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Keel set for chalupa replica
03/23/2012

The bare bones of a replica 16th-century boat are a promise of things to come at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

“We’re recreating the history of St. Augustine one board at a time,” said John Stavely, manager at the tourist attraction that increasingly offers visitors a chance to discover the roots of St. Augustine.

Or as Pedro Menendez de Aviles re-enactor Chad Light puts it, “We’re rebuilding Menendez’s empire.”

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Putnam County abandons policy of segregating, euthanizing pit bulls
03/23/2012

A decade-long policy that saw pit bulls segregated by Putnam County Animal Control as potentially dangerous, then euthanized instead of being put up for adoption has been abandoned after an animal rights group worked out a compromise with the Sheriff’s Office.

The changes mean pit bulls won’t be automatically put down as efforts begin to find legitimate pet rescue groups willing to adopt them to new homes.

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New Senate district lines gain bipartisan support
03/23/2012

TALLAHASSEE — Two weeks after its first maps were rejected, the Senate passed a second redraw Thursday of the political lines that would shape the chamber for the next decade if the state Supreme Court approves.

The 31-6 vote came after an all-day floor session where members considered and dismissed several last-minute changes. The maps now go to the House for what is largely seen as a procedural vote before heading back to the court.

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Riberia Street improvements to be discussed
03/23/2012

City officials will discuss the Riberia Street improvement project at a public meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday.

The meeting will be held in The Alcazar Room at 75 King St., and officials will provide information about Riberia Street’s reconstruction, including the project’s schedule and detour routes. City representatives will also be on hand to answer questions.

For more information, call the Public Works Department at 825-1040.

Armstrong honors its own
03/23/2012

Club Divas, ordinary women doing extraordinary things, honored Armstrong natives at a special gathering Feb. 25 at the T.L. Holtz building in Hastings.

The honorees were recognized for the many accomplishments in their careers and endeavors. Each received an Armstrong Finest medallion, a plaque and certificate of appreciation from Congresswoman Corrine Brown.

The honors were presented by Carla Vickers and Patricia Milton.

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Veterans council honors Coquina Crossing group
03/23/2012

Recently, the Veterans’ Council of St. Johns County, Inc. presented the Col. George E. Taylor Award to Coquina Veterans for their many efforts to support USA troops and veterans. The presentation was made at the St. Augustine Elks Lodge 829 on Anastasia Island.

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Local Marion County Leaders Honored By Junior Achievement
03/22/2012

Junior Achievement of West Central Florida recognizes outstanding leaders, educators, and volunteers throughout the region each year. According to a recent press release, this year, two Marion County leaders were recognized for their partnership in bringing the inaugural JA “Our Nation” program to 402, sixth grade students at Howard Middle School.  Robert  A. Hensel, Principal Howard Middle School, and Marianne Howanitz, Attorney-At-Law, were honored at the February 16, Hall of Achievement Celebration Dinner held at Busch Gardens in Tampa. Principal… Read More »

Local student receives national honor
03/22/2012

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced in a recent press release, that Forest High School student Abigail Elizabeth Reed of Ocala has been selected for membership. The Society recognizes top scholars and invites only those student who have achieved academic excellence.

Kidney foundation honors local business
03/22/2012

OCALA – Board members from the Marion County Kidney Foundation attended a staff meeting March 19 at Winco Manufacturing to provide refreshments and thank the employees for their support. Winco manufactures medical office equipment. In addition to being a Diamond level sponsor for two years, Winco employees raised additional funds through various events to help the foundation, according to a press release. Winco also had the greatest team participation in the 2011 Kicking Kidney Disease 5K and the 2012 Kicking… Read More »

County 4-H archery team members head to nationals
03/22/2012

MARION COUNTY – Local 4-H archery team members have qualified to represent the county at national competitions each of the past two years – which is how long the team has been in existence.  On March 13, 14 team members joined more than 300 other participants to compete at the state level. The members, ages 8 to 18, aimed to win and nabbed 10 top-three placements in various categories, according to a press release from the county. Joshua Chapman and… Read More »

Ocala resident qualifies for national award
03/22/2012

OCALA – Ocala resident Angela “Angie” DeSimone has been awarded Ocala Health System’s 2012 Frist Humanitarian Award. DeSimone will be eligible for the nationwide 2012 Frist Humanitarian Award, the highest honor an employee or volunteer can receive at HCA, the parent company of Ocala Health System. The Frist Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize individuals at each HCA-affiliated facility who demonstrate extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their community, according to a press release. The awards… Read More »

Tampa business will plant trees in Ocala National Forest
03/22/2012

OCALA NATIONAL FOREST – A Tampa-based online kitchen cabinet retailer has pledged to regrow the trees used to make their all-wood cabinets. Kitchen Resource Direct is working with the Ocala National Forest to plant trees representing each kitchen cabinet purchase. Shortly after a customer purchases a kitchen online, they will receive an official Ocala National Forest Plant-A-Tree certificate thanking them for their support, according to a press release. Gaining inspiration from Blake Mycoskie’s TOMS Shoes One for One™ campaign, Benjamin… Read More »

