Levy County Emergency Response

Two Levy County Sheriff’s Office cruisers, one squad truck from Chiefland Fire Rescue and one ambulance from Levy County Department of Public Safety (Levy County Fire Rescue) are seen on Northwest 100th Avenue at Northwest 56th Place in the unrecorded subdivision known as Jemlands. These vehicles were noticed at about 6:55 p.m. on Friday (June 9).


A short time later on the same day at the same general area on Northwest 100th Avenue -- south of Levy County Road 347, the ambulance remains. This is one of the many scenes where members of the various municipal fire departments join forces with the county first responders to help the residents and visitors of Levy County.
Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © June 10, 2023 at 3 p.m.

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Drug arrest shows
suspected repeat of activity
Sheriff has said help is available

Mug Shot By GCSO

By Jeff M. Hardison © June 10, 2023 at 10:15 a.m.
     GILCHRIST COUNTY – During a recent visit to the Rotary Club of Gilchrist County, Sheriff Bobby Schultz told the Rotarians that his agency can direct people to agencies to aid them stop abusing illegal drugs.     However -- people who continue to violate laws related to drugs, including the individuals who exploit others by selling illegal drugs, will be arrested and jailed, he said. And there is a relatively strong likelihood that with the proper arrest by deputies with the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office will prosecute and win the case – resulting in jail terms, prison sentences, probation sentences, fines, court costs and the like for lawbreakers.
     A recent arrest, according to information in a GCSO press release, shows there is reason to believe some people keep breaking laws even after they have been caught before.
     As a result of a drug investigation that was conducted by GCSO Deputy Dominic Marchione and Investigator NFN Langford, a warrant was issued by Gilchrist County Court Judge Sheree H. Lancaster for Donald Wayne Calvert, 43, of High Springs for possession of methamphetamine.
     The arrest warrant included a bond of $100,000, set by the Honorable Gilchrist County Court Judge Langford.
     On Friday (June 9) GCSO Sgt. NFN Dyle, Deputy NFN Nettles, and K-9 Deputy NFN Frickie went to Calvert’s residence in Gilchrist County to arrest Calvert on the warrant, the GCSO said.
     Calvert was found at his residence and was taken into custody, the GCSO said, “but things only got worse for Calvert during the arrest as they found in his possession an additional 19.37 grams of methamphetamine.”
     Calvert was transported to the Gilchrist County Jail where he was arrested on his warrant, the GCSO said, and additional charges of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (methamphetamine) with a bond of $100,000 and trafficking in methamphetamine with a bond of $400,000, which was set by Judge Lancaster, were added.
     The investigation is ongoing with more charges anticipated, the GCSO said.
     “It should be noted that Calvert was recently released from prison for trafficking narcotics, as a result of a 2017 undercover drug investigation conducted by the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office. Calvert has 14 previous felony convictions,” the GCSO said.   
     Sheriff Schultz commented about this arrest.
     “The ‘One Team, One Mission,’ philosophy was on full display during this investigation and arrest. The Communications Division, Patrol Division, Investigative Division and Correctional Division continue to work together in our ongoing efforts to make Gilchrist County a safer place to live, work and raise our families.”
 

CCSO nabs suspected
fentanyl drug trafficker

Graphic Provided By CCSO

Information Provided
By CCSO Community Relations Specialist Madeline Scarborough
Published June 10, 2023 at 7:45 a.m.
     CITRUS COUNTY -- A surveillance operation conducted by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Wednesday evening (June 7) resulted in the seizure of 21.9 grams (seven-tenths of one ounce) of fentanyl and the arrest of Stephen Kiernan, 25, of Floral City.
     Floral City is a census-designated place in Citrus County.
     Agents in the CCSO's Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) learned through investigation that Kiernan was distributing fentanyl throughout Citrus County on a daily basis. Wednesday evening, TIU detectives witnessed Kiernan, who has had a suspended driver's license since 2022, get into his vehicle and leave his residence.
     “Our agency will continue to fight against and protect our residents from this weapon of mass destruction,” Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said. “It is important to stop illicit narcotics from being brought into our county in the first place. The TIU's dedication to halting the distribution train into Citrus County is truly commendable, and thanks to their hard work we have one less dealer and over 21 grams of fentanyl off our streets.”
     Later in the evening, Kiernan's vehicle arrived back in Citrus County from Marion County and a traffic stop was initiated by K-9 Deputy Kyle Riemer near the intersection of North Carl G. Rose Highway and East Stokes Ferry Road.
     Kiernan fled in the vehicle, leading to a brief pursuit before a tire deflation device was deployed.
     Kiernan continued traveling south at a low speed with his tires flattened, exiting the highway and making a left turn onto East Orchid Street. He then turned onto North Flower Terrace, and went south to East Delight Street, and continued fleeing toward North Carl G. Rose Highway.
     While on Delight Street, Kiernan drove the vehicle across the opposite lane of traffic and went into a residential front yard. He opened the driver's side door for a short period. The vehicle then returned to the roadway and turned left back onto North Carl G. Rose Highway before coming to a complete stop along that highway.
     A felony stop was conducted, and Kiernan was taken into custody without incident.
     Deputy Riemer then deployed his K-9 partner Ranger for a free air sniff around the exterior of the vehicle and received a positive alert for the presence of a controlled substance.
     Within the vehicle, detectives observed white powder on the interior and located a clear glass smoking pipe on the front driver's side floorboard. The pipe and white powder both yielded a positive test for the presence of fentanyl.
     Deputies further located a fountain drink cup on South Delight Street and observed a white substance scattered throughout the ground, where Kiernan briefly stopped during the pursuit. The white powdery substance yielded a positive result for the presence of fentanyl.
     The fentanyl located near the cup provided a weight of 11.5 grams. The fentanyl located inside the vehicle provided a total weight of 3.7 grams. The liquid inside the cup contained fentanyl and provided a weight of 6.7 grams. The total weight of fentanyl collected was approximately 21.9 grams, which as noted earlier is almost one ounce.
     Kiernan was charged with one count of trafficking fentanyl; one count of fleeing and eluding law enforcement officer with lights and sirens activated and wanton disregard; one count of tampering with evidence; one count of possession of drug paraphernalia; and one count of knowingly driving while license suspended.
     Combined bonds for the suspect were set at $64,000 per the bond schedule.

