'Newspg12.indd' by The Newscaster

process. Inside her purse, deputies found 9 endocet pills (Schedule II controlled substance)

Python Challenge a success

and 8 diazepam pills (Schedule IV controlled substance), packaged in such a way as to

indicate distribution, the report stated. Johnson was arrested for possession of an opium

With participants turning in 106 snakes, the 2016 Python ChallengeTM is a success

derivative (oxycodone and diazepam) with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled

on many levels. Today the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) an-

substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, burglary, petit theft, grand theft and resisting

nounced the results and winners of the Python Removal Competition at the 2016 Python

without violence. Her total bond was set at $67,000.

ChallengeTM award ceremony in Davie.

During the vehicle search, a cellophane wrapper containing two diazepam pills

"We are pleased with the success of this year s Python Challenge," said FWC

was found in the location where Drake had been sitting. However, Drake stated that the

Commissioner Ron Bergeron. "Each python that is removed makes a difference for our na-

driver (Johnson) had panicked and thrown the pills toward him when deputies approached

tive wildlife, and the increased public awareness will help us keep people involved as we

the SUV. However, the location of the pills did not support Drake's story and he was ar-

continue managing invasive species in Florida."

rested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. His

More than 1,000 people from 29 states registered to take part in the month-long

bond was set at $60,000.

competition to remove Burmese pythons from the Everglades ecosystem.

Related to these and numerous other arrests by Dep. Rogers, he received a public

Here are the official 2016 Python ChallengeTM results:

commendation from Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum on Feb. 23 for his "continu-

Team Category Most Pythons

ing efforts to proactively seek out those involved in the narcotics business and to make the

Grand prize winners led by team captain Bill Booth captured 33 pythons and re-

Town of Inglis a safer place to live." In the short time Dep. Rogers has worked with the

ceived a $5,000 cash prize. Team members include Duane Clark, Dusty Crum and Craig

LCSO after the dissolution of the Inglis Police Department three years ago, Dep. Rogers has

Nicks. Second-place winners led by team captain Paul Shannon captured 9 pythons and

also received a public commendation from Undersheriff W.O. "Brett" Beauchamp, III for

received a $1,500 cash prize. Team 5093bS.sOrwellePt.,ian Barrows, Jake Carner and Chris

mem er includ Br Homosassa, Florida 34446

the prolific number of arrests he's made in such a rural area with his diligence.

Shannon. Individual Category MoPhone: n(352)nd Prize winnFax:a(727) 362-4788 red

st Pytho s Gra 489-4588 er D niel Moniz captu

New FLlaw recreational

   prohibits

Email, Tom ythons and received a $3,500 cash prize. Second-place winner SDebbiesRussell,tured

13 pRussell, Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.comIEmail, teve Da kam cap Editor: d

Websiyehonthenewscaster.com canewscasterarchives.com · history.newscasterarchives.c

8 pt t s: s and received a $750 · sh prize.

Teamwork rescues trapped worker

shooting in residential areas





According to Dep. Vick with the Citrus County Sheriff s Office, Governor Rick

On Feb. 23, Fire Engines 20 and 14, along

Scott a(SenateBill130:a 

signed  bill    Discharging  Firearm) into law which prohibits the

with Rescue Unit 7 with the Citrus County Sheriff s

recreational discharge of a firearm in residential areas, that became effective on Feb. 24.

      



Office, Division of Fire Rescue responded to the car

hs wmitoeft,t was eglforsiento retinalyshoot firearms on

Before i la ca  e n  fec i l a  r e d  s t   crea o l 

wash in Beverly Hills due to a worker trapped in the



their own property, regardless of zoning or property size. The law reads "any person who

conveyor system. Upon arrival, crews found the man,

recreationally discharges a firearm outdoors, including target shooting, in an area that the

  

with his right arm trapped between a chail/roller sys-

person knows or reasonably should know is primarily residential in nature and that has a

tem and the track. Crews used a hydraulic spreader,

cutters and a saw to remove the steel awayfrm 

recreational density of one or more dwelling units per acre, commits a misdemeanor of the

man s arm. Nature Coast EMS assisted with the rs     

first degree." The law does not apply to firearms being used in defense of life or property, or

to accidental discharge of a firearm. If you have questions about the legality of shooting on

cue, as did CCSO deputies. Nature Coast EMS l       

your property, please call the sheriff s office at 352-726-4488.



assisted the flight crew from Shandscare which transported the man to Shands Hospital.

BUDDY & FRED'S HARDWARE

Captains    

 Cove Outfitter

      

39 W.Inglis, 447-5610

 Hwy. 40 · FL · (352) 





Open5:45-6pm

 M-Sa  Sun. 5:45-5pm



Mre 

 o  Than A Bait Store



Even bait

though we have a great  selection!

   Gear up to date!







 

With Shimano Rods & Reels



Serving Inglis, Yankeetown, Dunnellon, Hernando, Crystal River & Homosassa

5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446



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



Visit our Website, www.thenewscaster.com    



Email (Tom Russell, Publisher) thenewscaster1@gmail.com  



   

Email (Debbie Russell, Editor) debbienewscaster@gmail.com



All Our Staff are Fishermen

Local Guides Available



We have  Family  Atmosphere

a Clean    Friendly



Top Qualityrods &for beginners

     reels



to experts.Large selection

    of Saltwater Tackle

   













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

Voters of Citrus County





Want Solar Energy?



 



Help bring affordable solar energy to Florida



   

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Busi Choice petition





Available at www.lwvcitrus.org



to start in 2-17-16 issue

WAERFOTnitlooe Rier!

T RN o W ache  v

h  c   

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1.acrsRBfor only

5   e  , 2B  / 2  A     