Cross City Neighborhood Watch
invites all residents, businesses
and faith leaders
to monthly safety meeting on Dec. 1
Information Provided
Published Nov. 4, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.
     CROSS CITY -- The Cross City Neighborhood Watch is urging all community members, including residents, business owners and faith leaders, to attend its monthly meeting dedicated to enhancing community safety and collaboration.

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     These gatherings are crucial for creating a unified front against potential crime and vandalism across the city.
     The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. All sessions are held consistently every month at the Cross City Woman's Club (formerly known as the Dixie County Woman’s Club), 236 N.E. 134^th St., in Cross City, across the street from the courthouse.
     The purpose of these meetings is to provide a platform for active collaboration and information sharing. Attendees will discuss local concerns, review recent crime trends, and to share effective home and commercial security strategies.
     The Neighborhood Watch strongly encourages participation from all sectors—residential, commercial, and faith-based—as community safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond individual homes.
     “"The strength of our Neighborhood Watch comes directly from the engagement of our residents,” Cross City Vice Mayor Kirk Marhefka said. “These monthly sessions are essential for sharing timely information and ensuring that every block in Cross City is protected. We encourage anyone who cares about safety and community well-being to attend and lend their voice.”
     All Cross City and surrounding residents, whether long-time members or first-time attendees, are invited to actively contribute to making the city a safer place to live, work, and worship.
For more information, please email: Kirk Marhefka at councilseat1@townofcrosscity.com.

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Ginnie Springs makes pledge
Gilchrist County Commission
accepts by 4-0 vote
Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz
is not a party to the
Ginnie Springs-County Commission agreement

Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby (left) and Gilchrist County Attorney Duke Lang are seen in action on Oct. 3 at the regular twice-monthly meeting of the Gilchrist County Commission.

Story, Photos and Videos By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 4, 2025 at 7 p.m.
     TRENTON – It’s not all rainbows, roses and butterflies; however, after the horror from one Memorial Day Weekend at Ginnie Springs -- things appear to have changed, according to what was said during the regular twice-monthly meeting of the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners on Monday evening (Oct. 3).
     Two people died at Ginnie Springs over Memorial Day weekend in 2024 due to a shooting, with four people shot in total.
     By a 4-0 vote of the Gilchrist County Commission members present for the regular meeting on Oct. 3, and agreement between Ginnie Springs and the County Commission exists now.
     Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz told HardisonInk.com after the 4-0 vote that he and the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office are not parties to this agreement. The sheriff said he rejected an invitation to be a part of the agreement.
     Meanwhile on Monday evening, there was discussion about the agreement. The agreement passed on a 4-0 vote after a motion by Gilchrist County Commissioner Bill Martin was seconded by County Commissioner Kenrick Thomas with commissioners Tommy Langford and Darrell Smith also voting in favor of the Martin-Thomas motion.
     Commissioner Sharon A. Langford was absent due to a health issue, according to an announcement near the start of the meeting.
     Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby and Gilchrist County Attorney David Miller “Duke” Lang Jr. opened the discussion.
     Crosby said meetings with Attorney Patrice Flinchbaugh Boyes and an attorney for Ginnie Springs worked for about 18 months to reach what he calls “a very good agreement for the county, and for Ginnie Springs.”
     County Attorney Lang said the special exception passed by the County Commission in 1991 did not have a lot of foundation to show what could and could not occur at the park and springs.
     The deaths and injuries in 2024 led the owners to say they would turn from a party atmosphere to a more family-friendly usage of the recreational facilities, Land said.
     The written agreement showed Ginnie Springs Outdoors LLC (GSO) is a Florida limited liability company, operating within Gilchrist County. Ginnie Springs owns and operates Ginnie Springs recreational park (the “Park”) which consists of more than 200 acres and includes seven springs (Deer Spring, Twin Spring, Dogwood Spring, Ginnie Spring, and the three springs of the Devil Spring System), tent camping sites, pull through sites and water and electric sites, a country store/swim and dive shop, bath houses, picnic areas, recreation/conservation areas, parking and related amenities.
     The agreement between the county government and the private business show the parties entered into this agreement to improve public safety, reduce secondary impacts of the park on surrounding residents and public services, and to establish the terms and conditions by which GSO will continue to operate the park in a safe and secure manner.
     The 10-page document includes attachments that include a sign showing “Ginnie Springs is a Family Friendly Park. No Firearms. No Weapons. No Fighting. No Excessive Alcohol Consumption. No Lewd Displays or Behavior? ZERO TOLERANCE!”
     The rules are extensive and clear.
     They include the following items that are NEVER permitted: pets, Jet skis, rope swings, chainsaws, drones, metal detectors, air horns, generators deemed excessively allowed by park staff, personal compressors, surface supplied or umbilical diving equipment, dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, scooters, go karts, ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, Fire spinning, fireworks, firearms, BB or paintball guns, bows and arrows, water balloons, and DJ equipment.
     The rules include quiet time after midnight, Lang said, which is among the rules neighbors sought.
     When Sheriff Schultz spoke with the County Commission, he said he felt GSO has gone in the right direction. Schultz agreed with Crosby in regard to the amount of complaints from the park and springs.
     These rules appear to be working, Schultz said.


