MARION COUNTY

A 57-year-old woman is dead after a crash in Ocala, according to police.

The Orlando Police Dept. trains for nearly the exact scenario with their virtual training simulator: an armed suicidal person headed for a crowded building.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County announced it is offering an additional day of COVID testing at a local drive-thru site.

Woman with gun trying to enter hospital shot by deputies (Marion County Sheriffs Office)MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A woman was shot by deputies after she fled a traffic stop and tried to carry a gun into a local hospital, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies said they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Southwest College Road. Deputies said the woman was armed and had a gun to her head. READ: Body found in burning car following crash in Orange CountyWhen the woman arrived at the hospital, deputies told her to stay in her car. Deputies said the driver was on pretrial release for possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A woman is in critical condition after she was shot by Marion County deputies when she tried running into a hospital with a gun early Tuesday, according to the sheriff’s office.

A truck carrying a sewage tank ran a stop sign, striking the front of a car and overturning in a Marion County intersection early Monday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Despite seeing a drop in COVID cases, Marion County has reached a new record with its positivity rate in the last week, according to the state health department.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 86-year-old man. Deputies are searching for Edward Van-Steenburgh, whom they said went missing Saturday at 7 a.m.Van-Steenburgh was last seen leaving the 15800 block of SW 11th Terrace Road in Ocala, deputies said. Deputies said Van-Steenburgh has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and needs his medication. Read: Fire destroys Merritt Island home, dog rescued from flamesHe was last seen wearing jeans, a white undershirt and was possibly wearing a plaid shirt. Edward Van-Steenburgh Missing Elderly ManRead: Temperatures drop overnight Saturday, cold weather on the wayVan-Steenburgh was driving a white 2019 Honda CRV SUV with Florida tag number LWHX60.

A Silver Alert was issued Saturday for an Ocala man who was last seen that morning, Marion deputies said.

Deputies say a drunk driver hit a school bus in the 2400 block of NE 95th Street Friday afternoon.

A man died Thursday morning when his pickup truck struck a tree in Marion County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Three women arrested by Ocala police Thursday were accused of using stolen credit cards to spend more than $8,600 on gift cards and money orders, according to a news release.

Another cold night is on tap for all of Central Florida.

The FHP does not release names in its news releases. It did say the man who died Tuesday was 80, from Ocala, and involved in a motorcycle crash.

An 80-year-old was killed and a 74-year-old was hurt in a two motorcycle crash in Marion County Tuesday morning.

A Marion County jail employee was arrested after a 4-year-old boy shot himself in the hand Monday night in Ocala, police said.

An Ocala police officer was involved in a crash Monday evening along with two other vehicles, according to the department.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — January is Move Over Month in the Sunshine State. Agencies across the state are highlighting the need to protect workers on the side of the road. Channel 9 spoke with a Marion County deputy who had a close call with a drunk driver who failed to move over. Read: Carjacking arrest leads to murder confession, deputies say“It was definitely a close call, you know, could have been way worse,” said Marion County Deputy Rafael Hernandez. During a traffic stop, a drunk driver rammed into Hernandez’s patrol car on the side of the road because she failed to move over.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Possibly freezing temperatures are moving into Central Florida this week. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Frost advisories have been issued for Tuesday morning in Marion and Flagler Counties. READ: 9 tips to heat your home safelyFrost advisories Monday overnight through Tuesday morning have been posted for Marion and Flagler Counties. This is where it's most necessary in Central Florida to protect sensitive outdoor plants tonight. Colder temperatures are expected to remain through Wednesday morning with temperatures beginning to warm up to near 80 again by Thursday.

The #BettyWhiteChallenge calls for people to donate money to an animal shelter on Jan. 17 in honor of Betty White’s birthday.

A Marion County emergency room doctor arrested for his involvement in the Capitol Hill riot was sentenced to home confinement and probation on Friday.

The charge of seditious conspiracy carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

The Florida Highway Patrol issued a warning for Marion County drivers Wednesday night regarding wildfire smoke and fog in the area.

