Florida Attorney General proposes
stronger penalties
for poaching close to homes


Story and Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Florida Attorney General
Published Aug. 4, 2026 at 8 p.m.
     TALLAHASSEE – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier today (Tuesday, Aug. 4) announced a legislative proposal to create a new standalone felony offense of aggravated illegal taking of wildlife and to significantly enhance penalties when poachers discharge firearms near people, occupied structures, or critical infrastructure. 

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      “Poachers who unlawfully discharge firearms near Florida homes are not just stealing our wildlife but endangering families and neighborhoods,” Uthmeier said. ”This legislation would give prosecutors a powerful new tool to hold these reckless criminals accountable with second-degree felony charges, permanent loss of hunting privileges, and forfeiture of their weapons. Floridians deserve to feel safe in their communities, and our natural resources must be protected for future generations.”
     The leader of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) commented about the proposal.
       “Today’s announcement of increased penalties for poaching ensures our officers have the resources they need to hold criminals accountable,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “These tougher penalties reinforce Florida’s commitment to conserving our wildlife and natural resources for generations to come.”
     The sheriff of Bay County also weighed in.
       “We are committed to working with our state partners to protect our natural resources and ensure that those who recklessly engage in poaching don’t endanger citizens,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford.
     Another leader in proper wildlife practices commented as well.
     “Florida’s fish and wildlife are a shared natural heritage and protecting them requires all of us working together,” said Florida Land Council Chairman Joshua Kellam. “Fair and consistent enforcement supports ethical sportsmen and women while helping conserve these resources for future generations. Through strong partnerships, education, and appropriate enforcement, Florida remains committed to combating poaching while protecting our state’s natural resources and Floridians’ right to hunt and fish.”
      Poaching in Florida -- the illegal hunting, capturing, killing, or trafficking of fish and wildlife -- remains a persistent threat despite strong legal protections and the recovery of some historically over-hunted species. What was once large-scale commercial overharvest that drove species near extinction has evolved into a mix of opportunistic game violations, targeted taking of protected species, and organized trafficking for black markets.
      In 2021, Florida added all wildlife crimes to the RICO statute to better address organized operations. Florida’s extensive coastline, vast wetlands, Everglades, and remote waterways make comprehensive enforcement challenging, and law enforcement relies heavily on public tips.
      The proposal creates the new offense of aggravated illegal taking of wildlife. A person commits the offense of aggravated illegal taking of wildlife if the person takes, kills, possesses, or attempts to take any wildlife in violation of this chapter or any rule or order of the FWC and knowingly discharges a firearm in furtherance of or to effect such taking, killing, possession, or attempt at taking any wildlife near any person, occupied structure, or critical infrastructure.
In addition to the criminal penalties, the court must order:
     ● Permanent revocation of all licenses and permits issued under this chapter and permanent ineligibility for any such license or permit; and
     ● Forfeiture of the firearm employed in the offense and any other equipment, vehicle, or vessel used in the violation, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes 379.337 and 379.338, or chapter 932, as applicable.
The proposal would also create a stand-alone third-degree felony for poaching while committing trespass.
      The proposal further places criminal violations of Chapter 379 under the jurisdiction of the Statewide Prosecutor to strengthen consistent and aggressive statewide prosecution of these serious crimes.
      Law enforcement relies heavily on public tips to catch poachers. Citizens can report suspected violations to the Wildlife Alert Reward Program by calling 888-404-FWCC (or #FWC from a cell phone) or by submitting a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert. Tips can be anonymous. If the information results in an arrest or citation, the tipster may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

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Sawmill fire extinguished

Photos From Social Media

By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 3, 2026 at 9 p.m.
     DIXIE COUNTY – A fire at part of a sawmill in Dixie County that was reported Sunday morning (Aug. 2) has been extinguished after firefighters from Dixie County Fire Rescue, Cross City Fire Department, Fanning Springs Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service put it out.     At about 9 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 2) Dixie County Fire Rescue (DCFR) crews were dispatched to the Suwannee Lumber Mill, on the north end of Cross City in the Shamrock area. They fought against a a fire involving the dry kiln, according to a spokesman for DCFR who sent an email Monday morning with an update on the progress in that battle.
     The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating and the American Red Cross responded in case there was a need for charitable actions by that organization.
     No injuries or deaths were reported as of Monday morning.
     As of Monday afternoon, the fire was reported to be under control. Crews remained on scene working to fully extinguish remaining hot spots, and to be certain the area was safe. The fire was contained to the kiln area and did not spread to any other parts of the facility, the DCFR reported.
     Records from DCFR have been requested. They are to be sent after the incident has concluded and all of the necessary documentation has been finalized, according to a DCFR spokesman.

