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Kind words from the family and coworkers didn’t help shorten the sentence for a 38-year-old Palm Coast man found guilty of sexually battering a child in his care.
Judge Wendy Berger on Thursday sentenced Douglas Wayne Hall to 60 years in prison and designated him a sexual offender.
A jury found Hall guilty of two counts of sexual battery/engaging in sexual conduct with a minor 12 to 18 years by a person in familial custody.
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TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Supreme Court asked the Legislature on Thursday for 72 new judgeships, but the justices didn’t hold out much hope of getting them as the state faces another year of austere budgeting.
Acknowledging that adding judgeships “is an expensive proposition, especially during difficult economic times,” they urged lawmakers to at least restore some of the past cuts in support staff if money is available.
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This time of year is always a time of reflection for me. The holidays bring to mind peace and home, family and friends and for me, the town of Hastings and the folks I have met along the way this past year.
So bear with me as we reflect together over memorable events and people from 2011.
In April we had the delicious Slow Food Tour De Farms. Folks came from far and wide to visit 14 working farms across several counties. It was a wildly successful event. Everyone is looking forward to part two next year.
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The eight-day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah — The Festival of Lights — begins Tuesday, and special celebrations are planned around St. Johns County.
The festival is observed by the lighting one light each night on a nine-branched Menorah. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch. The extra light, according to tradition, is called a shamash and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for use, as using the Hanukkah lights themselves is forbidden.
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A divorced mother has hit some hard times financially and is looking for help getting gifts for her daughter.
“My employer downsized in November and I have been out of work for two weeks,” she wrote in her application for the Empty Stocking Fund. Although she has another job lined up, “My bills are piling up at this point, and I am not sure how I am going to afford dinner and presents for my 8-year-old daughter.
“She has had a tough year as her father moved out of state,” the mother wrote. “I would love to give her a special Christmas this year, with a few presents.”
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The miracle of the birth of Christ will be proclaimed in song and word as area churches celebrate Christmas 2011 with special services.
To share information about Christmas Eve and Day services email anne.heymen@staugustine.com or send by fax to 819-3558, no later than Monday at 11 a.m.
Baptist
¦ Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South and 110 Circle Drive East, State Road 16 campus:
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Still some fun waves pushing thru at the pier this afternoon. It’s in the waist to stomach range with a light NE wind. Looks a little inconsistent with the switching tides but could be worth a check later this evening. Share on Facebook
You do NOT want to miss the GRAND OPENING of the “VOID LOUNGE” Launch Party @ NIPPERS! That’s right, we are teaming up to give you a Nippers experience with a Void twist! This Wednesday night December 14, 8pm. *FEATURED* Artist Jason Snead + Photographer Shepherd Boggs + Vibes from DJ CODE RED, T STEEL [...]
Waist high leftovers with a rare plus set. Looks a little funky/soft here at the poles maybe we will see a little improvement later in the day as the tide changes. Share on Facebook
Surf looks pretty fun this morning. Looks to be in the waist to chest range with some plus sets. A tad inconsistent right now but looking fun when the sets roll through. Could see more improvement when the tide switches. Share on Facebook
Winds are finally out of the North this afternoon. Looks to be in the waist high range with some plus sets still possible. Kind of inconsistent right now but could improve when the tide switch’s. Share on Facebook
VOID WANTS YOUR CANS! This holiday season we would like to invite you to be a part of our team and give back together. From December 1st – 15th the below VOID Magazine advertisers will have collection bins for non-perishable food items to be donated. Some locations will offer something special in exchange for a [...]
Solid waist to chest high plus nor’easter like conditions this morning. Peaks are a little bumpy with a strong Northerly wind on it but still workable. High tide at report time. Worth a check today here at the poles a little sloppy but still looks kind of fun when the sets come through. Share on [...]
Waves are looking fun at report time. It’s in the waist to chest high range on sets with semi clean conditions. It’s not sheet glass but overall it looks fun so go surf if you can. Share on Facebook
Slightly smaller surf this morning around the waist to occasional chest range with decent form. Overall looks like it has a little morning sickness to it breaking on the outside, then mushing out on the mid sandbar, then dumping again on the inside. Good wind at report time with almost glassy conditions. We could see [...]
Dean’s List Michael Posluszny, Citrus Springs, the Savannah College of Art and Design Sara Kuykendall, Ocala, the Savannah College of Art and Design Galyana Castillo, Ocala, the Savannah College of Art and Design Parker Dunse, Ocala, the Savannah College of Art and Design Olivia Dodd, Ocala, the Savannah College of Art and Design President’s List Amanda Lynn Page, Ocala, University of Central Florida Graduates Bridget Ann Sharpe, Beverly Hills, Associate in Science in Nursing from Excelsior College. Beatrice C. Haynes,… Read More »
The Kiwanis Builders Club of Liberty Middle School spent Saturday morning, Nov. 19, at Liberty Park helping park rangers upgrade the exercise areas.