County officials and nearby leaders are coming together to get results and make roads safe in Marion county by working to end traffic deaths.

Two men were arrested Tuesday in connection with an Ocala crash that left one dead and 4 injured back in October 2021, according to police.

An Ocala mother is counting her blessing after she said a fire destroyed the home where she and her five children lived.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — An investigation is underway after two drivers were killed in a head-on crash in Marion County on Saturday night. The crash happened near the intersection of U.S. 27 and Northwest 82nd Street Road at 6:41 p.m., troopers said. According to troopers, a 54-year-old man was driving north on U.S. 27 in the southbound lane when he crashed head-on into a 22-year-old woman driving southbound in the same lane. Both drivers sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash, according to a news release. Read: Motorcyclist killed in Saturday night crash, troopers sayThis crash remains under investigation.

Two drivers were killed in a wrong way crash Saturday night in unincorporated Marion County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Ocala city officials are urging residents to reduce their water consumption next week due to a water resources maintenance project.

A USPS employee in Ocala was arrested on mail theft charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced on Friday.

As of Thursday, Marion County Public Schools posted a COVD-19 decision tree for students on the district’s Facebook page.

Oren Miller and Gary Search According to Marion County arrest affidavits, Oren Miller, 71, and Gary Search, 71, are both accused of lying while making statements under oath (Sumter County Jail)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed executive orders on Thursday suspending two Sumter County commissioners who were arrested last month accused of lying under oath. According to Marion County arrest affidavits, Oren Miller, 71, and Gary Search, 71, are both accused of lying while making statements under oath to the state attorney as part of a criminal investigation related to possible Sunshine Law violations. When questioned about the phone records under oath, investigators said both men lied. Miller said the two hadn’t spoken on their cell phones since January 2021, and Search said they hadn’t spoken on the telephone at all.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — An Ocala man was arrested after deputies said he broke into a home and sexually battered a teenager. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Tylor Moreno forced his way into a home of an acquaintance around 2 p.m. Wednesday. Tylor Moreno (Marion County Sheriffs Office)Deputies were able to locate Moreno with the help of a sheriff’s helicopter and placed him under arrest. Investigators said Moreno admitted to assaulting the victim and taking away her cell phone to keep her from calling 911. Read: Police: Caregiver, husband fatally shoot woman, 89, in Ponce InletMoreno — who is being held without bond — was booked into the Marion County jail on charges of burglary, sexual battery and tampering.

Deputies arrested a 19-year-old man from Ocala who they say admitted to kicking in the door of a home and then forcing himself on a teen girl Wednesday.

If you were alarmed by loud booming sounds around Ocala, don't worry, it's just the U.S. Navy dropping live bombs for practice.

A Marion County man who federal prosecutors have painted as one of the conspirators of the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol says he is an innocent man.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A driver was killed after he struck two trees and was thrown from his car in Marion County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The 23-year-old man was driving at a high speed on SW 186th Court around 1 a.m. Tuesday. Troopers said the man entered a grass shoulder and overcorrected toward the right, before losing control of his car. READ: Florida panhandle sees snowThe man then crossed the roadway and struck two trees, troopers said. READ: Exploding meteor rocked Pittsburgh on New Year’s Day, NASA confirmsThe Florida Highway Patrol said the man was thrown from his car and pronounced dead at the scene.

A 23-year-old Ocala man was killed in a crash, troopers say.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Are you looking for a new job to start off the new year? Marion County will hold four job fairs in January. The county is hiring for more than 60 positions across 18 departments. Positions are available in animal services, library, environmental services, parks and recreation, and more. 484, Belleview, FL 34420Wednesday, Jan. 12: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Dunnellon Library – 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon, FL 34431Thursday, Jan. 13: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Marion Oaks Community Center – 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala, FL34473Wednesday, Jan. 19: 4 p.m. to7 p.m. — Forest Community Center – 777 S. Hwy.