Suspects Jailed July 27, 2026 through Aug. 2, 2026
Published Aug. 3, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Suspects Jailed July 27, 2026 through Aug. 2, 2026
Published Aug. 3, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Suspects Jailed July 27, 2026 through Aug. 2, 2026
Published Aug. 3, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Boy charged with
16 counts of felonious sex crime

Mugshot By LCSO – Graphic By HardisonInk.com

By Jeff M. Hardison© July 30, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – A 16-year-old boy from Inglis has been charged with 16 counts of CSAM, according to a press release from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).
     CSAM is an acronym for child sexual abuse material. The 16-count arrest warrant is for violation of Florida Statute 827.071(5), which shows it is unlawful to knowingly possess, control, or intentionally view child pornography, with each image constituting a separate offense, according to records.
     On July 24, Lane Wesley James Henry, 16, of Inglis, turned himself in to the LCSO on active arrest warrant number 26-62448 signed by the Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Phillip A. Pena for the 16 counts of possession of child pornography, according to records. Henry was arrested and taken to the Levy County Detention Facility (aka Levy County Jail) without further incident, according to records.
     If convicted of this crime, a person is guilty of a third degree felony, according to records.
     The July 24 arrest warrant resulted from action on Thursday, July 23, according to records.
     The LCSO Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, conducted a follow-up investigation into a child exploitation tip. The tip was focused on a cell phone that was accessing child sexual abuse material in the Inglis area, the LCSO said.
     The tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and indicated the account holder was downloading and viewing child exploitation material from a phone application called Discord, the LCSO said. The investigation revealed that the suspect account holder was likely a juvenile still residing with parents in Inglis, according to the LCSO. 
     Henry was turned over to the Florida State Department of Juvenile Justice, the LCSO said after he was booked through the Levy County Jail. 
     Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum wants parents to be aware that children are being solicited and exploited through social networking and messaging apps, the LCSO said.
     “We encourage parents to have age-appropriate conversations with their children about the dangers of the Internet as well as monitor their online activities,” McCallum said. “We offer reassurance that resources to aid parents in learning the dangers of Internet predators are readily available, such as the Tim Tebow Foundation who are working to protect children from exploitation worldwide.”

Alleged armed assailant bails out of jail

Mugshot By LCSO – Graphic By HardisonInk.com

By Jeff M. Hardison © July 29, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.
     LEVY COUNTY – A 67-year-old Levy County man who allegedly brandished a firearm was arrested and booked into the Levy County Jail (aka Levy County Detention Center) on Tuesday (July 28) at about 9 p.m., and he posted a $50,000 and was released today (Wednesday, July 29) at 12:17 p.m., potentially long enough for breakfast and lunch, according to records.
     On July 28, according to a Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) press release, LCSO deputies responded to a report of an aggravated assault with a firearm in the 13000 block of Northwest 82^nd Court, in the Manatee Farms subdivision west of Chiefland.
     Deputies spoke to the victim who said as he was driving by, when he stopped briefly in front of a home to speak to a maintenance worker at the edge of the road, the LCSO said. The owner of the home where the victim stopped, which is located at 13150 N.W. 82^nd Court, came outside and started yelling at him as he approached, the LCSO said. 
     The victim stated that the homeowner, whom he knew as “Terry,” yelled at him to leave, and then “Terry” pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the victim, the LCSO said. The victim immediately fled the area, the LCSO said in the press release.
     Deputies conducted interviews with the victim and the maintenance worker and then attempted to contact “Terry.” 
     Terry was identified as Terry Dewayne Cox, 67, and he had retreated inside of his home. Cox would not exit the structure, the LCOS said, and he had barricaded himself inside.
     The LCSO Tactical Response Unit was activated and responded to the scene. Negotiators worked diligently for several hours communicating with Cox, and were able to successfully convince him to surrender peacefully, the LCSO said. Detectives obtained a search warrant and recovered the firearm that is suspected as having been used in this alleged armed assault, the LCSO said. It was found inside Cox’s home.
     Cox was taken into custody and was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, without intent to kill, the LCSO said. As noted, he was released on a $50,000 bond.

Florida executes two men in one day
New record set
for oldest man ever executed in Florida

Florida Department of Corrections Director of Communications Jordan Kirkland speaks to the press at the 9:30 a.m. briefing on Tuesday for the James Aaron James Duckett execution set for that afternoon.

