Daja Clayton

Urbana

Reporter at WCJB-TV (Gainesville, FL)

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Articles

Two Marion County organizations honoring unclaimed veterans with a dignified final resting place

3 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - It was an act of respect and honor that led Marion County Veterans Council President Charles Calhoun to change the unclaimed veteran’s final resting place. “We do so much for the veterans but there’s a segment that’s fallen through the cracks, and that’s the unclaimed veterans,” said Calhoun. Calhoun says he approached volunteers with the “On Top of the World” Woodshop about the idea of creating wooden urns.
Belleview police officer of 34 years promoted to Assistant Chief of Police

3 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

BELLEVIEW, Fla. (WCJB) - Lawrence Bryan says the promotion to Assistant Police Chief came as a shock“Everybody. My entire family knew, everybody knew but me. I had no clue and I started asking questions and they all just said we were told to be here because someone is getting an award,” said Bryan. Bryan has worked at the Belleview Police Department for more than three decades and plans to retire later in the year.
2 dogs killed in Citra house fire

3 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

CITRA, Fla. (WCJB) - Officials with Marion County Fire Rescue say they responded to reports of smoke coming out of the windows, doors, and roof of the home just after 2 o’clock on Tuesday. Agencies from Anthony, Fort McCoy, Lowell, and Orange Lake came together to help extinguish the flames. Officials say the fire was contained by 2:30 but they unfortunately found two dogs dead inside. One resident who lives nearby says he knew the homeowner and his animals.
Gun violence advocacy groups speak out after several Marion County shootings

3 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Daja Clayton

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Neighbors say after they heard the shots — they heard loud screams and a car speeding away. One of the shootings in Marion County happened along Southeast Maricamp Road just before 3 a.m. Saturday. The founder of a gun violence advocacy group says it was alarming to hear about the shootings. “I mean it’s the beginning of the summer so the crime rate with schools being out, you do see kind of an increase.
Fire and EMS impact fees are reinstated in Marion County

1 month 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 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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.