MARION COUNTY

A man accused of raping an elderly woman at her Ocala apartment has been arrested, according to police.

The Ocala Police Department is searching for a man in a sexual assault of an elderly woman at her Ocala apartment on Wednesday.

A Central Florida man convicted of conspiring to stop the certification of the presidential election will be sentenced in May, a judge announced on Thursday.

Monday afternoon, a Marion County trailblazer — the first-ever Black female officer hired at the Ocala Police Department more than a half-century ago — was honored.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Local, state and federal law enforcement shared their efforts Wednesday to make Marion County safer by putting dozens of suspects behind bars. Deputies said the focus was specifically on curbing violent crime. Photos: Law enforcement shares efforts to get illegal guns off streets of Marion CountyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Law enforcement shares efforts to get illegal guns off streets of Marion CountyLaw enforcement’s goal was to put away as many people illegally possessing guns as possible to get them off the streets of Marion County. From July 2018 to this past December, they have arrested 60 people, and 49 of those are now serving time. “Those defendants made a case that others have made over the course of the years, they underestimated the prosecutors and investigators who serve the people of Marion County,” Handberg said.

A driver and passenger were killed when a car struck a tree in Marion County, troopers say.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Officials with Marion County Utilities issued a precautionary boil water notice for customers within the Spruce Creek Preserve community Tuesday. Customers within the communities affected are advised that any water used in drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth should be boiled before use. Read: Recall alert: More than 50,000 pounds of sausage recalled over listeria concernsOfficials said customers should bring the water to a rapid boil for at least one minute before using it. Water used for laundry, bathing, and showering does not need to be boiled. Read: Florida lawmakers weigh getting rid of licenses to conceal carry firearmsMarion County Utilities will continue to perform water testing and advise customers once the notice is lifted.

A man on a dirt bike was killed in a crash with a vehicle near County Road 318 in Marion County, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

ORLANDO, Fla. — High clouds spilling in from the Gulf tonight will help keep our temperatures just a bit warmer than if we had no clouds at all, Channel 9 certified chief meteorologist Tom Terry said. This will result in a slight chance for frost, for mainly our far northern areas of Marion county by morning. READ: Temps to dip into the 30s & 40s tonightOtherwise, Friday will bring high clouds & sun early, then sunshine and mid-60s to wrap up the week, Terry said. Temperatures in the 80s will return by Sunday, Terry said. READ: NASA Day of Remembrance honors fallen astronautsVIDEO: Push to ban rent control measures in Florida gains traction Push to ban rent control measures in Florida gains tractionClick 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. — Two Alachua County men were arrested in connection with a string of mail thefts in Marion County over a four-month period, according to the US attorney’s office. Marion County mail thefts On October 21, 2022, at 10:33 PM, a blue Dodge Charge is captured on surveillance video at the Canopy Oaks Center parking near the USPS Collection Box. (United States Postal Inspection Service)On Wednesday, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, with the help of the U.S. Watch: Helicopter video shows arrest of two Alachua men charged in Marion County mail thefts (WFTV)Read: Union leaders say postal police could protect mail carriersWhen investigators searched the car, they found several pieces of stolen mail and a USPS Arrow Key in the backseat. Both men were arrested and charged with theft of mail and possession of a stolen or reproduced postal key.

Two arrests were announced Thursday in a string of mail thefts from USPS collection boxes in Marion County and for the possession of a stolen postal key, according to the Department of Justice.

A 14-year-old Forest High School student was arrested after a stolen gun was found on campus in October, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

A man was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after police said he crashed into an Ocala dentist’s office and ran away early Monday.

An SUV crashed into a school bus during a school pick-up in Dunnellon Tuesday.

A pedestrian walking across the southbound lanes of Interstate 75 was struck in Marion County, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

A horse is a horse, of course, but not the main course — or for any other reason according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are looking for a woman who’s been missing since last month. Watch: Friends, family of 2 teens shot dead march to Palm Bay City Hall demanding justiceShe was last seen Dec. 10 while going to work, but she never arrived there. Read: 2 arrested in connection with home invasion in downtown Orlando high-rise, police sayDeputies said she could be with her ex-boyfriend, 21-year-old Christopher Godfrey. Watch: Feds warn fentanyl may be available to children onlineAnyone who knows where they could be is asked to call 911. 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.

