Calling all mobile device users: Ocala photography contest open through July
OCALA, Fla. — If you’ve taken a cool photo on your phone, now is your chance to shine. The Appleton Museum of Art and the College of Central Florida are hosting a photography contest for people to submit up to two photos. Artists of all ages can participate in the eighth annual Mobile Photography Contest and Exhibition with a creative photo taken on a mobile device or tablet. Read: Orlando Museum of Art parts ways with CEO following raid of Basquiat exhibitThere is no fee to enter the contest and all levels of experience are welcome. For more information on how to enter the contest, click here.
wftv.com‘People are dying:’ Sheriff Chitwood explains uptick in drug-related deaths
Recent reports out of Volusia County show an uptick in drug-related deaths countywide — a trend that Sheriff Mike Chitwood said could be traced back to a ‘porous’ border, drug-smuggling cartels and an abundance of fentanyl.
Over half a million gallons of untreated sewage spills in Ocala from force main break during ‘extreme weather,’ city says
The City of Ocala said in a statement that a force main break during an "extreme weather event" Friday spilled hundreds of thousands of gallons of untreated sewage and forced the closure of a stretch of State Road 464.
Looking for work? Marion County to host ‘bus blitz’ to recruit more school bus drivers
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Summer break is in full swing, but you might see a couple of school buses in your area. Marion County Schools will be hosting its bus blitz to help recruit more bus drivers. Starting pay for a school bus driver is $16.65 an hour. More than 300 positions available at Lake County job fairEwers Center parking lot at the College of Central Florida in Ocala. Parking lot at the former Kmart on East State Road 40/Southeast 36 Avenue in Ocala.
wftv.comGunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies say
Gunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies sayLEESBURG, Fla. — Lake County deputies arrested a gunman after he killed a man Wednesday afternoon. Photos: Gunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies sayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Gunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies sayDeputies said the victim was driving with another person on Whitney Road when he recognized Carlton driving, and they both stopped. WATCH: Man befriended victim, shared soda and cigarettes, before deadly shooting outside IHOP, deputies sayAfter a short conversation, Carlton shot the victim in the head and fled the scene, deputies said. WATCH: Man slashed wife’s throat, played her favorite music as she died, Altamonte Springs police sayDeputies said Carlton was later tracked to a bar in Marion County, where he was arrested without incident. Carlton was booked into the Marion County Jail on a murder charge.
wftv.comDeputies search for man who went missing while swimming with children in Marion County
Deputies search for man who went missing while swimming with children in Marion CountyMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are searching for a man who went missing while swimming in Lake Weir. Deputies said three children and a man were on the boat in the middle of the lake, when two of the children went swimming with the adult. The boat later drifted away from the swimmers and one of the children swam to the boat to pick up the other child and the man who was still in the water, deputies said. READ: Parade of planets: Here’s when to see 5 planets line up in the skyOfficials said that when the child returned to the swimming area with the boat, the man was gone. Deputies are treating this as a possible drowning and search teams are looking for the man.
wftv.comDeputies search for missing Marion County woman
Video: Deputies search for missing Marion County womanMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are searching for a woman who was last seen on Saturday. Deputies said Diane Adinolfi was last seen around 10 a.m. before leaving her home on Southeast 112th Street Road in Belleview. Deputies said she is believed to be on foot. Family searches for missing Marion County man last seen a week agoDiane Adinolfi (Marion County Sheriff's Office)They said she is showing signs of early-onset dementia and has disappeared before. READ: Women say they were shot at while driving on I-4 in Volusia CountySee a map of the area below.
wftv.comHave you seen him? Family searches for missing Marion County man last seen a week ago
Family searches for missing Marion County manMARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Marion County family is hoping you can help bring their missing loved one home. Deputies said Prince Douglass was last seen walking from his home in Fort McCoy to a nearby convenience store on June 11. Prince Douglass (Marion County Sheriff's Office)READ: ‘He never barked. He never saw it.’ Alligator kills dog in north FloridaOn Friday, his family tried to call him but he didn’t pick up the phone. Anyone with information about Douglass’ whereabouts is asked to call 911.
wftv.com2 Florida men charged with federal hate crime for beating Black man, shouting racial slurs
A grand jury in the Middle District of Florida’s Ocala Division has charged two men with a federal hate crime for their alleged role in the beating of a Black man because of his race, according to the Department of Justice.