Story and Photos By John Koch, Independent News Service
Correspondent For HardisonInk.com
Edited By Jeff M. Hardison, Publisher
Published July 29, 2026 at 7 a.m.
     STARKE (INS) -- For the first time in 62 years, Florida executed two men on the same day Tuesday (July 28) at the Florida State Prison (aka Raiford) near Starke (Bradford County).
     James Duckett took his last breath Tuesday afternoon. Dominick Anthony Occhicone Jr. was put to death in the evening.
     Duckett’s execution marked a double bit of intrigue because Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant for this convicted killer a second time, after the Florida Supreme Court granted a stay in March 2026 to allow DNA testing on evidence from Duckett’s 1987 conviction for the murder of Teresa McAbee. 
     When these tests yielded inconclusive results, a new execution date was set.
     Occhicone was executed for the 1986 murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents in Pasco County. The jury recommended the death penalty by a 7-5 vote, a margin that would not suffice under current Florida law. At 80 years old, Occhicone will become the oldest person executed in Florida since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
     Both executions went as scheduled. Occhicone and Duckett will be the 11^th and 12^th men executed in Florida this year. William Silva, convicted of the 2006 murder of his wife, is scheduled for Aug. 18 to be the 13th execution by the State of Florida in 2026.
     The state uses lethal injection, administering 200 milligrams of a strong sedative, and then two other substances to end life.
     The last time Florida executed two men on the same day was in 1964. According to Florida Department of Corrections Director of Communications Jordan Kirkland, staff adjusted procedures to serve the condemned men their last meals and schedule final visits with family and a spiritual advisor within hours after their waking on Tuesday (July 28). 


Most of the members of the press at the 9:30 a.m. briefing on July 28 are seen as Florida Department of Corrections Director of Communication Jordan Kirkland speaks to them before the afternoon execution of James Duckett.

James Aaron Duckett

Most of the members of the press are seen after the execution of James Duckett is completed during the press briefing for the first of two executions on Tuesday.

     After a short delay while the United States Supreme Court denied all of James Duckett’s legal filings challenging his execution, the State of Florida carried it out. 
     Florida Department of Corrections Director of Communications Jordan Kirkland said the execution went without incident.
     The process to administer the three chemicals that ended Duckett’s life took 15 minutes. 
     He did not appear to be in pain or show any physical harm. The Execution Team Warden announced to those witnessing Duckett’s execution that the sentence of the State of Florida had been carried out.
     After the execution, two members of murder victim Teresa McAbee’s family spoke to media representatives.

Dorthy Tula

     The first was Teresa’s mother, Dorthy Tula.
     “All this time -- I waited nearly 40 years to have him dead,” Tula said, before breaking down.
     Also speaking for the surviving family members was Teresa’s aunt Shirly Lancaster who was very direct in her comments about Duckett’s execution.
      “The state let him live too damned long,” Lancaster said.
     Lancaster noted that Duckett was able to live 40 years in prison while her niece was a mere 11 years old. She said she felt 40 years was too long for the victim’s family to have to wait to see the death sentence being brought to its inevitable conclusion.
     She said her niece might have been the next doctor, or the next President. No one will ever know how Teresa McAbee may have been a part of the world.

Dominick Anthony Occhicone Jr.

Florida Department of Corrections Director of Communications Jordan Kirkland reads part of the complete statement from the surviving children of victims murdered by Dominick Anthony Occhicone Jr.

     Tuesday night, the state completed its 12th execution of 2026 without incident.
     Dominick Anthony Occhicone Jr. was put to death at the Florida State Prison for two murders committed in 1986, five hours after James Duckett was executed.
     The death sentence applied to only one of those murders; for the second, Occhicone received a life sentence. 
     When the curtain to the execution chamber was raised, Occhicone was seen as being secured to a gurney; but he was able to raise his head to see the 29 witnesses and his spiritual advisor before lying back down.
     In his last words, he apologized to both his family and the surviving children whose parents he had killed.
     Florida Department of Corrections Director of Communications Jordan Kirkland read part of a statement from the children who survived that night.
     “Today marks the end of a long and painful journey for our family,” Kirkland said. “The person responsible for this 40-year journey has finally faced the ultimate consequence under the law for his crime. While nothing can bring back our parents, we remember their laughter, their warmth, and the love we lost.”  
     The execution began at 6:04 p.m., and 13 minutes later medical personnel told the team warden that Occhicone was dead. After confirming the execution was complete with the Governor’s Office, the team warden announced that the sentence had been carried out at 6:13 p.m. During the press conference after the execution, Director Kirkland was asked how the two executions that day were affecting the execution team. 
     “As you and many of your colleagues have been to these before -- 19 last year and 10 this year,” Kirkland responded, “you can attest that we carry this out in a humane and dignified manner, and that will continue.”
     Florida has scheduled another execution for Aug. 18 for William Silva, convicted of murdering his wife 26 years ago.

