Florida Approves $2.5 Billion Toll Road Through Protected Wildlife Corridor
On December 11, 2025, Florida officials approved a toll road that had been rejected, studied, debated, and blocked for seven years. The Southport Connector will cut 15 miles through some of the most environmentally sensitive land in Central Florida, running alongside a preserve that protects the headwaters of the...
Hearings scheduled for former Marion County Fire Rescue employees
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Arraignment hearings are set next week for four Marion County Fire Rescue employees arrested after an investigation into hazing. The hearings are scheduled to begin Tuesday, Dec. 30. Investigators say they waterboarded the victim because of a TikTok video he refused to show them on his...
I-75 backed up for miles after semi truck blocks lanes
Travelers on Interstate 75 are experiencing heavy traffic for large stretches of the highway in Marion County on Saturday, with northbound lanes mostly blocked for the last several hours due to an accident involving a semi-truck. According to the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Patrol, the...
Year in Review: Most clicked-on stories in North Central Florida in 2025
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Ahead of the new year, WCJB TV20 News reflects on all the stories we aired in 2025. This year, you clicked on stories on our website, wcjb.com, more than 36 million times. Below are the top clicked-on stories from North Central Florida:. No. 1: Deadly Tubing...
Promenade at Sunset Walk to Ring in 2026 with Free ‘Rocking New Year’ Concert,...
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Central Florida is set to welcome the new year in a big way as Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts its annual Rocking New Year 2026 celebration, a FREE concert and street party highlighted by live music, high-energy entertainment, and a midnight fireworks spectacular. According to event...
Counties and cities across North Central Florida celebrate major milestones
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - It wasn’t just people blowing out birthday candles this year; entire counties and cities across North Central Florida were celebrating major milestones. From bicentennials to centennials, communities marked their birthdays with parades, galas, and block parties, all while reflecting on the...
Central Florida braces for New Year’s cooldown after warm December
ORLANDO, Fla. – Get ready for a wardrobe change: Central Florida is gearing up for a noticeable cooldown right as New Year’s Eve arrives. A strong cold front is forecast to move through the region, bringing cooler temperatures to the area next week. This shift comes after a...
New York snowbird in Corvette arrested after driving wrong way in traffic
A New York snowbird at the wheel of a Corvette was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after driving the wrong way in traffic. John James Whateley, 63, was driving the blue Chevrolet Corvette at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday traveling east in the westbound lanes of State Road 44 near Meggison Road in The...
Woman allegedly stashes $342 of items in storage tote to avoid payment at Walmart
A Bushnell woman will appear in court after allegedly stashing $342 of merchandise in a storage tote to avoid paying full price at Walmart. An officer responded to Walmart, located at 2501 Citrus Blvd., Leesburg, to assist another agency with a theft involving 41-year-old Shannon Elizabeth Ann Gullickson on the...
Inspector finds violations at Asian Express restaurant in The Villages
An inspector found two high-priority violations during a recent visit to Koyame Asian Express restaurant in The Villages. The inspector paid a visit on Dec. 19 to the restaurant at 1558 Bella Cruz Drive at Spanish Plaines Shopping Center. The inspector spotted an employee placing a lemon wedge on a...