Marion County crews battle house fire Thursday morning
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County firefighters responded Thursday morning after a mobile home caught fire. Officials said when crews arrived the home was engulfed in flames and it was unclear if anyone was inside. Crews from the Weirsdale fire station arrived on scene within five minutes and called in additional firefighters to help. Photos: Marion County crews battle house fire Thursday morningExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Marion County crews battle house fire Thursday morningAdditional crews from South Marion Station, The Villages Station, Belleview Station and Spruce Creek Station arrived soon after. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comHealth officials issue blue-green algae bloom caution for Lake Weir
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is notifying residents near Lake Weir of a blue-green algae bloom. Read: The super moon is back; here’s when to look upOfficials learned of the bloom after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination June 7. -Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth-Keep pets and livestock away from the waters where there is a bloom. READ: OIA releases statement after CDC lifts COVID-19 test requirement for international travelBlue-green algae is a common occurrence in freshwater environments throughout Florida and can appear year-round. READ: How to cool down when the temperatures climbMore information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.
wftv.comMarion County deputies search for missing elderly man with medical conditions
Marion County deputies search for missing elderly man with medical conditionsMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Marion County are looking for help to find a missing elderly man who may be in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s. WATCH: Patient breaks window of hospital room at ORMC, jumps to his deathDeputies said his car was last seen Wednesday night in Sumter County. Police said Grosse also has medical conditions that require medications. READ: Police: Man injured in shootout along I-4 near OrlandoAnyone who knows Grosse’s whereabouts should call 911. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comAdventHealth unveils new high-tech ambulance fleet in Marion County
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A new fleet of high-tech ambulances is helping to save lives in Marion County. On Monday, AdventHealth Ocala unveiled three mobile ICU transport ambulances, officially launching the hospital system’s fleet. These new ambulances will bring the emergency room to the field to provide care throughout greater Marion County. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 AdventHealth Ocala Ambulance FleetThe mobile critical care units are equipped with state-of-the-art technology onboard, allowing crews to provide ICU-level care, including ventilation and lab capabilities while transporting patients between AdventHealth facilities. Read:The three units unveiled are the first of four to launch in Marion County.
wftv.comLake Butler man sentenced in illegal killing of black bears in Ocala National Forest
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Lake Butler man charged with illegally killing Black Bears in the Ocala National Forest in 2018 was sentenced in Marion County. Read: Here are the bare necessities to work as a Florida ‘bear response contractor’According to FWC officials, Wood and his co-defendants lured black bears with dog food, doughnuts, pastries and peanut butter in several areas throughout Baker, Flagler, Marion and Union counties. Investigators said the defendants then used packs of dogs to chase and maul the black bears. Read: FWC offers Spring BearWise tips to reduce conflicts with bearsOfficials said Wood and the others then recorded several of the attacks and posted the videos on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comMarion County deputies arrest sex assault suspect after high-speed chase with child in car
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — An Ocala man wanted for sexual assault was arrested Wednesday after leading deputies on a high-speed chase all while a young child sat in the car. According to his arrest report, 26-year-old Henry Antwan Boger refused to stop when deputies tried to pull him over Wednesday afternoon in the Marion Oaks area. Deputies searched Boger’s car and found a loaded .45 caliber handgun on the back floorboard wrapped in a t-shirt. He was arrested for Fleeing and Eluding and Resisting Arrest, then given a ride to the Gold Star Hotel. Boger is being held in the Marion County jail on no bond.