Dunnellon Middle School Student wins essay Contest
03/22/2012

Out of nearly 400 entries, Michael Bones, an 8th grade student at Dunnellon Middle School, has been named the Region 2 (Central Florida) winner for his essay in the 2011 Annual Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health Contest [www.actoutforhealth.net]. According to a recent press release, the competition provides 4th to 12th graders an opportunity to use their voices and talents to promote the importance of health insurance and healthy living by creating television public service announcements (PSA), billboard ads, or writing… Read More »

Local Philanthropic Chapter elected new officers
03/22/2012

P. E. O. Chapter EQ of Ocala elected new officers for 2012-13 at a meeting in March. Officers are: President:  Sue Marr Vice President:  Frances Kolonia Recording Secretary:  Elaine Cox Corresponding Secretary: Linda Johnson Treasurer: Joan Truby Chaplain:   Jackie Whitmore Guard:  Ann Thomas Delegate to Florida State Convention:  Sue Marr Alternate Delegate to Convention: Catherine Matthews P.E.O. is a 501(c)(3)  International Philanthropic Educational Organization dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for women with six philanthropies and ownership of Cottey College… Read More »

Local student accepted into Delta Epsilon Iota
03/22/2012

Robert Kuhn Jr., Ocala has been accepted into the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society at the University of Florida. Students qualify on the basis of academic achievement. Prospective members must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours at an accredited college or university, while marinating a 3.30 cumulative grade point average or a scholastic ranking with the top 15% of their class. An inductions ceremony was be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 18 at the University of… Read More »

Gene Frenette: Given second chance for Tebow, Jaguars fumbled again
03/22/2012

When the city of Jacksonville landed its NFL franchise in 1993, it received a fortuitous bounce from pre-expansion favorite St. Louis, which fumbled the opportunity away with a mismanaged game plan.

This time, in one of the biggest opportunities in franchise history, the Jaguars dropped the ball by not agreeing to pay a reasonable price to acquire the most popular football player in Jacksonville history.

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Wine Tastings: March 22-28
03/22/2012

SPECIAL EVENTS

Vive le Vin! Wine Tasting Party to benefit the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 6-9 p.m. Monday, JJs Liberty Bistro, 330 Florida A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. $35 a person, $65 a couple, members; $40 a person, $75 a couple, nonmembers. Reservations, (904) 280-0614, ext. 205.

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Green Room brews a taste of the Beaches
03/22/2012

Just a few years ago, if you wanted local craft beer, you’d have to go to a brew pub or make it yourself. Now breweries are taking off, and Jacksonville is doing quite well at brewing its own.

There are four commercial craft breweries in the area, with at least one more in the works.

Naturally, the official Amber Waves tasting panel (motto: Local guys, local beer) is here to help you keep up with what they’re brewing.

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Dining Notes: Chain restaurants no stranger to Jacksonville
03/22/2012

Chain restaurants.

While some loathe their existence, others boast about them, using their presence in Jacksonville as a measuring stick to compare our city against others.

That was the case in 2000, when the Times-Union asked its readers which restaurants and retail stores they would like to see in Jacksonville. The reader query followed newspaper reports of two proposed Southside retail developments, Freedom Commerce Center and Deerwood Town Center, as well as the previously announced Main Street Florida shopping center in North Jacksonville.

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Fans react to Tim Tebow trade news
03/22/2012

It ignited some: “I got one thing to say. Fire Gene Smith.”

It made sense to others: “Do I think he is a long-term answer? I don’t.”

It left others scratching their heads: “How do you not make that trade?”

The issue at hand was whether the Jacksonville Jaguars should trade for Tim Tebow, the former University of Florida star and Heisman Trophy winner from Jacksonville.

Tebow went on the trading block this week when his current team, the Denver Broncos, acquired four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning.

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The Cooler
03/20/2012

Lots of news out there this morning, readers. Here's some of it.

A- Sun-Sentinel: Video, House gets burglarized while victim is on date with suspect.

B- Sun-Sentinel: Marlin parking, no problemo. Don't worry about it.

Residents near the new Marlins ballpark unleashed their fury and frustration on the city and its major-league ballclub Thursday evening, saying a newly unveiled parking plan for the neighborhood will make their lives miserable.

The plan sets aside a few blocks near the ballpark where area residents can park. But it bans residential parking on many more stretches — to accommodate baseball fans coming to the watch a game.

People who live on those banned blocks will have to find somewhere else to park on the 81 times a year — mostly night games — when the Marlins play at home.

"Identity theft is really becoming an epidemic. It's out of control," said Sgt. Patrick Murray, who oversaw Thursday's sweep. "We believe these businesses are playing a role in that epidemic."

Approximately 35 tax service providers have opened makeshift offices in Oakland Park since the beginning of the 2012 income tax season, according to officials.

[...]

Federal, state and county investigators have said they believe some illegitimate tax preparers are taking customer information and using it to either file phony tax returns or selling the information to others.

