Boating accident claims Green Cove Springs man's life

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012, 3:09pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- A 76-year-old man from Green Cove Springs died due to a boating accident in Citrus County.

Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported James Edward Pullen missing when his boat was found aground around 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Authorities found his boat on a sand bar near the Crystal River Fort Island Trail boat ramp, according to a news release from FWC. Officers found a cell phone and keys on the boat and it's trolling motor was down but there was no sign of Pullen.

FWC along with the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Citrus County Sheriff's Office launched a coordinated search.

Pullen was located around 7:30 Tuesday evening by Clay County Sheriff's deputies.

The release said the preliminary FWC investigation revealed Pullen was fishing when he fell out of his boat.

The medical examiner's office will determine the exact cause of death according to FWC investigators.

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Lake Asbury association and residents in fight over $50 fee

Submitted by Ken Amaro, Ken Amaro, Community Reporter

Friday, September 21st, 2012, 7:20pm

LAKE ASBURY, Fla. -- A Homeowner's Association (HOA) serves a purpose, but when it clashes with property owners, the only resolution appears to be in court.

Such is the case with some owners in Clay County's Lake Asbury and the association responsible for the lakes.

"They have threatened us," said Wendy Hendricks, "and they have said 'if you don't pay us, we are going to take your home from you.'"

Hendricks is a Realtor and resident of Lake Asbury. She said she has paid her $50 fee, but she has decided to support a lawsuit to stop the association from imposing the fee.

"There is no authority; they have just made this decision they're going to do this," she said.

Hendricks said the fee gives property owners the key to access the lakes, boat ramps and pays for upkeep.

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Clay School Board to keep its attorney

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Friday, September 21st, 2012, 12:54pm

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The Clay County School Board is keeping its attorney after a very heated Thursday night meeting.

Janice Kerekes, vice chair of the school board, said in a release that Superintendent-elect Charlie Van Zant's attempt to terminate the contract of the board's attorney was ruled out.

The decision was made after residents blasted the board.

The public comment portion of the meeting lasted for more than an hour.

Van Zant won the recent school Superintendent election. The school board wants to appoint a superintendent instead and that issue will be addressed at a future meeting, Kerekes said.

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OPHS football player pleads guilty to sex charges

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Thursday, September 20th, 2012, 5:20pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- A plea deal has been reached in three sex crimes cases against Orange Park High School football player Kiari Hill.

The 18-year-old was on trial for sexual battery, accused of typing a girl up in 2011 with a belt and having sex with her while watching a movie at her house, according to a release from the State Attorney's Office. The girl told a guidance counselor the following month.

After jury deliberations began Wednesday, his attorney asked prosecutors to consider a plea in the case, and two other pending sex cases, the release stated.

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Clay Supervisor of Elections asking for Supervised Voting volunteers

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Thursday, September 20th, 2012, 4:01pm

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The Clay County Supervisor of Elections office is looking for volunteers to assist with supervised voting.

The Supervised Voting program involves going to Clay County's assisted living facilities and helping the residents vote via mail ballot in the Primary Election, according to an alert from the Supervisor of Elections office.

Since the ballot is a two-page ballot, the Supervisor's office said they will need a lot of help at each facility.

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Clay County Sheriff's Office starts 'Elder Watch Program'

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Tuesday, September 18th, 2012, 3:01pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- To help make sure Clay County's elderly citizens stay safe, the Clay County Sheriff's Office has launched the "Elder Watch Program."

The program is designed to keep CCSO in regular contact with special needs residents and home bound seniors.

"Our goal is to avoid situations where elderly or special needs residents are found deceased inside their homes after a medical crisis or accident, because too much time lapses between contacts," said Mary Justino, CCSO Public Information Officer.

Here's how the program works: CCSO's Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) contact program participants by telephone daily. If the person cannot be reached after three attempts, CCSO contacts the primary and secondary contacts listed.

Then, if determined to be necessary, a CCSO deputy may enter the residence to provide assistance. This is pre-authorized by the participant.

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Access denied to community amenity center

Submitted by Ken Amaro, Ken Amaro, Community Reporter

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012, 7:03pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- When residents moved into Magnolia West, a main attraction was the $2 million amenity center.

Amanda Connelly bought a home in 2010 and was surprised to find her card key no longer works.

"We didn't understand why," said Connelly.

This past Labor Day, residents were notified in writing that "due to the lack of funding to support various services, the center will be closing until further notice."

"They're telling us it is going to be a timely process," she said.

The residents say they're confused. They've paid a CDD (Community, Development District) fee and they've also paid an operating and maintenance fee.

Amy Barlow moved into the community in spring 2009.

"They're taking our money and we don't know what they're doing with it. That's the question," said Barlow.

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