BREAKING NEWS
74-year-old motorcyclist killed in Marion County crash, troopers say
Read full article: 74-year-old motorcyclist killed in Marion County crash, troopers sayA 74-year-old New Port Richey man was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Marion County on Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Man accused of using go-kart to run over elderly woman is arrested in Marion County
Read full article: Man accused of using go-kart to run over elderly woman is arrested in Marion CountyThe man sought by Marion County deputies after being accused of using a go-kart to run over an elderly woman has since been arrested, according to the sheriff’s office.
‘Dirt of the Earth:’ Go-karter wanted after running over elderly woman, Marion sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Dirt of the Earth:’ Go-karter wanted after running over elderly woman, Marion sheriff saysMarion County Sheriff Billy Woods says his deputies are looking for a man who ran over an elderly woman with a go-kart.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Sign up for Central Florida emergency alerts
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Sign up for Central Florida emergency alertsFrom boil water notices to sand bag locations to shelters, emergency alerts are sent out by the county to get important information to its residents — especially during a major storm or hurricane.
Looking for good weather? This Central Florida city has the best in the state
Read full article: Looking for good weather? This Central Florida city has the best in the stateFlorida is called the "Sunshine State" for a reason, though it turns out that one city reigns above the rest when it comes to weather.
This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account for
Read full article: This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account forThe Bureau of Economic Business and Research is contracted by the state to tell cities and counties how much growth they need to accommodate in the coming years.
REPORT: Here are 9 Florida cities where you can live off Social Security alone
Read full article: REPORT: Here are 9 Florida cities where you can live off Social Security aloneWith so many people moving to Florida over the past few years, it’s little surprise that housing costs have become a big concern for many.
Florida man drove missing Ohio teen to his home. What happened next landed him in prison
Read full article: Florida man drove missing Ohio teen to his home. What happened next landed him in prisonA Marion County man has finally been sentenced over a year after he drove a missing Ohio teen to his home in Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
2 congressmen representing Central Florida to host town halls this month. How you can attend
Read full article: 2 congressmen representing Central Florida to host town halls this month. How you can attendMark your calendars! More Central Florida congressmen are hosting town hall events with constituents either on the phone or in person this month.
Juvenile arrested after pointing BB gun at children in Marion County, deputies say
Read full article: Juvenile arrested after pointing BB gun at children in Marion County, deputies sayA juvenile faces charges after admitting to pointing a BB gun at children while riding as a passenger on a scooter, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
These are the most affordable Central Florida cities. Can you guess No. 1?
Read full article: These are the most affordable Central Florida cities. Can you guess No. 1?It’s no surprise that housing costs are an issue for many Central Florida residents — but some areas are more far more affordable than others.
‘A lasting scar:’ International child sex ring leads to 7 arrests in Central Florida
Read full article: ‘A lasting scar:’ International child sex ring leads to 7 arrests in Central FloridaA child pornography investigation spanning multiple countries has led to several arrests in Central Florida, according to state officials on Monday.
Stuck in traffic in Marion County? These projects could ease growing pains
Read full article: Stuck in traffic in Marion County? These projects could ease growing painsThe Florida Department of Transportation says a project that will add and extend turn lanes at the I-75 and Highway 484 interchange in the Marion Oaks area is on schedule to be completed by late fall of this year. But there are dozens of other projects in the area.
Roaches, sewage and more — Here’s why these Central Florida restaurants were forced to close
Read full article: Roaches, sewage and more — Here’s why these Central Florida restaurants were forced to closeLast week, nearly a dozen restaurants across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a state health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.
Trooper Steve on Patrol checks out CR-484 construction delays in Marion County
Read full article: Trooper Steve on Patrol checks out CR-484 construction delays in Marion CountyMarion County residents have raised concerns about the ongoing CR-484 highway rebuild, which has been in progress for nearly two years with minimal visible advancement beyond sidewalks.