Gilchrist County Attorney Duke Lang, County Manager Bobby Crosby and some others speak about the agreement adopted by a 4-0 vote of the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 3 with the owners of Ginnie Springs. 
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved


Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz said the past year has shown Ginnie Springs is heading in the 'right direction' with it being more family oriented than party oriented. The sheriff told HardisonInk.com later that evening that he is not involved in this agreement between Ginnie Springs and the County Commission. 
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved


Gilchrist County Fire Chief James Campbell tells the Gilchrist County Commission on Oct. 3, about the three calls where Gilchrist Fire Rescue responded to Ginnie Springs during 2025 Memorial Day Weekend. He said things have improved in regard to the number and intensity of ambulance calls from the springs during peak holidays now.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved

Suspects Jailed Oct. 27, 2025 through Nov. 26, 2025
Published Nov. 3, 2025 at 2:45 p.m.

Suspects Jailed Oct. 27, 2025 through Nov. 26, 2025
Published Nov. 3, 2025 at 2:45 p.m.

Suspects Jailed Oct. 27, 2025 through Nov. 26, 2025
Published Nov. 3, 2025 at 2:45 p.m.

Dixie County pedestrian
dies in Columbia County
By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 2, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     LAKE CITY – A 46-year-old man with a Cross City residential address died after he was hit by an SUV late Saturday night (Nov. 1), according to information in a press release from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
     The man’s next of kin were not notified before the press release was sent at 2:43 a.m. on Nov. 2, the FHP said.
     The SUV, driven by a 76-year-old man with a Welborn residential address, was westbound on County Road 252, the FHP said. Wellborn is an unincorporated community in Suwannee County.
     The 46-year-old Dixie County man was walking westbound as he was not facing oncoming traffic, the FHP said, and he was in the fog line on the northern shoulder of CR 252 near Southwest Miracle Court. 
     The front right of the SUV hit the pedestrian at 11 p.m. on Nov. 1, the FHP said.
     After being hit by the SUV, the pedestrian came to final rest on the northern shoulder of CR 252, the FHP said. The vehicle came to a controlled stop on the northern shoulder of CR 252, west of the area of collision, the FHP said.
     The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene on Nov. 1 at 22:47 p.m., the FHP said. The SUV driver was not injured, the FHP said. The press release did not list whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt when the vehicle hit the pedestrian.