wftv.comMarion County man trapped after truck hauling logs rolls over, crushes his pickup
Video: Marion County man trapped after truck hauling logs rolls over, crushes his pickup A Marion County man is recovering after a logging truck rolled onto his pickup truck, trapping him inside. (WFTV)OCALA, Fla. — A Marion County man is recovering after a logging truck rolled onto his pickup truck, trapping him inside. WATCH: Man killed, 3 others seriously injured in DUI crash on I-75, troopers sayThe crash happened near the intersection of West Highway 326 and Northwest Highway 225. Marion County Fire Rescue said a truck hauling a load of logs fell onto the victim’s car just before 6 p.m. northwest of Ocala. Photos: Marion County man trapped after truck hauling logs rolls over, crushes his pickupExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Marion County man trapped after truck hauling logs rolls over, crushes his pickupThe man was pulled from the car and taken to the hospital.
wftv.comMarion County children’s charity volunteer arrested on sexual battery charges
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 71-year-old children’s charity volunteer after it said he sexually battered a 12-year-old child. James Andrew Davis, 71, who volunteers in Belleview as the treasurer for Florida Kids Helping Kids, was arrested in Whitfield County, Georgia on Wednesday. On May 19, the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office informed Marion County detectives that Davis was hiding at a home near Dalton, Georgia. Read: Volusia County standoff leads to discovery of counterfeit billsDeputies in Georgia later found Davis and arrested him on a Marion County warrant. Detectives ask anyone who may have information on Davis or other victims to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 732-9111.
wftv.comFHP: 1 dead, several children transported after multi-car crash involving bus in Marion County
Marion County bus crash 1 dead, several children transported after multi-car involving bus in Marion County (FHP Gainesville/FHP Gainesville)MARION COUNTY, Fla. — One person is dead and several children have been transported to the hospital after a crash involving multiple cars and a small bus Tuesday in Marion County, Florida Highway Patrol said. Marion County Traffic Alert FHP is currently investigating a multi car crash involving a fatality at US 441 and SE. Sunset Harbor road please avoid the area if possible traffic is heavy & slow through the area. Watch: FHP releases video of hit-and-run crash that injured Melbourne father and sonNo further information was immediately available. READ: Grandmother fatally shoots intruder in Orange County: Is the law on her side?
wftv.comMarion County Department of Health wants you to ‘BE FAST’ with stopping strokes
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — May is Stroke Awareness Month and the Marion County Department of Health wants residents to know the importance of knowing risk factors, symptoms and prevention tips for strokes. The risk of having a stroke increases as we get older, but a stroke can happen at any age. According to the most recent Florida Department of Health data, Marion County had the fourth-lowest death rate for strokes among Florida’s 67 counties. pic.twitter.com/HavwMODhkA — Department of Health in Marion County (@FLHealthMarion) May 13, 2022“While we are fortunate that our community has a relatively low death rate from stoke, other data shows that a stroke is an issue we must take seriously,” said Mark Lander, administrator of the Department of Health in Marion County. Read: Florida Earth Day student art contest winner’s announcedTo learn more about strokes and stroke prevention, please visit the American Stroke Association at www.stroke.org , or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/stroke/ .
wftv.comHappening Saturday: Farm Share food giveaway in Ocala
Families in the Ocala area will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Saturday morning. MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Families in Marion County will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Saturday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will hold a food giveaway in Ocala. The May 21 event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at:514 SW 27th Ave., Ocala, Fla. 34471Saturday’s giveaway is expected to provide food for about 250 households. READ: Inflation costing families hundreds per month, analyst saysSaturday’s food giveaway will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will operate until supplies run out.
wftv.comFirefighters battle brushfire near Marion County high school
Firefighter battle brush fire in Marion County (WFTV)MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighters worked into the morning Tuesday to put out a large brush fire in Ocala. The fire broke out around 5:30 p.m. Monday along SE Maricamp Road, not far from Forest High School. More than two dozen firefighters with Marion County Fire Rescue were still working around midnight to contain the brush fire and protect nearby homes. READ: Coronavirus: 3rd round of free rapid COVID-19 tests available from US governmentExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Marion County brush fire (Marion County Fire Rescue)Fire officials said they are investigating how the fire started. 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.
