Suspects Jailed Sept. 29, 2025 through Oct. 5, 2025
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Suspects Jailed Sept. 29, 2025 through Oct. 5, 2025
Published Oct. 6, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Suspects Jailed Sept. 29, 2025 through Oct. 5, 2025
Published Oct. 6, 2025 at 2 p.m.

FDOT warns of five areas
in Levy County for lane closures
SR 345 work continues
By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 4, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
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     LAKE CITY – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Two office in Lake City sent information to media outlets Friday (Oct. 3) to help motorists be aware of potential slowdowns in their travel plans.     No issues were noted for Dixie or Gilchrist counties, but Levy County has five areas for drivers to consider this week, according to the FDOT
     ● State Road 24 at the Number Three Channel Bridge leading onto the island of Cedar Key will see daytime lane closures with flaggers Monday (Oct. 6) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
     ● State Road 24 at The Canal Bridge leading onto the island of Cedar Key will see daytime lane closures with flaggers Tuesday (Oct. 7) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
     ● State Road 24 at Waccasassa River Bridge, which is between U.S. Highway 19 and U.S. Alt. 27, will see daytime lane closures with flaggers Wednesday (Oct. 8) and Thursday (Oct. 9) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
     ● State Road 55 at State Road 121 will see continuous lane closures weekdays for road work. This is part of the multi-million dollar, multi-year roadwork to improve that intersection on U.S. Highway 19 and SR 121 at the big curve on U.S. 19 between the Town of Otter Creek and the City of Inglis.
     ● State Road 121 from Northeast 167th Avenue to State Road 45 will see daytime lane closures Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for roadside work. This is in the area of Williston northwest of the Williston Regional Airport (formerly known as Williston Municipal Airport).
     For people who drive on State Road 245 between Chiefland and Cedar Key, the Anderson Columbia Co. workers have helped drivers who travel on SR 45, there, or those who cross that road as a significant repaving and widening project continues to show progress.

     

DCADC plans town hall meeting on Oct. 22

Sheila Frierson holds up a poster to show information about Red Ribbon Week.

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 3, 2025 at 8:30 p.m.
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CROSS CITY – Sheila Frierson with the Dixie County Anti-Drug Coalition (DCADC) on Thursday (Oct. 3) told the five members of the Dixie County Board of County Commissioners, and a room that was overflowing with audience members, that the DCADC has planned a Town Hall Meeting at The Putnam Lodge.
     The meeting is planned for Oct. 22 starting at 11 a.m. and scheduled to end at 1 p.m. The title of the meeting is “On the edge of legal,” Frierson said, and it will be in regard to potential laws that affect everyone.
     Frierson said everyone is invited, however she needs people to RSVP so that there will be enough food for lunch to be provided for all attendees.
     “RSVP” in this instance is being used as a verb. It is an initialism of the French phrase “répondez s'il vous plaît.” This directly translates to “Respond, if you please.” This phrase is a request that is often used to confirm attendance for an event.
     When a person fails to respond to confirm that they plan to attend, sometimes they are turned away from an event because of maximum occupancy for safety reasons.
     To reserve a seat, contact the DCADC.
     Another announcement she made in regard to the DCADC is that the coalition is participating in Red Ribbon activities. The theme this year is “Life is a puzzle. Solve it drug free.”
     The Red Ribbon campaign, which runs annually from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31, honors DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena (July 26, 1947-Feb. 9, 1985), who was murdered in 1985 while investigating drug traffickers.
     

State executes another man
13th man executed in Florida in 2025

Irene Fisher, daughter of murder victims Matilda and Jacob Nestor, speaks with the media after Jones’ execution Tuesday night (Sept. 30). 

Story and Photos By John Koch, Independent News Service
HardisonInk.com Correspondent © Oct. 1, 2025 at 2 p.m.
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     TALLAHASSEE (INS) -- Victor Tony Jones, 64, was lawfully executed Tuesday night (Sept. 30) at the Florida State Prison near Starke.     On his final day, Jones dix not see any loved ones, and he had no last words, Ted Veerman, Department of Corrections spokesperson said.
     The execution went smoothly, Veerman said.
     Jones was found guilty and condemned to death in 1993 for the 1990 murders of two Miami residents after he had fatally stabbed them.
     The time from start to finish to end Jones’ life after spending in excess of 30 years on Florida’s Death Row took 11 minutes before he was declared dead. A family member of the two killed murder victims, Irene Fisher, forgave Jones, but said she added that she will never forget that terrible day.
     This execution heralds the 13th for Florida in 2025, and as many people know the state is far ahead of any other American state in the number of people put to death by execution this year.
     Florida has two more executions already approved, with one set for Oct. 14 and one two weeks acter that on Oct. 28.