A Texas man on the run after being accused of killing his wife in October 2020 was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Marion County, according to the sheriff’s office.

The trial, conviction and sentencing of Marion County Judge Jason Warner was the top story of the year, as selected by Marion Star readers and staff.

Three people were injured in a crash between a pick-up truck and a sedan in Marion County on Monday morning, according to Ocala Fire Rescue.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A local business was destroyed in an early morning fire in Lake County. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Read: Troopers: Woman pushing wheelchair across Orange County road fatally struck by carAccording to a Lake County spokesperson, firefighters responded to the Shell Shack on US-441 early Tuesday morning. Firefighters from Lake County, Leesburg and Marion County responded to help battle the blaze. WATCH: Kissimmee man accused of inciting brawl at Miami airportThe State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Federal prosecutors are recommending a Marion County man arrested for his involvement in the Capitol Hill riot be ordered to two months home confinements as part of his sentencing in January.

The end of 2021 is approaching and it’s time to ring in the new year.

OCALA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis will be back in Central Florida Friday morning. READ: What you need to know about new express lanes coming to I-4The event will be held at Ocala Regional Medical Center in Ocala. Channel 9 will livestream the news conference when it begins. READ: Central Florida becoming the Wild West of real estate scamsClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the availability of a new antibody treatment for high-risk groups before exposure or infection of COVID-19.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County Animal Services is working to rehabilitate 37 neglected dogs that were confiscated from a person who was already prohibited from owning more animals. READ: Elected officials to DeSantis: ‘More and more Floridians can’t afford Florida’All of the dogs were taken to Marion County Animal Services for medical exams and rehabilitative care. Marion County officials described the dogs’ owner as a “repeat offender” who was prohibited from owning any new animals back in 2015. Now, Marion County Animal Services says they’re working to gain custody of the dogs so they can begin the task of finding them quality homes with loving families. Marion County officials are pleading with people to consider adopting, as their shelter has currently exceeded overcrowded status.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office believes there may be more victims.

David Saint Louis David Saint Louis, 27, was arrested on two counts of sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 years old and two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim younger than 12 years old. (Marion County Sheriff's Office/Marion County Sheriff's Office)MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Sunday school teacher has been arrested for sexually assaulting victims under 12, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. David Saint Louis, 27, was arrested on two counts of sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 years old and two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim younger than 12 years old. One victim said Saint Louis had molested her on multiple occasions in 2013 during Sunday school. On Wednesday, Saint Louis responded to the Criminal Investigations Division at the sheriff’s office for an interview.

A 50-year-old man from Keystone Heights and a 37-year-old Bell man were killed early Thursday morning when their van overturned on a curve in Marion County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Oren Miller and Gary Search According to Marion County arrest affidavits, Oren Miller, 71, and Gary Search, 71, are both accused of lying while making statements under oath. (Sumter County Jail)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Two Sumter County commissioners were arrested Wednesday, both accused of lying under oath. According to Marion County arrest affidavits, Oren Miller, 71, and Gary Search, 71, are both accused of lying while making statements under oath to the state attorney as part of a criminal investigation related to possible Sunshine Law violations. READ: Synthetic marijuana ‘spice’ linked to 2 deaths, 41 hospitalizations in FloridaThe arrest affidavit says many of the phone calls between the two commissioners happened either just before or just after Sumter County Commission meetings. Both men were released from Sumter County jail on $2,000 bond.

Marion County Sheriff's Deputies are searching for 26-year-old Floyd Mattern. He is missing and believed to be in danger.

Ocala police arrested a man Monday who they believe started a fire that damaged a mobile home in early December.

Marion County deputies are on the look out for a missing teenager they believe to be in danger.

Four Central Florida counties and the State of Florida are at risk of losing their remaining emergency rental assistance funds, which could amount to millions of dollars not going to help local families who need it.