wftv.comDepartment of Health encourages residents to help them create a stronger, healthier Marion County
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County Parks and Recreation provides their residents with the space to get outside and stay active, which they say is imperative when striving to create a healthier and more vibrant community. Now, the Marion County Florida Department of Health wants to help them learn which health and wellness issues are most important to them to help create a stronger, healthier Marion County. Responses to the survey are anonymous and the information will be used to help community leaders create strategies to make all of Marion County healthier. “Our partnership with AdventHealth in conducting the Community Health Assessment is a force multiplier in working toward a healthier Marion County,” said Mark Lander, administrator of the Department of Health in Marion County. The assessment is like a GPS system guiding us on how to improve the health and wellness of all of Marion County.
wftv.comPolice: Ocala man arrested after hit-and-run, pursuit in Marion County
Police: Ocala man arrested after hit-and-run, pursuit in Marion County (WFTV)OCALA, Fla. — An Ocala man was arrested after police say he led them on a chase in Marion County. Garcia then sped away from officers and a short chase ensued before officers were forced to break it off. Read: Man convicted of killing wife who Googled ‘what to do if husband is upset you’re pregnant’Another officer later spotted the van and made another attempt to stop Garcia. Ernesto Garcia (WFTV)The chase ended when officers were able to deflate one of the van’s tires with stop sticks before the van was finally stopped by a Marion County sheriff’s deputy. Garcia was booked into the Marion County jail and charged with hit-and-run, fleeing with disregard for a person’s safety, and drug possession.
wftv.comMarion County teens accused of shooting, killing friend arrested again related to drive-by shooting
Florida teen killed after boys take turns shooting at each other while wearing body armorMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Two Marion County teens who are accused of shooting and killing their friend earlier this month were arrested again this week on charges related to a drive-by shooting. Ocala police said Joshua Vining, 17, and Colton Whitler, 17, were out on bond at the time of Wednesday night’s shooting, in which two other teens were also arrested. Police said April 3, Vining and Whitler were with a group of boys in Belleview taking turns shooting at each other while wearing a bulletproof vest. READ: Police: Teen killed after boys take turns shooting at each other wearing body armorVining was charged with manslaughter and Whitler was charged with lying to police about what happened that day. VIDEO: Teen killed after boys take turns shooting at each other wearing body armor One teenager is dead after police said two boys took turns shooting at each other while wearing body armor.
wftv.comAdopt a dog for free; animal shelter hits capacity in Marion County
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Dozens of dogs in Central Florida need your help. Marion County Animal Services recently announced its shelter is packed with more than 130 dogs who need loving homes. READ: Here’s how to celebrate Earth Day 2022 in Central Florida“We want to provide the opportunity for Marion County citizens to come to our facility and add a best friend to their family,” Animal Services Director Jim Sweet said. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 25 Marion County Animal Services waives adoption fees (Marion County Animal Services)Interested residents are encouraged to visit the county’s Animal Services to find a pet that’s a good fit. Photos: Dogs looking for ‘furever’ homes in Marion County:The adoption shelter is located at 5701 SE 66th Street in Ocala.
wftv.comMarion County Animal Services reaches capacity, waives pet adoption fees
Alyssa Marion County Animal Services is waiving adoption fees as it tries to get its dogs adopted as the shelter reaches capacity. (Marion County Animal Services)MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Looking to add a four-legged friend to your family? Marion County Animal Services is allowing you to do so for free as it tries to get its dogs adopted as the shelter reaches capacity. “We want to provide the opportunity for Marion County citizens to come to our facility and add a best friend to their family,” Animal Services Director Jim Sweet said in a statement. Photos: Meet the dogs available for adoption at Marion County Animal ServicesExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 17 Shaynna Marion County Animal Services is waiving adoption fees as it tries to get its dogs adopted as the shelter reaches capacity.
