Villager agrees to take anti-theft class to avoid skip-scanning prosecution
A Villager has agreed to enroll in an anti-theft class to avoid prosecution in a skip-scanning case at Walmart. Amy Ross, 59, who lives in the Eagle Ridge Villas in the Village of Liberty Park, was allowed this past month to enter into a pre-trial intervention contract that will enable her to avoid prosecution in a Lak
Ocala manager claims company assigned ‘degrading’ work after learning his age
A man hired to be a manager at an Ocala nursing home is suing his former employer, alleging he was forced to perform degrading cleaning tasks after his district manager learned his age. Leon L. Rossi filed an employment discrimination lawsuit against Healthcare Services Group Inc. in the Fifth Judicial...
Severe thunderstorm warnings issued across Central Florida
Severe T'Storm Warning issued for southeastern Osceola and Brevard County. Expect winds over 50 mph, intense lightning, and small hail. Stay safe.
We need to protect precious wildlife in The Villages
One of the best things about living in The Villages is all of the great wildlife we get to see, whether while sitting out on the lanai or driving the golf cart. I am sure other Villagers were as horrified as I was to read about the mowing incident that destroyed sandhill crane nests at a preserve. With a place as beaut
Marion Oaks landlord allegedly punches tenant, wields machete over name-calling
A landlord in Marion Oaks was arrested after he allegedly punched a tenant in the face and brandished a machete in their shared home during an argument over name-calling. On Tuesday, June 9, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home located on SW 173rd Place Road in reference to a physical altercation
Turning up the heat in Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – Our Saturday was certainly sweltering with highs hitting the mid 90s across the area with heat indices topping 100ºF. Mostly dry conditions were enjoyed with just spotty storms developing. A few more storms are expected to develop into the early evening and linger until around 10pm. We will remain partl
Husband allegedly splashes water on wife during spat over Instagram post
A Leesburg man was arrested for battery after allegedly throwing water at his wife during an argument over an Instagram post. An officer responded to a disturbance in the home of 26-year-old Gabriel Edwin Santiago and his wife of two to three years around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, according to an arrest report from the Lees
Weather alerts issued in parts of Central Florida
Weather warnings have been issued ahead of storms moving through Central Florida. A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for central Orange and southwestern Seminole counties until Midnight. This includes Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs and Winter Springs. Rainfall of 2 to 4" has occurred in this area. An additi
Steamy Sunday with sea breeze storms
ORLANDO, Fla. – Our Sunday morning will be dry with a mix of sun and clouds. That, mixed with a light WSW wind, will allow temperatures to once again climb into the mid 90s with “feels like” temperatures once again in the 100ºF-105ºF range. Our...
How one of Florida’s smallest towns built a big reputation for tourism
A chalk sign advertising Bond's Vintage Vault, a permanent storefront opened by a Gainesville resident to capitalize on the town's steady stream of tourism. Micanopy is not the average Florida tourist town. It does not have sandy beaches, thrilling theme parks, a gigantic skyline or Michelin-star restaurants. This tiny
