July 17 – roving reporter

This news bulletin is brought to you in conjunction with NATKIM Radio. Listen to WPLK (800 AM), WIYD (1260 AM) and WPLK FM (98.3 FM).

A float plane crashed into a lake near Crescent City Tuesday afternoon sending the pilot to the hospital with minor injuries, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Pilot James Earl Goolsby, 79, was attempting a water landing in the area near Eagles Nest Aerodrome, a private airport that’s part of Eagles Nest, a fly-in community. Goolsby’s seaplane flipped and was submerged. Witnesses said he was upside down and had to get out of his harness before surfacing and swimming to shore. Goolsby reportedly has 30 plus years flying experience including piloting 737s. This is the third small plane crash in the Putnam-St. Johns area in three days.

Two Oklahoma residents wanted in connection with a murder in Oklahoma are in the St. Johns County jail, awaiting extradition. The two were arrested after Edmond, Okla., authorities contacted St. Johns. A web posting on an adult escort site advertising the services of a woman that matched the description of one of the wanted individuals led undercover St. Johns deputies to contact the woman. A meeting was set up near World Golf Village and deputies arrested Lindsi Mae Carmella Mayabb, 37, of Oklahoma City. She was taken into custody on local charges including prostitution. Also tracked down was the second suspect, George Stewart Watson, 37, who was at a local hotel. The two are suspects in the shooting death of Sawyer English, 24, found dead in his house several weeks ago. Mayabb reportedly told Edmond Police she was in a relationship with Sawyer as well as Watson and when Watson found out he fired multiple shots into Sawyer’s house. His body was found inside the next day.

A St. Johns County man faces murder charges after allegedly selling fentanyl that led to a man’s overdose death last year. Oscar Novo, 26, is charged with selling to 27-year-old Parker Clarkson in February 2018. Clarkson thought he was buying heroin, instead it was fentanyl. Nova was arrested Friday and charged under a new state law that allows drug dealers to be charged with murder for causing the death of a customer.

Palm Coast city commissioners so far haven’t given the go-ahead to a request from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for six additional deputies. In 2017 the city agreed to an increase of five deputies in order to keep up with the growth in the area. Current contract is for 28 deputies. Palm Coast government is looking at staying with their current millage rate, but is expecting about $2.2 million additional funds to come in. That’s because property values in the county are up 9 percent.

It’s an arty weekend coming up in Palatka. This Friday the Arts Council of Greater Palatka holds an open house for Ocala artist Nancy Fazio whose new exhibit is opening at the Larimer Center. The free open house is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On River Street the Palatka Art League holds a three-day Christmas in July sale Friday through Sunday at the Tilghman House. Local artists and crafters are featured.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.