Sex offender arrested for not registering
Combined bonds set at $200,000

Mug Shot By GCSO

By Jeff M. Hardison © June 7, 2023
     TRENTON – Gilchrist County Court Judge Sheree H. Lancaster set combined bonds at $200,000 for a convicted sex offender who failed to abide by Florida law, according to information posted on a social media site by the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office.
     On April 29, GCSO Deputy NFN Williams went to document convicted sex offender, Stephen Swackhammer’s address, the GCSO said.
     The 43-year-old man has a registered address of 7239 S.E. 81st Place in Trenton, the GCSO said.
     This was a routine sexual offender address verification.
     As a part of the verification process, Deputy Williams completed a field intelligence report and a sex offender address verification form, the GCSO. The Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office uses forms to document routine sex offender address checks, the GCSO said.
     During the check, Deputy Williams noticed possible violations by Swackhammer.
     The information was turned over to the investigations division and was investigated by Lt. NFN Cumbie.
     Swackhammer was arrested and transported to the Gilchrist County Jail and was charged with eight counts of sex offender failure to register as required, due to having seven Internet accounts without the identifiers registered, and one vehicle not reported as required, the GCSO said.
     As noted, Swackhammer’s total bond was set at $200,000 by Gilchrist County Court Judge Lancaster for the eight violations.
 

Suspected thief arrested

Mug Shot By DCSO

By Jeff M. Hardison © June 7, 2023 at 8:45 p.m.
     DIXIE COUNTY – A man suspected of stealing fishing poles and water shoes was arrested Tuesday (June 6), according to a social media post by the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office.
     The man allegedly had meth on him, too, the DCSO noted.
     Thomas Gainey was charged with grand theft and possession of a controlled substance, the DCSO said.
     On June 6 at approximately 10:36 p.m., DCSO Deputy B. Stone was dispatched to Gornto Springs Campground in reference to a theft, the DCSO said.
     Deputy Stone met with the victims, who said they had some fishing poles stolen. Victims said that they later located them underneath a camper, the DCSO said.
     Deputy Stone retrieved the stolen property. While Deputy Stone was working on solving the case, another victim approached him and said he was missing fishing poles and a pair of water shoes, the DCSO said.
     Deputy Stone found reasonable cause to arrest Gainey for the thefts, the DCSO said. After being placed in hand restraints, Gainey was searched, and he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, the DCSO said.
 

White woman arrested
after shooting black woman to death

Photo Provided By MCSO
(Booking Photo To Be Completed Later)

By Jeff M. Hardison © June 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
     MARION COUNTY -- Skirmishes between neighbors ended in a shooting death June 2 and the alleged shooter was arrested June 6, according to information in a June 7 press release from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
     On June 6, 2023, MCSO Major Crimes Det. Ryan Stith arrested Susan Louise Lorincz, 58, of Ocala for the killing of 35-year-old Ajike Owens, according to information in the press release sent by the MCSO Public Information Office.
     Lorincz will not be attending first appearance today (June 7), MCSO Public Information Officer Zach Moore noted. She is undergoing testing to be medically cleared prior to being placed inside of a cell at the Marion County Jail, Moore said.
     Once she is medically cleared, first appearance will be scheduled and that is expected that to be tomorrow, Moore said.
     Lorincz will not be present in the courtroom because inmates attend first appearance via video call from the Marion County Jail, Moore said.     
     The actions leading up to the planned first appearance started on Friday (June 2), according to records.
     On June 2, at approximately 9 p.m., MCSO deputies were responding to a trespassing call in the 1600 block of Southwest 107th Lane in Ocala when another call was received about a shooting at the same location, the MCSO said.
     When deputies arrived, they located Owens in front of Lorincz's apartment, suffering from a gunshot wound, the MCSO said. Deputies rendered aid to Owens until Marion County Fire Rescue responded and transported her to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where she died from her injuries, the MCSO said.
     The Major Crimes Unit responded to begin its investigation. That night, and during the days that followed, interviews were conducted with the witnesses to the shooting, including Owen’s children, who were interviewed on June 5 by forensic interviewers from Kimberly’s Center who specialize in interviewing children, the MCSO said.
     Lorincz was interviewed by detectives. In addition to these interviews, detectives gathered and reviewed forensic evidence, digital evidence and surveillance footage obtained from various sources. Detectives reviewed details of prior incidents and calls for service involving Lorincz and Owens, the MCSO said.
     The evidence gathered during the investigation established that over a period of time Lorincz had become angry at Owens’ children who were playing in a field close to her home, the MCSO said.
     On June 2, Lorincz engaged in an argument with the children and was overhead yelling at them by a neighbor, the MCSO said. During this argument, Lorincz allegedly threw a roller skate at Owens’ 10-year-old son, reportedly striking the child in the toe, the MCSO said.
     She denied throwing skates at a child, according to records.
     After this, when the child and his 12-year-old brother went to speak to Lorincz, she opened her door and is alleged to have swung an umbrella at them, the MCSO said. The children told their mother, Owens, about what allegedly had happened, the MCSO said. 
     She denied swinging an umbrella at children, according to records.
     Owens approached Lorincz’s home, knocked on the door multiple times, and demanded that Lorincz come outside, according to the MCSO.
     Lorincz then fired one shot through the door, striking Owens in her upper chest, the MCSO said. At the time she was shot, Owens’ 10-year-old son was standing beside her, the MCSO said.
     When interviewed, Lorincz claimed that she acted in self-defense and that Owens had been trying to break down her door prior to her discharging her firearm, the MCSO said. Lorincz claimed that Owens had come after her in the past and had previously attacked her, the MCSO said.
     Through the investigation conducted by the MCSO, including obtaining the statements of eyewitnesses who only came forward as late as yesterday (June 6), detectives established that Lorincz’s actions were not justifiable under Florida law.
     Lorincz was arrested for manslaughter with a firearm, a first-degree felony punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, the MCSO said. She also was arrested for culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault, the MCSO said.
     “I want to thank my detectives for working tirelessly to fully investigate this case,” Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said. “I also want to thank Ms. Owens’ family for their patience as we conducted the diligent investigation that we were bound by law to conduct.
     “Ms. Lorincz’s fate is now in the hands of the judicial system,” Sheriff Woods continued, “which I trust will deliver justice in due course. As I go to bed tonight, I will be saying a prayer for Ms. Owens’ children and the rest of her family. I’d ask all of you to do the same.”
 