FHP launches monthlong
2025 Stuff The Charger
Nonperishable Food Drive today
Information Provided By FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins (and others)
Published Nov. 1, 2025 at 10:15 a.m.
     TAMPA – The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) today (Saturday, Nov. 1) started its monthlong Stuff The Charger mission.
     In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division of the FHP, announced the start of the annual “Stuff the Charger” food drive – a statewide effort to support Floridians this holiday season. 
    Today through Nov. 30, the FHP is collecting all non-perishable food donations for food banks across the state.
     “In addition to protecting Florida’s highways and interstate systems, the Florida Highway Patrol is committed to serving Florida’s communities through initiatives like ‘Stuff the Charger’,” FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner said. “Through your donations, you will be directly impacting families in need and spreading joy this holiday season.”
     The leader of the FHP spoke about Stuff The Charger, too.
     “This hurricane season impacted millions of Floridians, some more than others,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “As we head into the holiday season, please consider that every donation received has a positive impact on a fellow Floridian, perhaps even bringing a smile to a family when they need it most.”
     The FHP continues to partner with local organizations whose mission is to deliver food to Floridians in need. The FLHSMV’s goal is to continue the annual successful food drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Florida’s families during the upcoming holiday season.
     The following items are in great need:
     ● Canned Goods: canned meats, vegetables, fruits, and soups
     ● Dried Goods: stuffing, boxed potatoes, rice, cornbread mix, grits, cereal, and oatmeal
     ● Other Goods: nuts, peanut butter, evaporated milk, bottled water, and broth
     Anyone wishing to donate food can take their contributions to ANY local FHP station.
     The FHP station in Dixie County is at 16106 S.E. U.S. Highway 19, Cross City.
     The FHP station in Alachua County is at 6300 N.W. 13^th St., Gainesville.
     The FHP station in Columbia County is at 1350 W. U.S. Highway 90, Suite 101, Lake City.
     The FHP station in Marion County is at 600 S.E. 25^th Ave., Ocala.

17-year-old arrested
for shooting at homecoming bonfire

Story and Photo Provided
By Zach Moore, Public Information Officer
Office of the Sheriff, Marion County
Published Oct. 30, 2025 at 2:15 p.m.
     MARION COUNTY – On Tuesday (Oct. 28), Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Intelligence Unit Detective Anthony Esquivel arrested 17-year-old Zachary Sarrach, 17, for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm by a minor, carrying a concealed firearm, public discharge of a firearm, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
     On Sept. 28, MCSO deputies received a call for service in reference to a shooting that occurred the night prior, in the 2100 block of S.E. 52nd Court, Ocala, at a bonfire party to celebrate Forest High School’s homecoming.
     They received information that a physical altercation ensued, during which Sarrach wielded a handgun and fired multiple shots at a juvenile victim. Fortunately, the juvenile victim was not injured. The incident was witnessed by several people who identified the suspect.
     Deputies located a social media video of Sarrach with a firearm and several shots being fired at the victim. A still photo from the video was shared on MCSO’s social media pages in an attempt to identify him.
     On Oct. 3, Det. Esquivel was contacted by Ocala Police Department (OPD) Det. Joshua Zaino, who saw the “Can You Identify” post and recognized Sarrach from a previous interaction.
     Contact was then made with Sarrach’s parents. They advised that they also saw the social media post and positively identified Sarrach as the person involved.
     Detectives found that Sarrach had deactivated his social media accounts and expressed intentions to flee to Daytona.
     On Oct. 28, was transported to the MCSO Criminal Investigations Division by his mother, and he was taken into custody. During an interview, he admitted that he was armed with a firearm while at the party, had been involved in the altercation, and had threatened to shoot at a group of individuals if they attempted to attack him.
     Sarrach was placed under arrest and transported to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

Florida executes 15^th man in 2025
Murderous rapist has no last words

Florida Department of Corrections Communications Director Ted Veerman speaks to the few members of media present for a press conference after the execution on Tuesday evening (Oct. 28).

