I don’t believe open carry is the problem. Its overreaction is.
I’ve lived in Ocala for 10 years and trained over 30,000 people in firearm safety across Florida. I’m a nationally recognized firearms instructor – and honestly, a lot of Ocala-News readers have probably sat in one of my classes. Now that open carry is legal, I’ve been...
Woman and juvenile cohort allegedly steal $102 in merchandise from Walmart
A Leesburg woman will appear in court for having a juvenile act as a lookout while she allegedly stole $102 in merchandise from Walmart. An officer responded to Walmart, located at 2501 Citrus Blvd., for a theft involving 50-year-old Tamisha Fulmore and a male juvenile around 3:40 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, according to a...
Central Florida nonprofit leaders say government workers could struggle with paying rent amid shutdown
ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s the first of the month, and rent is due for many families. But with the government shutdown still dragging on, some federal workers across Central Florida are struggling to pay up. Nonprofits in the area say calls for help are already climbing. For some...
Marshalls sets date for grand opening of Leesburg store
Marshalls has set a date for the grand opening of its new Leesburg store. The former Big Lots store in Leesburg that closed its doors earlier this year has been converted into a new Marshalls department store. The new Marshalls store is located at 923 N. 14th Street Gateway Plaza,...
The Florida Island Where Wild Monkeys Still Roam
Silver Springs State Park: America’s Unlikely Primate Paradise Silver Springs State Park: America’s Unlikely Primate Paradise (image credits: pixabay) Deep in the heart of Florida lies a place where you might catch a glimpse of something completely unexpected swinging through the trees. Silver Springs State Park...
‘It’s unfair:’ SNAP cuts leave Central Florida seniors struggling for food
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – SNAP benefits for thousands of families here in Central Florida are cut off, leaving many scrambling to afford the food they need, including local seniors. Many have medical needs that require special diets, and they say food banks just can’t always meet them. “Being...
Marion County to host 44th annual Chili Cook-Off
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - The 44th annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off is causing a “stir” this weekend in Ocala. Held on the first Saturday of November each year, the competition began in 1981 as a way to fund The Cornerstone School, an independent nonprofit school. Now, with more...
Closing date delayed in sale of The Villages Health to Humana
The closing date has been delayed in the sale of The Villages Health to Humana’s CenterWell. The closing date on the $68 million sale was supposed to take place on Friday. Now it is being pushed back by a week, to Friday, Nov. 7. All parties seem to be in agreement with the delay, which appears to be due to...
Woman swallows possible narcotic-related item during search of her person
A Fruitland Park woman was arrested on drug charges after being stopped with fentanyl and methamphetamine in her possession. An officer observed 34-year-old Kristina May Turner driving a blue Nissan passenger car southbound on County Road 468 at 11:35 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, according to an arrest report from the...
Sheriff’s office collecting food to help those in need during holidays
During Thanksgiving and Christmas the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office will make approximately 65-100 food boxes to be given to those in need for the holidays. The sheriff’s office is asking for donations of the following items to help fill the food boxes. Only nonperishable items can be accepted.