Law enforcement strives
to reduce death toll
from illegal firearms use in North Florida
Information Provided
By Administrative Services Specialist Libby Lastinger
Assisting United States Attorney Jason R. Coody
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida
Sent June 6, 2023 at 3:49 p.m.
Published June 6, 2023 at 8:15 p.m.
     TALLAHASSEE – Acts of gun violence are far too frequent in communities throughout the Northern District of Florida. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences.     The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use or possess firearms.
      “The investigation and prosecution of violent crime is central to our mission to protect the public,” said Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “We will continue to utilize every resource available to us to make our streets safe. Our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe and serve a critical role in our efforts to combat violent crime.”
     The most effective way to reduce gun violence is through partnerships – federal, state, and local agencies working together to effectively enforce the laws. This strategy has been successful in this area, including such cooperative initiatives as: ALLin LEON, and the Gainesville Gun Violence Initiative, which are making a meaningful difference to reduce gun violence in the Northern District of Florida.
      “ALLin LEON” is a comprehensive plan to unify people, agencies, and organizations to work collaboratively to reduce crime in Leon County. It is a partnership which allows all stakeholders to work towards a common goal. “ALLin LEON” is comprised of four components: prevention, re-entry, enforcement, and community involvement. Each component seeks to use reliable data to implement proven strategies. The joint federal, state and local strike force is a concerted effort to crack down on violent crime under the Leon County Sheriff’s Office ALLin LEON umbrella. This initiative has engaged community volunteers to regularly take at-risk youth to places of worship, activated Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, and conducted other activities to target neighborhoods that are perennial hotspots for violence. The effort also aims to help connect individuals who are reentering the community from incarceration with education, job skills, and substance abuse treatment.
     Gainesville Gun Violence Initiative (GVI) is a joint effort of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The Gainesville GVI was established in April of 2019, by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida in an effort to stem the escalating gun violence in Gainesville and the surrounding area. As GVI partners, the State Attorney’s Office for the Eight Judicial Circuit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Alachua Police Department, the University of Florida Police Department, and the Florida Department of Corrections share this commitment to protecting public safety.
     Intelligence tools come in many forms. One source is the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which digitally analyzes and compares fired shell casings to help investigators link shootings that may have previously seemed unrelated. Administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the system is being used at more than 250 sites as a crime gun intelligence tool by law enforcement agencies around the country.
      “Extending NIBIN technology to state and local agencies strengthens our collective ability to identify trigger-pullers before they shoot again,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk D. Howard. “ATF works hand-in-hand with our partners because no one agency can reduce the level of violence gun crime in North Florida alone.”
     To learn more about ATF and its crime gun intelligence programs, please visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/tools-services-law-enforcement.
     Gun violence is an acute problem across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. firearm homicide rate in 2021 was the highest documented since 1993. While the numbers have slightly declined since 2021, they remain high.
     In 2021, for the first time ever, firearm-related injuries became the leading cause of death for American children, ages 1 year old to 19 years old, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
     The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. 

