CitrusCountyNetwork.com

The Citrus County Network is continuing coverage of the shooting of the suspect in Crystal River this morning.

The Sheriff’s Office still has not released the man’s name as they are still waiting for the next of kin notification. We will bring you more information as it comes in.

A Citrus County spokeswoman released the following statement

Here’s what we’ve got in terms of contact with the suspect prior to the shooting.  We received a call at 9:57 p.m. on Sunday from 1030 SE Hwy 19 in Crystal River regarding a man claiming he missed his bus and who wouldn’t leave the premises.  He was allegedly harassing customers outside of the Race Trac gas station.

We received a second call at around 10:31 p.m. from SE Hwy 19 and SE King’s Bay Dr. in Crystal River regarding a vehicle crash with injuries.  Allegedly, the suspect spoke to deputies at some point at the incident location.

During both incidents, the suspect did not appear to be a danger to himself or others.

U.S. HIGHWAY 19 OPEN TO THROUGH TRAFFIC IN CITRUS COUNTY

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office has announced that U.S. Highway 19 has been opened to through traffic in the area of today’s early-morning shooting near the Sonic drive-thru in downtown Crystal River.

The agency’s investigation into the shooting incident continues.

K-9 deputy Mito was immediately transferred to the Dunnellon Animal Hospital, where Dr. Paul Mack performed emergency surgery.  K-9 deputy Mito received a deep stab wound, which came within a half inch of his heart.  Dr. Mack was able to stop the bleeding to his wound and in turn, saved the dog’s life.  K-9 deputy Mito received 30 internal stitches during the surgery.  He is expected to make a full recovery.

Deputies had encountered the man earlier in the evening, however he did not appear to pose a threat to himself or others.  The man’s name is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.

Read the Whole Story Here

A man who was wandering into traffic was fatally shot by Citrus County Sheriff’s Deputies this morning. After being asked to get out of the road deputies sent their K9 Mito to convince him to. The man then stabbed Mito and charged at the officers. That is when he was fatally shot.

The details are still coming in but you can follow the story on our main Citrus County News pages

Shuttle Discovery Liftoff (NASA)

Space Shuttle Discovery launched into space last night for mission STS-119, with a crew of seven including Japan’s first long-term resident of the International Space Station (ISS).

Living in Citrus County we do get to see the shuttle launch but it is usually not that good. Last night, however, the view was excellent.

Discovery was visible by  the magnificant  light emanating from its three main engines. It appeared as a very bright, pulsating, fast-moving star, shining with a yellowish-orange glow.

Smoke trail from Discovery seen from Homosassa

Nasa must have used a different flight path than normal, as Discovery seemed much closer and bigger than normal. We also witnessed for the very first time the solid rocket boosters seperating from the shuttle.

I have seen it on tv before but never from my Homosassa neighborhood.  It was simply the best launch that I have seen from home ever. Unfortunatly I had not been home all day and did not know that it was launching. We were outside in the yard when all the neighbors came out into the road. So I was only able to get this one picture of it.

If anyone has any other pictures of the launch please post them here in the comments section, or you can send them to  news @ searchcitrus.com   I would love to post them here.

Senator Charles Dean (R) didn’t like people questioning his authority when he was Citrus County Sheriff. Now as our Senator people will question him.

Enough people raised questions this week that County Commissioner Anthony Schembri has decided to have the state look into the matter of Sen. Dean’s New Barn.

Schembri said of the action he was taking, “In response to the questions being raised about the agricultural exemptions on Sen. Charles Dean’s barn, given the issues that have come up, I am taking what I consider an appellate step, and I am asking the Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs, Tom Pelham, to give us an opinion on the case.” County officials will forward details of the case to Pelham for review but do not expect an immediate response.

It’s about time that lawmakers found out that they are not above the law and can’t do whatever they like. If the state rules that this is not a barn but a residence I hope that they make him pay all of the fines that everyday citizens would have too.

Read the whole story here

Etched Designs & Home Decor specializes in the Vinyl Decals that look like Etched Glass.

They are completly removable and re-usable and look so much like actual etched glass.

Etched Designs has been serving Citrus County since 2003 and is located in Howard’s Flea Market in Homosassa.

Right now they are running a special for all in store sales until March 31st. All in store purchases can receive 10% off!

Visit their ad on SearchCitrus.Com for More information

Two fun-filled days of arts, crafts, games, contests, prizes and delicious food are celebrated each year during the Floral City Strawberry Festival in Floral City, on March 7 and March 8, 2009. The primary focus of the event is the celebration of strawberries — by the berry, by the shortcake, by the flat or covered in chocolate!

This year’s event will again feature strawberry delicacies to tempt the palate. Over 150 craft vendors (all work done by hand) will offer an array of items to please all areas of interest.