Chinch bugs are destroying lawns south of State Road 44 in The Villages
The Saint Augustine sod that The Villages put down for the houses built south of State Road 44 have 70 percent of its homes’ lawns with chinch bugs which spreads from lawn to lawn. We replaced all of our sod after moving in which had grass diseased with the bugs. The entire area had dead grass. Our next-door neighbor...
Intoxicated man arrested after instigating a fight at bar in Leesburg
A Yalaha man was arrested for disorderly intoxication after instigating a fight at Marmaduke’s Lodge. Officers responded to Marmaduke’s Lodge, located at 215 W Main St., regarding a suspicious person around 11:50 p.m. Saturday, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. Dispatch advised that...
Ocala hospital sues Rasmussen over patient’s death caused by nursing student
In a lawsuit filed by HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, the organization claims a Rasmussen University student who moved an 82-year-old patient into a bed did so without assistance and direction, causing the woman to fall and suffer severe head injuries that led to her death. Marion Community Hospital, Inc....
Driver with revoked license jailed after caught speeding on State Road 44
An Apopka man was arrested for driving with a revoked license after being stopped for speeding on State Road 44. An officer observed 54-year-old Manuel Alberto Reyes Rodriguez speeding in a Ford panel van on State Road 44 around 2:45 p.m. Thursday, according to an arrest report from the Wildwood Police Department....
Wanted woman tries to hide behind bushes when spotted at local 7-Eleven
A Wildwood woman was arrested after admitting to jumping out of a vehicle and hiding behind bushes to avoid being jailed for a warrant. An officer spotted 22-year-old Dakota Brooke Williams and her white 2016 Toyota Corolla at the 7-Eleven gas pumps, located on County Road 462, at 9:10 p.m. Saturday, according to an...
Respected Marion County Sheriff’s Office Master Sergeant Passes Away
OCALA, Fl (352today.com) – A man who will be remembered for his professionalism, character and integrity passed away Sept. 22, in his sleep. Marion County Sheriff’s Office Master Sgt. Richard Kelly will be remembered for his competence and reliability. Kelly began his career with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in...
Wildwood officials raise impact fees and sewer fees to cope with explosive growth
Wildwood commissioners gave final approval Monday night to the city’s $280-million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. They also approved impact and sewer fee hikes. A large portion of the budget is funding for a new wastewater treatment plant and upgrades to the old one....
Marion County officials provide update on Buc-ees
MARION COUNTY, Fla. (WCJB) - If you’ve ever been to Buc-ees, you know it’s not just a gas station — it’s a destination, and soon all of that will be right here in Marion County. Spanning over 80,000 square feet, the 120-pump gas station will be...
Airbnber from Maryland eager to move to The Villages
Me and my husband Tim have been coming to The Villages for the past three summers to find our forever neighborhood while I was still working (just retired). We have used airbnbs twice and did a lifestyle visit. We are thankful to the airbnbs we have used because they have given us an opportunity to explore The...
I thank God every day I am able to live in Ocala
I love living in Southwest Ocala since moving here 18 months ago. I do understand the concern of some due to the expansion of homes and businesses over the past few years. After living in the Northeast for 60 years, Florida is a blessing and has all the freedom and sunshine I came looking for. Many folks here are...
