Ocala Man Arrested After Two Roommates Killed Following Argument Over Ice Cream
Ocala Police have released new details in Wednesday's double homicide on Southeast Eighth Street.
During a Thursday news conference, Police Chief Mike Balken identified the victims as Charles Etheze, 69, and Michael Menkes, 78.
Police arrested their roommate and landlord, 69-year-old Mark Robinson, on a charge of second-degree murder.
Investigators say officers were called to the residence earlier Wednesday to settle a disagreement involving ice cream that Robinson accused his roommates of eating.
Officers initially resolved the disturbance, and the two roommates left for a walk.
According to investigators, Robinson retrieved a shotgun before the men returned. Another confrontation followed, and both roommates were shot.
Robinson told police that he feared for his safety and claimed one of the men had a knife.
Police say one victim was shot inside the residence, while the other was shot as he attempted to leave.
Both men died from their injuries.
Chief Balken said detectives are examining Robinson's self-defense claim and that additional charges remain possible.
Robinson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Fort McCoy Woman Dies After SUV Strikes Concrete Pillar and Catches Fire
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving a 39-year-old Fort McCoy woman.
The collision occurred late Wednesday night, October 28, in southwest Marion County.
According to initial reports, the woman's SUV struck a concrete pillar and subsequently caught fire.
The driver died from her injuries.
Troopers are investigating the circumstances leading to the crash.
The woman's identity had not been publicly released in the reports available for this edition.
Florida Voters Consider Major Property Tax Changes Under Amendment 3
Florida voters will decide on a proposed constitutional amendment that could change property taxes for homeowners and other property owners.
Amendment 3 proposes a substantial increase in the state's homestead exemption and additional limits affecting taxes on commercial properties and rental housing.
Supporters argue that the proposal would provide tax relief to homeowners and help address rising property-related expenses.
Questions surrounding the measure include its potential impact on local-government revenue and public-service funding.
The amendment is one of several statewide issues appearing on the November 3 general-election ballot.
Voters should consult the official ballot summary for the exact provisions and effective dates.
Marion County Conservation Bond Referendum Approaches Election Day
Marion County voters will also decide whether to authorize up to $140 million in general-obligation bonds for conservation and recreation projects.
The proposal would support the acquisition and protection of environmentally significant lands, including forests, farms, springs and drinking-water resources.
Funding could also be used for parks and trails.
The bonds would be repaid through property taxes subject to the limits specified in the referendum.
The measure requires a simple majority of voters to pass.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Free Boo Bash Halloween Celebration Tonight in Ocala
The City of Ocala is hosting its annual Boo Bash tonight, Friday, October 30.
The free indoor Halloween event takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center.
Location: 1510 Northwest Fourth Street, Ocala.
Families can enjoy Halloween-themed activities and a community celebration designed for children.
Costumes are encouraged.
Downtown Ocala Halloween Festival Runs Tonight
The Gray Family Halloween Festival returns to the Ocala Downtown Market tonight.
The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at 403 Southeast Osceola Avenue.
More than 60 participating vendors are expected to distribute candy to children.
The festival also features costume contests, with activities scheduled throughout the evening.
Admission is free.
Additional Halloween Events Scheduled for Saturday
Several Ocala organizations are planning family-friendly Halloween activities tomorrow, October 31.
Laly Acres Market, located at 8384 Southwest 38th Avenue, will host trick-or-treating and vendor activities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Salvation Army at 2901 Northeast 14th Street will host a free fall festival from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring games, food and trunk-or-treating.
Ocala First United Methodist Church, at 1126 East Silver Springs Boulevard, will hold its annual trunk-or-treat celebration from 4 to 6 p.m.
Families are encouraged to check with individual organizers for any last-minute schedule changes.