DEA Champions 2025 Red Ribbon Campaign
Information Provided
By United States Drug Enforcement Administration
Published Oct, 1, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
     WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forty years after the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena (July 26, 1947 – Feb. 9, 1985), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continues to honor his legacy by supporting the nation’s largest drug prevention initiative -- the Red Ribbon Campaign --throughout the month of October.
     “The ultimate sacrifice made by Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena inspires the men and women of DEA to continue our critical mission with unwavering determination. In order to win this battle, we must fight it together,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “Drug prevention is a critical and powerful tool that enhances knowledge and builds resilience. The Red Ribbon Campaign – the nation’s largest and longest drug prevention campaign – reminds us that a healthy, drug-free lifestyle can build a safer, stronger America for generations to come.”
     This year’s Red Ribbon theme is “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free,” highlighting how living a drug-free lifestyle helps build a stronger and brighter future, one piece at a time. 
     October is a cornerstone for DEA’s efforts around drug prevention, education, and community outreach. Through a unified focus on fentanyl enforcement, public awareness initiatives, and the National Prescription Drug Take Back Campaign, DEA works tirelessly throughout the month to promote community safety and encourage healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
     DEA’s 2025 Virtual National Red Ribbon Rally is now live on www.dea.gov. The Red Ribbon Rally will be available throughout the month on demand at https://www.dea.gov/redribbon and https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/.
     The Virtual National Red Ribbon Rally includes remarks by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole; a musical performance by students from Center Stage Academy for the Arts in Clinton, Maryland; Color Guards from DC’s Young Marines and ChalleNGe Academy in Maryland; remarks from country music artists on the dangers of counterfeit pills; inspirational remarks from NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis, and several scout troops from around the country discussing the Red Ribbon Patch Program. The winners of DEA’s 2025 Community Drug Prevention Awards and Visual Arts Contest will be announced, and viewers will learn many ways schools, community organizations, and families can get involved in this year’s Red Ribbon Campaign.
     Every year, DEA recognizes October 23 through October 31 as Red Ribbon Week, which offers a great opportunity for parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations to raise awareness about substance misuse. In addition to our heightened outreach and awareness efforts you will see DEA #GoRedforKiki to honor Special Agent Camarena’s life and legacy. 
     Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California, and quickly gained momentum across the state and then across the rest of the country. The National Family Partnership turned Red Ribbon Week into a national drug awareness campaign, an eight-day event proclaimed by the U.S. Congress and chaired by then President and Mrs. Reagan.  Every year since, Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated in schools and throughout communities.
     October is also recognized as National Substance Use Prevention Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
 

FHP nabs suspected
fatal hit and run driver
By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 27, 2025 at 11 a.m.
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     MARION COUNTY – A Pinellas County woman has been arrested as a suspect in a hit-and-run fatal crash, according to information in a Sept. 26 press release from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
     On Sept. 25, the FHP arrested Somer Lynn Fox, 32, of Seminole (Pinellas County), in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in Marion County on Sept. 23, the FHP said.
     Fox has been charged with failing to stop/remain at the scene of a crash involving death.
     A pedestrian was pushing a cart of groceries, walking north across westbound lanes of State Road 200 at the intersection of Southwest 60th Street, in a dark area with no lighting on Sept. 23 at 7:57 p.m., according to a previous FHP press release that was based on reports by crash investigator FHP Trooper V. Hatch and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. J. Gurrieri.
     The vehicle, a van, was westbound on SR 200 in the right lane, through the intersection of Southwest 60th Street, the FHP said. The vehicle hit the pedestrian with its front section, the FHP said. The driver failed to remain on the scene and continued traveling westbound on SR 200, the FHP said, leaving the scene of the crash.
     The pedestrian was pronounced dead on the scene. The westbound lanes of State Road 200 were temporarily closed for the investigation, the FHP said.
     FHP Maj. Andrew Litzell is the troop commander of FHP Troop B, where the main headquarters for that troop is based in Lake City. Troop B covers Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion and Suwannee counties.
     In addition to the main FHP headquarters for Troop B in Lake City, there are three other offices -- in Gainesville, Ocala and Cross City.
     There are 12 troop commanders in the FHP and only one of the troops has no commander being appointed as of Sept. 23, according to records, and that is Troop L.
     The director of the FHP is Col. Gary L. Howze. There are three deputy directors, all at the rank of lieutenant colonel. They are Robert “Bob” Chandler, Mark Brown and Joseph “Cory” Harrison, according to records.
     There are five regional commanders of the FHP, with the only region not having a regional commander currently being for Central Florida Operations, according to records.
     As of May of 2020, the Florida Highway Patrol stopped providing names of people and some other information from crashes as part of its press releases.
     Prior to May of 2020, the FHP formerly provided that information via those public records in its press releases.
     The FHP and some other law enforcement agencies in Florida are abiding by a version of something known as “Marcy’s Law” of California, which is allegedly used to protect victims of crimes. The Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” was adopted after Florida voters chose to change the Florida Constitution to exempt more public records from view.
     Although not every vehicle crash involves crime victims, which may have been the legislative intent of the Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” approved by voters, the FHP adopted its current blanket exclusion of some information as part of its process in sending press releases.
     Although the FHP adopted this new practice, not every law enforcement agency has done so.
     For instance, the Chiefland Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Ocala Police Department all have provided crash information in press releases or traffic crash reports, except when there is an actual victim of a crime, as demonstrated in the reports provided to the press since the onset of the FHP’s revision in its press release practices in May of 2020.
Crash Report Purchasing
https://services.flhsmv.gov/CrashReportPurchasing/
Florida Crash Data
https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Victims’ Rights Information
https://www.flhsmv.gov/victimsrights/  

