Trial begins for man accused of killing Leesburg store cashier
Jury selection began Monday in the trial of Alex Lopez, the man accused of killing a convenience store cashier in Leesburg last year. Opening statements are expected to start on Tuesday.
Book to debut in Ocala
Jaiya John, a globally recognized author, poet, professor, freedom worker and speaker will return to Ocala for the debut of his new book, “Wildflowers Praying at Midnight.” A complementary community conversation and book signing will take place at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec....
We need more sidewalks in Marion Oaks for students and pedestrians
While more and more families are moving into Marion Oaks, the number of children have increased and these children have to walk to the Marion Oaks Blvd. to take the school bus. It is very dangerous because they have to walk very early in the morning on the roads due...
Ocala men recognized for life-saving actions after elderly person collapsed at local restaurant
A group of first responders and city utility workers were recognized Tuesday night for their swift actions that saved the life of an elderly person who collapsed outside a popular Ocala restaurant in October. During the Ocala City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 16, Mayor Ben Marciano presented awards on...
Woman who drank Merlot at Applebee’s arrested after crash in The Villages
A woman who had been drinking Merlot at an Applebee’s restaurant in The Villages was arrested after an automobile crash. The driver of a white Ram, later identified as 69-year-old Beverly Jean Taylor of Ocala, left the scene of a crash with a Hyundai at 6:25 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, according to an arrest report from...
Ocala’s Office of Homelessness Prevention Makes a Difference in Improving Lives
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The City of Ocala‘s Community Development Services Manager and Deputy Director Robin Ford provided the quarterly report for the Office of Homelessness Prevention at the Ocala City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. “We had a great year for the fiscal year 2024-2025,”...
16-year-old struck, killed while crossing SR-44 in Wildwood
WILDWOOD, Fla. – A 16-year-old Wildwood boy was struck and killed late Tuesday while crossing State Road 44 in Sumter County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The fatal wreck happened around 10 p.m. on State Road 44 at County Road 229 in Wildwood. The FHP said a Toyota Tacoma...
Man angry over not getting ‘laid’ destroys $375 display at Walmart
A Leesburg man will appear in court this week for damaging a display during an angry outburst at Walmart. A store representative of Walmart, located at 2501 Citrus Blvd., called the police when 30-year-old Brandon Yundt damaged several display items at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, according to a case report from the...
I think the new Home Depot in Ocala will create more traffic
I’m quite sure the location of the new Home Depot in southwest Ocala will cause traffic nightmares. It will be along the side of a very busy entrance and exit to a 10,000+ population in a 55+ community. Also, it is an entrance to banks, restaurant, hotel, soon to...
Wildwood man arrested after allegedly snatching cows from fields in Oxford
A Wildwood man was arrested for the theft of three cows when one of the owner’s recognized his truck parked at a residence. A deputy met with a victim of livestock theft on County Road 231 in Oxford at 5:35 p.m. Monday, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. He believed he had found...