The Indiana father of a young boy filmed playing with a handgun in a hallway appeared in court Thursday.

Marion County deputies are seeking help in the search of a missing and endangered woman last seen in December leaving her house for work.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of fraud and refusing to comply with sex offender registration is on the loose, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said. Marion County deputies said they are looking for Brian Patrick Mullis, 35, who is wanted for 52 counts of filing false documents and one count of organized fraud. In addition, Mullis is a sex offender who did not report to the MCSO sexual offender and predator unit. Read: ‘A community of resilience’: Suspect sought after windows shattered at downtown LGBTQ barsThe sheriff’s office said Mullis may be in the Jacksonville area. If you have any information about Mullis, they ask you to call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP and use 23-03 in your tip.

A state attorney is delivering justice with a new animal cruelty task force spanning across three Central Florida counties.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The sheriff’s office said a Marion County teen was reported missing Wednesday. Read: Armed security guard accused of sexual battery of teen at Central Florida movie theater, police sayDeputies said she wore a black Star Wars t-shirt, pajama pants and white sneakers. Read: New state rules on education pose concerns for Orange County Public SchoolsIf you have any information about Vazquez’s location, the sheriff’s office asks that you call 911. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 136 Missing from Central Florida These 113 people are missing in Central Florida. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, their cases date back to the 1960s.

A security guard at a movie theater in Ocala has been arrested after being accused of raping a teen girl and threatening her with a gun, according to police.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help locating a missing and endangered teen.

A 23-year-old man is facing a charge after he crashed into a school bus loaded with children in Marion County Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Resident voiced their concerns at the Mount Dora City Hall Tuesday night regarding what they called a foul odor.

Another Buc-ee's may be coming to Central Florida.

Controversy sparked in Marion County after one elementary school send out a permission slip to learn about the Black National Anthem ahead of an after-school performance.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested after making school shooting threats on Snapchat, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Rain and a few gusty storms are expected in the area early Friday morning, Channel 9 certified chief meteorologist Tom Terry said. The weather will hit Marion County beginning around 2 a.m., between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. in metro Orlando and before noon in Brevard County, Terry said. READ: Natural disasters costing the U.S. billions every yearWind gusts reaching between 40 mph and 50 mph are possible, especially west, along with a quarter to half-inch of rain, Terry said. After the rain clears, it will clear up rapidly, Terry said, and be windy and much colder in the weekend with wind chills dropping to the 20s on Saturday morning. READ: Sheriff: Remains of woman, 82, missing since Hurricane Ian found in mangrovesVIDEO: Natural disasters costing the U.S. billions every year New federal data shows nearly 20 extreme weather events last year each caused more than $1 billion in destruction.

A Marion County man who beat his wife to death with a baseball bat and then killed her four children in 2019 is one step closer to receiving the death penalty.

The field of candidates is set for a special election in Marion County to replace a state representative embroiled in a federal fraud scandal.

Video released Monday shows an arson suspect threatening deputies with a bat and a machete as they try to arrest him on New Year's Day, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Two drivers were seriously injured after a crash in Ocala on Sunday, according to a news release from the city.

A two-vehicle crash on Saturday evening in Ocala has shut down part of Silver Springs Boulevard, according to Ocala Fire Rescue.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Meteorologist Tom Terry said we will have some 30s in Marion County Friday night, and some patchy frost is possible there. Otherwise, it will be a chilly 40s for most of Central Florida and a nice warm-up into the mid/upper 70s by Sunday. Our average is around 72. Read: 1 person shot at Wekiva High School, suspect at large, deputies sayA bit nippy in Marion and Sumter county tonight! ©2022 Cox Media Group

A 42-year-old Ocala man occupying the outside lane of a road in Marion County was fatally struck by a car early Friday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A Florida man was arrested, accused of using antifreeze to poison his neighbors’ pets, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Marion County man is accused of mixing tuna fish with fish-flavored rat poison and antifreeze to poison neighborhood cats. Marion County deputies said Jeremy Stormwall, 36, of Dunnellon, was arrested on Wednesday on four counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Deputies said one of Stormwall’s neighbors contacted law enforcement after his cat, named Mr. Cat, died after being poisoned, likely by antifreeze. Deputies said throughout their investigation, they received information that Stromwall had made statements about harming cats in the neighborhood. They said Stromwall allegedly said he was putting out tainted food to poison them, including attempting to get them to eat rat poison mixed with cat food.

