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.
Protestors hosting ‘All of US 250’ event in downtown Ocala this Saturday
A local group that has staged several protests and demonstrations over the past year and a half says it will stage another event to promote national unity ahead of the country’s 250th birthday. The Ocala Blue Dots will host the “All of US 250” protest on Saturday, June 27,...
Husband jailed after violent altercation with estranged wife who went apartment hunting
A husband was arrested following a violent altercation with his estranged wife that began while she was apartment hunting and ended at their home at Lakeside Landings in Oxford. Charles Emitt Brown II, 39, is facing a felony charge of domestic battery by strangulation following his arrest Wednesday evening. According..
