City approves purchase of $245,725 in security cameras for key Ocala sites
The Ocala City Council approved the purchase of $245,725 in new and replacement security cameras and CCTV equipment to improve physical security controls at several key facilities across the city. The purchase was approved during the council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, December 2. The decision follows physical...
Police: Woman Exposes Herself On Ocala Sidewalk While Drinking Liquor
A 37-year-old woman was detained in Ocala after a police officer allegedly noticed her walking down a sidewalk without pants on. On Sunday, November 16, 2025, an Ocala Police Department officer was in a patrol vehicle parked around the 2900 block of E Highway 40 when he noticed a woman walking on the sidewalk. The...
Man walks out of Walmart with stolen $119 night vision camera in pocket
A Howey-in-the-Hills man was arrested for theft after walking out of Walmart with a stolen $119 night vision camera in his pocket. An asset protection associate informed an officer about 39-year-old Joshua Thomas Tipcke concealing unpaid items on his person at Walmart, located at 2501 Citrus Blvd., at 10 p.m....
Ocala influencers putting spotlight on local businesses, residents, history
An artist, a realtor, and a “mattress guy” are just a few of the local social media influencers who have amassed millions of views on social media through highlighting Ocala and Marion County’s robust history, its businesses, and its residents. Over the past several years, individuals across...
“Lil Phil” Facing Life In Florida Following Major Fentanyl, Meth Indictment
A Belleview man known by the alias “Lil Phil” is in federal custody and could be looking at a life sentence after a grand jury indictment charged him with trafficking significant quantities of narcotics. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the arrest of 32-year-old Phillip Washington III,...
Man allegedly slashes tires of ex-girlfriend’s co-parent outside Leesburg bar
An Ocklawaha man was arrested after allegedly slashing the tires of his ex-girlfriend’s co-parent outside of Shamrock Lounge. An officer responded to criminal mischief involving 42-year-old Joel Jonathan Rottermond at the Shamrock Lounge, located at 1120 W North Blvd., around 1:45 p.m. Monday, according to an arrest...
Pool security will be up for discussion at Q&A meeting in The Villages
A question-and-answer session will be hosted by resident Don Deakin from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec.8 at the Mulberry Grove Recreation Center. These Q&A Meetings are open for public discussion to Villages residents and their guests. The meetings provide an informal setting with NO agenda, NO restrictions on topics, NO...
Employee allegedly steals $3,000 from Macy’s in Ocala
A 25-year-old Macy’s employee was arrested by Ocala police at the Paddock Mall after she allegedly stole $3,000 from the department store over a nine-day span. On Wednesday, November 26, an Ocala Police Department officer arrived at the Macy’s located in the Paddock Mall (3100 SW College Road) in reference to recent...
Meet Erin Jackson: She Didn’t Touch Ice Skates Until 24 Years But Became Olympic...
Erin Jackson competes in the Women's 1,500m event during the 2022 US Speedskating Long Track Olympic Trials on January 8. Stacy Revere/Getty Images. Erin Jackson’s story is one for the history books. Growing up in Ocala, Florida, Jackson had no access to ice or snow—but she did have wheels.
Connecticut man sentenced after kicking cop in groin in Wildwood
A Connecticut man has been sentenced to 10 days behind bars after kicking a Wildwood police officer in the groin during a drunk driving arrest. Stephen Michael Czapor, 35, of Haddam, Conn., pleaded no contest this past week in Sumter County Court to charges of resisting arrest and reckless driving. The reckless...
