PAGE 3 - February 15, 2012
The Newscaster-Nature Coast News
Burlglary Chase - Continued from page 1
Remembering the past
ed exiting a wooded area, coming onto Dunnellon Rd. The chase was initiated and contin-
ued onto Hwy. 19, heading south. The vehicle was lost at Power Line Rd. and spotted near
the Crystal River Mall, headed south, then onto Hwy. 44, to Copeland Park, and onto Hwy.
19, traveling north in the southbound lanes. The truck drove through the parking lot of the
RaceTrac gas station at a high rate of speed, over a sidewalk and through a bank property
onto Cutler Sput Blvd., onto Fort Island Tr. and then south on Hwy. 19. The truck traveled
through a parking lot, narrowly missing a pedestrian, became airborne and landed in another
parking lot. The chase was assisted by the agency’s helicopter, and the patrol units backed
off due to the suspect’s reckless driving. The chase continued into Homosassa, and the sus-
pect was finally stopped in the dirt driveway of a Legend Dr. residence. Mavrakis finally
exited the vehicle, but did not comply with the deputies’ commands.
Mavrakis, was charged with fleeing and eluding, grand theft, possession of bur-
glary tools, attempted burglary, burglary, reckless driving, and resisting law enforcement
without violence. His bond was set at $14,750. He was searched at the scene; deputies found
a pocket knife, a motorola telephone and $573 in cash. In the vehicle, deputies found two
ski masks, gloves, a pair of bolt cutters, other tools and a methamphetamine pipe. In a tackle
box, deputies found a driver’s license with another name. The person whose name was on
the driver’s license was contacted, and he described items stolen from him which included
a Honda pressure washer, the tackle box and some fishing poles. Mavrakis was issued two
traffic citations, fleeing and eluding, and reckless driving.
This 1947 picture of the grand Homosassa Hotel shows the Mediteranean style structure built
in the 20’s by West Coast Development Company. Great times were coming and this awsome
CrimeStoppers Citrus: 1-888-ANY-TIPS
structure was to be the welcome place to stay for sportsmen coming to Central Florida to en-
Crimestoppers Levy: 1-877-349-8477
joy what all the early Nature Coast had to offer. Ball players Dazzy Vance and Babe Ruth were
some of the noted ball players who were attracted to this paradise. The glorious hotel saw
it’s end in the 60’s to be replaced by a shopping center at the location in the new Homosassa
Springs on Hwy 19. Compiled by Sally Price.
Squawk Box
Continued from page 1
large chunks of land. He plans to raise cattle in Marion and Levy Counties and they will be
strictly grass fed and hormone free. Stronach could have as many as 30,000 head of cattle
when his project is completed. To understand the scope of that consider that there were only
an estimated 26,000 beef cattle in the entire county last year.
Stronach has applied for a permit to pump as much as 13.27 million gallons of
water a day to operate his giant cattle industry. A large portion of that will be to grow and
maintain grass. He claims he won’t need that entire amount except in drought conditions,
like the one we have been in for the past six years.
To better understand the magnitude of 13.27 million gallons of water consider that
the entire city of Ocala currently only uses about 12.85 million gallons daily.
We had better address our water problems now. We owe it to future generations to
work towards solving the problem before we turn on the faucet and nothing comes out.
You now have the opportunity to bid
on these Auction Homes!
3/2 in the mini farms area south of #488, Just $42K
Newer 3/2 on 1 acre beautiful back yard suggested bid $55K
Cute older home in downtown Crystal River suggested Bid $25K
Nice 3/2 on +/- 5 acres suggested bid $78K
We have an exceptional cement block home
now available with a 2 car garage,
Rent to Own with a very low rent, we only have one
of these so call today and move in tommorrow
Diamond Investments, Inc.
"We Have Rentals, Call Today"
Darryl A. Diamond
Licensed Real Estate Broker
352-447-4442
Double D Auction Services, LLC
Lic. Florida Auction House#AB3141
www.diamondhomesandland.com
Licensed Florida Auctioneer#AU4300
Carl Roof, Inc.
Land Clearing - Fill - Septic Installation
Carl Roof, Owner
19371 SE Butler Rd.
Inglis, FL 34449
Since 1973
352-447-2733
352-257-8250 cell