Marion County, Florida (August 9, 2017) – On Wednesday, August 9th, Marion County

Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives arrested Charles James Willoughby (DOB: 08/14/1984) and charged him with 2nd Degree Murder. On July 6th, 2017, detectives responded to 10450 SW 45th Avenue Ocala, Florida, to investigate a suspicious death. At that location, detectives discovered the body of victim, Mohammad Barak (DOB: 05/08/1976), who had been shot to death.

After further investigation, it was discovered that two safes had been stolen from the home. After reviewing security video taken from outside the victim’s home, detectives could see Charles Willoughby placing the stolen safes into his vehicle during the time that the murder took place. Further evidence from inside the home helped detectives determine that Charles Willoughby had murdered the victim. Continue reading →

Barb Rudelic of  The Florida FAIRtax Education Association, has lost a strong dedicated supporter, David O’Dwyer. For 11 years David used  his global corporate experience to grow support for the FAIRtax. He used his energy, wit and intellect to create and give presentations emphasizing the export/import value of the FAIRtax bill. We are saddened by David’s passing and are grateful that he has made a positive contribution for the FAIRtax movement.

For Cherry Baker and Crystal Jewell-Maksou of Angel Maids, providing professional cleaning services for area clients is not only their business, it is their calling.

“In 2015, Cherry and I felt that the Lord was compelling us to begin a cleaning ministry on His foundation in Ocala. We both came from St. Augustine originally and had known many of the same people there. But we had never met until years later, when God had called each of us to come to Ocala. We knew then that He had a plan for us that was much bigger than our minds could grasp,” said co-founder Crystal of the company’s beginnings.

Along with a lifelong desire to help others, both Cherry and Crystal have had years of experience in both residential and commercial cleaning, and clients commend their expertise, attention to detail, and integrity.

They provide standard services such as high-performance vacuuming and top-to-bottom cleaning, including those hard-to-reach places and even light fixtures that are so often missed. However, Angel Maids will also skillfully clean windows, ceiling fans, and all types of flooring—wood, ceramic tile, and more. Continue reading →

Publishers Note: My name is Tom Loury Publisher of Ocala DownTown newspaper, Seniors Voice of Ocala, Village Spectator and Lady Lake Magazine. The situation we are writing about is a long time problem. Walter Krumm Jr. a personal a friend ask me to attend a committee meeting Don Browning was organizing. The committee was mostly made up of Ocala Ft King Lions Club members: Jack Mattheus, Walters Krumm Jr, Bob Cole, Ron White and of course Don Browning and myself.

We went and toured the area and it was clear to see there was a problem. It is a problem created by road engineering from a long time ago and added to by some citizens. For instance there is a big retention pond hundreds of feet away, but someone has fenced a piece of property with no county easement allowed. In other words the fence is 3 inches from the pavement. At the base of any fence is grass growth and build up which is pushing the water in the direct of this lady’s house and yard. Not far from this is the said retention pond and where the water is supposed to go, but someone has piled a mound of dirt so water cannot go in. This looks intentional! A bit further down, there is a make shift patch someone dug, a small relief drainage, which is apparently is not working. Continue reading →

A large crowd of business people attending the Ocala Business Leaders weekly breakfast had the pleasure of listening to an update by Tom Ingram and April Savarese of what used to be Gateway Bank and now is Center State Bank and how the transition is going.

By Diana Schwartz

“Over the past 35 years, the National Main Street Center has led the development of a national network of over 2,000 historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts – what we refer to as Main Streets – all united by these communities’ tireless dedication to create vibrant, people-centered places to live, work, and play. The people who make up the Main Street network are passionate advocates, dedicated volunteers, influential stakeholders, and community organizers who work every day to turn the tide in their communities – catalyzing reinvestment, creating jobs, and fostering pride of place.” –National Main Street Center

Ocala Main Street is a local 501c3 organization that employs the National Main Street 4-Point Approach to Downtown Revitalization; Design, Promotion, Economic Restructuring, and Organization.  The Main Street Four Point Approach is a trademarked program of the National Trust for Historic Perseveration’s Main Street Center.  It offers a comprehensive strategy to commercial district revitalization.  OMS has been accredited by Main Street America program for the past two years. Continue reading →

Exact location of the cliff

Marion County, Florida (July 11, 2017) – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major

Crimes detectives are actively investigating the death of 17-year old Trey Austin Dagwan Cardozo (DOB: 12/17/1999) from Largo, Florida, after he cliff-dove into an inactive lime rock mining quarry located at the 6400th block of NW Gainesville Road in Ocala on July 10, 2017. He was found unresponsive in the quarry on Monday at approximately 3:45 p.m., by MCSO deputies. Cardozo passed away from his injuries at Ocala Regional Medical Center early Tuesday morning, and his cause of death is pending further investigation with the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Several hours before Cardozo’s accident on Monday, 13 people (12 adults and one juvenile) were arrested in a separate incident for trespassing on private property to swim in the inactive lime rock quarry located at the 2500th block of NW 77th Street in Ocala. On June 25, 2017, three juveniles were arrested for trespassing on private property in this same area. They told deputies they were swimming in the quarry and taking pictures, knowing they were trespassing on private property. No one was injured during these incidents. Continue reading →

The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host a public meeting Wednesday, July 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., regarding the Letty Towles Dog Park, 2299 SE 32nd Ave.

Post Date:07/11/2017 11:31 AM

OCALA, Fla. (July 11, 2017) – The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host a public meeting Wednesday, July 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., regarding the Letty Towles Dog Park, 2299 SE 32nd Ave.

This public meeting will serve as an open forum for community members to discuss ideas and suggestions for park improvements and programming. Information will also be available for those interested in becoming a “Bark” Ambassador, as well as other volunteer opportunities at the dog park.
Continue reading →

(OCALA, Fla.) July 11, 2017 – A FedEx Ground tandem truck hydroplaned near mile marker 354 Northbound, on I-75, last night.

Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to I-75 Northbound, at 8:44 PM, where a single vehicle accident was reported. Upon arrival Engine 4 and Rescue 3 found a truck which hydroplaned through the outside guardrail of the interstate, settled around a traffic information sign on the side of the road. Firefighters verified the status of the driver and assessed the scene for hazards. With no injuries reported firefighters brought their attention to a ruptured saddle tank. Approximately 75 gallons of diesel were spilled onto the grass; the State of Florida warning point was notified.

Hydroplaning, or skidding tires across a wet surface, can occur when you least expect it. Vehicle maintenance plays a key role in preventing this phenomenon. Proper tire pressure and thread are necessary to channel water from beneath the tire and increase friction between them and the road. Continue reading →

(OCALA, Fla.) July 7, 2017 – An eighteen-wheeler, carrying rocks, was involved in a traffic accident which resulted in a rollover and spill of its contents over multiple lanes on I-75.

Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the vicinity of mile marker 351, on I-75 Southbound, at 12:57 AM, where a collision between a truck and a Mercedes was reported. Upon arrival Engine 3, Rescue 3 and Tower 1 encountered a trailer, which had gone through the southbound guard rails, laying on its side in the northbound lanes with its cargo – river rocks – spread over the road. Firefighters assessed the state of those involved. While the truck driver did not report injuries, two of the three individuals traveling in the second vehicle involved – a black Mercedes – were transported to the hospital as a precaution. Continue reading →