The Department of Children and Families informed detectives that Pharoah Pierre is in the custody of her mother, 25-year-old Marie Pierre, who has been avoiding contact with DCF agents seeking to investigate the well-being of the three-year-old.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are searching for a 3-year-old who could be endangered. Deputies said they received a pickup order that was obtained by the Department of Children and Families in reference to the well-being of Pharoah Pierre. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Pharoah’s mother, 25-year-old Marie Pierre, has been avoiding contact with DCF in their efforts to assess the well-being of Pharoah during an open investigation. Anyone who has seen Pharoah or Marie is asked to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office by calling 911. READ: Extra officers expected at Orlando middle school after someone fired gun during massive brawlMissing 3-year-old boy (Marion County Sheriff's Office)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A bus driver shortage has caused Marion County officials to take their recruiting efforts to communities who need help the most.

The World Equestrian Center sits on more than 380 acres and is the largest equestrian complex in the country offering indoor and outdoor arenas and venues.

The World Equestrian Center sits on more than 380 acres and is the largest equestrian complex in the country offering indoor and outdoor arenas and venues.

With the calendar flipping to December, holiday events are in full swing.

A motorcyclist has died after a crash in Ocala on Wednesday, according to police.

Eric Lutterloah A Marion County inmate is facing manslaughter charges after deputies said another inmate died after he punched and pushed him to the ground. (Marion County Sheriff's Office)MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Marion County inmate is facing manslaughter charges after deputies said another inmate died after he punched and pushed him to the ground. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Merchant died less than a week after he was transported to the hospital. Deputies said Lutterloah told them he was awoken by Merchant and other inmates talking and laughing on Nov. 7. He remains incarcerated in the Marion County jail, where he will continue to be held without bond.

A fatal Marion County crash closed both the northbound and southbound lanes of US 301 on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A Marion County Jail inmate was arrested for manslaughter Tuesday after an altercation led to the death of another inmate, deputies said.

Marion County deputies arrested a 60-year-old man on Monday after he allegedly shot at an occupied home and deputy over a month ago, according to an arrest report.

A 52-year-old man was shot and killed in Weirsdale, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — An Ocala man accused of fatally shooting a man in October before fleeing a traffic stop was arrested Monday, Marion County deputies said. Marion County shooting victim Willie Jones, Jr.Deputies said Samuel fled the scene in an older model Cadillac convertible. Deputies said the pursuit ended when they performed a successful maneuver to spin and stop Samuel’s car in Sumter County. READ: Deputies: Man who tried to kidnap girl in 2017 might be stalking women in Volusia CountySince his arrest in Sumter County, Samuel has been held in the Sumter County Jail without bond. He has since been transported to the Marion County Jail where he will be held without bond for the charge of murder.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A silver alert was issued for a Marion County man early Tuesday. Marion County deputies said Richard Mazza was last seen leaving his home at 9689 SE 163rd Street in Summerfield around 10 a.m. Monday. Mazza was driving his grey Kia Soul, with license plate 917PTC. READ: Florida man charged with murder after missing woman’s body parts recovered from bayHe was last seen wearing blue jeans and a grey shirt. Richard was driving his grey Kia Soul bearing Florida license plate 917PTC and he was last seen wearing blue jeans and a grey shirt.