Apple iPad fans ready for a new tablet may want to get to stores early this morning.

[...]

The new focus is understandable, considering 40 percent of iPad owners have a household income of $100,000 or more, according to The NPD Group.

In my teenage years in the 1950s, blacks were not allowed to eat in restaurants with whites, had to sit in the balconies at the movies, couldn't drink from "white" water fountains, and more. Through the years, blacks gained their rights, attended "white" colleges, became professionals and eventually blended into the "white" community.

They have come a long way, and now the president is dividing us again with his African-Americans for Obama agenda in his re-election campaign.

Most young people today have no idea what Obama's true agenda is, as they spend most of their time texting, sexting, tweeting, twittering and whatever else they do with those smartphones. Thus, I am preaching to the choir.

It's frustrating, as I have been investigating the president for four years now, and what I have discovered is frankly devastating for this country.

[...]

Fox News is the only network that will tell us anything about Obama, and I feel it's not enough. I say to the left-wing liberals, one day you will wake up and wonder where your freedom went — too late.

Andrew Breitbart, the conservative activist who died at 43 of "natural causes" the day (March 1) that he was going to release damaging videos of Obama, said that racial division and class warfare were essential to how "hope and change" was sold us in 2008. He was a prophet.

Florida was named the top tornado state in the country with 12.3 tornadoes per 10,000 square miles, according to The Weather Channel's tornado expert Dr. Greg Forbes.

Residents heard a noise and called police, authorities said. When they arrived Thursday around 1 a.m. police saw Dwyer running from the area on foot.

After a short chase by foot, police said Dwyer jumped into the Poppleton Creek and began swimming away toward the St. Lucie River.

Police said a resident from Overlook Drive volunteered to take officers on his boat to help with the pursuit.

Officers said Dwyer tried to swim away, until he became so fatigued that he gave up and boarded the boat.

C- Six things Vice President Joe Biden should avoid saying to the Class of 2012 at Cypress Bay High School in Weston, courtesy of Salty Eggs.

Vice President Joe Biden will visit Florida this spring to deliver the commencement address at Cypress Bay High School in Weston. In a battleground state, with President Obama’s re-election on the line, it is — to paraphrase Biden himself — kind of a big fucking deal. So mark June 4 on your calendar. Biden will be a guest of the local congresswoman, U.S. Representative (and key Democratic buck-raker) Debbie Wasserman Schultz. He will no doubt go in with prepared remarks. Only, this is a guy who, as has been amply chronicled, never met a script he couldn’t toss. And it wouldn’t be Biden if there weren’t a chance for some impromptu comedy gold.

D- It appears that Miami's Cuban-American exiles may be working to disrupt the Pope's visit to Cuba...at The Cuban Triangle.

I have no idea if this Cuban “occupy” movement and its day of protests was hatched in Miami or by activists in Cuba. But my bet is that opponents of the Cuban government will continue to distance themselves from it. The protesters have every right to request of the Vatican whatever they wish. But the Pope, Cuba’s church, and Cuba’s Catholic laity are also entitled to celebrate a pastoral visit as they wish. The protests accentuate the image of a movement focused more on actors outside Cuba than within, and they do the cause of opposition to the Cuban government no favors.

E- Jimbo's letter to the City of Miami is up at Eye on Miami.


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A- Nineteen new photos are up at The Street.

B- Some Blogging Guy went to Tampa today and, of course, he has some commentary on the whole process.

Tampa airport is a nice, attractive airport. Not as pretty and neat as Orlando. But coming from Fort Lauderdale International, Tehran International would look good. What’s with FLL anyway? The carpets are dark, the lighting low, and they have sounds of bugs and ducks on one of the walkways. It is just plain unattractive.

C- Shorter Searching for Signs...

Occupy Wall Street protestors should be welcomed in Catholic churches.

D- Both Carlos Miller and Random Pixels comment on a physical altercation that a WPLG reporter had with a Broward recycling plant foreman.

E- Worst Pizza got some toppings they didn't ask for on their slice of pizza at Junior's Pizza in Boynton Beach so the experience was rated as average.

The slice was crispy which was nice, and had a decent enough texture to the crust. They applied the sauce lightly, which was a plus since that was my least favorite part of the slice. The cheese taste fresh and was a decent quality. All together it made for a good slice, but certainly not something I would qualify as the best.

F- See what you can expect for Week 15 of your CSA share...at Redland Rambles.

G- Gun Free Zone addresses kids and guns and advocates education at an early age to prevent tragedies.

H- Political Cortadito looks at the Doral's upcoming elections.

The sleepy little suburban bliss that is Doral is about to get a muddy political makeover. Even in this year’s cornucopia of campaigns, the Doral city elections are worth watching. Not just because every seat on the council save one is up for grabs (more on that later). Not because the candidates are that engaging themselves.

But because of the likely outside interest (more on that later) and veteran campaign political operatives involved in the three-way mayoral race.

I- South Florida Food and Wine explains how to survive St. Patrick's Day.


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