Marion County deputies looking for woman who posed as PayPal courier, scammed elderly woman out of $15K
Read full article: Marion County deputies looking for woman who posed as PayPal courier, scammed elderly woman out of $15KDeputies in Marion County are asking for the public’s help identifying a woman accused of posing as someone from PayPal who scammed an elderly woman out of nearly $15,000, according to a news release.
Randy Fine wins special election to U.S. House in Florida’s 6th Congressional District
Read full article: Randy Fine wins special election to U.S. House in Florida’s 6th Congressional DistrictRepublican Randy Fine has won the special election to U.S. House in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.
How to find help for domestic violence survivors in Central Florida’s counties
Read full article: How to find help for domestic violence survivors in Central Florida’s countiesIf you need help getting out of an abusive situation, you can find shelters and groups in almost every Central Florida county.
Man caught in Ocala laundromat explosion sues owners for negligence
Read full article: Man caught in Ocala laundromat explosion sues owners for negligenceA Florida man who was inside an Ocala laundromat when it exploded last year is suing the owners for the explosion, along with the companies that installed the gas plumbing system for the business.
Former Florida youth coach accused of molesting minor after game. More victims possible, deputies say
Read full article: Former Florida youth coach accused of molesting minor after game. More victims possible, deputies sayA former football coach was arrested after deputies said he inappropriately touched an underage victim while being driven home from a football game by the suspect, Marion County deputies said.
Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of food
Read full article: Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of foodSecond Harvest says the federal funding freeze has halted all CCC-funded orders for the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), resulting in the suspension of 28 tractor-trailer loads of food meant for the Central Florida food bank.
Early voting underway in US House, Florida Legislature special elections. Here’s where you can vote
Read full article: Early voting underway in US House, Florida Legislature special elections. Here’s where you can voteElection officials in Central Florida are making final preparations as early voting begins Saturday for the special election in Congressional District 6, which will determine who replaces Mike Waltz in the U.S. House of Representatives.
5 local springs to visit if you can’t get a Wekiwa Springs reservation
Read full article: 5 local springs to visit if you can’t get a Wekiwa Springs reservationPeople have mixed feelings on this, but one thing that doesn’t change, you might need a backup if you can’t get a spot into the Wekiwa Springs this summer. Here are five of our favorite, lesser-known springs in the Central Florida area.
Early voting begins Saturday for Florida’s special election in Congressional District 6
Read full article: Early voting begins Saturday for Florida’s special election in Congressional District 6Election officials in Central Florida are making final preparations as early voting begins Saturday for the special election in Congressional District 6, which will determine who replaces Mike Waltz in the U.S. House of Representatives.
3 accused ‘Getlow’ gang members face charges for beating, robbing person in Marion County
Read full article: 3 accused ‘Getlow’ gang members face charges for beating, robbing person in Marion CountyA man and two juveniles face charges after deputies said they drove a person to a park in Marion County where they beat and robbed the victim, according to a news release.
Florida Senate bill aiming to roll back rural boundaries under talks
Read full article: Florida Senate bill aiming to roll back rural boundaries under talksMonday afternoon, a state Senate committee is set to discuss a bill that aims to make changes regarding land use and development regulations in Florida.
Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measures
Read full article: Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measuresMeasures approved by voters in 2024 to tighten development in rural areas of two Central Florida counties would be banned under a bill currently in the Florida Senate. State Sen. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, is sponsoring SB 1118, which proposes changes to land use and development regulations.
Netflix acquires documentary on Florida woman’s fatal shooting through neighbor’s front door
Read full article: Netflix acquires documentary on Florida woman’s fatal shooting through neighbor’s front doorA documentary coming to Netflix focuses on “stand your ground” laws through the lens of Ajike Owens’ shooting death at the hands of her Ocala neighbor, Susan Lorincz, who has since been sentenced to prison.
Ocala officers disciplined, changes made after 3 dogs fatally shot, chief says
Read full article: Ocala officers disciplined, changes made after 3 dogs fatally shot, chief saysOcala police Chief Mike Balken held a news conference to announce changes in policy and the disciplining of officers in the fatal shooting of three dogs earlier this year.