OCALA, Fla. — With temperatures expected to drop overnight in Central Florida, officials in Marion County are opening a cold weather shelter. Temperatures in Marion County are expected to reach the high 30s and low 40s Monday night and into Tuesday morning, with a slight wind chill. WATCH: Brevard Zoo collecting donations to establish dedicated manatee rescue teamDue to the lower temperatures, county leaders are expecting an influx of people seeking shelter. Officials said the Salvation Army will have sheltering accommodations in place for the upcoming cold weather for those that need to seek refuge. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Police are investigating after a body was found in Lake Ivanhoe Friday. Crews were called to the area of Magnolia Avenue and Ivanhoe Boulevard just after 11:30 a.m., after a person on a paddleboard spotted what appeared to be a body floating in the lake. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Read: Man faces several DUI charges after Marion County crash leaves 2 dead, infant in ICUExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Police investigation after body found in Lake Ivanhoe (WFTV)Dive teams with the Orlando Fire Department responded to help police with the recovery. Read: Man faces several DUI charges after Marion County crash leaves 2 dead, infant in ICUInvestigators have not released any details about the person or how they may have ended up in the lake. Stay with Eyewitness News for more on this developing story.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Some Central Florida areas could drop down into the 30s on Friday night. Friday will start out chilly, with many people waking up to temperatures in the 50s and 60s. In Marion County, temperatures could drop down to 38 degrees on Friday night. READ: Black Friday freebies: Here’s a list of stores giving away free stuff on FridayA cooler weekend is headed our way. Visit our hurricane section: EYE ON THE TROPICSFollow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:©2021 Cox Media Group

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County firefighters battled a large blaze at a tractor supply store early Thursday morning. Firefighters said they were called to Ocala Tractor on U.S. Highway 441 just before 4 a.m.>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Heavy flames were seen coming from the attic, and firefighters said the conditions deteriorated rapidly. It took firefighters an hour and 20 minutes to get the fire under control. READ: Venmo, Zelle, others will report ‘goods and services’ payments of $600 or more to IRS for 2022 taxesThe origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by Florida state and Marion County Fire Rescue investigators. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies investigating a report of a shooting Monday used lethal force when they were confronted by a man with a shotgun, according to the sheriff’s office. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Deputies responded to the area of Northeast 140th Avenue and Northeast 245th Street Road just after 7:30 p.m. for reports of a shooting. At approximately 7:40 p.m. on November 15, 2021, deputies responded to the area of NE 140th Avenue and NE 245th Street... Posted by Marion County Sheriff's Office on Monday, November 15, 2021According to the sheriff’s office, as deputies were investigating the shooting, they were confronted by the armed man who refused multiple commands to drop the shotgun. READ: Lake County deputies looking for animal cruelty suspect after horse found shot in pastureThe deputies were left with no choice but to defend themselves and opened fire on the man, killing him, according to the sheriff’s office. READ: 2 associates of Joel Greenberg accused of defrauding real estate investor out of $12 millionThe sheriff’s office hasn’t said how many deputies fired their guns.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing endangered 83-year-old woman. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Deputies said Norma Jane Bullard was last seen around noon at her home in Ocala Palms on Northwest 53rd Avenue. Bullard MCSO Flyer - Missing EndangeredBullard left in an unknown direction driving a 2014 beige Ford Cadillac with Florida tag YJ47F. Read: SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellitesAccording to deputies, Bullard has made comments that have caused concern for her safety. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A man and a teenager are facing second-degree murder charges in what is an apparent act of retaliation over the summer for a justifiable homicide the victim had been cleared of, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Ralph Fontil, 23, and 17-year-old Brandon Jordan Merizier were both arrested Tuesday on second-degree murder charges. On June 5, the sheriff’s office received a shooting call in the area of Northwest 62nd Place in Ocala Park Estates. READ: Brooklyn woman accused of ‘execution-style’ shooting nabbed in Florida, cops sayFontil is being held at the Marion County Jail without bond. Merizier is in juvenile custody, also without bond, and will be transferred to the Marion County Jail upon being charged as an adult.