Williston man dies in crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © June 6, 2023 at 3:45 p.m.
     ALACHUA COUNTY – A 33-year-old Williston man died as the result of a crash Monday night (June 5) the Florida Highway Patrol noted in a June 6 press release.
     The victim’s next-of-kin had not been notified as of the June 6 press release sent at 9 a.m.
     A pickup truck was traveling southbound on Southwest Alachua County Road 241 (Southwest 170th Street), north of the City of Archer, at 9:30 p.m. on Monday night (June 5), according to the FHP press release based on information from crash and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. N. Hagedorn.
      The pickup truck drifted off of the roadway partially onto the
western grassy shoulder, the FHP said. The driver oversteered the pickup truck to the left traveling across the roadway and onto the
eastern grassy shoulder, where it struck several trees and came to rest within the tree line, the FHP said.
     Area neighbors heard a loud noise around 9:30 p.m. on June 5, but the pickup truck was not discovered until after daybreak the next morning on June 6, the FHP said. The man, who was the only occupant, was pronounced dead on the scene by Alachua County Fire Rescue, the FHP said.
     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 Florida version of something known as “Marcy’s Law” of California, which is reportedly used to protect alleged 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/     
 

Man arrested for attempted murder
after shooting incident 
By CCSO Community Relations Specialist Madeline Scarborough
Published June 6, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.
     CITRUS COUNTY -- Sixty-seven-year-old Oscar Omar Delbono of Homosassa is being held without bond for the charge of attempted murder, following a shooting incident on Sunday, June 4, at the Dollar General located at 6798 W. Gulf to Lake Highway in Crystal River.
     Through a preliminary investigation, Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) detectives determined that the suspect, later identified as Delbono, got into a verbal dispute with the victim at the entrance of the store. Following the dispute, Delbono walked to his vehicle, put his items inside, and grabbed his .45 caliber handgun. He then walked across the parking lot, where he confronted the victim, who was attempting to get into their car.
     Witnesses advised that they watched the defendant point the firearm at the victim and fire multiple times. No one observed the victim with a weapon.
     Six shell casings were located just feet from the victim's vehicle. The victim was shot a total of four times, twice in the abdominal area, once in the elbow, and a single round grazing the victim's side. At this time, the victim remains in critical, but stable condition.
     “Thoughtless and avoidable acts of violence such as this are shocking to our entire community,” Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said. “I am proud of the quick response of our deputies and detectives who ensured this incident was isolated and our citizens were safe.
     The sheriff added that when law enforcement officers run without hesitation to respond to incidents with gunfire, it is a reminder of the perilous situations they face to protect the residents and visitors in the community.
 

FWC reports zero boating fatalities
over Memorial Day weekend
About 100 BUIs
and 30-plus boating accidents
Information Provided
By Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Published June 6, 2023 at 7 a.m.
     TALLAHASSEE – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers with the FWC Division of Law Enforcement had one main objective over Memorial Day weekend: to keep boaters safe.
     Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer and is one of the biggest boating holidays of the year. Partnering with other law enforcement agencies, FWC officers were proactive in getting boating safety messaging out to the public before the weekend and were on the lookout for reckless or impaired vessel operators.
     Between May 27 and May 29, FWC officers removed approximately 100 unsafe and impaired vessel operators across the state of Florida for boating under the influence and responded to over 30 boating accidents. There were zero fatalities reported during this time. 
      “I credit the visibility and the hard work of our officers and partner agencies educating the public, removing impaired boaters from behind the wheel and responding quickly to accidents. Nothing would make me happier than to report the number zero every year,” said Lt. Col. Brian Smith, acting director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “Florida is considered the boating and fishing capital of the world for good reason. Operating a vessel while impaired not only puts yourself and everyone on board in danger but also everyone else around you trying to enjoy a great weekend on the water.”
     FWC officers were laser-focused on boating safety enforcement over the busy holiday weekend. Statewide, officers issued more than 4,000 warnings and nearly 900 citations for boating violations. They responded to more than 40 emergency calls for assistance and search and rescue.
     The FWC reminds all boaters to enjoy time with friends and family but do so safely and don’t forget to designate a sober operator before departing from the dock.
     To report dangerous boating activity, individuals can submit anonymous tips by texting Tip411 (847411) with the keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or they can call 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Suspects Jailed May 29, 2023 through June 4, 2023
Published June 5, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Suspects Jailed May 29, 2023 through June 4, 2023
Published June 5, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Suspects Jailed May 29, 2023 through June 4, 2023
Published June 5, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Officers shoot and kill man
in Home Depot parking lot
OPD to release more later

Photo and Information Provided 
OPD Public Information Officer By Jeff Walczak
Published June 4, 2023 at 8 a.m.
     OCALA – Yesterday (Saturday, June 3) at 8:53 a.m., a concerned mother called the Ocala Police Department about her son making suicidal threats and that he was at the Home Depot, on State Road 200, in Ocala.
     The mother gave a physical and vehicle description. 
     Officers arrived, approached the vehicle on foot, and made contact with the subject. Officers spoke with the man and attempted to deescalate the situation, but ultimately he fired a handgun. Officers returned fire and fatally struck the man. No officers were injured.
     This officer-involved shooting incident is now under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). More details will be given when available to release.

Two arrested for $80,000 phone scam
targeting elderly victim
Both suspects released on bond

