Marion County to consider using ARPA interest for taxpayer refunds
At a recent budget meeting, Marion County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant proposed an innovative use for the county’s $7.5 million in interest earned from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds: returning the money directly to taxpayers. Bryant, emphasizing that the interest is “essentially taxpayer dollars,” floated...
Man sentenced to life in prison in 2019 slaying of Oxford woman
A man has been sentenced to life in prison in the 2019 slaying of an Oxford woman. Ronnie James Brown, 63 was sentenced this week in Sumter County Court for the murder of 68-year-old Jenetta Floyd. Last week, jurors delivered their verdict, finding Brown guilty of second-degree murder. Brown was also adjudicated...
‘Entirely inadequate:’ Family files lawsuit over 2023 Paddock Mall shooting, alleges lack of security
OCALA, Fla. – Nearly two years after a deadly shooting at Paddock Mall just days before Christmas, the victim’s family has filed a lawsuit claiming the mall lacked proper security and safety measures at the time of the incident. On Dec. 23, 2023, 40-year-old David Barron was shot...
Man faces five counts of aggravated assault for pointing handgun at construction workers
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - A man is in the Marion County jail, accused of pointing a gun at construction workers and threatening to kill them. Sheriff’s deputies say Jeremiah Brooks, 26, was riding a dirt bike in a blocked-off area at the intersection of Pine Road and Pine Radial in Ocala.
Another 10 Central Florida restaurants shut down over health concerns
ORLANDO, Fla. – Last week, 10 more Central Florida restaurants were forced to shut down — at least for a while — following local health inspections, according to the Florida DBPR. Health inspection records reveal that these restaurants suffered problems with rodents, cockroaches, time/temperature issues, and other...
FL woman sentenced for inappropriate relationship with stepson after caught by husband
OCALA, Fla. (CBS12) — An Ocala woman was sentenced on September 16 after a felony conviction for lewd or lascivious battery on her stepson after his father caught them in the act. The arrest affidavit from the Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) said 34-year-old Alexis Von Yates — also...
Uncooperative New Jersey driver arrested at entrance gate in The Villages
An uncooperative driver from New Jersey was arrested at an entrance gate in The Villages. April Andrews, 49, was traveling in a vehicle at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday at 54 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone, when she was pulled over on County Road 466A at Drake Drive at the entrance to the Village of Pine Ridge, according...
Man arrested on stalking charge after trying to arrange meeting with woman at Walmart
A Fruitland Park man was arrested on a charge of stalking after trying to meet up with a woman at Walmart. A woman called the Lake County Sheriff’s Office regarding 40-year-old Luis Angel Marrero wanting to meet her at Walmart, 2501 U.S. Hwy. 27, Leesburg, and have dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 10, according to an...
I’d like more police around Marion County schools
I am a concerned father to a 14-year-old daughter. When I drive through these roads during school hours, I see a lot of cars not driving the speed limit. There needs to be more law enforcement officers around schools and also the bus stops of these kids. These people that...
Big time: Tenant signs lease for 943,426-square-foot industrial building in southwest Marion
The Trailhead Logistics Park in southwest Marion County has secured a tenant for its massive new building. Here's what we know about the deal: Where is the park located? .oembed-frame { width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0; border: 0; } The park is northwest of the County Road 484/Interstate 75 junction. What do we...