GCSO catches another drug suspect

Mugshot by GSCSO-Graphic By HardisonInk.com

By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 26, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
     GILCHRIST COUNTY – A 37-year-old man who got out of prison on Sept. 10 went into the Gilchrist County Jail yesterday (Sept. 25) after being stopped as a suspected traffic law violator in the Gilchrist County part of that city, according to information from Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Lt. Keagon Weatherford, public information officer.     Yesterday (Sept. 25), at approximately 12:36 p.m., a GCSO deputy conducted a traffic stop on a white SUV in the area of Stephen Foster Avenue and Indiana Street in the City of Fanning Springs. The vehicle was seen going 38 mph in a 30-mph zone, and the driver was not wearing a seatbelt, Weatherford noted in a press release.
     Joseph Austin Singleton, 37, of Gilchrist County, was identified as the driver and he admitted that he did not have a valid driver’s license, Weatherford said. A records check confirmed Singleton’s Florida driver’s license had been suspended since Feb. 22, 2010.
     Deputies found a sock in the vehicle’s center console that contained about 1.3 grams of methamphetamine, Weatherford said.
     Singleton was arrested and transported to the Gilchrist County Jail without incident. He is charged with possession of methamphetamine and driving while license suspended or revoked, Weatherford said.
     Since 2009, he Singleton served four separate prison sentences and has seven prior felony convictions, according to records.
     Weatherford noted that the GCSO remains committed to keeping roadways safe and removing illegal drugs from the community.

Safe Haven Baby Box
set to start in Bronson
By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 26, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
     BRONSON -- Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide mothers with an option for safely surrendering their newborn babies.
     “This choice, while not easy, is one that is selfless and courageous,” Bronson Town Manager Amanda Huber noted in a press release sent Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.
     The Town of Bronson’s Fire Station is set to be the next Levy County site of a Safe Haven Baby Box.
     A blessing of the Safe Haven Baby Box is scheduled to take place on Sept. 29, at 4 p.m., at the Bronson Fire Station, 655 N. Hathaway Ave. (U.S. Alt. 27), near to the UF/IFAS Levy Extension Campus in Bronson.
     Pastor Johnathan Coker of the First Baptist Church of Bronson is slated to perform the blessing, Huber noted in the press release.
     The name-brand Safe Haven Baby Boxes “… offer a compassionate and secure option for mothers in crisis who are unable to care for their newborns, according to information on the website for the baby boxes.
     “Designed with innovative safety features and installed on the exterior walls of fire stations and hospitals,” the non-profit company’s website notes, “each box ensures the safe and anonymous surrender of infants. The exterior door locks automatically when a newborn is placed inside, and an interior door allows medical personnel to promptly and securely retrieve the baby, ensuring immediate care and protection. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are a vital resource, providing a lifeline for mothers and a safe beginning for their newborns.”
     Anyone in the Bronson community is invited to attend this event, Bronson Town Manager Huber noted.
     To see the story, photos and video under the March 27, 2025 title Parents get drop-off box for newborns; Safe, secure box opens in Chiefland, click HERE.