Marion County Schools Superintendent Diane Gullet to resign at end of school year
Read full article: Marion County Schools Superintendent Diane Gullet to resign at end of school yearMarion County Public Schools' first appointed Superintendent of Schools will be resigning from her position, according to a news release from the district.
Man accused of sexual battery in Marion County apprehended at Orlando airport, deputies say
Read full article: Man accused of sexual battery in Marion County apprehended at Orlando airport, deputies sayA man was arrested while trying to board a flight after he was accused of multiple charges including sexual battery and lewd molestation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
‘Futile efforts:’ Ocala man found guilty after diver was mangled to death by boat propeller
Read full article: ‘Futile efforts:’ Ocala man found guilty after diver was mangled to death by boat propellerAn Ocala man accused of being responsible for the death of a diver back in 2020 has now been found guilty, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Watering restrictions start in Central Florida after daylight saving. See how this affects you
Read full article: Watering restrictions start in Central Florida after daylight saving. See how this affects youWatering restrictions will start March 9 for residents and businesses in multiple counties to conserve water and maintain lawn and plant health.
Motorcyclist dies in Marion County crash after hitting curb, losing control
Read full article: Motorcyclist dies in Marion County crash after hitting curb, losing controlA 50-year-old motorcyclist from Maine died after hitting a curb and losing control on US Highway 301 in Marion County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
‘SIGN ME UP:’ Buc-ee’s boom in Florida continues as DeSantis touts new locations
Read full article: ‘SIGN ME UP:’ Buc-ee’s boom in Florida continues as DeSantis touts new locationsDuring his speech about a massive expansion project along Interstate 75, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans for yet another upcoming Buc-ee’s location in the state.
‘Most used tourist corridor:’ DeSantis says Florida will expand I-75. Here’s where
Read full article: ‘Most used tourist corridor:’ DeSantis says Florida will expand I-75. Here’s whereA portion of Interstate 75 in Florida will be expanded with more lanes through part of Central Florida, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Ocala youth sports coach arrested on sex charges. Police say there could be more victims
Read full article: Ocala youth sports coach arrested on sex charges. Police say there could be more victimsAn Ocala man who coaches youth sports and helps run a children’s sports and entertainment business has been arrested.
Man accused of molesting children in Marion County faces additional charges after more victims come forward
Read full article: Man accused of molesting children in Marion County faces additional charges after more victims come forwardA man accused of molesting two juveniles in Marion County has been arrested, yet investigators believe he may have victimized even more children.
In need of buses, Central Florida school districts budget around inflation, manufacturing costs
Read full article: In need of buses, Central Florida school districts budget around inflation, manufacturing costsJust like you see rising costs at home or in your business, school districts across Central Florida are dealing with inflation and skyrocketing manufacturing costs post-pandemic.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: How Central Florida manages school buses
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: How Central Florida manages school busesThe costs of school buses have risen due to inflation. Here’s how Central Florida’s school districts are handling the rising cost to purchase new buses. Most districts replace their buses every 10-12 years.
Several Florida hospitals suing UnitedHealthcare for allegedly underpaying for emergency services
Read full article: Several Florida hospitals suing UnitedHealthcare for allegedly underpaying for emergency servicesSeveral hospitals, including six in Central Florida, are suing UnitedHealthcare for underpaying for emergency services provided, according to court records.
VIDEO: Marion County deputies chase man, woman accused of stealing from Walmart
Read full article: VIDEO: Marion County deputies chase man, woman accused of stealing from WalmartA man and his partner were arrested after stealing from a Walmart, sending deputies on a car chase and on foot Monday, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Joann Fabrics will close 500 of its 800 stores, including these Central Florida stores
Read full article: Joann Fabrics will close 500 of its 800 stores, including these Central Florida storesJoann Fabrics will close almost all of its Central Florida stores as it grapples with bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year.
Man accused of molesting minor in Marion County. More victims possible, deputies say
Read full article: Man accused of molesting minor in Marion County. More victims possible, deputies sayDetectives believe that a man accused of exposing himself to and molesting a 14-year-old girl in Marion County could have additional victims.
