Farm Share holds food distributions in North Central Florida for those in need
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Farm Share will distribute food to those in need at two sites in North Central Florida this weekend. People can receive fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods at drive-thru distributions. Information about this week’s food distributions is below:. Event: Gilchrist Prevention Free Food...
Sheriff cuts back staffing requests to accommodate county budget constraints
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods has cut his request for more patrol deputies by more than half in response to budget concerns raised by Marion County Board of County Commissioners during the 2025-26 budget talks held on July 23. While pressing the need for the agency to have more deputies,...
From MCSO to USS: Ocala submariner committed to serving others
An Ocala husband and soon-to-be father who served local citizens through his employment with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is now defending the country as a submariner for the United States Navy, continuing in a long family tradition of serving in the armed forces. Seaman Anthony Michael Travis is...
FDOT wins award for safety improvements on University Avenue in Gainesville
The department was created in late 2023, along with a contract with the Lake City Humane Society, after the sheriff’s office declined to run the program. First responders pronounced the man dead at the scene. ‘It’s been very tough’: High Springs food pantry temporarily closes, pastor asks for funding...
Man charged for pointing laser at sheriff’s helicopter said he was ‘just being silly’
As the Florida man was being escorted into the jail, he was heard telling the deputy he was "just being silly."
School Board changes public input policy, adopts property tax rate and preliminary budget
At the July 31 meeting, the School Board of Alachua County addressed Chair Sarah Rockwell's controversial comment about MAGA, adopted the property tax and budget numbers for the TRIM notices, and changed their public input policy. The post School Board changes public input policy, adopts property tax rate and...
UF Alert: Building now safe to re-enter after fire alarm goes off
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - A building at the University of Florida has reopened after a fire was reported on Thursday morning. A UF Alert was issued for Rogers Frazier Hall, 1741 Museum Rd., and people inside were told to evacuate due to a reported fire. Officials say a smoldering device...
Gainesville leaders submit to state demands to remove rainbow crosswalks: ‘This is absurd’
Vandalism in Cross City park leads to the formation of a neighborhood watch. Cross City officials are calling on the community to help keep their public parks and other spaces safe. Updated: 4 hours ago. The city of Belleview had a few representatives attend the Hurricane Preparedness Training held at...
Son of couple in The Villages claims pancreas impaled by sprinkler during arrest
In a lawsuit filed against the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the son of a couple in The Villages claims that he was seriously injured and left in a coma after his pancreas was ruptured by a deputy who forcibly kneeled on his back and “impaled his abdomen on a sprinkler head that was underneath him.”
Gainesville woman arrested for kicking occupied car in Publix parking lot, causing $2k in...
Valerie Ann Reed, 36, was arrested early this morning after allegedly screaming at a woman getting out of her car at Publix and then "donkey kicking" the victim's car, causing about $2,000 in damage, while trying to open the driver's door. The post Gainesville woman arrested for kicking occupied car in Publix...