wftv.com9 students arrested, 13 suspended after several fights at Ocala middle school
OCALA, Fla. — Nine Marion County students were arrested, and 13 suspended, after several fights at Fort King Middle School. WATCH: Police: Marion County teen killed after boys take turns shooting at each other wearing body armorThe Marion County school district said the fights broke out Wednesday. There were a lot of threats made on social media, and they boiled over at school. Photos: 9 students arrested, 13 suspended after several fights at Ocala middle schoolExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 9 students arrested, 13 suspended after several fights at Ocala middle schoolThere were extra Ocala police officers on campus Thursday, and they’ll be present next week too. WATCH: Investigators: Marion County man bought several guns, sold them to juvenilesThe school’s principal sent a message home to families, encouraging parents to talk about the importance of making positive choices.
wftv.comHappening Saturday: Farm Share food giveaway in Ocala
OCALA, Fla. — Families in Marion County will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Saturday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will hold a food giveaway in Ocala for about 300 households. CF and Rep. Joe Harding will host a drive-through Farm Share food distribution event at the CF Ocala Campus on Saturday, April 16, at 10 a.m.Marion County residents may pick up food on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are in Florida, PLEASE follow these steps to find food near you from a FARM SHARE Food Pantry. You can click on this link to find a food pantry near you!https://t.co/7pm6hoFzzF...#Foodpantry #Food #Foodbank pic.twitter.com/NxA2AT9rJP — Farm Share, Inc. (@FarmShareFL) March 27, 2022Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comMissing child alerts issued for teen and 11-month-old girl last seen Friday in Marion County
Missing Child alerts issued for teen and 11-month-old girl last seen Friday in Marion CountyMARION COUNTY, Fla. — A 16-year-old and an 11-month-old girl have been reported missing in Marion County. READ: Palm Coast woman shoots herself after holding family at gunpoint, deputies sayThe Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued missing child alerts for 16-year-old Secora Lee and 11-month-old Kehlani Hernandez. FDLE said both were last seen Friday on Robinson Road in Belleview. Lee was last seen wearing a navy hoodie and black sweatpants with white stripes. WATCH: Two teenage girls shot in drive-by shooting Saturday night, police sayThey may be traveling in a dark-colored sedan.
wftv.comInvestigators: Marion County man bought several guns, sold them to juveniles
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Marion County man bought several guns and then sold them to young people who couldn’t buy them on their own, investigators say. One of the guns found was in possession of a man who is a person of interest in several shootings, including a homicide. READ: Osceola school employee arrested on child abuse chargesRecords show that, while at the store, Young signed a federal form indicating he was buying for himself. However, investigators said he was selling the guns to juveniles and others who couldn’t or didn’t want to buy firearms on their own. Ocala police have recovered five of the elven guns in possession of other people in situations related to criminal activity.
wftv.comOperation ‘April Fools’ ends in arrest of 19 men seeking sex with children, deputies say
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has busted nearly two dozen men seeking sex with kids during operation “April Fools.”Marion County deputies, with assistance from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, conducted an undercover operation that resulted in the arrest of 22 men who thought they were meeting underage children. Law enforcement officers exchanged messages with 19 men who ultimately traveled to various locations in Marion County thinking they were meeting a child between the ages of 12 and 16 for sexual activity. According to deputies, during the exchange, these men engaged in sexually explicit conversations with people they thought were underage children. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 32 Operation "April Fools" (Marion County Sheriff's Office)When the men arrived at these locations, they were met by deputies who arrested them. “A child’s innocence is something we should all strive to protect,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods.
wftv.com3 missing and endangered children out of Marion County have been located in Georgia
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Three missing and endangered children from Marion County have been located. Update: According to deputies, Kelton, Connor and Titus LaDuke have been located in Dooly County, Georgia. Original Story:Marion County deputies are working to find three missing and endangered children on Saturday. Marion County - Missing Endangered KidsOn Friday, deputies responded to the 2100 block of NE 182nd Place in Citra to assist the Department of Children and Families (DCF) with a court order to take custody of the children. Marion County - Missing Endangered KidsRead: Weather Alert Day: Saturday starts off dry with high winds and hail possible this afternoonDeputies believe the children’s safety is at risk.
