The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) are currently investigating claims of organized fraud by Citrus County-based business Elite Roofing.
At this time, several potential victims have been identified throughout the state of Florida, as well as the East coast region.
If you think bats may be living in your building, now is the time to check your attic, eaves or chimney spaces and take action to exclude them.
Bat maternity season begins April 15 and runs through Aug. 15, and during this time it’s illegal to block bats from their roost.
“This is a critical time of year for bats, when they give birth and raise their young,” said Terry Doonan, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologist and mammal conservation coordinator.
Do you have a pet who is a member of your family? Do you love animals? The PetMeals Program is seeking help from pet lovers throughout Citrus County.
The Citrus County PetMeals Program is in need of donations. The program provides dog and cat food to the companion pets of senior homebound clients who receive Meals on Wheels.
Victim in a 1985 Cold Case in Lecanto
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s (CCSO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) and Crime Stoppers of Citrus County, Inc. as part of an initiative to enhance reward money for information leading to the identity of the perpetrator(s) responsible for the June 1985 homicide of an unidentified male in Lecanto.
“We are extremely proud to work with the Florida Sheriffs Association and Crime Stoppers of Citrus County,” Sheriff Prendergast said.
“Through FSA’s Criminal Apprehension Assistance Program (CAPP), we will be able to shine a new light on our Fire on the Roadside’ case to hopefully generate new leads and bring closure to this mystery.
Robert Nelson Merlina
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing adult, Robert Nelson Merlina.
Merlina was last seen on Friday at around 11 a.m.
He is a 27 year old white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Merlina was last seen in the Floral City area. It is unknown what he was wearing at the time he went missing.
If you have seen Robert or know his whereabouts, please contact the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office at 352-726-1121 and ask for the Major Crimes Unit.
To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, contact Citrus County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-269-8477 or online at www.crimestopperscitrus.com.
Angela Vick, Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Citrus County Clerk Angela Vick has warned county residents of a potential deed copy scam.
Recently, a county resident brought the clerk office’s attention to a mail solicitation received from a company offering to provide a property profile and a copy of the deed recorded in the homeowner’s name.
“Companies offering these services are charging exorbitant fees,” Vick said in a facebook post.
Vick noted that The Clerk’s office does not request payment for recorded property deeds via mail. “Stay atlert to all suspicious mailings, phone calls and emails and be aware of scams or potential scams,” Vick said.