PAGE 4 December 19, 2007
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Drug Bust  - Continued from page 1
Real Estate Today
Hernandez and his Mexican drug trafficking organization was Derrick Smith's source of sup-
Blame the Cold Weather on Me
ply. The two separate investigations quickly merged into one. UDEST discovered two resi-
A Guest Commentary by Darryl Diamond
dences located in (Ocala) which were being used by Hernandez in his illicit activities. Using
confidential sources, surveillance and other investigative techniques, UDEST was able to
When we left off last week, I was off
the north and wanting to move
intercept cocaine and cash exchanges between the distributors and the buyers, obtain search
deer Hunting in the mountains of western New
here. They are usually attracted
warrants, seize their assets and effectively dismantle both drug trafficking organizations.
York with snow and freezing temps. This
to the warmer weather, and the
According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the Omar Hernandez Drug Traffick-
weather front has obviously followed me
other benefits that Florida of-
ing Organization imported cocaine directly from Mexico by smuggling it over the border into
down here, as we are experiencing freezing
fers, such as no state income
Texas. The cocaine was then transported to the distribution location via vehicles, usually
temps here in Levy county this week.
tax. They have a good selec-
large trucks, by couriers called 'mules' who work for the drug organization. The drugs were
No matter if you are hunting in
tion to pick from, they want a good deal, and
concealed in elaborate 'traps' or hidden compartments, often in the differential of a large truck.
Florida or elsewhere, no matter what the temps
they can usually find one at this time.
The currency from the drug proceeds was sent back to Mexico in the same manner. It's
are outside, deer can be elusive creatures. Well
It may be a little slow for the holi-
believed that the Hernandez organization was responsible for bringing in three major ship-
there seems to be a little bit of good news in
day weeks coming up, then there are indica-
ments of cocaine per year, each shipment consisting of approximately 250 to 300 kilograms of
that another elusive creature is beginning to
tions that the real estate market in this area of
cocaine worth $5 to $6 million, with a total retail/street value of approximately $15 to $18
come "out of the woods".
the state will most likely pick up noticeably
million, per year.
The creature I am referring to is called
starting the beginning of 2008. If you are a
The alleged drug runners were arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine and
a buyer. Not many mind you, but a few of this
buyer for properties in Levy, Marion, and Cit-
conspiracy to traffic cocaine. After the cocaine was delivered to Hernandez, agents say it was
rare species is popping up here and there.
rus counties, we at "The Diamond Team" have
divided between three Florida distributors, who were all living illegally in Dunnellon: Joel
The general consensus seems to be that we
many properties in all price ranges to show
Antunez-Hernandez, 36, Rena Estrada-Nunez, 23, and Jose Hernandez-Maldonado, 31. Each
have a few buyers coming from south Florida,
you. I'll see you around "The Campus" "The
was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine. Also arrested on drug charges were Joshua
and a few snow birds from the north east pok-
Diamond Team" are seasoned professionals
Thomas, 33, and Raymond Brown, 53. Five of the arrestees were from Mexico, two were from
ing around for properties. No matter how slow
that are available for all of your real estate
Puerto Rico and three were from the U.S.
the general economy is, there is always a cer-
needs 7 days a week. Please call us at 352-
tain amount of couples selling their homes in
447-4442.
Mine Operation  - Continued from page 1
and transfer of information on their list serve along with other environmental groups when
Public Meeting
they decide what direction they plan to take. EANoF recommended the citizens join forces
with Withlacoochee Area Residents, a 30 year old Levy-Citrus organization with expertise in
Inglis Hydropower, LLC will hold a public meeting
fighting local mine issues. The mining issue will come before the Levy County Planning
Commission again soon. It will then make its recommendation to the County Commission.
at the Inglis †Community Center, 135 Highway 40 W.
Traffic Crash Ends With Arrest
on December 27, 2007 at 7:00 †p.m.
