Identifying Local Opportunities

The local newspaper I chose for this assignment was the Gainesville Sun. I read it often along with the Alligator paper, as well. 

In the Gainesville Sun, I found the following five problems individuals are facing:

1. Rally to Protect Paynes Prairie
 http://fieldguide.blogs.gainesville.com/755/rally-to-protect-paynes-prairie/

This article is about the promotion and information of protecting Paynes Prairie at their rally that took place January 23, 2016. In this article, the writer also addresses that Governor Rick Scott is taking away funding from staff that take of recreational centers, leading to him privatizing the public land. 

Problem: "Scott has reduced them to this condition intentionally, so that he can make the claim that he’s rescuing the State Parks when he leases their lands to timber companies and cattle ranchers and hunters, a step in the direction of privatizing public lands".

The group called Protect Paynes Prairie, is the group being affected. They are in charge of the rally and stated in the article that they need people to show up in order to show care for the park. 

2. Crestview teacher accused of DUI, battery of an officer
http://www.crestviewbulletin.com/article/20160106/NEWS/160109724?tc=obnetwork

This article is about a Crestview High School teacher getting arrested for a DUI and not obeying officer commands, leading to a second charge of batter against an officer. The high school teacher is named Jon J. Jacobs who had a blood alcohol of .260.

Problem: "Jon J. Jacobs, 52, of Hilary St., Crestview, is charged with one count each of driving under the influence and battery on a law enforcement officer after a Jan. 5 accident".

The person and group affected by this is Mr. Jacob and the school's reputation where he taught at, Crestview High School. 

3. Roaches, both living and dead, result in local restaurant's shutdown
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20151229/NEWS/151229272?tc=obnetwork

In this article, a local Chinese restaurant called Hunan, gets closed down due to a health inspector finding 15 dead cockroaches, and 10 live roaches on cartons of eggs. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, they violated 25 different citations. 

Problem: "A Chinese restaurant in northern Okaloosa County became the latest local eatery to be shut down by the state last week after failing its random inspection".

The ones affected by this problem are the owners and employees of Hunan. This also affects customers as well. 

4. Two local nightclubs close permanently; one to reopen as something else
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20160107/BUSINESS/160109712?tc=obinsite

In this article, we learn about two popular nightclubs. Nightown, which was around for 40 years, officially closed after their annual New Year's Eve Party. The reason has not been released. Another club called Swamp at the Boardwalk is closed for renovations and will have a new theme and new name when they open doors.

Problem. "Nightown closed its doors for good after hosting its annual $10,000 balloon drop to celebrate New Year’s Eve last week. No reason for the nightclub’s closure has been released.The Swamp at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is currently closed as the building undergoes a renovation and expansion. When the business reopens, which is currently scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, it will have a new name and a new concept". 

The people affected are the owners of both clubs, employees, and customers. 

5. Man arrested in sexual assault of child 
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20160108/NEWS/160109469?tc=obinsite

In this article, the Police Department of Chipley investigated a case resulting in the arrest of Martayvias M. Sorey for sexually assaulting a minor. According to the child's mother, she noticed him acting indecent around her daughter. He was charged with lewd lascivious batter on a minor and his bond is being held at $50,000.00. 

Problem: An investigation begun in September by the Chipley Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a Chipley man in the sexual assault of a minor. The criminal, Martayvias M. Sorey, now is being charged with "lewd lascivious battery on a child 12 to 15 years of age and was booked into the Washington County Jail, where he is being held on a $50,000.00 bond".

People affected by this is the community of which he lived in and where he will live in, the child, and her family.