Fort White man dies
in Gilchrist County crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 20, 2025 at 8 a.m.
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     GILCHRIST COUNTY – A 29-year-old man with a Fort White (Columbia County) address died yesterday evening (Monday, Sept. 22) in a two-vehicle crash, according to information in a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) press release sent via email a couple of hours after the fatal crash.     The next of kin were notified before the press release was sent, the FHP said. The press release was based on reports from crash investigator FHP Trooper John Dryden and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. Michael Radcliff.
     The man was driving a sedan southbound on U.S. Highway 129 south of Northwest 117th Place, which is south of the bridge over the Santa Fe River, at 5:05 p.m. on Sept. 22, the FHP said.
     At the same time, a pickup truck driven by a 32-year-old man with a Bell (Gilchrist County) residential address was behind the sedan, the FHP said.
     The driver of the sedan then moved that vehicle onto the right shoulder and made a U-turn in front of the pickup truck, resulting in the pickup truck hitting the left side of car with its front, the FHP said.
     The man driving the sedan, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene, the FHP said.
     The driver of the pickup truck, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered no injuries, the FHP said.
     FHP Maj. Andrew Litzell is the troop commander of FHP Troop B, where the main headquarters for that troop is based in Lake City. Troop B covers Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion and Suwannee counties.
     In addition to the main FHP headquarters for Troop B in Lake City, there are three other offices -- in Gainesville, Ocala and Cross City.
     There are 12 troop commanders in the FHP and only one of the troops has no commander being appointed as of Sept. 23, according to records, and that is Troop L.
     The director of the FHP is Col. Gary L. Howze. There are three deputy directors, all at the rank of lieutenant colonel. They are Robert “Bob” Chandler, Mark Brown and Joseph “Cory” Harrison, according to records.
     There are five regional commanders of the FHP, with the only region not having a regional commander currently being for Central Florida Operations, according to records.
     As of May of 2020, the Florida Highway Patrol stopped providing names of people and some other information from crashes as part of its press releases.
     Prior to May of 2020, the FHP formerly provided that information via those public records in its press releases.
     The FHP and some other law enforcement agencies in Florida are abiding by a version of something known as “Marcy’s Law” of California, which is allegedly used to protect victims of crimes. The Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” was adopted after Florida voters chose to change the Florida Constitution to exempt more public records from view.
     Although not every vehicle crash involves crime victims, which may have been the legislative intent of the Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” approved by voters, the FHP adopted its current blanket exclusion of some information as part of its process in sending press releases.
     Although the FHP adopted this new practice, not every law enforcement agency has done so.
     For instance, the Chiefland Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Ocala Police Department all have provided crash information in press releases or traffic crash reports, except when there is an actual victim of a crime, as demonstrated in the reports provided to the press since the onset of the FHP’s revision in its press release practices in May of 2020.
Crash Report Purchasing
https://services.flhsmv.gov/CrashReportPurchasing/
Florida Crash Data
https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Victims’ Rights Information
https://www.flhsmv.gov/victimsrights/  

Cross City includes winning K9 team

In the Single Leash Division
First Place - Cross City CI (Cross City) -- PICTURED ABOVE
Second Place - Apalachee CI (Sneads)
Third Place - Jefferson CI (Monticello)

Information and Photo Provided By Florida Department of Corrections
Published Sept. 21, 2025 at 4 p.m.
     MILTON -- The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) celebrates the top placement of six FDC K9 teams at the Southeastern State Manhunt Field Trials, an event hosted by the Escambia County Road Prison.     Several teams from the southeast competed at Blackwater State Forest, featuring a challenging 1.5-mile day and night track. These trials simulate real-life conditions for K9 teams tracking lost children or suspects, ensuring they uphold the high standards of training and professionalism essential for public safety.
     "I am incredibly proud of our K9 tracking teams and their dedication to preparing for emergency calls in our communities," said FDC Director of Institutional Operations Chris Brannon. “These officers’ commitment to perfecting their skills translates directly to lives saved in the community."


In the Multiple Leash Division
First Place - Jackson CI (Malone) -- PICTURED ABOVE
Third Place - Okaloosa CI (Crestview)
Fourth Place - Century CI (Century)

     FDC prioritizes public safety. While K9 tracking teams primarily pursue escaped inmates, such incidents are rare. Instead, they often assist local law enforcement in capturing dangerous fugitives and locating missing children and vulnerable adults.