Suspected meth trafficker busted in Inglis

Walter Earl Stancil III – Mugshot By LCSO

By Jeff M. Hardison © July 24, 2026 at 4 p.m.
     INGLIS – A man with a Dunnellon residential address, but who lives in Inglis, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine on Wednesday (June 22), according to records.
     Walter Earl Stancil III, 58, of Dunnellon was still in the Levy County Jail (aka Levy County Detention Center) as of Friday at 4 p.m., according to records, where he is being held in lieu of $79,000 in total bail bonds on the charges of trafficking in methamphetamines, possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of drug equip to transport drugs; and tampering with/or attempting to destroy evidence, according to records.
     Deputy Andrew Heckle of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) observed a Jeep on Levy County Road CR 40 East in Inglis with an obscured license plate, the LCSO said.
     Heckle followed the vehicle, which made a wide turn onto Elkins Road, hugging the left shoulder, the LCSO said. During the turn, Stancil threw an object out of the driver’s side window onto the grassy shoulder.
     Heckle conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Stancil of Inglis, the LCSO said. LCSO Deputy Brooke Shutterly assisted Heckle, the LCSO said. And she found the object thrown from the vehicle, the LCSO said.
     The plastic bag recovered by Shutterly contained 14.3 grams of methamphetamine, the LCSO said. Possession of more than 14 grams of methamphetamine is considered trafficking, according to Florida law. The weight of the recovered methamphetamines was three-tenths of one gram over the amount to equal enough to be ruled as trafficking, the LCSO said.

Bronson man dies in crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 24, 2026 at 11 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     ALACHUA COUNTY – A 30-year-old Bronson man died this morning (Friday, July 24) in a two-vehicle crash, according to information provided in a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) press release.
     The FHP notified the next of kin before sending the press release, the FHP said. The press release was based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper J. Lord and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. W. Swartz.
     The man with a Bronson residential address was driving a pickup truck westbound on State Road 24, east of Northeast 116th Street, at 7:09 a.m. on July 24 in the westbound lane, the FHP said.
     A truck drive by a 55-year-old man with an Ocala residential address, was in front of the pickup truck, and it westbound on SR 24, the FHP said.
     The truck ahead of the pickup truck was slowing down within its lane of travel as the driver prepared left turn into a private drive, the FHP said. The pickup truck driver from Bronson failed to slow that vehicle in time to avoid a collision, the FHP said. 
     The front of the truck hit the rear of the pickup truck in the westbound lane of SR 24, the FHP said. After the impact, the pickup truck came to final rest on the northern shoulder of SR 24 facing southwest, the FHP said. The truck came to final rest on the south shoulder of SR 24 also facing a southwest, the FHP said.
     The Bronson man died, the FHP said. It was not listed whether that pickup truck driver was wearing a seatbelt.
     The Ocala man who was driving a truck was uninjured, the FHP said. He was wearing a seatbelt, the FHP said.

CFR fights fire
at Chiefland apartment complex
LCFR and CPD assist in response


Some Information and Photos Provided
By CFR Public Information Officer Lt. Kevin Davis
Published July 24, 2026 at 7:15 a.m.
Updated July 24, 2026 at 10 a.m.
     CHIEFLAND  – At 7:16 p.m. yesterday evening (Thursday, July 23), first responders from Chiefland Fire Rescue (CFR), Levy County Fire Rescue (LCFR) and the Chiefland Police Department (CPD) responded to a reported structure fire at Manatee Springs, 500 W. Park Ave. (aka Martin Luther King Jr. Road), just west of the United States Post Office for Chiefland.
     While there were no injuries or deaths, some families were displaced from their homes due to fire damage. The American Red Cross of North and Central Florida responded to provide families affected by the fire with assistance to have a place to live temporarily.
     Residents at the apartment complex had just the weekend before enjoyed a community yard sale as well as a chili cookoff event, where yard signs in the grass near the sidewalk on the north side of MLK Road were placed to let passersby know of the event.



     The first arriving units to the structure fire located an upstairs apartment with smoke and flames visible. Crews deployed an attack line and conducted an offensive attack, extinguishing the fire before it could spread to adjacent apartments. 
     Primary and secondary searches were conducted and showed no one was in the apartment. 
     Fanning Springs Fire Rescue staged between Fanning and Chiefland and provided zone coverage during this incident. The units on the scene for this fire were CFR Engine 71, CFR Pumper 71, CFR Fire 71, LCFR Rescue 7 (ambulance), LCFR Battalion 2, two CPD officers and three CFR volunteers.
     Manatee Springs Apartments is a 72-unit affordable housing community in Chiefland that serves families with low incomes. The property includes 40 two-bedroom units and 32 three-bedroom units and has been in service since 2005. Financing through 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits supports ongoing operations of this Levy County community, according to records.

