Molly the Dog statue finds new home at Appleton Museum in Ocala
A statue of Molly the Dog has been moved to the Appleton Museum of Art, where her owner says she has found her forever home.
Villagers have strong opinions about gates and future of attendants
When Peggy McKinney moved to The Villages nearly 30 years ago it was a gated community. But things have changed. “Do I wish we were a true gated community? Absolutely and at one time, when I moved here in 1998 we were! But things have changed so much in every area of The Villages. I still think the gates are needed....
Late-Night SR 200 Crossing Turns Deadly for Ocala Man
A 66-year-old Ocala man was struck and killed Friday night while trying to cross State Road 200 in Citrus County, according to authorities. Troopers said the collision happened around 10 p.m. north of East Buffalo Lane and involved a Ford Ranger. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. According...
Judge considers release of suspect in 2023 ambush shooting near The Villages
A judge has taken under advisement the request for the release of a Wildwood woman charged with luring a shooting victim to an ambush with promises of sexual favors. Gracie Madison Lemke, 23, of Wildwood, made her case for release this past week in Sumter County Court. The judge did not make an immediate decision,...
Auto repair shop owner charged with failure to pay $32,000 in taxes
A Summerfield man has been charged with failure to pay $32,000 in state taxes at his auto repair shop. Shane Michael Conklin, 33, was arrested this past week on warrants charging him with failure to remit sales tax and failure to file a tax return. Conklin operates Conklin Customs LLC...
Death investigation closes road in Ocala, officials say
Ocala, Fla. - The Ocala Police Department is investigating a death Sunday near the 500 block of SW 3rd Street. Police say SW 3rd Street is currently closed from S Pine Avenue to SW 7th Avenue while officers conduct the investigation in the area. Authorities have not released details about...
Smalls Sliders mini-burger chain coming to The Villages
Smalls Sliders , a growing miniature burger chain known for its diminutive burgers, special "schmauce" and eye-catching modular layout, is coming to the The Villages/Middleton area , in Sumterville. The company loves its slang and calls its brightly colored shipping containers "cans," and the color, "smorange." Their...
Villagers hold demonstration to raise concerns about possible World War III
Carol Lizotte of the Village of Monarch Grove carefully chose her words for the sign she held Saturday in an anti-war demonstration in The Villages. She painstakingly printed out her chosen phrases and taped them to a piece of cardboard ahead of the sign-waving event at the intersection of County Road 466A and Morse...
Marion County may expand tax assistance for low-income homeowners
Marion County commissioners are set to consider an ordinance that would broaden eligibility into a program that helps economically disadvantaged residents pay their property taxes. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners will host a public hearing to consider an amendment that could provide financial relief...
Alleged gun threats, bedroom shooting land Ocala boyfriend in jail
A 36-year-old Ocala man was arrested last week after allegedly threatening his girlfriend with a gun and firing one round in their shared bedroom. On Friday, March 6, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office corporal and deputy responded to a local residence after receiving reports of a “possible domestic disturbance,”...