Story and Photos Provided
By Jeff Walczak, Public Information Officer
Ocala Police Department
Published June 2, 2023 at 9 a.m.
     OCALA - A 69-year-old female victim reported being scammed out of $30,000 and an additional $50,000 on two separate occasions, for a total loss of $80,000.
     The scam started on May 23, when she received a pop-up message on her iPad claiming her bank had been compromised and that she needed to call a 1-(833) number.
     She called the telephone number and the scammer told her she was a suspect in a child pornography case. The scammer posed as her financial institution and told the victim that a $30,000 purchase of child pornography was made in China. In order to resolve the issue, she needed to pay $30,000.
     During this phone call, she was transferred to various illegitimate “departments” like her bank, the Federal Communication Commission, and the United States Department of Treasury.
     Frightened of being arrested, she withdrew the money from her bank and followed the scammer's instructions by going to a Bitcoin ATM at a gas station to transfer the cash to a cryptocurrency account.
     The scam did not end there.
     The next day, the scammer contacted her again, demanding an additional $50,000. Again, she withdrew cash from her bank, and the scammers wanted her to transfer the money the same way as before. This time, she refused because she did not feel safe carrying that much money, so the phone scammer advised someone would come to her house to collect it.
     Sometime later, an Indian male arrived at her residence in a car. She handed the money to the subject inside the vehicle but could only see the side of his face.
     When the suspect left, the victim called the Ocala Police Department to report the incident. She advised that she only gave the money because she was scared that she would be killed if she didn't.
     She was told by the scammer that she would be contacted again at around 10 a.m. the following day.
     On May 25, detectives were in the area of the victim's residence and were told around 10 a.m. that the scammer had called back. 
     This time, she was again requested to withdraw $50,000 and that someone would pick the money up from her residence. Eventually, a car arrived and parked in front of the victim's residence and the detectives conducted a traffic stop.
     The driver, Jayarami Kuruguntla, and the passenger, Parth Patel, were both identified and taken to the Ocala Police Department.
     During questioning, Kuruguntla claimed he didn't know the purpose of their trip to Ocala and denied any knowledge of picking up money or a package. Patel initially lied, stating they came to hang out and have dinner but later stated they were supposed to pick up a package at the victim's address for a friend in India.
     Both Det. T. Barth and Det. M. Pfeifer arrested Patel and Kuruguntla and they were then transported to the Marion County Jail.
     Patel was charged with organized fraud ($50,000 or more) and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Kuruguntla was charged with larceny ($50,000 or more from someone 65 years old or older) and fraud-swindle to obtain property $50,000 or more.
     Detectives requested that both would be held in jail at no bond because Patel is not a United States citizen, both may have access to large sums of money due to scamming people, and both could be a flight risk.
     Both have bonded out of jail.
     Here are some essential tips to help stay safe against phone scammers:
     📞 BE SKEPTICAL: Don't be afraid to be skeptical towards unsolicited phone calls that demand immediate payments. 
     📞 GUARD YOUR PERSONAL INFO: Never share sensitive data like passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank information online or over the phone unless you're certain of the legitimacy of the request.
     📞 VERIFY BEFORE TRUSTING: If someone claims to be from a company or organization, independently verify their identity by contacting them directly using the official contact information.
     📞 DON'T RUSH INTO DECISIONS: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you. Take your time, do research, and seek advice from trusted sources before making any major financial or personal decisions.
     📞 HANG UP: If the call is suspicious and sounds like a scam, just hang up the phone and report it to law enforcement.

Improperly marked boat results in
suspect's 3^rd BUI-DUI arrest in 10 years
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 31, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
     GILCHRIST COUNTY – A 29-year-old man with a Sebastian residential address was arrested May 27 for operating a vessel with an unlawful breath alcohol level of .08 or higher, with this being the third driving while under the influence (DUI) or boating while under the influence (BUI) within 10 years; and refusal to submit to blood-breath-urine tests, according to records.
     Kyle Arlie Lachance, 29, of Sebastian (Indian River County) was also cited for no valid registration onboard and registration number not properly displayed: spacing of characters, according to the arrest report by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Senior Officer Luke O. Davenport.
     Any person convicted of a third DUI offense within 10 years of a prior conviction can be charged with a third-degree felony which is punishable by up a maximum of up to a $5,000 fine and/or five years in the Florida Department of Corrections State Prison System, according to the law.
     As for DUI and BUI, they are considered equal in regard to frequency of conviction, according to Florida law.
     Lachance’s most recent encounter with law enforcement in regard to DUI or BUI started when FWC Senior Officer Davenport was on routine water patrol on the Santa Fe River on Memorial Day weekend, according to records.
     At approximately 4:31 p.m. on May 27 (a Saturday), Davenport saw a green vessel being operated by a white male eastbound on the Santa Fe River, the officer reported.
     The operator of the vessel was Lachance, according to records. The passenger sitting at the front of the vessel was Joseph Andrew Benefield, 29, of Lake City (Columbia County).
     Davenport observed that the vessel’s Florida Registration Numbers were not spaced properly in accordance with Florida
law, he noted in the arrest report.
     He conducted a vessel stop to address the observed violation and to conduct a boating safety inspection. Davenport heard Lachance's speech was slurred while he was speaking with the FWC senior officer, according to records.
     Lachance was asked for two adult life jackets and the registration for the vessel. The vessel operator’s speech was still slurred, and he stated he had to find it and that his dad had given him the vessel, Davenport noted.
     After some more interactions, Lachance was asked again if he had the registration on the vessel again and he stated “(slurred speech) I do not have the registration on the vessel. Which is obviously a mistake,” the report noted.
     Lachance and his passenger Benefield were asked if they had been at the Ichetucknee all day, and Benefield stated they had been traveling all day from Suwannee, the report noted.
     Lachance stated that they were heading north. All they were trying to do was to keep cruising. (The Santa Fe River flows from East to West.)
     “I asked Kyle if he knew what river he was on and what direction it flows,” Davenport noted, “and he stated: - (slurred speech) Not, not so much North but, (begins to laugh). We're just going upriver. I told Kyle that the river runs east and west and that they were heading east.”
     Lachance was asked where his truck was located and what boat ramp, he launched his vessel from. He said the truck was in “Suwannee Town” at a public ramp that he does not know the name of.
     Davenport observed multiple empty alcoholic beverage cans (Bush Light, Twisted Tea, Yuengling) and later a bottle of Casamigos Tequila 80 proof (40 percent alcohol content). The Tequila bottle was found in the front of the cooler where Lachance was sitting while he spoke to Davenport. It was approximately 75 percent empty at the time it was found, Davenport said.
      After more questions, at approximately 4:44 p.m. Officer Davenport advised Lachance that he believed the boat operator had quite a bit of alcoholic beverages to drink that day.
     After conversation, where Lachance told the officer that he would park the boat and camp on the riverside, Davenport advised the man that he needed to figure out whether Lachance was okay to operate his vessel or not okay to operate it.
     The officer had stopped the boat while Lachance was operating it, according to records.
     Davenport told Lachance that if he could get on the FWC vessel, he would check his eyes and go over some tasks with him. 
     Then, if everything was okay, Lachance would be free to go camping or to head upriver. The officer would just issue him a written warning for his boat numbers being too close to each other.
     Officer Davenport instructed Lachance in the tasks to complete to show he was able to operate a vessel. Lachance demonstrated that he was unable to complete the tasks, according to records.
     The officer took the man to the Pitcher Pump Boat Ramp at approximately 5:38 p.m., where Lachance was transferred from the marked FWC patrol vessel to the marked FWC patrol vehicle’s cage, according to the report.
     “FWC Dispatch advised that the Intoxilyzer was not working at the Gilchrist County Jail,” Officer Davenport noted. “Per FWC Senior Lt. T. Kiss I was to take Kyle to the Suwannee County Jail and use the Intoxilyzer Machine there. FWC Dispatch was advised that I would be going to Suwannee County Jail and then transport Kyle to Gilchrist County Jail once finished at the Suwannee County Jail.”
     After driving to the Suwannee County Jail, Officer Davenport opened the rear passenger door to his patrol vehicle to get Lachance out. He could smell a strong odor of alcohol, the officer noted.
      When asked if he would give a breath sample, Lachance said “Absolutely not,” Davenport noted.
     The man was read the FWC Issued Implied Consent Warning For Breath (BUI) where he refused to give a breath sample. The form was filled out and signed, Davenport noted.
     The man suspected of BUI was then read Miranda Warning from an FWC Operator Appraisal and Interview form, where he stated he did not wish to answer any of the questions on the form, Davenport noted.
     Lachance was taken to the Gilchrist County Jail, according to records.