Boater allegedly rescued
Federal agency may confirm it at some time

This photo shows the allegedly rescued boater being escorted toward an ambulance by a Levy County Fire Rescue employee, an FWC officer and a USFWSRLED officer.
Photo Posted On Social Media Site

By Jeff M. Hardison © July 23, 2026 at 8 p.m.
     CEDAR KEY – The United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Refuge Law Enforcement Division (RLED) posted photos of an alleged rescue of a boater somewhere off of the Gulf of Mexico near to the Lowers Suwannee National Wildlife and Cedar Keys Refuge on July 22.
     A man reportedly sank his boat and spent 24 hours with no one coming to find him until a USFWS RLED patrol boat operator noticed him.
     The USFWS Facebook writer and photo poster said they post pictures and write small statements but “We do not send information to the press.” The man or woman advised contacting the public information officer for the group. The USFWS currently operates with one dedicated public affairs specialist for the state of Florida, and that person is contacted via an online form.
     The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Levy County Department of Public Safety (with a Levy County Fire Rescue ambulance) reportedly helped in the rescue effort, according to the social media post.
     The United States Coast Guard (USCG) advises boaters about best practices before leaving dock.
     The USCG advises boaters to file a detailed float plan, check the local marine weather and tides, verify fuel and battery levels, and ensure all required safety equipment (like life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares) are on board and operational.
    The form for the USFWS was filled out on July 23.

Sierra Club Florida issues statements
on reports of unauthorized FWC
searches of environmental advocates

Sent By Sierra Club Florida July 23, 2026 at 2:19 p.m.
Published July 23, 2026 at 3 p.m.
     MIAMI – Today (Thursday, July 23), Sierra Club Florida issued the following statement in response to reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) conducted unauthorized searches of public records involving environmental advocates:
     “Being the target of political retaliation and intimidation is, unfortunately, nothing new in the world of environmental advocacy. Our commitment to protecting Florida’s environment and ensuring a clean, healthy future for all often places us at odds with elected officials and government agencies. But that should never mean that everyday Floridians who choose to speak up for the environment should expect to become the subjects of unauthorized investigations by the very public bodies charged with hearing their concerns. The recent reports that members of the FWC searched public records on environmental advocates – including one of our own members – are deeply troubling and entirely unacceptable.”
     – Javier Estevez, Political and Legislative Director, Sierra Club Florida
     “Learning through a public records request that I was reportedly under ‘criminal investigation’ was deeply unsettling. FWC never informed me, explained why, or gave me an opportunity to respond. Knowing I had done nothing criminal, I was left wondering what I was being accused of and what might happen next. I later learned my driver records had been accessed through a law enforcement database during the same period I was advocating for reforms to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. No one should face intimidation or unwarranted government scrutiny simply for speaking up. Every Floridian should be able to advocate for the issues they care about and hold the government accountable without fear.”
     – Sandy Moise, Conservation Committee Co-Chair, Sierra Club Florida Miami Group
     To the appointed members of the FWC: Sierra Club Florida has long advocated for meaningful reforms to the Commission’s appointment process -- reforms supported by Floridians across the political spectrum. This latest incident only underscores the urgent need for greater accountability, transparency and public trust.

Gainesville woman dies
in fatal crash in Levy County
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 23, 2026 at 8 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     LEVY COUNTY – A 43-year-old Gainesville woman died last night (Wednesday, July 22) when she was hit by a pickup truck near to Chiefland in unincorporated Levy County, according to information in a press release sent early this morning from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
     The FHP noted it had contacted the next of kin before sending the press release. People who publish pictures on Facebook don’t contact family members before putting pictures up.
     At 9:38 p.m. on July 22, a pickup truck driven by a 70-year-old man with a Trenton residential address was southbound on U.S. Highway 129 just south of the intersection of U.S. 129 and Levy County Road 320 East (which is relatively near to Clyatt House Learning Center), the FHP said.
     The woman was in the right most part of the southbound lane of U.S. 129 when the right front of pickup truck hit the pedestrian, the FHP said. She was pronounced dead at the scene, the FHP said. The press release was based on information in reports from a crash investigator and a homicide investigator.
     The man driving the pickup truck was wearing a seatbelt, and he was uninjured, the FHP said.
     The press release was sent via email at 1:26 a.m. this morning.
     Chiefland is one of the eight cities in Levy County. That city includes land mostly on either side of U.S. Highway 19. This crash was north of the Chiefland city limits on U.S. 129 in the unincorporated part of Levy County.

