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. [Read more…]

At 12:21pm, MCFR units were dispatched to the 2600 Block of NW 140th St, Citra, reference a Citizen’s Assist, Animal Rescue. Firefighters from MCFR Anthony Station #1 arrived on scene to find the dog, Dora, had been exploring on her own and fell into a hole approximately 30’ deep. Crews immediately called for the MCFR Special Operations Technical Rescue Team for their help.

Crews performed a rope rescue utilizing a twin tension system of ropes and pullies. They were able to lower a Technical Rescue Technician to harness Dora and bring her out of the hole.

We are happy to say that Dora is back with her dog sitter and doing well. No animals or firefighters were injured during this harrowing rescue.

Units on Scene: E1, Sq21, L21, DC1, Div1

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

Thank you so very much, please call 352-229-3300 with any questions

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.

A dedication ceremony will be held Friday, Feb. 2 at 10:30 a.m. for the E. L. Foster Walking Trail, formerly the 31st Street Start! Walking Trail.

OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 29, 2018) – A dedication ceremony will be held Friday, Feb. 2 at 10:30 a.m. for the E. L. Foster Walking Trail, formerly the 31st Street Start! Walking Trail. The ceremony will take place at the walking trail located at 2025 SE 31st St.     

Mr. E. L. Foster served as the Mayor of Ocala from 1995 to 2002 and lead the City’s designation as an All-America City. Additionally, he was instrumental in the formation of the Marion Cultural Alliance through his enthusiastic support of the original Horse Fever public art project and serving on the board of directors. He supported many other community causes during his 48-year residency in Ocala and was also the owner/operator of the Holiday Inn in Silver Springs. E.L. Foster passed away in 2016 at the age of 82. [Read more…]

Call to Artists 2018 April, May, September and October

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. [Read more…]

https://ocaladowntown.com/1331-2

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. [Read more…]

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.

Post Date:01/24/2018 11:09 AM

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. [Read more…]

MARION COUNTY, Florida (January 23, 2018) – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives arrested Nathail Eugene Harrington (DOB: 02/22/1971), aka “Scooter,” after he shot a 58-year old man during a confrontation on the evening of Saturday, January 20, 2018. The victim was shot in the chest by Harrington, and has since been treated and released from a local hospital.

During the investigation, detectives found that the victim drove to a residence located at the 17700th block of NW 66th Terrace in Reddick in an effort to drop off a family member at the incident location. At that time, Harrington approached the victim and threatened to shoot him. [Read more…]

The City of Ocala will host a silent surplus auction Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon.

OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2018) – The City of Ocala will host a silent surplus auction Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the City of Ocala complex located at 2100 NE 30th Ave., near building 300.

Items available at this auction may include cell phones, chairs, computers, office furniture, TVs, VCRs, Panasonic Toughbook laptops or other items the City no longer has a use for. To view a complete list of available items, please visit www.ocalasurplus.com. [Read more…]