Drought and lawn restrictions will be discussed in meeting in The Villages
Residents of The Villages are being invited to participate in a discussion about lawns and the drought in a special meeting later this month. Due to the declaration of a Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Villagers have been ordered to cut back on their water usage....
This Florida Restaurant Serves Prime Rib So Good It’s Worth Crossing State Lines
There is a restaurant tucked into a small Florida town that has people driving over an hour just to get a table. The prime rib alone has sparked happy dances at the dinner table, and the catfish melts in your mouth like it was made specifically for you. The place...
Did Costco Deliver? Customer Feedback From The Villages, Florida
Costco opened its long-anticipated warehouse in The Villages in August 2025. The store officially began operations on August 6, drawing large opening-day crowds. Now, more than six months later, the focus has shifted from construction progress to customer experience. So how are locals responding?. Construction and...
Speeding DUI suspect arrested while driving home after night out with friends
A Leesburg woman was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after swerving over the edge lines on the road while driving back from a bar with friends. Officers on patrol spotted a vehicle going 63 miles per hour in a 40-mph zone on County Road 561 around 3:05 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, according to an...
Visitor to The Villages to seek mental health evaluation after creating scene
A visitor to The Villages has been ordered to seek a mental health evaluation after creating a scene, leading to her arrest. Anne Marie Zapadka, 59, of Box Elder, S.D., offered a plea of no contest this past month in Lake County Court to a charge of disorderly conduct. She was placed on probation for six months and...
A 46-mile paved trail in Florida passes through small towns, and old Florida cattle...
Craving a ride where quiet woods, spring-fed rivers, and vintage Florida towns line the way? The Withlacoochee State Trail strings together more than 46 miles of smooth pavement with shady canopies, wildlife sightings, and easy access to snacks and swim stops. You get a relaxed grade, family friendly vibes, and...
Marion County health officials warn of rabies after raccoon tests positive near Belleview
BELLEVIEW, Fla. (WCJB) -The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is monitoring rabies in the area’s wild animal population after a raccoon tested positive for the disease Feb. 24, 2026. The animal was killed in the southeast area of Marion County near U.S. Route 441 and SE 132nd...
Two more Tractor Supply locations coming to Ocala area
Tractor Supply is rapidly expanding its footprint in Marion County, as a new, fifth store nears completion in the Silver Springs Shores area and another in northwest Ocala enters the planning stages. The company is currently finishing construction on its fifth Marion County location along Bahia Avenue Road, near...
Electrical fire destroys tent at liquidator store near Dunnellon: CCFR
An early morning electrical fire near Dunnellon destroyed a tent at Outlaw Wholesale Liquidators, causing an estimated $150,000 in total damages but no injuries, according to Citrus County Fire Rescue. Firefighters arrived shortly before 5 a.m. and prevented the flames from spreading to the main store building, which...
‘Beautiful, smart, fun-loving, energetic’: Ocala community holds a vigil for 3-year-old girl
OCALA, Fla. – Ocala community members organized a vigil in downtown Ocala where dozens gathered Thursday night to honor 3-year-old Paisley Brown just one week after police say she was killed by her mother’s boyfriend. Her death sparked community outrage and protest demanding those involved be held accountable.