Story and Photos By John S. Koch of Independent News Service
HardisonInk.com Correspondent
Edited By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 29, 2025 at 8 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     STARKE (INS) – A 12-minute medical process on Tuesday evening (Oct. 28) ended the life of a convicted murderer and rapist who spent the last 27 years on Florida’s Death Row.
      The State of Florida executed Norman Mearle Grim Jr., 65, for the murder of his Pensacola neighbor, a lawyer named Cynthia Campbell, who was then 41.
     She died at Grim’s hands on July 27, 1998, after he sexually battered (raped) her, Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) Communications Director Ted Veerman said at the press conference immediately after the execution.
     “After she was reported missing,” Veerman said, “fishermen found Miss Campbell’s body off the Pensacola the Pensacola Bay Bridge. She had suffered multiple blunt-force injuries to her face and head, consistent with hammer blows. And she was stabbed 11 times in the chest. Seven of the stab wounds penetrated the victim’s heart. Physical evidence, including DNA, tied Grim to Miss Campbell’s murder.”
     On Dec. 21, 2000, Grim was convicted of sexual battery and first-degree murder, Veerman said. The sentence of death, that had been levied on the defendant by the court, was carried out on Oct. 28 at 6:14 p.m., he said. The execution took place without incident, Veerman said.
     There were no representatives of the victim at the press conference after the execution. The members of the media had no questions to ask of the FDOC Communications director.
     Grim had no last words, no family to visit him in his last hours, declined the services of a religious counselor, and Grim never indicated any remorse for what he did.
     The time between when the prison Team Warden asked for any last words to the prison Team warden saying to the executioner, “The execution phase has begun,” at 6:02 p.m., a then medical assistant declaring Grim dead at 6:14 p.m., took 12 minutes to complete. 


Media representatives take notes after Grim was executed. The few media representatives for this execution included no television camera crew members.

     A few weeks ago, during an Oct. 1 hearing in Santa Rosa County (First Judicial Circuit Court), Grim waived pursuing all legal attempts to try to prevent his execution. The First Judicial Circuit is one of 20 judicial circuits in Florida, and it serves four counties -- Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton.
     Grim told the trial court judge that he wanted to stop all appeals and he wanted to die.
     During the court proceedings, Grim requested that the proceedings be stopped, and the court found him competent to make that decision and issued an order to that effect. The trial judge then said, “The defendant was alert, understood the English language, and was not under the influence of anything that would impair his judgment or prevent him from thinking clearly.”
     Grim became be the 15^th inmate executed this year in Florida, and two additional death warrants are scheduled to be fulfilled in November, making the total of at least 17 executions that could take place this year.
     The state continues its record-breaking pace for executions in one year in 2025.
     As of now, 40 people have been executed in the United States in 2025, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. This includes 33 by lethal injection, five by nitrogen hypoxia, and two by firing squad.
     Wayne C. Doty is currently the only inmate in Florida who has chosen the electric chair for his execution. Doty is on Florida Death Row after being sentenced to death in 2018 for the murder of a fellow inmate, according to FDOC records.
     Bryan Fredrick Jennings is the next man slated for execution in Florida, and that sentence is scheduled currently to be completed Nov. 13, according to records.

