Florida Woman Cashes In On $1 Million Lottery Scratch-Off Prize
A single ticket from a local convenience store turns into a life-changing lump-sum payment. The Florida Lottery announced that an Ocala woman has claimed a $1 million prize from the $1,000,000 A YEAR FOR LIFE SPECTACULAR Scratch-Off game. Jennifer Hatchett, 47, chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum...
6 Central Florida restaurants shut down over health concerns, records show
ORLANDO, Fla. – Last week, six more Central Florida restaurants were forced to close temporarily after a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR. Health inspection records reveal that these restaurants suffered issues with cockroaches, food storage, rodent droppings, and other types of...
Marion man accused of dumping ‘demolished’ camper on neighbor’s property
A 44-year-old man from Belleview has been arrested on a felony littering charge after he was accused of illegally dumping a “completely demolished” camper on his neighbor’s property. On June 23, 2025, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office corporal responded to the incident location on SE 129th Street...
2-Year-Old Boy Disappeared from Home. 19 Years Later, Family Is Still Vowing to ‘Get...
Trenton Duckett was reported missing in central Florida on Aug. 27, 2006
Leesburg schools locked down Thursday after report of “possibly” armed person
LEESBURG, Fla.—A report of person who was possibly armed locked down an elementary school and a middle school in Leesburg Thursday morning, according to Leesburg Police Department. Around 8:30 a.m., someone reported seeing an individual who was possibly armed near Leesburg Elementary School (LES) on South Street and...
Ocala man falls asleep in minivan, wakes up to drug trafficking and firearm theft...
A 40-year-old Ocala man who fell asleep behind the steering wheel of a minivan that was parked outside a local convenience store is facing felony charges after a large quantity of drugs was allegedly found inside his vehicle. On Monday, August 25, at around 11:20 p.m., an Ocala Police Department...
Woman allegedly burned during hot stone therapy at Ocala spa
A local woman allegedly sustained third degree burns at an Ocala spa while she was undergoing hot stone therapy. Attorneys representing Berri Morales filed the lawsuit against Wyn Nails, LLC, in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County on August 26. According to the complaint, Morales allegedly visited the...
Eustis man sentenced to 15 years in prison in ‘23 drug trafficking case
TAVARES, Florida— A man arrested many times for multiple felonies but seldom convicted in past cases, was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 15 years in prison stemming from a 2023 case, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Emmanuel Cazeau, now 41, of Eustis,...
Navy officer credits success to Marion County roots
A Marion County native who recently celebrated 14 years of service in the United States Navy was just selected to be a commissioned officer, crediting his success, communication skills, and camaraderie to his small town roots. Chief Petty Officer David Andrews, who is from Fort McCoy, is currently serving aboard...
FBI investigates at SW Ocala home as part of forced labor/money laundering investigation
The FBI was in Ocala on Aug. 27 to search a two-story home at 1280 SW 38th St., in the Bellwether subdivision. This was part of an investigation into alleged money laundering and forced labor. It's unknown what, if anything, agents may have taken from the residence. A news release issued by the Department of Justice...
