'Newspg4.indd' by The Newscaster

Motorcyclists injured Citrus Lecantoresulted in se-

in County, March 10, crash

Remembering the Past

A crash between a car and a motorcycle in

rious injuries to the driver of the motorcycle and critical injuries to his passenger. The crash

occurred at 9:40 a.m. in Lecanto on State Rd. 44 (W. Gulf to Lake Hwy.) at S. Lowe Ter.

Based upon the preliminary information available at the time of the press release,

the following circumstances are believed to be what happened in the crash: Robert Dale

Smith, 78, of Homosassa, was driving a 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 motorcycle, with 78

year-old Nancy Gail Youngblood, also of Homosassa, as his passenger. John Lawrence Ear-

ley, 76, of Leland, NC, was driving a 2014 Honda Pilot car with 69 year-old Tina Raal Ear-

ley, also of Leland, NC, as his passenger. Both vehicles were traveling east on State Rd. 44,

approaching South Lowe Terrace. The motorcycle was in the outside lane and the car was

in the inside lane, with both vehicles parallel to each other.

At the intersection of the roadways, the vehicles sideswiped each other. The im-

pact caused the motorcycle to overturn and eject both occupants, who were wearing helmets,

onto the roadway. Smith was transported to Citrus Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Youngblood was transported to Bayonet Point Hospital in Hudson, FL with critical injuries.

The Earleys were wearing seat belts and neither sustained an injury, according to the report.

The report stated that unspecified charges are pending.

Man Arrested for Burglary & Grand Theft

Robert J. Paine, W. Arms Dr., Crystal River, was arrested by the Citrus County

Sheriff s Office, March 10, charged with grand theft and burglary of an unoccupied resi-

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park has not always just been about manatees

dence (total bond $7,000) in a March 5 burglary that was reported on March 9 and grand

and fish. In the sixties when Bruce Norris from Norris Cattle Company ran the Homosassa At-

theft in a March 6 burglary ($2,000 bond). The March 5 burglary was a a three-drawer metal

traction, he had a special arrangement with Ivan Tors Animal Actors. Animal actors such as

tool box with assorted hand tools and a 30-piece drill set taken from a garage at a N. Country

Gentle Ben, Clarence the cross-eyed lion and Tiny the Chimpanzee were a draw to the park.

Club Dr., Crystal River residence, and the March 6 burglary was a Homelite pressure washer

The CBS series Gentle Ben was filmed at the park in 1967 through fall 1969, as well as two

and hose valued at $415 from a fenced lot at Nicholas Ford, located at 2440 NW Hwy. 19

made for TV movies.

in Crystal River. This burglary was captured on video surveillance around 1:30 a.m. The

Five bears, Buck, Bruno, Tudor, Oscar and Virgil were used in the filming. Famous animal

reports stated that Paine admitted his guilt in both burglaries.

trainers included Monty Cox, Steve Martin, Ron Oxley and Vern DeBord. In Gentle Ben, Clint





Howard was the boy Mark Wedlow who befriended the bear, Dennis Weaver played his father,

Rance Howard, the neighbor was Clint's real life father and Beth Brickell portrayed Mark's

5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446

Phone: (352) 489-4588 Fax: (727) 362-4788

During these years trainer Marty Cox and others put on daily shows with Gente Ben at the

mail, Tom Russell, Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.com

attraction where they interacted with the animals. School children and park visitors could get

ail, Debbie Russell, Editor: debbienewscaster@gmail.com

their pictures pictures made with the bear. In this photo Monty Cox is sharing a bottle of soda

m · newscasterarchives.com · history.newscasterarchives.com · thehealthcaster.com pop with Gentle Ben. .

Today the attraction is one of the most popular Florida State Parks and a big draw for tour-

ists. Lu the famous hippo with his noted "spatter zone" is as popular as the manatees and



large variety and number of fish attracted to the spring. You can view these pictures and more

of the park history at the Hwy 19 visitor center in Homosassa Springs. Photo and info from the

attraction by Sally Price.

     

Affordable - Just Listed

        

··

AFFORDABLE! This one acre homesite had a home on it at one point so there are

          

no impact fees when you build your new home or bring in a mobile. Fenced and

       

nicely treed, close to shopping, restaurants and boat ramps. Offered at $10,000

OVER 11 ACRES! Enjoy the nature coast lifestyle with boating, fishing and hunt-

ing or just relaxing in your private get-a-way. Magnificent oaks abound! Minutes

    

from shopping but very quiet and private. Over 300 feet on Highway 19. Asking

  

R Y T HING M A DE T O O R DER

SaturdayHomosassaDay atFlorida Room at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa

 was  Heritage   the 

Springs StateThe activities included talks, local history and pictures

 Wildlife  Park.  day long

JUST LISTED! We have 2 waterfront lots (side by side) canal to Lake Rousseau and

ofandareas.in to visit and look through the col-

 the park  surrounding  Past employees stop

The Withlacoochee River, located on cul-de-sac in the quiet community of Peaceful

lage of pictures of days past. Each year Candace Booth who portrays pioneer woman Dessie

Acres. Owner will consider financing. Offered at $34,900 each.

Smith forwhoma caregiver, relates stories, tales and history of the lady

 Prescott,   she was  

whoMarjorieRawlings to survive in the woods of Florida. Many

 taught author  Kennan  how

Diamond Investments, Inc.

Darryl A. Diamond

pictures pastwereon Gus Valderrama portrayed Ernest Hemmingway with

 of Dessie's    display.

"Big or small we sell it all"

Licensed Real Estate Broker

his stories of this famous author. Picture/story by Sally Price.

CrimeStoppers Citrus: 1-888-ANY-TIPS

Double D Auction Services, LLC

Lic. Florida Auction House#AB3141

www.diamondhomesandland.com

Licensed Florida Auctioneer#AU4300

 





Land Clearing - Fill - Septic Installation

Carl Roof, Owner





19371 SE Butler Rd.



Inglis, FL 34449







352-257-8250 cell

