Man faces charges after investigation by Christian non-profit
A 26-year-old Ocala man was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on a warrant from Putnam County after an investigation by a Christian non-profit organization.
Psychological evaluation sought for man accused of murdering mother
A psychological evaluation is being sought for a man accused of murdering his mother. Derek Vaughn, 51, is facing a charge of homicide in connection with the brutal killing of his mother, 77-year-old Jerrylea Vaughn at the family home in Wildwood. The public defender’s office, which has been assigned the...
Sneaky tropical development possible ahead of Independence Day
ORLANDO, Fla. – The weather pattern in Florida is expected to change for the wetter as the calendar flips from June to July. A cold front will move through and stall off the Southeast coast of the U.S. by the end of the weekend and early next week. Not...
Florida family reunites with missing dog found in New York
An Ocala family is preparing for an emotional reunion after their missing dog was found more than 1,000 miles away in New York.
Which restaurants opened in the first half of 2026? Which are still coming?
2026 was expected to be a busy year for new restaurants in Ocala and Marion County, and that certainly has been true for the first six months. What restaurants opened during the first half of 2026 in Ocala and Marion County? They are shown in this photo gallery: What restaurants are expected to open in 2026 but haven't
City approves new virtual training simulator for Ocala police
The Ocala City Council voted unanimously to approve the $160,610 purchase of a new simulator that will help local police officers train for a multitude of different scenarios they may encounter in the field. The vote to approve the acquisition of the new Laser Shot Judgment Training System for the...
Marion Oaks residents invited to clear out junk, debris during annual cleanup
The Marion Oaks Community Beautification Crew is hosting its 4th Annual Community Clean Up this weekend to help residents clear out junk and debris from the neighborhood. The cleanup event is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It will take place at the Marion Oaks Community Center Grounds, loc
Central Florida couple accused of running ‘Prison-Like’ care homes in elder abuse case
A couple in Central Florida faces felony charges after authorities uncovered a lengthy scheme involving unlicensed care homes that exploited vulnerable adults over several years. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Ronald Keith Pack, 60, and Marie Carenan, 56, are accused of operating eight homes whe
10 weird and wonderful facts about Florida’s Lake Panasoffkee
1. The meaning behind the name The word "Panasoffkee" translates to "Valley of Water," a nod to its deep Seminole roots. The area historically hosted Boggy Island (also known as Sitarkey's Village), an autonomous Black Seminole village founded around 1813. (Source: AZ Animals ) 2. It was a prehistoric tool factory Long
Villager who got off easy in skip scanning case now facing fresh theft charge
A Villager who got off easy earlier this year in a skip-scanning case landed behind bars this week in a fresh theft case. Andrew Kevin Barrett, 62, of the Village of De La Vista North, was picked up on a warrant Wednesday and booked at the Sumter County Detention Center. He was released after posting $1,000 bond.