Two teens die, six other individuals
including a deputy
suffer injuries in crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 20, 2025 at 8 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
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     MAYO – Two teenagers died, one teenager suffered critical injuries, one woman suffered minor injuries and four other people involved in a two-vehicle crash suffered serious injuries late Friday afternoon (Sept. 20) in Lafayette County, according to information in a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) press release that was sent at 12:14 a.m. Saturday morning (Sept. 20).
     The next of kin of the deceased teens were notified before the press release was sent, the FHP said.
     Among the people who were seriously injured was a 45-year-old deputy or officer of a higher rank who was driving an SUV owned by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, the FHP said.
     The crash happened Sept. 19 at 4:07 p.m. on U.S. Highway, just north of Lafayette County Road 536, about four miles north of the City of Mayo, the FHP said. Information in the press release from the FHP was based on reports from crash investigator FHP Sgt. S. Downing and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. David Gates.
     A sedan driven by a 23-year-old woman from Mayo was traveling northbound on U.S. 27, the FHP said. A Lafayette County Sheriff's Office marked patrol vehicle (SUV) was
traveling southbound on U.S. 27, the FHP said.
     This crash happened during a period of rain and for reasons still under investigation, the driver of the sedan lost control of the sedan and crossed into the southbound travel lane into the path of the patrol vehicle, the FHP said.
     The right front of the patrol vehicle, driven by a 45-year-old man from Mayo, hit the right side of the sedan, the FHP said.
     In addition to the 23-year-old woman who was driving, the FHP said, the sedan was occupied by a 22-year-old man from Mayo adults in a rear seat, as well as five juveniles ranging in age from 5 to 15 years old, the FHP said.
     The right front passenger and four juveniles were ejected from the sedan during this crash, the FHP said.
     All seven of the people in the car were from Mayo, the FHP said.
     A 15-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, the FHP said. 
     A 13-year-old girl was later pronounced dead at UF Health, the FHP said.
     The 23-year-old female driver of the sedan, who suffered minor injuries, was transported to HCA Florida Live Oak Hospital, the FHP said. Everyone else involved was transported to UF Health, the FHP said.
     The only two people wearing seatbelts, the FHP said, were the driver of the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office SUV and a 10-year-old girl who was in the sedan,
     The people not wearing seatbelts were the 23-year-old female driver of the car, the 22-year-old man, the 15-year-old boy who died, the 13-year-old girl who died, a 5-year-old boy who suffered serious injuries, and a 14-year-old girl who suffered critical injuries, the FHP said.
     FHP Maj. Andrew Litzell is the troop commander of FHP Troop B, where the main headquarters for that troop is based in Lake City. Troop B covers Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion and Suwannee counties.
     In addition to the main FHP headquarters for Troop B in Lake City, there are three other offices -- in Gainesville, Ocala and Cross City.
     There are 12 troop commanders in the FHP and only one of the troops has no commander being appointed as of Sept. 20, according to records, and that is Troop L.
     The director of the FHP is Col. Gary L. Howze. There are three deputy directors, all at the rank of lieutenant colonel. They are Robert “Bob” Chandler, Mark Brown and Joseph “Cory” Harrison, according to records.
     There are five regional commanders of the FHP, with the only region not having a regional commander currently being for Central Florida Operations, according to records.
     As of May of 2020, the Florida Highway Patrol stopped providing names of people and some other information from crashes as part of its press releases.
     Prior to May of 2020, the FHP formerly provided that information via those public records in its press releases.
     The FHP and some other law enforcement agencies in Florida are abiding by a version of something known as “Marcy’s Law” of California, which is allegedly used to protect victims of crimes. The Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” was adopted after Florida voters chose to change the Florida Constitution to exempt more public records from view.
     Although not every vehicle crash involves crime victims, which may have been the legislative intent of the Florida version of “Marcy’s Law” approved by voters, the FHP adopted its current blanket exclusion of some information as part of its process in sending press releases.
     Although the FHP adopted this new practice, not every law enforcement agency has done so.
     For instance, the Chiefland Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Ocala Police Department all have provided crash information in press releases or traffic crash reports, except when there is an actual victim of a crime, as demonstrated in the reports provided to the press since the onset of the FHP’s revision in its press release practices in May of 2020.
Crash Report Purchasing
https://services.flhsmv.gov/CrashReportPurchasing/
Florida Crash Data
https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Victims’ Rights Information
https://www.flhsmv.gov/victimsrights/  

Three firearm felonies tagged
onto arrest warrant for child sex crime

Mugshot By LCSO – Graphic By HardisonInk.com

By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 19, 2025 at 4 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – Yesterday evening (Thursday, Sept. 18) deputies with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) serving an arrest warrant found the recipient meriting other charges, according to information in a Friday afternoon (Sept, 19) press release and public records.
     Michael Lee Pope, 54, of Morriston is in the Levy County Jail where he is charged with three counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, with a combined bond of $25,000 – from two counts having a $10,000 bail bond set and one with a $5,000 bail, according to records.
     He is also incarcerated with no bond on the arrest warrant from Marion County for Lewd and lascivious molestation of a child younger than 12 years old, the LCSO said.
     LCSO Cpl. Dean MacIntyre and Deputy Amanda Stokes went to an address in the 2200 block of Southeast State Road 121 in Morriston, on Sept. 18, at approximately 8 p.m., the LCSO said. Their assignment was to attempt to serve a Marion County felony warrant on Pope, the LCSO said.
     They located Pope on the premises and took him into custody on the warrant, the LCSO said. While awaiting warrant confirmation and preparing for transport, the deputies saw a handgun in plain view near the front door of the residence, the LCSO said.
     A check of Pope’s criminal history revealed two prior felony drug convictions from Polk County, the LCSO said.
     They found a rifle inside the premises along with a total of 192 rounds of live ammunition, the LCSO said.
 

