Ocala high school principal says ‘peaceful protest’ ended after students threw food
The principal at an Ocala high school where students led a protest against ICE says her staff immediately ended the demonstration after “students began throwing food” and created safety concerns, with multiple individuals receiving “disciplinary consequences” as a result. Last week, Ocala-News.com received additional...
Ocala mother mourned by family, friends after tragic fatal accident
Friends and family are mourning the unexpected loss of Christine Powell, a 35-year-old mother of two who was killed last week after her vehicle crashed into the back of a pickup truck. Powell was tragically killed on Thursday, February 12, in a fatal accident that occurred along NE 8th Road...
From flip-flops to frost: Florida’s weather whiplash is here
ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is about to get a reminder that winter isn’t done yet, with near-record heat late this week followed by a sharp blast of colder air into early next week. Record-chasing heat. Afternoon highs will soar into the mid to upper 80s Friday and...
Delivery driver sues Summerfield homeowner over dog attack
In a lawsuit filed against a Summerfield homeowner, a delivery driver claims she was viciously attacked by the homeowner’s dogs while she was making a delivery. Avis N. Glover filed the complaint in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County on Feb. 11. The incident allegedly occurred on...
Brush fires break out at multiple locations across Central Florida, leading to emergency evacuation
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (WSVN)– Several brush fires broke out across Central Florida, with one leading to an emergency evacuation. The smoke stretched for miles on Sunday, prompting the evacuation of nearby businesses near Orlando. “Florida bipolar right now, it need to fix itself. This is not alright, this is...
Elderly Summerfield woman sues bank after trip-and-fall in parking lot
An elderly Summerfield woman has sued a local bank, alleging that a poorly maintained and unlit parking lot led to a severe “face plant” injury. The lawsuit was filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County on Feb. 3, by Linda Hunkapiller of Summerfield. According to...
Ocala native Erin Jackson delivers resilient performance at Olympics
Despite missing the podium at this year’s Olympics, Ocala’s own speedskating legend Erin Jackson displayed remarkable resilience and put up a valiant effort in defense of her Olympic crown at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. Skating in the final pair of the women’s 500-meter event alongside Dutch...
Leesburg man accused of failing to return motorcycle after taking it for test ride
A Leesburg man was arrested on a warrant this past week for allegedly stealing a motorcycle that the owner let him test drive in January. Bobby Lynn Russell, 32, asked the owner of a white 2007 Honda motorcycle for a test drive at 2:50 p.m., Jan. 22, according to an affidavit of probable cause out of Lake County.
Swig opens first drink shop in Leesburg
Swig, the popular national specialty drink chain known for its “dirty sodas,” has officially opened its first location in Leesburg. The new soda shop is located at 914 N 14th Street, in the vacant retail space formerly occupied by HTeaO, situated near the corner of N 14th Street and Citizens Boulevard.
Ocala Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison
A 38-year-old convicted criminal from Ocala who pled guilty to fentanyl distribution and firearm-related crimes was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Corderrius Terrelle McShane was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Monday, February 2, 2026, for the following offenses: distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl,...
