Citrus briefs

By Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times,
published July 31, 2001

State conducts controlled burns

LECANTO -- The smoke billowing into the air near the Citrus County jail Monday was no cause for alarm, say officials from the state Division of Forestry. Now that the drought conditions in Citrus County have eased, the division is trying to burn away some of the underbrush that typically serves as fuel for a brush fire. So far, more than 2,000 acres in Citrus County have been scorched through controlled burns, said Erin Albury, forest area supervisor. Forestry officials expect the controlled burns to continue through at least the middle of August, he said.

Man charged with sexual battery

HOMOSASSA -- A 58-year-old Homosassa man was charged with forcing his girlfriend's 14-year-old daughter to have sex with him and repeatedly fondling her, according to arrest reports. Calvin E. Peck is being held without bail at the Citrus County jail on five counts of sexual battery on a child under the age of 16 and five counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition with a child under the age of 16. Peck's girlfriend, who was not named by authorities, called the Citrus County Sheriff's Office on Saturday after her son told her he had heard his sister scream earlier that day when she had been in the bathroom with Peck. The 14-year-old girl later told her mother Peck had sex with her and masturbated in front of her. The girl's name was also withheld by authorities because of her age and the nature of the crime. The girl told sheriff's deputies Peck had fondled her and performed oral sex on her five times since March. According to an arrest report, Peck would neither confirm nor deny the girl's accusations.

Big Sisters program has mentors available

CRYSTAL RIVER -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Citrus County has announced that it has female mentors available to mentor girls ages 7 to 18, but there are no girls who have sought such services. Any Citrus resident who knows of a girl who might benefit from the program may call 794-5414, ext. 221.

Home Delivered Meals program needs drivers

The Home Delivered Meals program needs permanent and substitute drivers. A route usually consists of delivering six to 10 meals (hot or frozen) to elderly shut-ins in one area of the county, once a week. Program volunteers submit travel vouchers to the county and are reimbursed at 29 cents per mile for using their vehicles. This program ensures that elderly shut-ins get at least one good meal five days a week and that someone has actually been by their house to make sure they are okay. For information, call 527-5426.

Hospital auxiliary seeks members

INVERNESS -- The Citrus Memorial Hospital Auxiliary seeks members. For information, call the volunteer office at 344-6566 between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays or stop by for an application.

Make-A-Wish chapter meets monthly

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Florida meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the second Thursday each month in the Cypress Room of the Citrus Memorial Hospital administration building.

The objective of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant a wish to each child age 21/2 to 18 years who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

The objectives of the Citrus County chapter are to identify the children in our county who qualify for a wish and to raise funds to fulfill those wishes. For information, call Dr. Frank J. Vascimini, 621-5437.

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