THE NEWSCASTER
THE NEWSCASTER
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Deborah Russell - Editor/Publisher
A Publication of
Wednesday May 28, 2014
Inglis, FL 34449
Tom Russell - Consulting Editor
Newscaster Publishing
Permit No. 14
Sally Price - Correspondent
visit our website: thenewscaster.com
Mike Moore - Photojournalist
Community
New Employment
Stats Released
The unemployment rate in the Career-
Source Citrus Levy Marion region was
6.7 percent in April, down 0.8 percentage
points from March, 1.4 percent lower than
the same time last year, and the lowest
since spring 2008. Out of a labor force of
201,938 there were 13,454 unemployed,
a drop of 1,793 over the month and 3,070
fewer than April 2013.
The employment summary, re-
leased today by the Florida Department
of Economic Opportunity, indicated that
there were no counties with double-digit
unemployment rates in April and that all
67 counties experienced drops in unem-
ployment rates.
In terms of over-the-year job
growth, all of Florida's metropolitan ar-
eas experienced gains except for Ocala,
which lost 200 jobs.
"We lost Ocala this time to a
small amount, negative 0.2 percent, but all
other metros were positive," said Rebecca
Rust, DEO's chief economist. "Ocala had
the slowest job growth rate because it was
the only one to lose jobs over the year."
An uptick in temperature forced many people celebrating Memorial Day weekend to look for a way to cool off. Rainbow Springs State Park this
Much of that was due to losses in govern-
weekend was the destination for hundreds who chose this park for that reason. Swimming, picnics and even a wedding were part of the func-
ment jobs which lost 400 jobs since April
tions at this popular park north of Dunnellon. Plenty of tubers chose to float down Rainbow River or Blue Run, the river's alternate name. This
2013.
3 to 4 hour float down has always been a prime attraction for the town of Dunnellon. Photo/story by Sally Price.
Operation "163" nets four drug
The April unemployment rates,
Sales Tax Holiday
not seasonally adjusted, were 6.6 percent
for Marion County, the 12th highest rate
arrests in Homosassa
For Hurricane
in the state but the county's lowest since
May 2008 when the rate was 6.8 percent;
possession of paraphernalia (bond $15,500);
6.9 percent for Citrus County, down 0.8
From The Citrus County Sheriff Dept.
Supplies
Amy Reyburn was charged with posses-
percent over the month and the lowest
Early Wednesday morning, May sion of a firearm by a convicted felon, pos-
since 6.6 percent in March 2008; and 6.4
21, members of the Citrus Country Sher- session of methamphetamine, possession
The 2014 Sales Tax Holiday for
percent in Levy County, down 0.8 per-
iff s Office s Tactical Impact Unit, assisted of paraphernalia, possession of less than
Hurricane Supplies will run from May 31
centage points and the lowest since its 7.0
by members of the SWAT Team, conducted 20 grams of cannabis and tampering with
through June 8, 2014. This means, that
percent rate in June 2008. Local rates are
Operation 163, which focused on serving a evidence (bond $16,500); Stacey Stickler
when you purchase the following items dur-
not seasonally adjusted. Florida's season-
search warrant at a suspected drug house in was charged with possession of metham-
ing May 31 through June 8, you will not be
ally adjusted rate is 6.2 percent and the
Homosassa.
charged sales tax in Florida.
phetamine, possession of paraphernalia and
non-adjusted rate is 5.7 percent. The na-
The drug operation, or `bust,' was Continued on page 4 - Operation 163
The specific items included in the
tional rate, adjusted, is 6.3 percent and
named Operation 163, because the six resi-
Sales Tax Holiday include: *A portable self-
non-adjusted is 5.9 percent.
dents of 7550 W. Clearbrook Ln. had previ-
powered light source selling for $20 or less.
Citrus County's labor force de-
ously been arrested a combined total of 163
*A portable self-powered radio, two-way
creased by 589 over the month to 53,848
times. For safety purposes, the SWAT team
radio, or weather band radio selling for $50
almost the same gain from the previ-
entered the residence, first, and removed ev-
or less. *A tarpaulin or other flexible wa-
ous month the number of employed fell
eryone inside. An elaborate security surveil-
terproof sheeting selling for $50 or less. *A
slightly by 85 to 50,134 and the number
lance system was found just inside the front
self-contained first-aid kit selling for $30 or
of those without jobs dropped by 504 to
doorway of the mobile home.
less. *A ground anchor system or tie-down
3,714. The unemployment rate in April
During the operation, four arrests
kit selling for $50 or less. *A gas or diesel
2013 was 8.2 percent when there were
were made: Donald Reyburn was charged
fuel tank selling for $25 or less. *A package
858 more unemployed. Levy County had
with possession of a firearm by a convicted
of AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt
no change.
felon, possession of methamphetamine and Arrestees in Operation 163 - CCSO Photo
Continued on page 11- Sales Tax Holiday