10-year-old boy dies after being hit by car while walking to school in Marion CountyMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Troopers in Marion County said a 10-year-old boy has died after he was hit by a car while walking to school Wednesday morning. The boy from Reddick was struck around 6:51 a.m. on County Road 318, east of Northwest 110 Court, according to a report. READ: Police: Pregnant nurse loses unborn baby after being attacked by patientA 34-year-old driver from Silver Springs was going west on CR-318 in a 1998 Ford Escort when the crash occurred. Troopers said the boy walked south to cross CR-318 once other cars going east on the roadway had passed. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Marion County said they have charged a man and a woman after finding their 2-year-old daughter died of a fentanyl overdose. Joseph Tierney and Jalynn Davis were charged Tuesday with aggravated manslaughter of a child in connection with the death of their daughter, records show. Deputies said they found the girl, Miya Tierney, unresponsive inside the home and administered CPR before taking her to a hospital where she died. Detective said an investigation revealed that Davis sold fentanyl and that her husband, Tierney, was an active user of fentanyl. “For years, law enforcement has been battling the opioid epidemic here in Marion County, throughout the United States, and at our country’s borders,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies say they took one person into custody Tuesday after a deadly shooting in Ocala. Deputies were called to the 3800 block of SE 95th street around 5:30 p.m. for reports of a shooting. According to the sheriff’s office, they quickly located the suspect who led deputies on a chase into Sumter County. Deputies haven’t identified either the victim or the suspect they have in custody. READ: Suspect in Idaho mall shooting that killed 2, injured 5, including Boise officer, dies, police sayTheir investigation is ongoing.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Showers and storms will make their way through Central Florida through the morning hours. Most of the heavier storms will stay in the Marion County area. Central Floridians can expect to see showers and storms pop up until lunch time. READ: Florida’s top doctor refuses mask, is told to leave meetingLooking ahead, a cold front will move through by the end of the week. Temperatures for Halloween will be in the 70s.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County Public Schools announced Friday that face masks are now totally optional for students, staff, visitors and volunteers. Officials said the changes come after the Florida Department of Health — Marion County released COVID-19 data that met the criteria laid out by the school board’s face-covering resolution. READ: ‘The summer Delta surge in Florida is over,’ Florida Hospital Association CEO saysAs of Friday, both of those numbers have held steady for at least two weeks. Officials said face coverings can still be worn by anyone on public school property in Marion County. Elementary schools in particular can soon schedule campus events that previously were not allowed.

Missing and endangered 1-year-old boy reported in Central Florida, deputies sayMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Marion County are searching for a toddler on Thursday who is reported to be missing and endangered. Deputies said 1-year-old Julius Urueta was last seen Tuesday in the area of SE Maricamp Road. WATCH: Gabby Petito: Strong probability that remains found in Florida are Brian Laundrie’s, attorney saysA court order has been issued over concerns for his safety, deputies said. Deputies said Julius may be with 34-year-old Samantha Nolan and 37-year-old Jonathan Urueta. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

OCALA, Fla. — Deputies in Marion County deputies are investigating a deadly early morning shooting on Sunday. The shooting occurred at the 2600 block of SE 56th Street in Ocala, deputies said. READ: Deputies: 15-year-old student arrested after bringing loaded gun to schoolDeputies said, “all parties involved have been identified and accounted for.”This deadly shooting is under investigation and no other details were released. READ: Death investigation underway after deadly shooting in Winter Garden, deputies sayChannel 9 will report any updates on this shooting on Eyewitness News. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — In Marion County, the weekly positivity rate falls below 10% for the first time since July. According to the most recent state report, Marion County is reporting 55,600 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of Sept. 30. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 cases in Florida was 6.5%. “We are making every effort to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are available to every resident who needs them,” said Marion County Department of Health Administrator Mark Lander. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov and use the Vaccine Locator and Testing Sites tools to find vaccination and testing sites near you.

Marion County deputies search for missing elderly man with signs of early onset dementiaOCALA, Fla. — Deputies in Marion County are asking for help to find an elderly man who has been missing since Friday. Deputies said Robert Ogden, 86, has not been seen since 6 p.m. Friday in the area of SW 41st Circle in Ocala. READ: Death investigation underway in Marion CountyOgden displays signs of early onset dementia and takes medication for various medical conditions, deputies said. WATCH: Paddleboarder films close encounter with alligator at Silver Springs State ParkDeputies said he was last seen driving his white Lincoln MKZ with Florida tag 7501XQ. Anyone with information on Ogden’s whereabouts is asked to call 911.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are conducting a death investigation. At about 4:45 p.m. Sunday, deputies said they responded to the report of a death at 3380 NW 63rd Avenue. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Deputies said they found Judy Mielenz dead inside of the home. READ: DeLand 7-Eleven windows shot after shootout between two drivers, police sayInvestigators said they have determined the death was a homicide. READ: Search expands to Volusia County for missing 19-year-old Orange County womanDetectives said they believe there is no threat to the community.

