'Newspg10' by The Newscaster - Nature Coast News

PAGE 8 - May 7, 2008

THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News

2nd All-Hazard Expo Set for

What If You Call 911 And

Saturday, May 10

No One Ever Answers?

(Crystal River) With forecasters predicting a more-active-than-usual 2008 Atlantic hurri-

Starting February 1, 2009 that is exactly what will happen for boaters who have the

cane season, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Section is urging all

older model EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) that transmit a distress

citizens to attend the final free all-hazard and informational expo offered in May.

alert on 121.5 MHz or 243 MHz. The activation of an EPIRB is like making a 911 call to search

On Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the last expo is scheduled for the

and rescue authorities. After February 1, 2009 the older model EPIRBs will no longer be

National Guard Armory on W. Venable Street by the airport in Crystal River.

monitored by satellite, and are likely to go completely undetected in an emergency. Only

Because a major disaster typically impacts the county's resources, as well as those of other

distress alerts from 406 MHz beacons will continue to be detected and processed by search

governmental agencies, this year's expos have been expanded to include valuable informa-

and rescue satellites worldwide.

tion from the Citrus County Health Department, Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser, Fire

Although February 1, 2009 is still a long time from now, the traditional start of the

Rescue, Animal Services, Solid Waste Management, Aquatics and Nature Coast EMS, along

2008 boating season is just a couple of weeks away and while preparing for the season the

with representatives from the Florida Divisions of Forestry and Emergency Management.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary recommends that the new EPIRBs be part of the season start-

Fifty vendors are expected to display products and services designed to assist

upshopping list. Although recreational boaters are not required to carry an EPIRB, they are

citizens as they prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, as well as the threat of severe

strongly recommended for ALL boaters, including kayaks and other paddle craft, along with

weather and other hazards. In addition, there will be six drawings held throughout the expo

a VHF-FM marine band radio.

for free weather radios. No home should be without one. Attendees must be present in order

The 406 MHz signal sent by the newer EPIRBs when a mariner encounters distress

to win.

are picked up by the COSPAS/SARSAT satellite constellation, which determines the EPIRBs

The schedule of speakers for the event is as follows:

position through triangulation. EPIRBs with embedded GPS are even more helpful in quickly

10 10:15 a.m.

Capt. Joe Eckstein Emergency Mgmt. Director

finding a distressed boater. With GPS coordinates, the position of distress is pinpointed

10:30 11 a.m.

Judi Tear

Citrus County Health Dept.

almost immediately. Without GPS, it may take two or three satellite passes to come up with a

11 11:30 a.m.

Henry Cancel

Alzheimer's Association

good, triangulated position.

11:30 a.m. 12 noon Dr. Jeffery Kinnard Neck & Back Care Center

According to Captain Chip Strangfeld, Commander of Coast Guard Sector San

12 noon 12:30 p.m. Betty Strifler

Citrus County Clerk of Courts

Diego, "the time saved by EPIRBs could mean the difference between life and death." As

12:30 1 p.m.

Steve Jerve

Chief Meteorologist, Ch. 8 Television

long as the new 406 MHz beacon has been registered (which is required by law), search and

1 1:30 p.m.

Deb Scott, LMHC Managing Stress During Disasters

rescue authorities can quickly confirm that the distress is real, who they are looking for, and

1:30 2 p.m.

Melanie Hensley

Citrus County Property Appraiser

a description of the vessel or aircraft. This means an effective search can be initiated even

Don't miss out on learning more about the latest when it comes to protecting your

before a final distress location has been determined for non-GPS EPIRBs.

family, home and business from severe weather and other hazards. Those who attend can

It also means that a false activation may be resolved with a phone call to the beacon

watch generator safety demonstrations, pick up a re-entry tag, and much more. For more

owner, saving resources for actual distresses. Registration is free and can be done on the

information, contact the Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Section at (352) 746-6555.

internet at:www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov or it can be mailed/faxed to NOAA by calling

1-888-212-SAVE.

Man Hospitalized After

Beacon registrations must be updated at least every two years or when information

such as emergency contact phone numbers and other vital information changes. This regis-

Stabbing Incident

tration information is only available to authorized search and rescue personnel.

For more potentially life-saving information along with how to take a boating safety

course or get a free vessel safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary visithttp://

On May 2, 2008 Levy County Investigator Mike Bell arrested

www.uscgboating.org/. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component

Calbren Leon Bennett and David Wayne Williams for attempted homi-

of the United States Coast Guard. Created by an Act of Congress in 1939, the Auxiliary

cide and tampering with physical evidence.

directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and direct law enforcement

May 2, 2008 around 1:30 A.M. several individuals were drink-

actions. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an integral part of the United States Coast Guard. For

ing beers at the Clay Landing boat ramp, located at 11850 N.W. 130

more information visit www.cgaux.org if you are ready to join visit http://join.cgaux.org.

Street. A verbal altercation occurred which resulted in a physical fight

with Calbren Bennett and the victim. During the fight the Calbren

Inglis undercover drug operation

Bennett pulled a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times in the

upper torso and face area. The victim was transported to University

ends in arrest of local man

of Florida Shands Hospital and he is currently in surgery for the sec-

Calbren L. Bennett

ond time.

On May 2, the Inglis Police Department conducted an undercover drug operation

After the incident Calbren Bennett and David Williams left

which led to the arrest of 22-year-old James Raymond Rowe of Inglis. According to the arrest

the area and went to 12951 N.W. 85 Court where the report stated they both participated in

report, after Rowe sold the methamphetamine, a traffic stop was conducted on him and he

burning the bloody clothes of Calbren Bennett. David Williams gave Calbren Bennett some

refused to exit his vehicle. After he finally got of the vehicle, Rowe resisted arrest and had to

clothes to wear and Bennett left the residence. Williams was not involved in the fight but has

be restrained on the ground. Rowe was transported to the Levy County Jail and charged with

been charged with accessory after the fact for attempted homicide and tampering with physi-

the felony sale of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

cal evidence. Calbren Bennett has located at his residence and he confessed to stabbing the

victim, but claimed it was self defense.

Calbren Leon Bennett of Chiefland was charged with Attempted Homicide, and

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