wftv.comOcala man ‘solves’ CASHWORD and claims $1 million prize in Florida Lottery
OCALA, Fla. — A Marion County man is a millionaire after “solving” CASHWORD and winning $1 million in the Florida Lottery scratch-off game. Santillan Rodriguez claimed the $1 million prize from the $5,000,000 CASHWORD scratch-off game after purchasing his winning ticket from the Quick King Food Store on Southwest Highway 200 in Ocala. The 48-year-old Ocala man chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $780,000. The store that sold the winning ticket will receive a $2,000 bonus commission. Read: Pet Alliance is kicking off April with the purr-fect way to help our feline friendsThe new $20 game, $5,000,000 CASHWORD, launched in May 2020 and features eight top prizes of $5 million and 24 second-tier prizes of $1 million.
wftv.comMarion County deputies search for 3 missing and endangered children
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are working to find three missing and endangered children on Saturday. Deputies said they are looking for Kelton, Connor and Titus LaDuke. Marion County - Missing Endangered KidsOn Friday, deputies responded to the 2100 block of NE 182nd Place in Citra to assist the Department of Children and Families (DCF) with a court order to take custody of the children. Investigators said they believe the children’s safety is at risk, because their parents, Jarod LaDuke and Ashley Winningham, are avoiding DCF’s efforts to assess the children’s well-being. Marion County - Missing Endangered KidsRead: Weather Alert Day: Saturday starts off dry with high winds and hail possible this afternoonDeputies believe the children’s safety is at risk.
wftv.comProsecutor: Driver who killed 4 homeless people was drunk
Authorities identified those killed as Jowand Beck, 24; Luke Kagey, 21; Joe Posada III, 54; and Rochelle Zamacona, 29. Rodriguez had 0.15% or more alcohol in his blood, according to a charging document filed with the Marion County Circuit Court. On March 3, the city of Salem cleared dozens of homeless people from a makeshift campsite located just a block away, at Marion Park. A new law that takes effect next year restricts how cities and counties — including Marion County, where Salem is located — can react to homeless camps. Kate Brown signed a bill passed by the Legislature to protect homeless campers in public spaces from being removed.
wftv.com‘Hyperventilating, in tears:’ local Habitat for Humanity chapter receives biggest donation ever
ORLANDO, Fla. — Two Central Florida Habitat for Humanity chapters will be splitting a combined $9 million dollars to build and fight for more affordable housing in an increasingly expensive metro area.
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Marion County allocates $600K for tornado clean up efforts
Marion County tornado debris It's been nearly two weeks since a tornado hit Marion County, and some people are still dealing with damage and debris. (WFTV.com News Staff)MARION COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been nearly two weeks since a tornado hit Marion County, and some people are still dealing with damage and debris. DeSantis tours tornado damage in Marion County, announces millions in aid for residentsLabance and others in the neighborhood have been pushing the logs and branches to the edges of the road. The Marion County commission initially approved $100,000 for the clean up, but during an emergency meeting this week approved another $500,000 dollars. DeSantis tours tornado damage in Marion County, announces millions in aid for residentsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Gov.
