Daja Clayton

Urbana

Reporter at WCJB-TV (Gainesville, FL)

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Articles

Fire and EMS impact fees are reinstated in Marion County

1 week ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - The constant growth in Marion County will now have some paying extra to build a home here. County officials unanimously approved reinstating impact fees to help pay for fire and EMS services. Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta says impact fees for a new residential home can cost up to nine hundred dollars.
Fire along East County Road 225 stretches 250 acres

1 week ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - There was still thick smoke across East County Road 225 hours after officials were notified of the fire around noon. Public Information Officer Ludie Bond with the Florida Forest Service says they prepared for this moment. “With the recent lightning systems that have moved through as well as the dry conditions, we were expecting an increase in wildfires throughout the peninsula of Florida,” said Bond. Around 4 o’clock Bond confirmed that 70% of the fire was contained.
A new public library coming to Silver Springs Shores

2 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

SILVER SPRINGS SHORES, Fla. (WCJB) - Silver Springs Shores will soon see a new public library. Marion County officials have been gathering input from the community since January on what they should name the library -- Silver Springs Shores Public Library was chosen. The building is currently a Community Youth Center with a pool attached. There is also a basketball court, volleyball court, and community center.
Former deputy sues Marion County Sheriff’s Office for retaliation following racism complaint

2 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Ryan Wyatt Turbeville |Daja Clayton

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is facing another lawsuit, this one accusing it of discriminating against and retaliating against a deputy. Attorneys for former deputy David Ur filed a lawsuit accusing the sheriff’s office leadership of retaliating against him after he reported racist comments made by his superior officer. He also alleges he was illegally forced to modify official incident and probable cause reports.
A portion of Juniper Springs closed due to large gator

2 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

MARION COUNTY, Fla. (WCJB) - People are still coming to Juniper Springs because it isn’t completely closed off. A researcher with the University of Florida believes closing off the area where the gator was spotted was the smart decision. “If you enter an area where there are alligators your risk level goes up. For example, if there are large males, your risk level goes up during mating season,” said Frank Mazzotti. Mazzotti says mating season for gators starts around May and goes through June.
Gilchrist County chef recognized in national competition

2 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

TRENTON, Fla. (WCJB) - Born in south Georgia -- tasty food was always part of Cecil Hancock’s life. But after moving to Florida and starting a family -- he decided to take it more seriously. “Food has always been a passion. Cooking and feeding people has always been there, it’s something I love more than anything. I see it as an opportunity to maybe showcase my food and ability to a bigger audience,” said Hancock. This led him to the ‘Favorite Chef’ competition.
‘Look twice to save a life’: Local biker group proclaims May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

3 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - ABATE of Florida Forest Chapter is making its rounds across north central Florida to proclaim May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Member Kim Brown says they’ve also brought their efforts to Belleview and McIntosh. “We went out on State Road 40 and held up signs watch out for motorcycles. We go to the high schools and do a free demonstration on motorcycle safety awareness,” said Brown. Members TV20 spoke with say they too often see accidents involving motorcycles.
Wild horses, donkeys up for adoption at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

3 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Wild horses and burros are being sold this weekend at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. The event started on Thursday and runs through the weekend, but organizers say the animals go fast. The US Department of the Interior brought the animals from as far as California with the hopes of finding their forever home. Coordinator Hunter Paffrath says there are about 140 horses and burros, and they cost $125 to adopt.
Belleview launches grant program ‘Beautify Belleview’ to assist local businesses

3 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

BELLEVIEW, Fla. (WCJB) - Just off Highway 441 sits ‘All About Art’. Owner Donna Damato says she’s been here for 25 years and the storefront could use some improvements. “I would like to have a little more bright colors to reach the road because we’re back off of the road so that would really help us a lot and the artists,” said Damato. Damato says she didn’t even know about this new ‘Beautify Belleview’ grant -- but she plans to apply.
‘It’s sad to see them go’: Owner of Anthony’s Pizza and Subs retires

3 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

ANTHONY, Fla. (WCJB) - Tears were shed and hugs were given after the announcement of Anthony’s Subs and Pizzas being sold. Customers like Justine Long told TV20 it was a tradition to come here after school and games. “It was like a Friday night routine with our family every Friday we had Anthony’s Pizza and Subs and then I’ve kind of carried on that tradition with my children,” said Long.

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