12th man executed in Florida in 2025
Sheriff Judd: ‘This man was evil in the flesh’

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd speaks at a press conference after the execution and holds pictures to help convey his message.

By John Koch, Independent News Service
HardisonInk.com Correspondent
Edited By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 16, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     STARKE (INS) – A 63-year-old man from Florida’s Death Row was executed in a 10-minute process Wednesday evening (Sept. 17), making him the 12th man executed in Florida 2025.
     Ten minutes is all it took to execute David Pittman, 63, at the Florida State Prison near Starke. 
     In the early morning hours of May 15, 1990, Pittman cut a phone line at the Mulberry (Polk County) at the home of his then-wife’s parents, Clarence Knowles, 60, and Barbara Knowles, 50. Pittman stabbed the couple to death as well as slashing the throat of their other daughter Bonnie Knowles, 21. Pittman then set their house on fire and stole Bonnie Knowles’ car, which he destroyed by fire as well. The family was found dead on May 15, 1990, according to records.
     The trial court sentenced Pittman to death for all three murders, Florida Department of Corrections Ted Veerman said. The sentence of the State of Florida was carried out as of 6:12 p.m. on Sept. 17, Veerman said during the press conference immediately after the execution.
     “The execution took place without incident,” Veerman said.
     James Geddes, a nephew representing the Knowles family, gave comments about Pittman’s execution.


James Geddes, a nephew representing the Knowles family, shares comments from the family regarding Pittman’s execution.

     “This is a bittersweet day for the family of Clarence, Barbara and Bonnie Knowles,” Geddes said. “These were good people who were dearly loved by their extended family. We miss and will always miss their presence and their contribution to our lives.
     “Though it has taken longer than anticipated,” Geddes continued, “today has brought a measure of closure to this tragic event 35 years ago. Justice has been served.”



Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd speaks at a press conference after the execution and family members are seen standing near him as he addresses the media from the lectern under a tent outside the prison.

     Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd spoke, too, at the press conference after this most recent execution. Like Geddis, Sheriff Judd said justice had been served with the execution of Pittman.
     “We don’t have any joy here today,” Sheriff Judd said, “We don’t have any excitement here today. What we do have here today is satisfaction that justice has finally been served. This man was evil in the flesh, but he is evil no more. 
     “I’m angry that it took 35 years for justice to occur,” the sheriff continued. “He was evil then. He was evil to the end. His last public statement was a bold-faced lie. I’ve heard it said the capital punishment does not reduce murder, but it sure reduces the opportunity of future murder.”
     Judd reminded listeners that “This evil man wiped out an entire family.”
     Among the last words reported to be uttered by Pittman was that he did not commit the murders.
     On Friday (Sept. 12), Gov. Ron DeSantis signed another death warrant, marking the 14th such warrant he has signed so far this year.
     The warrant is for Samuel Smithers, a former religious elder who, in 1996, murdered two women in Hillsborough County. The execution is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 14.
     Smithers killed Denise Roach and Christy Cowan separately and then disposed of their bodies in a nearby lake, according to records. The jury voted 12-0 for that death penalty to be imposed. With Smithers’ warrant, two more men are now awaiting lethal injection in the coming weeks.
     The next two men set for execution in Florida now are Victor Jones and Smithers. Both of those men, like the majority of their predecessors through their attorneys, have filed appeals in the Florida Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court to halt their executions.
     Jones is arguing that he has intellectual disabilities that should delay his sentences. Jones’ execution is scheduled for Sept. 30.
     Gov. DeSantis and Florida continue breaking pervious state records for the most death warrants signed and the most executions completed in one year.

Lawyer problems solved
Suspected murderer set for
another court appearance in February

Defense Attorney William John Grant is seen on Zoom preparing for the hearing on Sept. 17. The Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Robert K. Groeb granted Grant's request, too, to appear at the Feb. 18, 2026 hearing via Zoom. 