MCSO pioneers FDLE’S
first in nation rapid DNA testing program

Forensic DNA technicians process their first two items of evidence through the Rapid DNA process

Story and Photo Provided By MCSO PIO Zach Moore
Published July 22, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.
     MARION COUNTY -- On Friday, July 17, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) received approval as a partner agency in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Rapid DNA Program.
     This program is blazing the trail for other local agencies and states to begin or get more out of their rapid DNA programs.
     Beginning in January of 2025, MCSO’s DNA Screening Laboratory partnered with FDLE to bring FDLE’s Forensic Rapid DNA Program to life; the first program of this type in the nation. The goal was to expedite the processing of DNA samples gathered by MCSO to be entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which exchanges and compares DNA profiles electronically. This streamlined process allows for quicker results in linking serial violent crimes to each other and to known offenders.
     Throughout the past year and a half, MCSO worked closely with FDLE to rewrite our DNA Screening Laboratory policies to meet ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accreditation standards. FDLE also created hundreds of DNA samples for MCSO to use to validate our rapid DNA instruments and ensure that they would generate CODIS-worthy DNA profiles.
On Monday morning (July 20), Forensic DNA technicians processed their first two items of evidence through the Rapid DNA process. The next day, they received a CODIS hit, becoming the first law enforcement agency in the nation to receive a result via a rapid DNA system. Before this program, the average turnaround time for receiving DNA analysis results in non-violent crime investigations was 466 days, and 170 days for violent crimes.
     “I am proud of the professionalism and determination demonstrated by the individuals in our DNA Screening Laboratory to meet the standards required to pioneer FDLE’s Rapid DNA program,” Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said. “As we have already seen, this partnership will help bring swifter justice to those who seek to victimize the residents of our county.”

County court candidates
in Dixie and Levy counties
respond to questions posed by press
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 21, 2026 at 2:45 p.m.
Updated July 21, 2026 at 4 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
Photos Provided
     TRI-COUNTY AREA – The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante and Darla Whistler, a longtime assistant state attorney in the Eighth Judicial Circuit, both want the most Levy County voters to choose them as the next Levy County Court judge who will serve a six-year term in office.
     The Honorable Dixie County Court Judge Jennifer Johnson and Natasha Munkittrick Allen, a local attorney in private practice, both want Dixie County voters to choose one of them as the next Dixie County Court judge.
     The Honorable Gilchrist County Court Judge Sheree H. Lancaster was first elected as Gilchrist County Judge in Florida on Aug. 14, 2012. Her current term ends in January of 2027, and she may be reelected. Judge Lancaster took the bench on Jan. 8, 2013. By winning the election, she became the first female judge in Gilchrist County's history. She has consistently been reelected without opposition.
     Bustamante, Whistler, Allen and Johnson were all sent three questions on June 26 with a deadline of high noon on July 20 to respond. This was sent via email by the daily news website’s owner and publisher – Jeff M. Hardison.
     All four candidates responded – even by including photos as requested.
     Here are the three questions:
1. What does a county court judge do?
2. What makes you the most qualified person to choose to perform these duties?
3. Why should I vote for you?
     Following are their responses

