Security recognizes shoplifter making return trip to Target in The Villages
A suspected shoplifter was arrested after making a return trip to Target at Rolling Acres Plaza in The Villages. Security personnel at the store spotted 33-year-old Roxanne Trisha Anderson of Inverness entering the store around 3:20 p.m. Saturday, according to an arrest report from the Lady Lake Police Department....
I believe we have insufficient medical facilities and specialists in Ocala
After living in Ocala for 26 years, I am ready to move to an area that has the medical resources and specialists needed for a city this size that just keeps increasing in population. It gets old when you need a necessary medical procedure and first are told it will...
Ocala’s Traffic Issue is Serious
The traffic situation in Ocala has become a serious concern for its residents. A social media post from a local factory worker has recently highlighted the severity of the issue. The worker reported that it took him two hours to commute from 200 to the shores, a journey that typically takes much less time. The...
Walmart shoplifting suspect claims she stole food after being turned away at food banks
A Umatilla woman will appear in court next week for stealing food from Walmart because she could not afford anything other than drinks. A loss prevention employee of Walmart, located at 2501 Citrus Blvd., used surveillance cameras to catch 26-year-old Brittany Johnson and her two family members shoplifting around...
Unlicensed driver from Mexico jailed after traffic stop near Wawa
An unlicensed driver from Mexico man was arrested after being stopped without a license near Wawa at County Road 466 and U.S. 301. An officer noticed a beige Honda Civic traveling ahead of him on U.S. 301 in Oxford around 7:20 p.m. Monday, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. A check...
Ocala Mayor wants kratom out of stores, says kids use it as gateway drug
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano asked city staff to look into ongoing legislation to remove kratom out of stores across the state, saying it is a potential gateway “drug” that leads children into “more serious” alternatives. The matter was briefly discussed by the mayor and City Manager...
Villagers outraged at costly outcome of battle over little white cross
Villager Phillip Baburek couldn’t believe the amount of money spent to finally bring a conclusion to a nearly six year battle over a little white cross. In Wednesday’s morning edition of Villages-News.com, the Community Development District 8 resident learned that his elected supervisors had agreed to pay $70,000 to...
‘Adrenaline junkie’ allegedly steals lighter from Wawa, leads deputies on 100-mph chase
An “adrenaline junkie” is behind bars after allegedly stealing a lighter from an Ocala Wawa and leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour. On Sunday, November 16, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a man...
Ocala man sentenced to life in prison in armed robbery, home invasion case
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Robert Leroy Connor II was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday morning after he was previously found guilty on all charges in an armed robbery and home invasion case. During his jury trial in September, Connor, 57, was convicted of robbery with a weapon, two counts...
Marion County officials approve agreements for new I-75 Buc-ee’s exit
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Marion County commissioners have approved construction for I-75 exit improvements in Ocala, allowing access to a planned Buc-ee’s. The Off-System Construction and Maintenance Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation is an ongoing diamond interchange project at I-75 and Northwest...