Senior with dementia and Alzheimer’s reported missing in Marion County, deputies sayDUNNELLON, Fla. — Deputies in Marion County are searching for a missing elderly man with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Deputies said Billy Bowen, 72, was last seen Saturday at around 7:30 a.m. at his home on NW Mallard Avenue in Dunnellon. Deputies said he may be driving a 2020 silver Toyota Corolla hybrid with Florida tag number 777 NMG. READ: Deputies: 15-year-old student arrested after bringing loaded gun to schoolOfficials said he may be confused and have issued a statewide Silver Alert. Anyone who has seen Bowen or has more information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to help locate a missing and endangered adult. READ: ‘Heck of a ride’: SpaceX’s Inspiration4 crew returns safely to Earth after historic missionDeputies said Mego has dementia and can easily become lost. READ: Pet Alliance continues their mission after fire decimates shelter last weekMego is believed to be wearing light-colored shorts, a dark grey T-shirt, and brown Merrell brand shoes. If you have any information on Jerome’s whereabouts, please call 911. Missing Mego FlyerClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your smart TV.

Marion County deputies search for woman reported missing after going fishing MondayDeputies in Marion County are searching for a woman who has been missing since Monday. Deputies said Maree Strong, 62, left a home in the Fort McCoy area of Marion County at around 6 p.m. and said she was going to be fishing. READ: 1 dead, 1 seriously injured after train collides with SUV in Marion County, troopers sayShe left in a 2004 silver Ford Explorer, with Florida tag ERWP50, officials said. Deputies said Strong’s bank card was last used on Monday in Tampa and there has been no other record of her whereabouts. WATCH: Deputies: 15-year-old student arrested after bringing loaded gun to schoolBecause of a medical conditions and length of time with no communication, there is a concern for her well-being, deputies said.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly overnight crash involving a train and an SUV in Marion County. According to troopers, one person is dead and another is seriously injured after their SUV was hit by a train at the railroad crossing at SE 102nd Street and SE 62nd Avenue. READ: Brian Laundrie missing as search for Gabby Petito continues, attorney and police sayTroopers said the SUV was traveling north on SE 62nd Street and attempted to cross the tracks, before it was struck by a northbound train. The crash occurred around 1 a.m.READ: SpaceX’s all-civilian Inspiration4 crew set to return to Earth SaturdayAccording to troopers, the passenger of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. UPDATE: ROADS ARE OPEN AGAIN TRAIN & VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN A FATALITY PLEASE AVOID AREA Marion County... Posted by Marion County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, September 18, 2021©2021 Cox Media Group

CITRA, Fla. — Deputies in Marion County have arrested a 15-year-old boy who is accused of bringing a loaded gun to school on Friday. A school resource officer at North Marion High School arrested 10th grader Jesse Jenkins Jr. for possession of a firearm on school property and carrying a concealed weapon, according to a report. WATCH: Intense bodycam video shows officer-involved shooting in OcalaDeputies said the officer received a tip that Jenkins was in possession of a loaded firearm while at school. A deputy and the school’s assistant principal, Michael Fritch, removed Jenkins from class and brought him to a teacher’s office. As the deputy searched the bag, he found a loaded semi-automatic firearm inside, according to a report.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A video shows a close encounter between a paddleboarder and an alligator in Marion County. “What are you doing, get away from me,” a woman is heard saying in the video. READ: Florida firefighter swims past alligator to save man from drowningThe woman filmed the gator encounter at Silver Springs State Park. See the full video here:The video shows the gator slowly approach her while she was sitting on her board. WATCH: Miami fans use US flag to save cat that fell from upper deck of stadiumFeeding an alligator is not only dangerous, but it’s also illegal in the state of Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Heavy thunderstorms will roll in through the morning hours due to Tropical Depression Mindy. The storms will start out in the Marion County area this morning and continue across Central Florida through lunchtime. Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and low 90s. Hurricane Larry is causing an increase in rip currents at our local beaches. Visit our hurricane section: EYE ON THE TROPICSVisite la sección en español: Temporada de huracanesFollow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:Click here to download the WFTV weather app for live updates to your phone, and click here to stream weather coverage on the WFTV now app.