Luis Bustamante


1. What does a county court judge do?
     I am honored to serve as Levy County Court Judge as a member of Florida’s “Great 28”. The 28 counties in Florida that have only one County Court Judge. In larger counties, judges are often assigned to a single area of the law, such as criminal, civil, or traffic court. In Levy County, however, the County Court Judge must wear many hats and handle a wide variety of cases.
     As your judge, I oversee misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, small claims disputes, evictions, and other civil matters. I also assist the Circuit Court judges who rotate into Levy County by helping manage portions of the felony docket and by presiding over our juvenile delinquency cases.
     Levy County is part of Florida’s Eighth Judicial Circuit. As our circuit has grown, many judges have become increasingly specialized. In most counties outside of Alachua, a judge travels in to handle juvenile delinquency cases. When I took office, I asked the Chief Judge to allow me to continue overseeing Levy County’s juvenile docket because I believe local children and families are best served by a judge who knows their community.
     Having lived and served in Levy County, I know many of the parents, teachers, counselors, ministers, and community leaders who work every day to help young people make better choices. As a former prosecutor, a father, and now a judge, I understand that accountability is important, but I also recognize that young people sometimes need guidance and an opportunity to change direction before a mistake becomes a lifelong problem.
     I am grateful that the Chief Judge approved my request to continue presiding over these cases. Helping young people get back on the right path is one of the most meaningful responsibilities I have as a judge. It is also why I volunteer in our middle and high schools, teaching students about civic responsibility, the judicial system, and the consequences of poor decisions. When young people understand how the courts work and see the judge as a real member of their community, they are often more likely to make better choices and avoid the courtroom altogether.
     For me, being a judge is about more than deciding cases. It is about serving the people of Levy County, protecting public safety, and helping strengthen the community we all call home.
2. What makes you the most qualified person to choose to perform these duties?
     Since my appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis, I have presided over more than 15,000 cases in Levy County. That experience matters. Every day, I make decisions that affect the lives of our citizens, and I understand the responsibility that comes with wearing the robe.
     My appointment followed a rigorous selection process. I was evaluated by a local Judicial Nominating Commission, underwent an extensive background investigation, and participated in multiple interviews with the Governor’s legal team. The process was designed to identify judges with the experience, character, and judgment necessary to uphold the law fairly and impartially. I was honored to earn that appointment, and I would be honored to earn the trust of the voters to continue serving as your County Court Judge.
     My qualifications are rooted in a lifetime of hard work and public service. I started working at Publix at fourteen years old, where I learned the value of responsibility, accountability, and treating people with respect. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.
     Before taking the bench, I spent more than thirty years serving the people of Florida as a prosecutor. I handled some of the state’s most serious and complex cases, including public corruption, white-collar crime, violent felonies, and death penalty prosecutions. That experience provided me with a deep understanding of the law, courtroom procedure, and the importance of applying the law fairly to every person who comes before the court.
     Over the past three years as Levy County Court Judge, I have worked hard to build a reputation for fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. I apply the law as written, treat everyone who enters my courtroom with dignity, and decide each case based on the facts and the law—not politics, public opinion, or personal preference.
     I love Levy County and am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community. If entrusted with another term, I will continue to uphold the law with integrity, protect public safety, and serve the people of Levy County with the experience, fairness, and common sense they deserve.
3. Why should I vote for you?
     As your Levy County Court Judge, I follow a simple principle: uphold the law and treat every person with dignity and respect.
     I believe the people of Levy County deserve a judge who is experienced, impartial, and committed to serving this community. I am the only candidate in this race who lives in Levy County. This is my home. I live here, I serve here and I am invested in the future of our community.
     Since being appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, I have presided over more than 15,000 cases and have worked every day to uphold the law, protect public safety, and ensure that everyone who enters my courtroom is treated with respect. My decisions are based on the law and the facts, not politics, family ties, or personal opinions. 
     Elections are ultimately about trust and performance. The voters of Levy County have the opportunity to decide whether they want to keep a judge who has been doing the job, understands the community, and has a proven record of service. I hope I have earned that trust through my work on the bench, my involvement in the community, and my commitment to upholding the law with integrity.
     If the people of Levy County choose to keep me as their County Court Judge, I will continue to serve with fairness, honesty, common sense, and respect for the rule of law. It has been an honor to serve Levy County, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the community that I proudly call home.

Darla Whistler


1) What does a County Court Judge do?
     The County Court Judge adjudicates misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic and ordinance violations, and civil actions within the statutory monetary jurisdiction. Complimentary to these duties, I will exercise leadership through community engagement, court-community partnerships, and programs that reduce recidivism while keeping our community safe.
2) What makes you the most qualified person to perform these duties?
     I am most qualified to serve as Levy County Court Judge because of my deep roots and strong ties to this community. This community made me the person I am today. I grew up in Levy County and spent 15 of my 20 years as a prosecutor serving Levy County as an Assistant State Attorney. I am familiar with the people, the traditions, and our unique way of life. My roots are local: my husband and I were raised here, our families still live in Levy County, and we are active in the community. Those ties give me a strong sense of responsibility to our neighbors and a firsthand appreciation of the county’s needs.
3) Why should I vote for you?
     I will bring two decades worth of courtroom experience, local knowledge, and a steady commitment to fair, impartial service on the bench.