Update provided
on injured CCSO deputy
Information Provided
By CCSO Community Relations Specialist Sydney Hudson
Published May 31, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
     CITRUS COUNTY – Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andy Lahera remains in critical but stable condition.     “Andy had surgery on both of his legs yesterday,” Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said. “The surgery went well, and he is now back in his room surrounded by his family and medical care team. With his wife by his side, Andy listened to the ‘Night of Prayers for Deputy Lahera’ at Seven Rivers Church. His family greatly appreciates this massive outpouring of love from our community. Please keep praying for Andy, and ask our Lord and Savior to wake him up.”
     The Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association has launched a GoFundMe for the Lahera family and kicked it off with a generous $1,000 donation.
     Anyone who would like to send a donation to the Lahera family, may do so by clicking HERE.
     Anyone who would like to send a card to Deputy Lahera, may mail it or drop it off to the office at 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Inverness, FL 34450. Please only bring cards - no flowers or monetary donations.

Citrus County deputy injured in crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 24, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.
     CITRUS COUNTY – A 50-year-old deputy with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office suffered critical injuries Tuesday night (May 23), according to information from the CCSO and Florida Highway Patrol.     At approximately 9:05 p.m. on May 23, 2023, while several CCSO deputies were directing traffic at the intersection of Saunders Way and South Lecanto Highway following the Lecanto High School graduation, a motorist traveling south on South Lecanto Highway (Citrus County Road 491), Deputy Andy Lahera was struck by a car, causing critical injuries, the CCSO and FHP said.
     Immediate life-saving measures were performed by on-scene deputies and other first responders who quickly traveled to the scene to administer first aid, the CCSO said. Because of the serious nature of his injuries, a helicopter was called to fly Deputy Lahera to a trauma center, the CCSO said.
     A 2013 Nissan Altima, driven by a 19-year-old Homosassa woman, was southbound on CR 491, north of Saunders Way, in the outside lane, the FHP said.
     Deputy Lahera, utilizing a reflective traffic vest and lighted traffic wand, was standing in the roadway directing traffic for a Lecanto High School graduation event, the FHP said.
     The woman failed to see the deputy and the car she was driving hit Lahera, the FHP said. The woman, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured, the FHP said.

Bronson man jailed
for four counts of sex crimes
Bond set at $4 million

Photo Provided By Levy County Sheriff's Office

By Jeff M. Hardison © May 30, 2023 at 2 p.m.
     BRONSON – A 35-year-old Bronson man was put in the Levy County Jail on four counts of sex crimes, according to records.     Khalid Emmanuel Brown, 35, of Bronson was booked on May 25 at 11:21 p.m. on two counts of sexual assault by a custodian - sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 years old and 18 years old, according to records.
     Brown was also charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior on a victim 12 years or older, but younger than 16 years old, by a person 18 years of older, according to records.
     On May 24, detectives with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of sexual misconduct involving a 12-year-old female, according to information in a press release sent May 30 by LCSO Lt. Scott Tummond.
     Detectives interviewed the child who reported as a victim and they determined inappropriate sexual conduct occurred between the victim and Brown during a period of several months, Tummond said.
     Detectives, in cooperation with the Child Protection Team of the University of Florida, were able to establish that Brown committed several sexual acts with the child, Tummond said.
     Detectives arrested Brown, Tummond said. He is being held on $4 million in combined bonds at the Levy County Detention Center, which is also known as the Levy County Jail, Lt. Tummond said.
 

