Ocala News

I read this article and the first thought I had was that this home seems a perfect example of the type of case Eminent Domain was made for. Most often eminent domain is used to take property from a land or home owner because the county or city government deems it's use necessary for the greater good.

here in Florida we have seen this abused and many valuable properties taken by crooked officials and unscrupulous developers who are anxious to take over private lands for use that marginally is good for the community. The Parker-Menchan home is falling into disrepair and owned or controlled by the now defunct and/or bankrupt Taylor Bean organization which most likely used money from the billion dollar debacle to repair and renovate this historic property. For two years now the home has set unused and it is now overgrown and falling into disrepair once again.

Credit card skimmers may be part of theft ring | Ocala.com

Law enforcement officials said a dozen credit card skimming devices have been found in the past month at Central Florida gas stations, including four on Friday and one Sunday in Alachua County, along with devices at St. Johns and Flagler county stations, in what appears to be a statewide theft ring.

I must be honest that this credit card skimmer scam has me very concerned because we use a debit card for all purchases and we maintain a tight grip on our budget. If they were able to scan our credit card number they would have access to our primary account funds and whatever they took would be sorely missed. Even if our bank refunded us quickly it could seriously jeopardize how we pay our bills and even feed our family.