A newborn was surrendered to Florida’s first Safe Haven Baby Box in Ocala, marking the first time the box has been used.

It's been several days since six people were shot on New Year's Day in Ocala — a shooting that about 100 people may have witnessed, according to police.

An Ocala home was devastated Wednesday afternoon after a fire tore through the building, leaving it in ruins, according to Ocala fire officials.

Marion County Public Schools are set to tackle a growing issue in the district as rates for student absenteeism and truancy are now higher than the state average.

A line of severe weather has prompted a Tornado Watch for Marion and Flagler counties.

Theaters across Central Florida are pulling the curtain back on their 2023 productions, concerts, exhibits and more, ready for the year of art and culture ahead.

Ocala police are searching for a missing 11-year-old boy who ran away from home Wednesday morning, according to a tweet from the department.

Marion County deputies are still searching for two preteen girls who became missing endangered back in November after running away from home, according to the sheriff's office.

The Ocala Police Department on Sunday announced it had begun investigating a shooting early that morning which left two people dead and four others hurt.

A 40-year-old Ocala man was stuck and killed in a hit-and-run late Saturday as he stood in a turn lane on State Road 35 in Marion County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Crash occurred in area of Northwest 97th Place.

A 35-year-old man was shot by Marion County deputies after he grabbed a Taser from one of the deputies, according to the sheriff’s office.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies shot a man after they responded to a domestic disturbance incident in The Villages on Thursday night, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators did not name the 35-year-old suspect but said he was taken to a hospital with injuries. MCSO said both deputies involved in the incident were “safe.”The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an investigation into the shooting incident. WFTV has a crew at the scene Friday morning; stay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story. 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.

Video released Thursday shows Ocala police chasing a stolen semitruck driven by a man accused in an hourslong standoff at the Orlando VA Medical Center Monday, according to officers.

A woman died and another was hospitalized due to a house fire Tuesday night in Ocala, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighters in Marion County battled another house fire Tuesday night. One woman did not survive the fire and that another woman was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries, according to Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The extent of injuries to the surviving woman was unknown, and MCSO added that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The blaze was the latest in several recent fires that Marion County Fire Rescue has had to contend with, including back-to-back fires on Christmas Day. READ: Marion County Fire Rescue battles back-to-back building fires on Christmas DayNo injuries were reported in either of those fires.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Although Central Florida is headed into a big warm-up, a few areas may see a freeze one more time Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, Channel 9 certified meteorologist George Waldenberger said. By morning, things won’t be as cold as the past few mornings, Waldenberger said. READ: ‘We just have the clothes on our back’: Some passengers face being stranded another week at OIAHowever, western Marion County will be the coldest spot in Central Florida, with a freeze possible in some neighborhoods for a fifth straight night. Morning frost is possible across Marion County for the early Wednesday morning hours. Wednesday afternoon is looking great, with widespread 70s and sunshine that could allow you to take your lunch break outside, Waldenberger said.

A Marion County resident was displaced after a fire made their home uninhabitable, according to Ocala Fire Rescue.

A 37-year-old Tampa man died Monday afternoon after being struck by an oncoming vehicle, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

A precautionary boil water notice was issued Monday for the Cedar Hills, Double Gate and Hawks Landing communities in Marion County due to a temporary loss in water pressure, according to a news release from the county.

Back-to-back fires broke out at two homes in the south end of Marion County on Christmas, according to fire rescue officials.

The Villages and surrounding areas continue to be the place for big-box stores to open. More well-known, big businesses have announced they are opening locations in The Villages and Wildwood

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department surprised drivers with a festive twist for the holidays. Officers performed traffic stops but brought quite the joyful surprise to those behind the wheel. Police would explain the reason for the traffic stop, but would give recipients a $100 bill instead of a citation. All of the money donated to OPD to use for these stops was given anonymously. 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.

Police are investigating a homicide after finding a man’s body along an Ocala road Thursday, according to the department.