Memorial Day Weekend opens
with at least two traffic fatalities
in Gilchrist and Marion counties
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 27, 2023 at 8 a.m.
     NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA – Two people died from injuries suffered in separate crashes in North Central Florida on Friday evening (May 26) and during the late night, according to press releases from the Florida Highway Patrol.
      One involved a person standing in the back bed of a Jeep in Gilchrist County and the other, included serious injuries as well as the death of the ATV driver, the FHP said. The man in the ATV crash from late Friday night was pronounced dead very early this morning (Saturday, May 27) at the scene of the crash in Marion County, the FHP said. 
     Next-of-kin were notified in both instances before the press releases were sent, the FHP said.
     The first of these two deaths from crashes was on Friday evening was at Ginnie Springs, the FHP said in its press release, where that information was based on reports from crash investigator FHP Trooper Joshua Harrison and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. Nicholas Hagedorn.
     Ginnie Springs is a privately owned park in Gilchrist County about 6.5 miles northwest of the City of High Springs, which is in Alachua County. It is located on the southern side of the Santa Fe River, where the spring water empties.
     At 6:30 p.m. on May 26, the FHP said, a 53-year-old man from Dunedin (a city in Pinellas County) was driving a Jeep brand of sport utility vehicle, the FHP said.
     A 45-year-old woman from Holiday was standing in the bed of the moving Jeep, the FHP said. Holiday is a census-designated place in Pasco County.
     The woman who was standing in the moving SUV lost her balance, the FHP said, and she fell out of the Jeep. Subsequently, she was run over by the trailer being towed by the SUV, the FHP said.
     She was taken to Shands in Gainesville (Alachua County), where she was pronounced dead from her injuries the FHP said. Gilchrist County does not have a hospital.
     In the Marion County fatality, the FHP press release was based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper Sebastian Mendoza and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. James Lander.
     At 11:18 p.m. on May 26, the FHP said, a 41-yearold man was driving an ATV illegally on the roadway, southbound on Southwest 56th Avenue in Marion County.
     The driver of failed to see a parked utility trailer on the roadway in time to avoid hitting it, the FHP said. The front of ATV struck the front of the utility trailer, the FHP said.
   Both the man 40-year-old Ocala woman who was a passenger in the ATV were dismounted from the vehicle and came to rest in the roadway, the FHP said. Neither the man driving the ATV or the woman who was a passenger were wearing helmets, the FHP said.
     The man was pronounced dead at the scene by Marion County Fire Rescue Lt. Craig Benson at 12:27 a.m. this morning (May 27), the FHP said. The woman was transported to HCA Florida Ocala with serious injuries, the FHP said.
     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 Florida version of something known as “Marcy’s Law” of California, which is reportedly used to protect alleged 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/     
     

Two Pinellas County residents
involved in fatal Citrus County crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 26, 2023 at 4 p.m.
     CITRUS COUNTY – Two people from Pinellas County were involved in a fatal crash this morning (Friday, May 26), according to information in a press release from Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Gaskins.
     A 17-year-old Clearwater girl died after she was hit by a Jeep early this morning, the FHP said. 
     The next-of-kin were notified before the press release was sent, the FHP said.
     A 2014 Jeep Cherokee was southbound at 5:15 a.m. on May 26, the FHP said.
     Driven by a 23-year-old man from St. Petersburg, the Jeep was on U.S. Highway 19, south of West Cardinal Street in Citrus County, which is south of Homosassa, the FHP said. Homosassa is a census-designated place in Citrus County, south of the City of Crystal River.
     This is where the girl from Clearwater was walking along the western shoulder of the highway, the FHP said.
     Without warning, the pedestrian walked to the east across the highway and into the path of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, the FHP said.
     As a result, and despite attempts to avoid a collision, the Jeep hit the girl, who suffered serious injuries, the FHP said. Transported to a hospital, she later died from injuries she suffered during the crash, the FHP said.
     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 Florida version of something known as “Marcy’s Law” of California, which is reportedly used to protect alleged 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/

Ocala man arrested for five counts
of sexual assault on a minor


Story and Photo
By Jeff Walczak, Public Information Officer
Ocala Police Department
Published May 25, 2023 at 8:45 p.m.
     OCALA, FLA - On May 15, Ocala Police Officer Hinsley contacted a mother who wanted to report that her 16-year-old daughter may be involved in illegal sexual activity with Randy Owens, 46, of Ocala.     Given the testimony of the mother, there was reasonable suspicion that Owens may have committed a sexual crime against a child. To add to the mother’s suspicion, she learned that Owens was arrested in April, for contributing to a delinquency of a minor.
     The victim's testimony led to a comprehensive forensic interview at Kimberly's Center for Child Protection. Combining the victim's pre-interview statements, the forensic interview, and the previous arrest history of Owens, Ocala Police Detective Kyle Kern concluded that there exists sufficient probable cause for Owens’ arrest.
     On May 24, Owens was located and charged with five counts of sexual assault on a minor.
     Reporting sexual abuse is incredibly difficult and takes immense courage to come forward and share one's experiences with the police. The victim in this case demonstrated remarkable bravery by speaking out and helping to bring the suspected abuser to justice.
     The Ocala Police Department encourages anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, to please report it to law enforcement.
     If anyone in the community has information about Owen’s contact with children, please call detectives at 352-369-7000.