Natasha Munkittrick Allen


1. What does a county court judge do?
     A county court judge is responsible for ensuring that every person who comes before the court is treated fairly, respectfully, and according to the law. County judges hear misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic matters, civil disputes involving smaller monetary claims, landlord-tenant cases, small claims, and first appearances, where bonds are typically set. They also preside over simplified probate matters, perform marriages, and handle other responsibilities assigned by law.
     In Dixie County, the County Judge is often also the acting Circuit Judge and will handle a Circuit docket as well. These cases range from family law cases to probate to criminal cases and dependency matters.
     While every case is different, the judge's responsibility remains the same: to listen carefully, apply the law impartially, and make decisions based on the facts and the law, not personal opinions, personal relationships, politics, or public pressure.
     A county judge sets the tone for the courtroom. People should leave knowing they were heard, treated with dignity, and given a fair opportunity to present their case, regardless of who they are or whether the outcome was in their favor. Public confidence in our courts depends on fairness, consistency, and integrity, and a county judge plays a vital role in maintaining that trust.
2. What makes you the most qualified person to perform these duties?
     My entire career has prepared me for this position. Before becoming an attorney, I spent years as a television reporter, where I learned the importance of listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, gathering facts, and communicating clearly. Those skills continue to serve me every day.
     For the past decade, I have primarily practiced law throughout the Third and Eighth Judicial Circuits, representing people from all walks of life in matters involving probate, estate planning, guardianship, family law, civil litigation, criminal matters – both felony and misdemeanors and other legal issues. I have appeared in court countless times, understand courtroom procedure, and appreciate the tremendous responsibility that comes with making decisions that affect people's lives.
     Just as importantly, I have built my career on treating people with respect. Whether someone is a lifelong resident, a business owner, a parent, or someone experiencing one of the most difficult days of their life, they deserve to be heard and treated equally under the law.
     I believe the justice system is one of the foundations of our country. If people believe there is favoritism or even perceive that some people receive advantages that others do not, public confidence suffers. Every person who enters the courtroom should know they will receive the same fairness, the same respect, and the same application of the law.
     My commitment is simple: be prepared, be impartial, work hard, and always remember that the courtroom belongs to the people, not the person holding judicial office.
3. Why should I vote for you?
     I am asking for your vote because I’m fair, honest, and firm. I have the experience to make difficult decisions and I am prepared to do so. I am able to treat people equally, fairly and consistently. Every case deserves an open mind, careful preparation, and a commitment to following the law. That is exactly how I will serve.
     I believe accountability matters. The law should be applied consistently, and when consequences are appropriate, they should be imposed fairly and without favoritism. Likewise, every person deserves to be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect throughout the judicial process.
     As a wife, a mother, an attorney, and someone who has spent years serving this community, I understand the values that make our small towns special. I will bring experience, compassion, common sense, and a strong work ethic to the bench.
     Most importantly, I want every citizen to have confidence in our court system. Whether someone wins or loses a case, they should leave believing they were heard, treated fairly, and judged solely on the facts and the law, not who they are, what they have or who they know.
     On August 18, I would be honored to earn your trust, your support and your vote.

Jennifer Johnson


1. What does a county court judge do?
     Typically, I start the day with first appearance hearings and setting bonds for people who were arrested within the last 24 hours. After that, there are many case types that I handle. I try to group types of cases together on dockets to keep things running smoothly. On the first Thursday of the month, I have hearings for small claims cases and non-criminal traffic cases. The first Friday of the month I have misdemeanor and criminal traffic court.  The following week is for civil trials, and the following, criminal trials. Although circuit judges typically handle felony cases, I have been assigned those cases on and off throughout my 11+ years and have handled 62 different jury trials, including multiple murder trials. Jury trials are my favorite thing to do as county judge. The following week consists of civil hearings, evictions, unlawful detainer cases, juvenile delinquency and juvenile dependency dockets. 
     Since becoming judge in 2015, there is not a case type, county or circuit, that I haven’t been assigned in Dixie. Since most counties in our circuit have only one county judge, we work together to cover vacation time, or to handle cases where there is a conflict. I have also been specially assigned by the Supreme Court to handle Florida Bar disciplinary cases, serve on statewide committees, and teach judicial education classes in Florida and also nationwide. 
     I am responsible for managing the court dockets, room assignments and setting the local protocols for how court is handled in the county. It is imperative that as top judicial officer in the county, I am familiar with and have litigation experience in all of the case types that I manage. I must continually keep up with changes in the law and court rules and do so by taking several hours per year of education courses. I also am available 24 hours a day to sign search and arrest warrants for local law enforcement. I have to approve of the disposition of unclaimed bodies turned over for burial, and many other unusual things that one wouldn’t expect. 
2. What makes you the most qualified person to perform these duties?
     I have 11+ years of judicial experience. I’ve practiced law locally for over 25 years and there is not a case type that I have not handled--first as a lawyer and now as judge. You don’t have to hope I can do the job; I have proven that I can do it well. We cannot afford someone that needs “on the job” training.
3. Why should I vote for you?
     12 years ago I made 4 promises: to treat everyone that comes before me with dignity and respect; to move cases quickly through the courts; to carefully listen to both sides before making a decision; and to take a firm, fair approach with repeat offenders. I have kept my promises. My conservative, Christian values have guided my life and decisions. I am sure most in Dixie County know me as I go to a lot of events and live my life in Dixie County. If you don’t know me, you can learn more at OurDixieJudge.com.