Florida Executions:
‘No one is forced to do it’
By John S. Koch of Independent News Service
HardisonInk.com Correspondent
Published Oct. 23, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
     STARKE (INS) - Florida is setting records for executing lawfully convicted murderers, with 14 completed so far in 2025 and three more scheduled for the next few weeks. 
     The rising number of executions in the Florida State Prison in Starke has raised some concerns for those Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) staff who carry out the lawful orders of the court, and the effect that it may have on them. According to documents and FDOC policies, Florida Statutes, and a reliable source and a former FDOC employee, the members of the execution team at the Florida State Prison near Starke come from all over the state.
     Not all are employees at the Florida State Prison where the executions take place.
     They all undergo intensive training, beginning with the executioner and progressing to the team warden, who leads the group during the whole process. 
     The source said, “Each member of the team is a volunteer and cannot be ordered or forced to join the execution team. No one is told to participate.”
     The source also mentioned that there are backups for the first person chosen for execution. Still, if they felt they could not fulfill their responsibilities as a team member, they could decline to serve in that position. 
     “We have backup and more backups if someone wanted out.”
      In addition to intensive, detailed training, team members are constantly asked whether they are OK or feel they can’t complete their jobs. “
     If you cannot participate, you can always opt out,” the source said.
     Policy and regulations dictate that there be ample personnel to carry out the duties of an execution team. In addition, FDOC employees at the prison have an extensive health plan that includes counseling to deal with mental health issues, not only for members of the execution team, but also includes the staff at the prison where they take place.
     The state also provides counseling sessions and ongoing supervision to ensure help is provided when needed. According to FDOC policy, the procedure (to execute a convicted and sentenced individual) is comparable with evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society, the concepts of the dignity of man, and advances in science and research, pharmacology, and technology.
     The process (of an execution) will not involve unnecessary lingering or the unnecessary or wanton infliction of pain and suffering. The foremost objective of the lethal injection process is to provide “a humane and dignified death.”
     The last use of the electric chair in Florida was on July 8, 1999, during the execution of Allen Lee Davis. The execution was reported to be botched, with witnesses observing blood leaking from Davis’s nose during the process.
     This incident raised concerns about the use of the electric chair as a method of execution. After his execution, Florida switched to lethal injection as the primary method of execution during the 2020 legislative session.
     However, inmates can still choose electrocution if they wish.
     Wayne C. Doty is currently the only inmate in Florida who has chosen the electric chair for his execution. Doty is on death row after being sentenced to death in 2018 for the murder of a fellow inmate.

FHP corrects time of fatal crash
Chiefland man dies in Levy County crash
Other wreck brings response in Chiefland


This dash cam view is from a 2013 Nissan Juke going northbound on Northwest 70th Avenue. It turns right at the blinking light instead of continuing north, per the law enforcement direction. The Juke’s driver arrived in Dixie County as anticipated to cover an event at the Putnam Lodge Wednesday (Oct. 22) morning and afternoon. Click on the PHOTO to watch the video. Audio is muted to avoid engine noises.

Story, Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 22, 2025 at 10:30 p.m.
* UPDATED Oct. 24, 2025 at 8 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     LEVY COUNTY – An 83-year-old Chiefland man died in the late afternoon on Wednesday, Oct. 22), when a semi hit his SUV, according to a press release from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) that was sent at 8:21 p.m.
     The next of kin were notified before the press release was sent, the FHP said.
     The man driving the SUV stopped at the stop sign as he was driving eastbound on Levy County Road 347 where it crosses U.S. Highway 19, according to the press release that was based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper Robert Davis and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. Richard Crawford.
     A 32-year-old man from Reddick (a town in Marion County) was driving the semi-tractor that was pulling a trailer as it went southbound, the FHP said, at 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 22.
     * (Before the correction sent at 6:17 a.m. on Oct. 24 from the FHP, the previous time was noted as 3:45 a.m. on Oct. 22 rather than 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 22.)
     The SUV driver proceeded into the intersection, the FHP said, causing the front of the semi to hit into with the left (driver’s) side of the vehicle with the Chiefland man in it. 
     The SUV and the semi entered the west shoulder where the semi rolled over, the FHP said. Both vehicles came to a final rest on the west shoulder, the FHP said.
     Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, the FHP. While the SUV driver died, the FHP said, the semi driver suffered minor injuries.
     While the fatal crash was at 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 22, another crash happened in the city limits at the corner of State Road 320 West (Manatee Springs Road) at the blinking traffic light west of U.S. Highway 19.
     That first crash of the day was a bit after 10 a.m. on Oct. 22. It may have been investigated by the Chiefland Police Department, which was on that scene with Chiefland Fire Rescue and Levy County Fire Rescue (aka Levy County Department of Public Safety).
     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 Correctional Institution
K-9 Team wins statewide event

The First Place Winning Team from Cross City Correctional Institution is (from left) Sgt. Timothy Bussey, Officer Thomas Albach, Officer Larry Keen and Sgt. Mitchell O'Steen.