The Levy County Sheriff's Office was called to the scene of a motor vehicle crash
This meeting will present information to area
north of Inglis at S.R. 121 and U.S. Hwy. 19, around 12:48 a.m., Nov. 18, where a driver was
charged with disorderly intoxication. According to the arrest report, 49-year-old Jeffery Blake
residents on the †proposed hydropower plant that
Browning of Dunnellon, was "cursing and yelling...endangering the safety of the medical and
fire personnel trying to assist him at the crash..." After being medically cleared by Vevu
we plan to build on the †Withlacoochee River
County Emergency Medical Services, Unit 3, Browning was arrested on a charge of disorderly
Bypass Channel in Inglis. After a short †
intoxication and transported to the Levy County Jail. Browing was charged by FHP with
driving under the influence and having no valid driver's license
presentation, questions and concerns regarding
Inglis Police Investigate Assault Charges
this project will be †solicited from the audience.
Around 2:15 a.m., Nov. 23, the Inglis Police Department was dispatched to a Palm
For more information on this †renewable power
Street residence regarding an assault. The officer spoke with the victim, who stated that she
project, please refer to the project's web site at
had been assaulted by 52-year-old Terry Paul Arnold, of Inglis. She said that Arnold was very
intoxicated and staying at a residence where she resides as a caretaker.
inglishydropower.com or call 813-659-3014.
She said that Mr. Arnold was angry with her, for having called the police on him,
twice. during the course of a week, and he had started an argument with her. She said he told
Paid Advertisement paid for and approved by Inglis Hydropower, LLC, Dover, FL
her that he would kill her, then reared back his arm as if he were about to strike her. She said,
as she feared he would follow through with his threat, she had left the residence and walked
email your news to: newscast@atlantic.net
to a neighbor's house. She completed a Sworn Statement form and was informed that assault
charges would be filed against Mr. Arnold. A Notice to Appear in court was issued.
Realty
Hickory Island Lighthouse Lounge
Sally Price, Realtor
(352) 302-8556 cell
"Preserving Florida's Southern Spirit"
RENTALREFERRALS-WANTTOLIST?GIVE ME A CALL
Hickory Island
14 Hwy 40 W. Inglis (next to the Inglis Police Dept.)
Holiday Party Central
LET MY 45 YEARS ON THE NATURE COAST HELP YOU BUY OR
SELL YOUR PLACE IN PARADISE!
2/2 Nature Stilt Home HID N WOODS in Yankeetown C-1 or R-1........$225,000
*Daily Happy Hour - 3-7pm*
Gulf Hammock Mgmt. Area Hunt Camp, furnished - just move in........$39,500
2/1 Mobile newly remodeled, great woodwork, fenced, paved st ........$59,000
MON-254 Drafts
*$1 Wells * 504 Drafts *
3/2 Mobile on canal to river, corner lot, large oaks, workshop............. $139,000
TUES-Open Darts
*Burn the Keg! 254 Drafts*
2 Lots, Peaceful Acres, paved street, homes only, EACH..................... $23,000
WED-Open Pool
4.70 ac lot, high & dry, Citrus County hills & horse country.................$160,000
THURS-Band & Ladies Night
4.99 ac Lot between Palm & Mastadon paved street Inglis..................$79,900
Free Wells for all Ladies 9-12pm
LIVE MUSIC
5 AC ON WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER 1225' border Greenways/Trails..$300,000
FRIDAY-Band & 2-for-1
1 ac Mobile fixer up backs up to State Forest in Woodpecker Ridge....$45,000
Thursday, Friday
Jello Shots
Ozello waterfront cottage on 2 lots..below appraisal..great fishing.......$179,000
SAT-Band & 2-for-1 Jello Shots
& Saturday Nights!!
4/4.5 Executive home/getaway Crystal River waterfront 4 suites...........$649,000
SUN-Bucket Specials
Professional Bldg brick 7 spaces in Crystal River Historic District........$329,000
122 acres 400' on Pristine Wekeiva River Gulf Hammock 3/2 Home...... $1.2M
(352) 447-2520 26 US Hwy 19S - Inglis,Fl.
3/2 Pool Home on Withlacoochee River Inglis no bridges to Gulf.........$479,000