Ocala residents are fighting Marion County commissioners after they recently approved a plan to develop hundreds of homes and apartments in their area, arguing it goes against public interest.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed an executive order that set dates in 2023 for a special election in House District 24.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Rep. Joe Harding, the Central Florida lawmaker who sponsored the controversial law critics called “Don’t Say Gay,” announced his resignation on Facebook a day after being indicted on charges of defrauding a federal coronavirus loan program for small businesses. “Regarding the current legal matter, I cannot comment on the details of my case,” Harding wrote in the Facebook post. “There will be a time when I can tell my story in detail, and I will. Federal prosecutors said Harding, 35, illegally obtained or tried to obtain more than $150,000 from the Small Business Administration in pandemic aid loans. He is being charged with two counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering and two counts of making false statements.

OCALA, Fla. — Marion County’s Sheriff’s Office has arrested a married couple on multiple counts of child neglect and human trafficking. Jessica Edwards, 33, and Dwight Edwards, 47, were both arrested. Jessica is currently being held on a $100,000 bond at the Marion County Jail on two counts of child neglect. Read: Orange County deputies investigate after person stabbed at business early WednesdayDwight was found in Stockbridge, Georgia by deputies and was arrested on six counts of human trafficking a minor and six counts of lewd and lascivious battery. He is being held at the Henry County Jail, awaiting extradition back to Marion County.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A dog has died and a family of seven is displaced after a house fire Sunday, Marion County Fire Rescue officials said. Firefighters said the fire was under control at 4:45 p.m., about 15 minutes after they responded to reports of a fire. The callers also said the family was not home, but three dogs were inside. Read: Orange County man shot, killed Sunday morning, deputies sayOnce additional rescue engines arrived at the scene, they conducted a primary search and helped fight the fire. Read: 3 confirmed dead after massive fire breaks out at Orange County fireworks warehouseCrews were able to get the fire under control at 4:45 p.m.A family of three adults and four children is unable to return to their home.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that one of its deputies died this week after a long battle with cancer. Deputies said deputy Edward Tillis died Thursday night. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<“He will be severely missed by all who knew him,” the sheriff’s office said in a post on social media. Deputies said Tillis started his career with the sheriff’s office in 2003. Read: Tampa police chief who showed badge during golf cart traffic stop placed on leave“Ed was an extremely dedicated member of the MCSO family and he will always be remembered fondly,” the sheriff’s office said.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has launched an investigation into the death of an inmate inside the Marion County Jail. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office told Channel 9 that the inmate stopped breathing while detention deputies were trying to subdue him late last week. The sheriff’s office said that 46-year-old Scott Whitley was in a special holding cell at the time of this death. On Friday, detention deputies clashed with Whitley when they said he was refusing to cooperate with a routine cell inspection and refusing to allow deputies to handcuff him. Deputies said a foam pepper spray and a Taser didn’t work on Whitley who is listed as 6-foot-2, 325 pounds.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — An inmate at Marion County Jail died early Friday morning after he refused to cooperate with a routine jail cell inspection, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies arrived to the jail around 7 a.m. in response to 46-year-old Scott Whitley III refusing to cooperate with a routine cell inspection, the news release states. Whitley refused to cooperate with deputies’ efforts to place him in handcuffs for the duration of the inspection. Deputies deployed pepper foam and their electronic disabling devices to stun Whitley, but were unsuccessful, according to a news release. READ: Suspect engages in standoff with Orange County deputiesSix detention deputies eventually subdued Whitley.

This is at least the second time in recent years that a human skull has been discovered along the state's interstate.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department donated 50 Thanksgiving dinners to families in need. OPD staff donated money that they received originally for their own meals, and bought meals for those in need. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Ocala Police Department Ocala Police Department (Ocala Police Department)Read: Which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving 2022? Here’s a listOPD also donated three turkeys to The Kings Embassy Of Kingdom Nation church for its free community Thanksgiving dinner. Video: Basket Brigade packs food for families in need ahead of Thanksgiving (WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are asking for the public’s help to find a 20-year-old man who they believe may have information about the shooting death of a missing 16-year-old whose body was found in a local cemetery. Read: Missing boy, 16, found shot to death at cemetery in Marion County, deputies sayDeputies said the Toyota 4Runner was last seen in the area of West Highway 40 and West Highway 328 in Ocala. If you have any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle or Vincent, you are asked to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 352-732-8181. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867). Video: Missing boy, 16, found shot to death at cemetery in Marion County, deputies say Marion County deputies are asking the public for help after a 16-year-old boy was found murdered last week.