FDLE arrests Clay County man
for human trafficking
Investigators believe
there could be additional victims
By Gretl Plessinger
FDLE Office of Public Information
Published May 25, 2023 at 8 p.m.
     PASCO COUNTY – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Randy Coffelt Jr., 44, of Middleburg (Clay County), on human trafficking, promoting a sexual performance by a child, using a minor in production of computer pornography, seduction of a child using the Internet, and transmission of child sexual abuse material.     The case was investigated jointly by FDLE and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
     The case began in April when Pasco Sheriff’s Office learned of allegations that Coffelt had forced a minor female victim to commit various sexual acts with other adult males, who recorded the child sexual abuse.
     Investigators found that Coffelt contacted the then-15-year-old victim on an online chat platform in December of 2022 and began messaging her via text and email as well, where the conversations became sexually explicit.
     Coffelt uploaded nude photos of the minor to a pornographic website and created a profile advertising her for sex. He then coordinated meetings between men from the website and the victim, directing the minor to engage in sexual activity with the men. He directed the men to film the sexual abuse of the minor and send him the videos as payment.
     After an extensive investigation, agents secured a search warrant for Coffelt’s residence in Clay County.
     On Saturday (May 20), agents executed the warrant, seizing several electronic devices for forensic examination, and took Coffelt into custody. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.
     The Florida Attorney General commented about the case.
     Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This vile man groomed and then exploited a teenage girl by forcing her to perform sexual acts with other men in exchange for videos of the acts as payment. Thankfully, this predator is now behind bars and will face justice for his crimes.”
     The leader of the FDLE spoke about the suspect.
     FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said, “This suspect was a master groomer in the most reprehensible sense of the term, manipulating and exploiting a vulnerable minor for his own twisted gains. I am grateful to FDLE’s agents and analysts, the investigators at Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County victim advocates and the prosecutors at Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution for their work on this case to ensure that his days of preying on our youth are over.”
     The Pasco County sheriff commented about the successful conclusion of the case so far.
     Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said, “We are proud of the Pasco Sheriff’s members for initiating this case and the FDLE and Clay Sheriff’s Office for their partnership in bringing these criminals to justice. Our main focus is to assist the young victim in this case and to prevent others from falling victim to these manipulating predators.”
     The case remains active.
     Investigators believe that there may be additional victims, and anyone with information is urged to call FDLE’s Human Trafficking Hotline at 855-FLA-SAFE (855-352-7233) or the Pasco Sheriff’s Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488.
     Coffelt was booked into the Clay County Jail on a $375,000 bond. The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Suspected redfish rustlers rounded up
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 25, 2023 at 10 a.m.
     DIXIE COUNTY – Two people suspected of violating the laws to protect the state’s natural resources were among those cited by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Law Enforcement Division from May 12 through May 18, according to a weekly FWC report.
     This report represents some events the FWC handled over specified weeks; however, it does not include all actions taken by the FWC Division of Law Enforcement.
     While on water patrol in Dixie County during that week, FWC state law enforcement specialists William Robson and Austin Sheffield observed two subjects and a vessel with fishing rods, the FWC said.
     Upon conducting a marine fisheries inspection, the officers found the subjects to be in possession of 10 undersized redfish, the FWC said.
     The longest redfish in their possession was 8 ¼ inches in length, the FWC said.
     To be legally possessed, according to state law, redfish need to be no fewer than 18 inches long nor greater than 27 inches in length. The daily limit of redfish harvesting in Florida is one fish per person per day; four fish per each vessel limit, according to law.
     The two subjects were cited for possession of over the bag limit and for possession of undersized redfish, the FWC said.
 

Levy County honors
Emergency Medical Services

Pausing for a photo opportunity after the proclamation was read and adopted unanimously are (from left) Commissioner Tim Hodge, Vice Chair Desiree Mills, Chief of the Levy County Department of Public Safety Mitch Harrell, Commission Chairman Matt Brooks, Commissioner Rock Meeks and Commissioner John Meeks.

Story and Photo
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 24, 2023 at 3:15 p.m.
     BRONSON – The Levy County Board of County Commissioners, comprised of Chairman Matt Brooks, Vice Chair Desiree Mills, and commissioners Tim Hodge, John Meeks and Rock Meeks honored the men and women of the Levy County Department of Public Safety (Levy County Fire Rescue) with a proclamation on Tuesday morning (May 23).
Declaring “May 21-27, 2023”, as “Emergency Medical Services Week”
     Commissioner John Meeks read the proclamation, which was then approved by a 5-0 vote after a motion by Commissioner John Meeks was seconded by Vice Chair Mills.
     The proclamation notes, “Whereas”
     ● emergency medical services is a vital public service; and
     ● the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
     ● access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and
     ● the emergency medical services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers; and
     ● the members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their life-saving skills; and
     ● it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week.
     And therefore, the County Commission proclaimed that the week of May 21-27, shall be known in Levy County as “Emergency Medical Services Week.”
     The commissioners further proclaimed that they recognize the theme for the week as “Where Emergency Care Begins” and encourages the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.