Latest news with #JamesBanta
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
State investigating after barn fire kills 21 horses
The Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives is investigating after a barn fire killed 21 horses Tuesday morning. Marion County Fire Chief James Banta says they got the call just before 4 a.m. of a barn on fire in the 6000 block of NW 118th Street in Reddick. 'The whole barn is on fire. I don't know how it can be. I just checked it an hour ago, and it was fine,' said a security guard to 911 dispatch Tuesday morning. Crews arrived within 15 minutes and found a 10,000-foot barn fully engulfed in flames. The roof had already completely collapsed by the time crews arrived. All 21 horses inside the structure died, the chief says. 'It's troubling for our community, and we're very sad. And our hearts and prayers go out to the owners of the horses, because this community loves our horses, and it's horse country,' Banta said. Skywitness and Drone 9 flew over the property, where only the foundation and some walls of the barn remain. The property is owned by the Roberts Family, a well-known name in Marion County. The family created the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and are the owners of the freight shipping empire R&L Carriers. The family has owned World Champion Show horses but no word on if those horses were killed in the fire. Chief Banta says this is a huge loss for not only the family but the community,y as Marion County is the heart of horse country. Tuesday, Marion County Fire Marshall and the state's Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives searched the scene and worked to determine what caused the fire. 'We'll look at everything, so we'll dig into the entire scene and try to recreate what happened and try and get to the bottom of it to hopefully prevent anything like this from happening again,' said Chief Banta. The state was called in because of the monetary loss of the fire between the building and the nearly two dozen horses. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Yahoo
Florida installs new 'Baby Box' at Marion County fire station
The Brief Marion County Fire Rescue's new EMS Central fire station is now the home of a Safe Haven Baby Box, providing parents with an anonymous option for safely surrendering their newborns. The fire department says it plans to install the baby boxes at two of its other local stations. OCALA, Fla. - A Safe Haven Baby Box has been installed at a fire station in Marion County. A Safe Haven Baby Box provides parents with an anonymous option for safely surrendering their newborns at local fire stations. When a baby is placed inside the box, advanced technology immediately alerts first responders, who then provide prompt care and support for the child. Monday marked Marion County Fire Rescue's dedication of its first baby box at EMS Central, located at 1400 SW 6th Ave in Ocala. What they're saying"This Safe Haven Baby Box symbolizes hope, compassion, and safety. Its presence in our community reflects our mission to serve and protect every life in Marion County. We are honored to provide this critical resource to those in need." Marion County Fire Chief James Banta Dig deeper Monica Kelsey, the CEO of Safe Haven Baby Box, created the baby boxes to prevent illegal abandonment of newborns, with the organization's primary goal of raising awareness of the Safe Haven Law "through a variety of educational initiatives, public speaking engagements, and direct care provided to parents in crisis," according to the Safe Haven Baby Box's website. RELATED STORY: Newborn surrendered at Florida fire station 'Baby Box' It's a passion near to her heart, as she was abandoned at a small hospital just hours after her teen mother – who had been "brutally attacked, raped and left for dead on the side of the road" – gave birth. By the numbers The new baby box marks the 6th location in Florida. Marion County Fire Rescue said it plans to install more baby boxes at its Citra Fire Station #20 and its newly remodeled Golden Ocala Station #20. There are over 100 baby boxes located across the United States. To find a location near you, click here. The Source This story was written based on information shared by Marion County Fire Rescue and the Safe Haven Baby Box's website.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ocala is amongst the latest to receive a safe haven baby box
All Safe Haven Baby Box locations have a medical kit designed to provide essential care for newborns to prevent their illegal abandonment by raising awareness. The SHBB movement offers Baby Boxes as a last-resort option for women who want to maintain complete anonymity. The boxes are installed on the exterior walls of fire stations and hospitals. With specific innovative safety measures, each box ensures infants' safety and anonymous surrender. Read: Florida ranked #1 best state to retire in, according to WalletHub Monica Kelsey, founder of SHBB, James Banta, Fire Chief of Marion County, and Commissioner Carl Zalak are among the attendees. Read: Over 8,000 adoptive pets received homes last year, according to Animal Services SHBB has received over 9,000 calls and has helped parents in every state in the United States. Read: Vans Warped Tour 30th anniversary: First wave of performers announced According to their site, it has referred over 500 women to crisis pregnancy centers, assisted in 10 adoption referrals, and facilitated over 150 legal Safe Haven surrenders. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