REDDICK, Fla. — Marion County deputies are asking the public for help after a 16-year-old boy was found murdered last week. Deputies said someone shot and killed 16-year-old Kenneth Carr Jr., at the Campground Cemetery at 8565 NW 130th Street. Deputies responded to the cemetery and determined Carr had been shot. Marion County deputies are asking anyone with knowledge of Carr’s death to call detective Joe Miller at (352) 369-6806. Watch: Fight outside Jones High School football game leads to deadly shooting in Orlando, police sayIf you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867), and refer to case 22-63 in your tip.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A single-engine plane crashed in Lake Weir this morning according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA said that it crashed at around 8:30 a.m. under unknown circumstances. Two people were on board but their status remains unknown. The crash remains under investigation. 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 Marion County teen who said he was “tired of being stereotyped as a school shooter” was arrested by deputies after they said he posted threats on social media. Deputies said they had received over 30 tips from residents about the video posted on Snapchat Thursday. Teen ‘tired of being stereotyped as a school shooter’ arrested for posting school threat on Snapchat (Marion County Sheriffs Office)Read: Marion County officials work to track down suspected child molesterDeputies said several callers were able to identify the teen as a student at Belleview High School. (Marion County Sheriffs Office)The teen told deputies the “video was a skit” and that he wasn’t being serious when he made the video. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said serious or not, the law is clear.

A Marion County man was arrested after several people reported that he was flashing a weapon on the social media platform Snapchat and claiming he...

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A man has been arrested in connection to a post he made on Snapchat, according to Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said it had received multiple calls about a video on Snapchat, where an individual talks about being stereotyped as a “school shooter,” then proceeds to show what appears to be a firearm, the sheriff’s office said. READ: Marion County officials work to track down suspected child molesterThe man has been identified and arrest. The sheriff’s office said more details will be given Friday morning. READ: Deputies: Man driving without two tires blames ‘paranormal activity,’ threatens to skin deputy aliveMan with sword in Kansas tased for allegedly refusing commands A man with a sword was tased for allegedly refusing commands from deputies in Shawnee County, Kansas on Nov. 3.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are trying to track down a man suspected of molesting a child. Andre Roundtree was arrested in August on allegations that he showed pornography to a child. READ: ‘Disgrace to our badge’: Former Volusia deputy accused of sexual harassment, not responding to callsThe sheriff said there could be other victims. Officials are trying to track Roundtree down and are asking anyone who knows where he is to turn him in. READ: Gabby Petito’s family files wrongful death suit against Utah police departmentVIDEO: 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting near Orange County shopping plaza 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting near Orange County shopping plazaClick 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 Florida man is facing charges after allegedly threatening deputies who pulled him over for driving a vehicle with only two tires. The video shows the tires are gone and the vehicle is driving on what remained of the rims. Driver accused of threatening deputy The suspect is accused of threatening the deputy several times during the traffic stop. (Marion County Jail)Orjuela-Montealegre was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and driving under the influence. He was taken to the Marion County Jail on a $27,000 bond.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County sheriff’s deputies say a man who claimed to have sexually abused young girls and sent child pornography over social media faces even more charges after a forensic examination of his phone and computer uncovered hundreds more files. Nicolas Wallace, 29, was arrested Oct. 18 on charges of transmission and possession of child pornography, as well as solicitation to commit sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years of age and promoting the sexual performance of a minor. Detectives were able to use the woman’s social media account to message Wallace who they say sent them several explicit messages. Read: Deputies searching for suspect after 6 injured in weekend shooting outside Orange County nightclubIn those messages, deputies said Wallace sent child pornography and even made claims of sexually abusing young girls and of planning to do so again. Detectives said they were able to identify Wallace after he sent two photos of himself to the woman’s phone.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has a few tips to keep children safe as they trick or treat this Halloween. Officials say children should wear brightly colored costumes or clothes, and carry flashlights or glow sticks to be better seen. Check out our Halloween tips here and if you want to know more about staying safe this holiday, visit Safe Kids Worldwide @ https://t.co/YOltGv6EK0. Video: Orange County deputies host Halloween trunk-or-treat eventParents are also reminded to always inspect all candy that kids collect. Health officials say to make sure all candy is properly wrapped and to check for signs of tampering or an unusual appearance or discoloration.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is asking for help from the public as they continue investigating a fiery crash that killed three people in Marion County on Wednesday. Read: Bicyclist killed after being hit by SUV in Osceola County, troopers sayThe driver of the Subaru was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. I-75 was shut down for several hours as emergency crews and troopers worked to clear the crash. Marion County crash Deadly Marion County crash (wftv.com)Troopers have released the identities of the victims of the crash and said they are seeking additional information from the public about the crash. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP (*347).

