Suspected shoplifter riding motorized scooter flees Walmart with stolen merchandise
A suspected shoplifter riding a motorized scooter fled Walmart with stolen merchandise. An employee of Walmart, located at 2502 Citrus Blvd., was monitoring surveillance when he noticed 56-year-old Russell Kott of Ocklawaha in the sporting goods section around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, according to a case report...
Villager arrested after raiding refrigerator at man friend’s home
A Villager was arrested after raiding a refrigerator at a man friend’s home. Janine Renee Rapka, 47, who lives in the Village of Santo Domingo, went to a home on Aloha Way on the Historic Side of The Villages on the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 7 and rang the doorbell, according to an arrest report from the Lady Lake...
Community Mourns the Loss of SkateWorld Owner Scott Christley
The Leesburg and surrounding community is mourning the sudden passing of Scott Christley, longtime owner of SkateWorld in Leesburg and a familiar face to generations of local families. News of his death was shared by his family this morning in a social-media post that described him as a devoted husband,...
Spruce Creek South resident suspected of DUI crashes golf cart near Walmart
A resident of Spruce Creek South was arrested after crashing a golf cart near Walmart with a blood alcohol level four times the legal limit. Deputies got a call regarding 73-year-old Jane Heroux, who seemed to be intoxicated, driving a red golf cart in Summerfield at 6:10 p.m. Saturday, according to an arrest report...
Former MCSO deputy who fatally shot girlfriend asks judge for lenient sentence
A former Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy, who was found guilty of manslaughter in connection with the 2024 shooting death of his girlfriend, has asked the judge to show leniency ahead of his sentencing. In early October, a six-person jury found Leslie Boileau guilty of manslaughter with a firearm....
Urgent appeal to dedicated team at The Villages Health Primary Care and Specialty Centers
Here is an urgent appeal to the dedicated team at The Villages Health Primary Care and Specialty Centers:. Each and every day you extend exceptionally high-quality, compassionate care. The Villages Health has earned its reputation because of the clinical excellence and personal dedication each of you demonstrates!...
City may intervene at Ocala plaza destroyed by explosion for lack of repairs
A special magistrate will review a code enforcement case for an Ocala plaza that was partially destroyed by an explosion in July 2024, with officers seeking a deadline of January 2026 for the city’s possible intervention and demolition of the property due to the owner’s lack of progress on repairs and increased...
Gate attendants are the real problem
The real problem with the gates is solely the operators. The gate attendants are supposed to stop each and every car, unless traffic is backed up to where it creates a dangerous situation. I go by or through the Boone Gate daily, as I have done for 20 years, and...
I believe Ocala’s contracts are wasteful and demand accountability
Ocala’s procurement practices reveal a shocking inability to negotiate contracts that protect taxpayer dollars. Three recent examples—the Kronos time clocks, Canon multi-function printers, and vehicle fleet replacement—demonstrate clear over-payment. Canon Multi-function Printers. The city agreed to pay $957,000 for...
Free shoes, health screenings for children at Ocala church this weekend
An Ocala church is partnering with a faith-based nonprofit to provide free groceries, hot meals, children’s shoes, health screenings, and access to local resources this weekend. The Convoy of Hope will partner with the Marion County Children’s Alliance and Revo Church for the event on Saturday, November 15, from...