Can’t find eggs at the supermarket? Try a Central Florida farm
Read full article: Can’t find eggs at the supermarket? Try a Central Florida farmGrocery stores are restricting eggs and raising prices as national farms grapple with persistent bird flu outbreaks and the rising cost of feed. For Central Florida’s egg farmers, their chickens are revving up for egg-laying season, and they are trying to meet the demand.
Pedestrian struck, killed on I-75 in Ocala, troopers say
Read full article: Pedestrian struck, killed on I-75 in Ocala, troopers sayA 44-year-old man on foot along Interstate 75 in Ocala was struck by a car and killed while "darting in and out of northbound traffic," according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
‘They like it:’ Principal, some parents praise year-round school experiment in Florida
Read full article: ‘They like it:’ Principal, some parents praise year-round school experiment in FloridaWyomina Park Elementary's nearly year-round calendar pilot program is showing promising results, with the school improving from a D to a C grade in less than a year.
These are the deadliest areas in Florida for car crashes. Which ranked No. 1?
Read full article: These are the deadliest areas in Florida for car crashes. Which ranked No. 1?With 2024 all wrapped up, Florida officials have now released last year's statewide crash data. However, some might be surprised by which counties ranked among the deadliest.
How is year-round school going? Florida district provides update
Read full article: How is year-round school going? Florida district provides updateThe pilot program for year-round school has been going on for more than six months and leaders at one Florida school district say, so far, it has been a success.
1 killed, 1 seriously injured in Marion County head-on crash, troopers say
Read full article: 1 killed, 1 seriously injured in Marion County head-on crash, troopers sayA 50-year-old Ocala woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Marion County on Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Ocala man sentenced for attempting to meet minor for sexual activity
Read full article: Ocala man sentenced for attempting to meet minor for sexual activityAn Ocala man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, according to a press release by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
‘Absolutely amazing:’ Family shares update on baby found in Safe Haven box 2 years ago
Read full article: ‘Absolutely amazing:’ Family shares update on baby found in Safe Haven box 2 years agoOn the same day that Ocala celebrated its newest Safe Haven Baby Box, News 6 received a heartwarming update about a newborn named Zoey, who was rescued from one just two years ago this month.
Randy Fine, Josh Weil win their primaries; to face off in US House District 6 special election
Read full article: Randy Fine, Josh Weil win their primaries; to face off in US House District 6 special electionVoters in four Central Florida counties on Tuesday decided the Republican and Democratic candidates for a special election to replace Mike Waltz in U.S. House District 6.
‘We don’t expect it to be this cold:' How to protect your pipes from the next freezing night
Read full article: ‘We don’t expect it to be this cold:' How to protect your pipes from the next freezing nightWith temperatures dipping below freezing in Marion County, it seems like a good time to familiarize yourself with some tips on how to keep your pipes from freezing.
This Central Florida school district cancels outdoor after-school activities due to cold weather
Read full article: This Central Florida school district cancels outdoor after-school activities due to cold weatherMarion County Public Schools canceled outdoor after-school activities as the area braces for colder weather sweeping across Central Florida.
Ocala votes to terminate drone contract after Orlando holiday show mishap
Read full article: Ocala votes to terminate drone contract after Orlando holiday show mishapOcala City Council will decide whether to terminate its contract with the company behind its Fourth of July drone show after the same company had an incident at its holiday show over Lake Eola.
Nearly 300 gallons of fuel stolen in Ocala thanks to ‘modified minivan,’ video shows
Read full article: Nearly 300 gallons of fuel stolen in Ocala thanks to ‘modified minivan,’ video showsDetectives said they found two 50-gallon drums and a large tank in the back of the minivan that appeared to be filled with fuel.
Florida pronoun debate could shift to cities, counties
Read full article: Florida pronoun debate could shift to cities, countiesTwo years after Republican lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a controversial measure restricting the use of personal pronouns in schools, legislative debate about the gender-related issue could shift to cities and counties.