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Women incarcerated at Lowell Correctional Institution in Marion County who are pregnant or postpartum are now able to take part in a first-of-its-kind program designed to support mothers and babies. The Florida Department of Corrections announced Wednesday that the recently launched lactation program supports the women to provide breastmilk for their babies. Officials said the staff from Healthy Start will visit the women to provide them with equipment and information regarding the benefits of breast pumping and proper care. Read: COVID-19 linked to increase in US pregnancy-related deathsPregnant and postpartum women in the facility who participate in the lactation program are housed in a special dormitory where they are able to stay until up to 12 months after delivery. “The program provides support, education and an environment, which fosters psychological and general health benefits for both mother and their child,” officials said.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — At least one person died Wednesday afternoon in a fiery crash that shut down the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Marion County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said it and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded to the scene. Read: Recall alert: Blood pressure medication recalled over concerns of ‘impurities’“All northbound lanes of I-75 are completely blocked and all northbound traffic is being diverted southbound off of the interstate,” the Sheriff’s Office said. Some southbound lanes of the interstate were also closed because of the crash. Administrators are trying to expel himSee a map of the crash scene below:Deadly crash on I-75 The crash happened south of Ocala.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Marion County deputy was shot and killed after taking a carriage ride to supervise a prisoner while he dug up gold to use to pay his attorney. Court records recently uncovered that Deputy James George Binnicker’s death on Sept. 29, 1893 was the first known line-of-duty death in the department’s history. The department is now scheduled to hold a memorial event in Binnicker’s honor on Wednesday, more than 129 years after his death. Read: Human remains found in burned-out vehicle in Marion CountyDeputies said information about Binnicker’s death was uncovered by Cpt. Marion County deputies used court records to confirm the circumstances surrounding Binnicker’s death.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Marion County high school is on lockdown Friday after a firearm was found in a bathroom, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the weapon was found in a campus bathroom at Forest High School. Read: Polk County deputies seize enough fentanyl to kill 2.7 million peopleThe school was placed on lockdown as deputies search and secure the location. Marion County high school placed on lockdown after firearm found in bathroom, deputies sayDeputies said school officials and law enforcement have placed the students in lockdown until deputies can ensure there are no further threats to the students and staff. Watch: Man found inside crashed car in Orange County shot to death, deputies sayDeputies are asking parents to not visit the school to pick up their children.

ORLANDO, Fla. — After the coolest afternoon in Orlando since March 13, or 220 days, Central Florida is setup for the coolest night of the season so far, Channel 9 Certified Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry said. A frost advisory is in effect for areas just north of Marion County. READ: Fall front brings coldest temps in 6 months to Central FloridaOcala could see temperatures in the upper 30s. The season's first frost advisory in effect for areas JUSTNORTH of Marion county. Might be a socks and flip flops kinda night.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a man they say sent child pornography over social media and claimed to have sexually abused young girls on numerous occasions. Nicolas Wallace, 29, is facing charges of transmission and possession of child pornography, as well as solicitation to commit sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years of age and promoting sexual performance of a minor. Deputies said a woman contacted law enforcement after she said Wallace messaged her on social media saying that he’d sexually battered young girls on numerous occasions. Deputies said they then used the woman’s social media account to message Wallace in an undercover capacity. Deputies said due to the nature of Wallace’s statements, they believe there may be additional victims.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are investigating after they found human remains in a burned-out vehicle. Deputies said they responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle on NE 231st Ave. in Silver Springs around 10 a.m. on Wednesday and found a car destroyed by fire with human remains inside. Deputies are asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area to call Detective Danny Pinder at 352-368-3508. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP and reference 22-60 in your tip. Read: Pump patrol: October price climb could see reliefTips can also be submitted online here.