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Bob McCall, a certified general appraiser with over 20 years of appraisal experience, has been awarded the SRA designation for appraisers involved in the valuation and analysis of residential real estate by the Appraisal Institute, according to a recent press release. SRA appraisers have an advanced level of expertise and experience in the valuation of single-family homes, townhouses and residential income properties of up to and including four units. The SRA designation is earned upon the successful completion of a… Read More »
A recent site survey at Ocala Fire Rescue was conducted by the Florida Department of Health. According to a recent press release, the fire department received outstanding marks on the compliance monitoring site survey issued by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, and no deficiencies were found. In a letter received by Ocala Fire Rescue dated November 9th, Bureau Chief of EMS John Bixler wrote “Please extend my sincere gratitude to your staff for their assistance and for the overall… Read More »
Amanda “Mandy” Wettstein, the agency director for That Company, now adds “CPRC,” or Certified Public Relations Counselor, designation to her professional status. This credential is the second tier offered only by the Florida Public Relations Association and recognizes professional growth and achievement of senior members. Candidates for CPRC must have a minimum of 10 years of professional practice in public relations and have APR status (Accreditation in Public Relations). The 16-question essay exam is subjective and requires candidates to draw… Read More »
OCALA – Specializing in residential home sales and newly built homes, Mary Burel and Karen Schmidt have recently joined the team at Fontana Realty. The duo has 12 years combined experience, stated a news release. Contact them at Karen Schmidtschmidtdk@embarqmail.com and Mary Burel:maryburel@gmail.com.
OCALA – On Dec. 1, VFW Post 4209 hosted a pizza party for the winners of the post’s annual Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest and the Patriots Pen Essay Contest. Presented with U.S. Savings Bonds were: Voice of Democracy First Place – Sarah Kedem, Francis Marion Military Academy, Second Place – Andrew Daniels, Francis Marion Military Academy Third Place – Ashley Peters, Trinity High School Patriots Pen First Place – Avery Askren, Howard Middle School, Second Place – William… Read More »
Jena B. Brooks has joined Tranzon Driggers as Marketing/Advertising Coordinator, responsible for the development and implementation of multimedia campaigns for auctions conducted by the firm. Tranzon Driggers, licensed real estate broker and auctioneer in multiple states, provides real estate auction marketing services for lenders, trustees, and individuals throughout the United States. Jena brings expertise in marketing strategy, market analysis, efficiency, and organization to the Tranzon Driggers team with her background of managing and overseeing policies, procedures and budget for a… Read More »
The Villages office of Lake Ear, Nose, Throat and Facial Plastic Surgery has been selected as one of only two area referral offices for audiology testing and hearing aid dispensing for clients of The Villages area Veterans Administration (VA). Lake ENT’s audiology and hearing aid department was selected as a secondary resource for the VA following an evaluation of the practice, its qualifications, resources and its ability to meet the needs of resident Veterans. Upon referral by the VA, clients… Read More »
The holidays are upon us. As always, they show up before you know it. June Cleaver or not, many of us will be hosting parties at our Tampa Bay homes for the holidays - Thanksgiving Dinner, Cookie Parties, Dinner Parties, Cocktail Parties, New Years Parties. If you've ventured into home entertaining, you all understand how stressful it can be to throw a party at your Tampa Bay home. So when it's your turn to be the guest, keep in mind these tips to make it as easy on the host as possible to pull off the perfect holiday celebration...
7 Tips to Holiday Party Etiquette
1) Surprise Gift
It's always a nice surprise to bring the host something little to show them your appreciation for throwing a fantastic shin dig.
1) The Dreaded Double Dip
No matter how sneaky you are about it, double dipping is not acceptable. Not only does it turn people off, but it is also unhealthy. The correct move is to spoon some sauce onto your own plate, allowing you to dunk all you want.
2) Removing Shoes
If the host asks you to remove your shoes, you should oblige. If it makes you uncomfortable to traipse around barefoot, bring an extra pair of your own shoes. A good hostess, however, should be flexible, or at least provide you with slippers.
3) To Sip or to Stir?
That little plastic straw served with your cocktail was originally intended as a stirrer - not a straw. If you're in a bar, you can probably pull it off and use it as a straw. But if if the drink is served in fine crystal, it should be kept to its original intention.

4) Whoops! I spilled!
Don't try to cover it up! It will only make you feel worse in the long run. If you spill, tell your host right away, apologize profusely, and offer to help clean it up. If it needs professional work, offer to pay for the service to do it. If the host doesn't accept, mail them a check with a note expressing your apologies.
5) Pass the Potatoes
For a family-style dinner, the proper way of serving requires the host to serve the meat and the side dishes passed to the right (counterclockwise), with each guest helping themselves.
6) Help - Only if Wanted
Ask the host if they want help with anything - setting the table, cleaning up, etc. But if they decline, don't insist. It might just stress them out more to find something for you to do.

7) Send Thanks!
It may seem like a little much, especially if Grandma was the host, but a nice thank you card goes a long way. Imagine what a nice surprise it will be for the host to receive a card in the mail, long after the last guests leaves, thanking them for all their efforts.
At the end of the night - even after all of the stress and anticipation - entertaining in your Tampa Bay Home, surrounded by your friends and family, is one of the thrills of owning a home. It's such a wonderful feeling to have a place to bring everybody together, filling the air with laughter and delicious smells. With every party comes a new memory, a new story, and a new tribute to your home. If you're interested in Tampa Bay Real Estate, we would love to help you find your dream home.
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