More than 60 Marion County, Ocala firefighters respond to fire inside Dollar General store A total of 20 units and 63 personnel from Marion County Fire Rescue and the Ocala Fire Department responded Friday after a fire broke out inside of a Dollar General store. OCALA, Fla. — A total of 20 units and 63 personnel from Marion County Fire Rescue and the Ocala Fire Department responded Friday after a fire broke out inside of a Dollar General store. Firefighters arrived at around 10:30 a.m. to the Dollar General on NE 35th Street in Ocala. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 More than 60 Marion County, Ocala firefighters respond to fire inside Dollar General store A total of 20 units and 63 personnel from Marion County Fire Rescue and the Ocala Fire Department responded Friday after a fire broke out inside of a Dollar General store. Firefighters said they immediately deployed a hose line to make entry and extinguish the flames.

Marion County deputies search for men accused of calling girl to van at school bus stopDUNNELLON, Fla. — Deputies in Marion County are increasing patrols and looking for more information after suspicious activity near a school bus stop. Deputies said a 12-year-old girl was called at by two men in a work van at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at a school bus stop near SW 136th Court and SW 114th Place, in Dunnellon. Investigators said the girl immediately fled back to the school bus and notified the bus driver, who then contacted law enforcement. WATCH: Marion County DOH opens COVID-19 booster appointments for eligible residentsDeputies said they searched the area but were unable to locate the van of the men described by the girl. READ: ‘There’s a respectful way to retire that flag’: Ocala police set up American flag retirement boxAnyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Officer at 352-732-9111.

MARION COUNTY, Fla — The Marion County Health Department is making appointments and opening a booster shot location for Pfizer and Moderna to immunocompromised residents. READ: When will children 5-11 be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine? “We are grateful for our partnership with Marion County Public Schools,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. For residents seeking testing for COVID-19, there are two free drive-through sites at Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala and Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475. Click here for more details on testing and vaccinations in Marion County.

Michelle Smith, a Type 1 Diabetic, and a consultant determined that her neighbor’s ham radio hobby might have interfered with the doses of insulin being pushed out from her pump. The 55+ community where she lives hired that consultant and told the neighbor to shut down his amateur radio station. “So I switched pumps, bought another one, switched reservoirs, threw insulin away, did everything I knew of to troubleshoot,” she said. That engineer determined the “amateur radio operator could have produced” radio frequency levels that exceeded those Smith’s insulin pump is intended to operate in. Because of that pending litigation, Indigo East’s manager told 9 Investigates that they could not comment.

The driver said he tried to get the gun away from Malone, then veered off the road. He believed Malone had a semi-automatic weapon and would shoot him, too, he said.

Boil water notice issued for parts of Marion County after power outage at treatment plantMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Officials in Marion County issued a precautionary boil water notice on Sunday. The noticed was issued after a power failure early Sunday morning at a water treatment plant that was recently acquired by Marion County Utilities. WATCH: Winter Park asks customers to conserve water over chemical shortage used to treat COVID-19 patientsThe boil water notice impacts 294 customers in the HiCliff, Sleepy Hollow, Delcrest, Bluefields and Regency Estates communities, officials said. The county reports the facility’s power was restored and the system returned to full operation within an hour, but the precautionary boil water notice was issued because of guidelines found within the Safe Drinking Water Act. This precautionary boil water notice is in effect until further notice, officials said.