'Unknown' by The Newscaster Nature Coast News

PAGE 2 - January 5, 2011

The Newscaster - Nature Coast News

Citrus Commission approves

Pet Patrol

agreement with DOT forthe Florida Department of

new hub

The county commission approved an agreement with

Transportation (FDOT) that will increase the FDOT grant to the county for its Fleet and

Transportation Management Division operations and capital improvement for 2010-2011.

The addition of $2.34 million from FDOT to previously allocated grant funds will

go toward the Transit Facility refurbishment, construction, and development enhancement

project, but now the additional grant money will allow the county to build a new trans-

portation hub facility rather than refurbish an old one. Transit officials said that will make

possible much needed improvements to their capabilities to serve county fleet and Citrus

public transit needs.

The county’s match for the grant is $223,498, but about $166,000 already budgeted

for the refurbishment and another $46,800 spent on asbestos abatement will be allowed to

be included as part of the county match.

Sheriff s Office Looking for More

Public Service Officers

The Citrus County Sheriff s Office is hoping to draw on more community-minded

men and women who have an interest in becoming active members of the agency’s public

“I’m Elway, a remarkably good looking

service officer (PSO) program.

“buddy”, about 3 y.o, 20#. I’m good na-

The program had its start in January 2002, when volunteers were recruited to assist

tured, just a little cuddly bear, housebroken,

sworn deputies by conducting well-being checks and handling minor citizen complaints,

leash trained, crate trained, but want to be

such as vandalisms, bicycle thefts and found property. These PSOs also helped deputies

“Charlie Brown” is a 1 yr old, neutered male

the ONLY pet. NOT good with kids. Santa

with traffic control at vehicle crashes and community events. In 2003, the program expand-

Akita mix. He is a large, black and tan dog.

missed me, still looking for a permanent

ed to include marine PSOs who help promote personal safety on Citrus County’s water-

He weighs approx. 87 pounds. He is a good

home with someone who can give me lots

ways. Road PSOs received additional training starting in early 2004, and now have the abil-

watch dog. He is good with children and

ity to handle minor traffic crash investigations. They also may issue certain traffic citations.

of love. Donation Fee $150. A Humane So-

other dogs. He is wormed and current on his

The program expanded even more in 2006 by adding PSOs trained in serving non-

ciety of CENTRAL FLORIDA Pet Rescue,

enforceable civil process and assisting the agency’s Civil Section under Judicial Services.

Inc. does home visits prior to adoptions and

shots. He is seeking his forever home. For

PSOs also were given the option of receiving additional training for duties associated with

only adopt to the Citrus County and adjoin-

more information, contact us at our WAG

child protective investigations.

ing county areas. Fharley Cockapoo, Missy

telephone number 528-9888 in Williston.

According to Sheriff Jeff Dawsy, the agency s close to 40 public service officers

Chihuahuaand I will be at Pet Supermar-

You can donate to WAG, PO Box 752, Wil-

play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff s Office. They re assigned,

ket, Inverness, 12-2 PM this week. Phone

liston, FL 32696.

primarily during daylight hours, both to the east and west sides of the county, seven days a

527.9050.

week. Three PSO sergeants serve as working supervisors.

It should be noted that these are not sworn law enforcement positions. PSOs are

NAPA Auto &

strictly volunteers and do not have arrest powers. All new PSO recruits first spend a mini-

mum of 50 ride-along hours with certified deputies, during day and nighttime shifts, to learn

Truck Parts

firsthand about the agency s daily operations. If their interest remains, recruits move on

Fax: 352-447-6099

to two weeks of mandatory classroom training that includes radio communications, report

(352) 447-6000

writing, defensive driving, selective traffic enforcement and more.

Hours:

After mastering these disciplines, recruits are assigned to PSO field training of-

Mon-

ficers for additional training and instruction. Following graduation, new PSOs who wish to

U.S. 19 - Inglis

pursue either marine, serving civil process or duties associated with child protective inves-

Friday

Hydraulic Hoses Our Specialty

tigations can receive specialized training in these chosen fields.

7:30-5:30

Sheriff Dawsy contends that his volunteer PSOs have more responsibility and au-

Hydraulic Hoses up to 2"- 6 Wire

Saturday

thority than many others in similar, paid positions in law enforcement agencies around the

state. Interested applicants must be at least 25 years old, submit an application and pass a

8-5

(352) 489-3391

criminal background check. To be considered, candidates meet with a selection committee

Sunday

comprised of current PSOs and Sheriff s Office leadership.

U.S. 41 - Dunnellon

8-5

To download a volunteer application from the Internet, just go to the Sheriff’s Of-

Just North of Powell Rd

fice website at www.sheriffcitrus.org Application.”

Applications must be received by the Sheriff s Office as soon as possible for the

upcoming winter class. Anyone with an interest in becoming a volunteer PSO is asked to

THE NEWSCASTER & Nature Coast News is published weekly by Newscaster Publishing, 19170

call the program’s director, Cpl. Tony Boline, at 352-249-2801.

SE 136 Ct.Dunnellon, FL. 34431 Comment Line:352-388-1668, fax not available at this time. e-mail:

Manatee Rescue - Continued from page 1

thenewscaster1@gmail.com. Bulk Rate Postage is paid at Inglis, FL Permit No. 14. Subscription Rates

are $18.50 per year in Florida, $21.50 out of state. The Newscaster is also available in news racks for 25

Because of these factors, biologists determined that the young manatee should be pulled

from the chilly waters of Bayboro Harbor. The rescue took place just outside the FWRI

editorials or commentaries do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and or editors. Unsolicited

headquarters in downtown St. Petersburg. Biologists learned of the cold-stressed manatee

commentary and letters to the editor must be typed and signed by the author. Include a phone/address for

when a concerned resident reported it. After the rescue, biologists transported the manatee

verification. Information can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed. Newscaster Publishing accepts no responsi-

to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for rehabilitation. To report a dead or distressed manatee, call

bility for lost or damaged manuscripts, or photos. Enclose return postage if you want material returned.

the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Quality, Compassionate

Todd Sumlin

Veterinary Care including:

WE ALSO HAVE

• Annual Exams & Vaccinations

Plant Manager

• Digital Radiography

(352)465-1515

BIRDS, PUPPIES &

• Microchip Implants

TROPICAL FISH

• Health Certificates

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

INGLIS QUARRY

155 Heights Avenue, Inverness

Sun 12pm-4pm

Animal Hospital

(352) 726-2460

10880 U.S. Hwy 19 S.

NATURAL &

Phone (352)447-2209

Pet Grooming

P.O. Box 519

Your Family’s Other Doctor

www.tlccitrus.com

PET

PREMIUM

Fax (352)447-0218

Inglis, FL. 34449

20372 E. Penna. Ave.

Debra Moore, DVM

PET FOODS

SITTING

Dunnellon

Dogs • Cats • Ferrets • Rodents