Story, Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 17, 2025 at 5 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – This morning (Wednesday, Sept. 17), the Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Robert K. Groeb listened to defense counsel in regard to the case of the State of Florida versus Kimberly Dawn Barba.
     Barba is charged with first degree premeditated murder, as well as conspiracy, after the shooting death in the spring of 2024 of Brenda Heberling, a retiree who loved horses. Some say that Heberling may be thought of as Barba’s “stepmother.”
     Defense attorney William John Grant appeared via Zoom. He is among the attorneys representing Barba, according to records.
     The issue set for resolution before the court that day regarded whether attorney Grant and his partner attorney Christopher Blaisdell, as well as attorneys Robert Rush and Steve Frsisco represent Barba in these criminal cases.
     While Barba, who has been ruled now to be incompetent to participate in trial due to a mental health issue, is said to want to keep Rush and Frisco on her defense team, those attorneys have taken action to remove themselves from the case, and she is said to have signed that release.
     On Tuesday, Grant said he had an email from Rush and Frisco that he read into the record for the court.
     If Barba is restored to mental competency, then Rush will meet with her in regard to restoring his law firm to represent her in this criminal circuit court matter, Rush noted.
     The pre-trial work already completed by the Rush law firm, Grant said as he read the note, is included in the previous agreement between that law firm and this defendant.
     “I use the word ‘May’ because Ms. Barba would have to be in agreement with my (Rush’s) legal advice moving forward,” Grant said as he read Rush’s email.
     If needed, Rush said he is prepared to serve as defense counsel at trial. However, this would depend on future events (such as Barba being restored to competency) which Rush cannot predict.
     Grant said that if Barba is returned to being ruled as mentally competent to go to trial, then attorneys Frisco and Rush could be on that defense team with the Grant Law Firm.
     The judge asked if it is likely Barba will be returned to mental competency to stand trial. Grant said the answer to that question is currently unknown. One expert has said Barba may be returned to competency and the other expert said they are unsure if Barba will ever be mentally competent to stand trial, Grant said.
     Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Daniel Rex Owen, the current lead prosecutor on this case, said he had nothing to add when Judge Groeb asked him.
     The judge explained to Barba that if she is returned to competency, then attorneys Grant, Blaisdell, Rush and Frisco would serve as her defense counsel. In the meantime, her defense attorneys are the Grant Law Firm.
     Barba said she understood that after Groeb asked her.
     Grant asked for a 12-month period to determine Barba’s competency. 
     Assistant State Attorney Owen then said that the Honorable Circuit Court Judge William E. Davis had previously set a date for trial review.
     That hearing remains set for Feb. 18, 2026, at 9 a.m., to review Barba’s ability to stand trial, according to court records.
     Judge Groeb ruled on Sept. 17 to leave that scheduled trial review in place on the court docket, and also to track if Barba is relocated to a proper state hospital before then.
     During a different court matter earlier that morning, there was another defendant who was ruled to be incompetent to stand trial due to mental health issues. During that part of that hearing, it was mentioned that the state is woefully short of enough beds for this type of criminal defendant-patient.


This video shows a hearing before the Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Robert K. Groeb with suspected murderer Kimberly Dawn Barba appearing. At the end, a woman in the courtroom yells ‘I love you, Kim!’ Apparently, the woman did not hear when a bailiff told people before court began that morning about speaking loudly when court was in session. To see and hear the video, click on the PHOTO.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

     As of this Sept. 17, hearing, Barba is ruled to be incompetent to participate in her own defense due to a mental health reason, according to records. In this hearing, an issue about one law firm leaving the case as defense counsel was resolved, and the next action in this case was set for February of 2026.
     The Florida Department of Children and Families note on its website under the title “State Mental Health Facility Services,” the following:
     Individuals determined by the court to require treatment in a state mental health facility are typically served by one of four maximum security facilities. These facilities have a combined capacity to serve 1,108 people. Individuals who do not require a secure setting may be directly admitted or transferred into one of three civil mental health treatment facilities. We admit over 1,450 individuals into our state treatment facilities on a yearly basis.
     To see the March 14, 2024 story, photos and video from the story titled 3 women – 1 dead, 1 wounded, 1 arrested; Suspected killer identified (Updated); ShandsCair 1 launches 
from Fowler’s Bluff, click HERE.
    To see the March 18, 2024 story titled Murder victim identified as Brenda Heberling, click HERE.
     To see the Sept. 3, 2025 story, photos and video Court contends with competency conundrum; Murder suspect sees case continuing, click HERE.
 

Gilchrist County sheriff addresses
cost of housing ICE detainees

Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz speaks to the County Commission on Monday evening (Sept. 15).

Story, Photos and Video
By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 16, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere 
     TRENTON – Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz on Monday evening (Sept. 15) why they will see invoices for payment from the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office and potentially the Levy County Sheriff’s Office.
     Despite the county recently completing a multimillion-dollar jail construction project, the recent choice of the state government and federal government to find and deport people who are in the country without proper authorization is taking unanticipated jail space.


Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz tells the Gilchrist County Commission on Sept. 15 that they may be seeing bills from the Dixie County Sheriff's Office or the Levy County Sheriff's Office for housing inmates from Gilchrist County due to requirements from holding federal detainees who are suspected as undocumented immigrants and who are being held by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). To watch and hear the video, click on the PHOTO.
Video by Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved

     As of Monday evening, the sheriff said, there is no problem.
     There could come a point, Sheriff Schultz continued, where too many people are taken into custody as ICE detainees at the jail, and then there will be some action, and unanticipated expense, required as a result.
     Classifying ICE detainees, he said, is difficult and it is important to properly house them, especially since he is the top law enforcement officer in Gilchrist County who is responsible for the care, custody and control of all the residents in the Gilchrist County Jail.
     There are limits where the sheriff can place the ICE detainees due to them being federal civil detainees, he said. They cannot be mixed in with the general population of suspected criminals or people who have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to serve time in the county jail.
     He said keeping these detainees is anticipated to be up to 48 hours before they are moved to different accommodations. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is transporting these detainees from the Gilchrist County Jail to other facilities, Schultz said,
     As for problems with space, it can happen, he said.
     If, for instance, there were seven ICE detainees arriving at one time, then some Gilchrist County Jail inmates would be moved to the Dixie County Jail or the Levy County Jail for them to hold the Gilchrist County inmates for a short time, he said.
     This avoids Gilchrist County facing lawsuits for housing inmates in the wrong areas for the classification they have, he explained.
     The sheriff said the jail has 60 to 65 inmates right now. There was a need to move inmates to create a cell or a pod for the ICE detainees, Schultz said.
     The sheriff said that the county will not see any state or federal reimbursement for housing ICE detainees for the first 48 hours they are at the jail. Those costs are to be covered by Gilchrist County, he said.
     Sheriff Schultz said he wanted to tell the County Commission in advance that if the clerk sees bills for housing inmates in other counties, this is the reason.
     County commissioners present for the Sept. 15 meeting were Wiliam “Bill” Martin, Darrell Smith, Tommy Langford and Kenrick Thomas. Commissioner Sharon Langford was absent.

WPD Protects And Serves

A Williston Police Department officer stops a sedan’s driver in Williston on Saturday (Sept. 6) on the road between Wendy’s and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, which are adjacent to Noble Avenue (U.S. Alt. 27). The three municipal law enforcement agencies in Levy County’s eight towns and cities are Cedar Key, Chiefland and Williston. They join the Levy County Sheriff’s Office in protecting and serving the people in this county every day and night.
Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 7, 2025 at 7 a.m.

USCG seizes 40,000 pounds of cocaine
through Operation Pacific Viper
Largest drug offload
in history at Port Everglades

Information and Photo Provided By USCG
Published Sept. 4, 2025 at 3 p.m.
     WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Coast Guard (USCG) announced today (Thursday, Sept. 4) it has seized more than 40,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since launching Operation Pacific Viper in early August, averaging in excess of 1,600 pounds of cocaine interdicted daily.
     These drug seizures, and the apprehension of 36 suspected drug smugglers, were the result of 14 interdictions since Aug. 8. 
     Through Operation Pacific Viper, the Coast Guard is accelerating counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, where significant transport of illicit drugs continues from South America.
     In coordination with international and interagency partners, the Coast Guard is surging additional assets -- cutters, aircraft and tactical teams -- to interdict, seize and disrupt transshipments of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs. These operations continue the Coast Guard’s efforts to protect the United States of America, project a maritime law enforcement presence and disrupt transnational criminal organizations and cartels seeking to produce and traffic illicit drugs into the United States. 
     “The U.S. Coast Guard brings unique authorities and unmatched capabilities as the world’s leader in maritime counter-drug operations,” said Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, acting deputy commandant for operations. “Our maritime fighting force is accelerating counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. We are leveraging our full range of capabilities to disrupt transnational criminal organizations and cartels and prevent the scourge of illicit drugs from reaching our communities. The men and women of the Coast Guard will not relent in our efforts to control, secure and defend U.S. borders and maritime approaches—where defense of America begins.” 
     Reflecting the early success of Operation Pacific Viper, Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton recently offloaded 76,140 pounds of drugs, including 61,740 of cocaine and 14,400 of marijuana, in Port Everglades, Florida. This historic milestone was the largest offload in USCG history, resulting from 19 interdictions in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. 
     Detecting and interdicting drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force-South, based in Key West, detects and monitors both aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Once interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the USCG throughout the interdiction and apprehension. Interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are performed by members of the USCG under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Southwest District, headquartered in Alameda, California.    
     The Coast Guard is the United States’ lead federal agency for maritime drug interdiction. It is part of the Department of Homeland Security.