Information and Photo Provided By FDOC - Blur By HardisonInk.com
Published Oct. 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.
     BROOKSVILLE -- The Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) recently hosted the 2025 Statewide K9 Tracking and Training Event in Brooksville.
     This event serves as an advanced training and competition opportunity for top-qualifying FDC K9 tracking teams from across the state to showcase their abilities and share best practices for responding to incidents and emergencies.
The Winning Teams
     ● First Place - Cross City Correctional Institution (Cross City)
     ● Second Place - Mayo Correctional Institution (Mayo)
     ● Third Place - DeSoto Correctional Institution (Arcadia)
     ● First Place Shooting Team - Okeechobee Correctional Institution (Indiantown)
      “Our K9 tracking teams are an integral part of public safety in Florida and we are greatly appreciative of the support we receive from Gov. (Ron) DeSantis and the incredible sheriffs we partner with to serve the local communities where our teams live and work,” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky D. Dixon. “These events are a testament to our dedication to continuous improvement. During every activation our K9 teams respond to, there are lives on the line that depend on us to be at our best.”
     FDC K9 tracking teams are primarily designated for pursuing escaped inmates; however, such instances have become infrequent in modern times thanks to advanced technology. As a result, these teams are frequently deployed within surrounding communities to aid local law enforcement in capturing dangerous fugitives and locating missing children or vulnerable adults.
      “This event brings together the top eight teams from regional competitions across the state, culminating in a showcase of the state's absolute best,” said Florida Department of Corrections Special Teams Coordinator Jonathan “Danny” Rummel. “Each year, these teams compete to see who has trained the hardest and perfected their skills. It's not just about winning; it's about public safety and ensuring that our facilities and communities remain secure. This event highlights the dedication and hard work of our teams, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments."
     The timed and scored sessions throughout the event included rigorous day and night courses focused on tracking human scent, conditioning for rough terrain, firearms proficiency, and distance progression for K9 tracking teams. These scenario-based courses ensure FDC K9 officers and their tracking dogs are trained and prepared to serve alongside local law enforcement and keep their local communities safe and secure.

FWC Dive Team rescues boaters
from sinking vessel in Crystal River

Information and Photo Provided By FWC
Published Oct. 16, 2025 at 10 a.m.
     CITRUS COUNTY – On Monday (Oct. 13), members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) North Central Region Dive Team prevented a potentially tragic outcome for boaters in Crystal River.

     The team was heading offshore to investigate a previously located capsized vessel when they observed a recreational boat returning to shore that appeared to be experiencing mechanical trouble. A good Samaritan nearby hailed the officers over VHF Channel 16 to request assistance for the vessel. Upon making contact, officers discovered the vessel had begun taking on water, one of its motors had failed, and the operator was attempting to reach a nearby island to beach the vessel before it sank.
     There were four people aboard, including an older woman with limited mobility. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the FWC officers pulled alongside the distressed vessel while it was underway. They safely lifted the woman and assisted two additional passengers onto the patrol boat, instructing the operator to put on a life preserver. Almost immediately after the transfer was completed, the vessel capsized and overturned.
     The officers immediately directed the operator to move clear of the vessel as it overturned before rescuing him onto their patrol boat. Their swift actions ensured that all four individuals were safely removed from danger.
      After ensuring everyone’s safety, the officers and the good Samaritan retrieved personal belongings floating nearby and assisted the vessel operator in contacting a commercial salvage company before transporting all four individuals safely back to shore.
      “I am extremely proud of this team of officers,” said Maj. Scott Lee, FWC North Central Regional Commander. “They were in the right place at the right time and used their extensive training to manage a situation that could have had a very different outcome without their quick thinking and decisive actions.”
     The FWC Dive Teams are specialized units designed around the agency’s unique law enforcement and emergency response responsibilities. Equipped with advanced training and specialized gear, these teams provide critical underwater capabilities across Florida’s waterways. Their missions include responding to boating accidents, derelict or sunken vessels, evidence and body recoveries, homeland security threats, and other specialized underwater operations.