPS SSGT. “Thank You for your service Howard and we hope you live another 100 yrs”. I heard some personal story about World War II and it was not a sight you would want to see. Many lives lost, many soldiers came home with wound that effect them for the rest of their lives, but they were lucky to come home. I heard a few stories from my father-in-Law who would have been about Howard age. Average men who became hero’s! Thank You for your Service. Many Marion County Officials attended and thanked him!
(NAPSI)—Good news for American military members and their families: A new program aims to provide emergency communications briefings to 100% of military recruits.
Command, signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to present the Red Cross Emergency Communication brief to all new military recruits.
What it Means
“For decades, the American Red Cross has provided services to applicants at Military Entrance Processing Stations throughout the nation,” said Colonel Megan B. Stallings, Commander, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command. “At our stations, volunteers provide information that could be critical to applicants and families in an emergency. It was a pleasure to meet with Dr. Jordan and discuss our Memorandum of Understanding.”
The Red Cross traditionally has volunteers who go to a Military Processing Entrance Station (MEPS) and meet with recruits who have recently taken the oath of enlistment. The recruits are preparing to ship to basic training, based on their branch, all over the country.
“The MEPS command is committed to setting the expectation with all 66 MEPS stations to present the Red Cross brief to 100% of shippers,” said Dr. Michael Jordan, Vice President of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services at the American Red Cross. “It’s a bold and extraordinary commitment that will benefit all new recruits.” Continue reading
(NAPSI)—Decades of helping writers and artists have resulted in the latest edition of L. Ron Hubbard presents Writers of the Future by the winners of the 40th annual Writers of the Future and the 35th annual Illustrators of the Future L. Ron Hubbard achievement awards.
The Winners
The grand prize winner for writing was Jack Nash for his story, “Son, Spirit, Snake,” which was illustrated by Pedro N. The grand prize-winning artist was Tyler Vail for illustrating writer John Eric Schleicher’s story, “Squiddy.”
Explained John Goodwin, President of Galaxy Press, “Our contests promote the arts welcoming diversity, ethnicity, creativity and equality, with no age limits, and blind judging. All are welcome to enter.”
The 26 winners hailed from all over the United States, Canada, China, Malaysia, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
About The Contests
Following the 1982 release of his internationally acclaimed bestselling science fiction novel, “Battlefield Earth,” L. Ron Hubbard created the Writers of the Future Contest (www.writersofthefuture.com) in 1983 to provide a means for aspiring writers of speculative fiction to get that much-needed break. Due to the success of the Writing Contest, the companion Illustrators of the Future Contest was created in 1988. Continue reading
(NAPSI)—Military families and veterans know that relocating loved ones when PCS orders arrive can be stressful—but there are steps you can take to make things easier.
Keeping Military Families Connected
Internet and TV services typically come at the cost of being bound to a contract for a specific amount of time. This can make Internet changes, TV upgrades, and beyond even more difficult for military families.
What You Can Do
To ensure a seamless transfer of Internet and TV service or to find new providers when relocating, consider these tips:
Plan Ahead: Research Internet and TV service providers in your new location well before your move. Check if your current provider is available there and what the terms are for transferring service. If you need to find a new provider, compare plans, costs, and reviews to make an informed decision. To help, SmartMove has compiled the resources you need to stay connected during your move—from Service Members Civil Relief Act protections to military offers by specific providers. Continue reading
(NAPSI)—When it comes to mental health, many people across the U.S. have experienced their share of challenges–but help may be at hand.
The Problem
The issue is especially concerning in rural America, where more than 60% of people report having a mental health condition—such as anxiety or depression—yet less than half of them get the help or treatment they need. Rural Americans face unique mental health stressors and barriers to accessing care, but those living in rural communities also boast unique support mechanisms that they can tap into to flip the script on mental health stigma.
An Answer
An example of those unique support mechanisms can be found in rural Georgia, where community leader Adaris Rivera has found hope in the resilience that living in a rural community presents. “Each person’s journey with mental health is deeply personal and unique, yet there’s a universal truth that support and hope are within reach for everyone. No one should feel isolated in their struggles,” she said. This is what inspired her to share her own story as part of a national public service advertisement (PSA) campaign called “Love, Your Mind” from Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Ad Council. Continue reading
GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis touted Florida’s success in maintaining order and ensuring student safety on Florida’s campuses. In Florida, pro-Hamas encampments were disbanded in minutes, and Jewish students were kept safe from harassment.
“In Florida, we prioritize order and student safety on campus,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While other states allowed their college campuses to be vandalized and taken over by antisemitic agitators, Florida held the line.”
“The Florida Highway Patrol is proud to protect citizens from the intentional and unlawful criminal actions and antisemitic behavior that threaten the safety of our college campuses and communities,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Dave Kerner. “Through the direction and support of Governor DeSantis, Floridians can rest assured that FHP will not tolerate antisemitic agitators and will not stand on the sidelines, but instead will take immediate action to ensure public safety from radicalized intimidation and violence.” Continue reading
HARDEE COUNTY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1084 to prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat in the state of Florida. Florida is taking action to stop the World Economic Forum’s goal of forcing the world to eat lab-grown meat and insects, “an overlooked source of protein.” While the World Economic Forum is telling the world to forgo meat consumption, Florida is increasing meat production, and encouraging residents to continue to consume and enjoy 100% real Florida beef.
“Today, Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our administration will continue to focus on investing in our local farmers and ranchers, and we will save our beef.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —Governor Ron DeSantis issued EO 24-94 which designates 12 counties to be under a state of emergency in order to maximize state resources and cooperative efforts to assist in recovery following severe weather on May 10th, 2024, that impacted North Florida.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is in contact with local emergency management officials as recovery is underway.
Florida’s utility providers are actively working to restore power to damaged accounts. More than 100 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) personnel have worked since the end of the storm and have completed the clearing of state roads. At the Governor’s direction, state FDOT assets and personnel are now assigned to assist localities in roadway and power recovery.
State Response Efforts Continue reading