wftv.com2 teens accused of stealing pizza delivery driver’s car, fleeing Marion County deputies
Marion County pursuit Two teenagers are accused of stealing a pizza delivery driver’s vehicle and fleeing deputies who tried to pull them over. (Marion County Sheriff's Office)MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Two teenagers are accused of stealing a pizza delivery driver’s car and fleeing deputies who tried to pull them over. Marion County deputies said there were two pizzas in the backseat when they arrested a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old. The teens are accused of stealing the vehicle from a pizza delivery driver who was dropping off pizzas in Gainesville. Deputies said they located the vehicle in Marion County and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
wftv.comThousands of unofficial voter registration letters sent to Marion County voters
Thousands of unofficial voter registration letters sent to Marion County votersMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County Supervisor of Elections is alerting voters after thousands of unofficial voter registration mailings were sent out. READ: Disney updates policy after video shows high school drill team chanting ‘scalp ‘em’ in Magic KingdomOfficials said more than 7,000 Marion County residents received voter registration mailings from the Voter Participation Center (VPC) and the Center for Voter Information (CVI). The letter is intended for unregistered voters and includes a pre-filled voter registration application and a return envelope addressed to the Marion County Election Center, officials said. Elections officials said the VPC and the CVI are third-party non-governmental organizations and are not affiliated with the Marion County Election Center. The Marion County Election Center said it has not printed, mailed or provided the data used in these mailings.
wftv.comGov. DeSantis tours tornado damage in Marion County, announces millions in aid for residents
Ron DeSantis announced Friday that more than $29 million is available to people in Marion County impacted by last weekend’s severe weather, which included a tornado. DeSantis tours tornado damage in Marion County, announces millions in aid for residentsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Gov. DeSantis tours tornado damage in Marion County, announces millions in aid for residentsIt was on the ground for more than 30 minutes, going 25 miles from Dunnellon to Ocala. READ: Marion County man arrested after shooting at deputies while naked, sheriff’s office saysThere were no reports of anyone being hurt. Marion County residents who were impacted by the severe storms can find out how to apply for the funding here.
wftv.comOfficials: ‘Armed and dangerous’ naked Florida man shot at deputies before hiding in woods
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Marion County are looking for a potentially naked man who they said fired a gun at them. Deputies said a man they believe could be Daniel Robbins fired at them. READ: Marion County middle school student arrested after making threats on social mediaDeputies said they searched his home, but he was not found inside. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said he may be hiding in the nearby woods on Northwest 215th Lane Road, with several guns. READ: Florida man stopped for DUI tells deputies he is ‘high and happy’Anyone who sees Robbins should not approach him and call 911 right away.
wftv.comI-75 reopens after tractor-trailer crash shuts down interstate, delays still expected
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — An investigation is underway in Marion County after two tractor-trailers collided, shutting down all northbound lanes of Interstate 75. Florida Highway Patrol troopers said the crash happened near the State Road 200 exit around 8:20 a.m. on Saturday. Northbound I-75 was shut down for several hours after the crash. Read: Orange County Fire Rescue battle church fire Saturday morningCurrently, all lanes of I-75 have reopened. However, the SR-200 exit ramp remains closed - expect delays on I-75 until about a mile south of the Turnpike interchange.
wftv.comMarion County Jail deputy arrested on charges of domestic violence, sheriff says
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Marion County Jail deputy has been arrested on charges of domestic violence, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Johnson was arrested and is being held at the Marion County Jail with no bond, records show. READ: Marion County middle school student arrested after making threats on social mediaDeputies said Johnson is an 18-year employee of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office who has worked as a corporal in the Juvenile Division. WATCH: ‘He is stateless’: Marion County veteran’s path to citizenship dealt another blow“It breaks my heart when one of our own goes against the very thing we have sworn to uphold,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. Our mission has always been to provide help and resources to domestic violence victims.
wftv.com5 motorcycle riders have died in 4 crashes around Central Florida this weekend
5 motorcycle riders have died in 4 crashes around Central Florida this weekendORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol said five motorcycle riders have died in four different crashes around Central Florida since Saturday night. READ: One person killed in shooting at popular Central Florida sports bar, police sayThe first deadly motorcycle crash occurred at around 8:50 p.m. Saturday on U.S. 27 and Northwest 90th Avenue in Marion County. A major crash occurred at around 10:35 p.m. Saturday on State Road 44 and Eau Claire Avenue in Volusia County. READ: Daytona Beach police investigating overnight shooting at Bike WeekAnother deadly single motorcycle crash occurred 10 minutes later at 10:45 a.m. at Austin Merritt Road and Dusty Lane in Lake County. Thousands of motorcycle riders are on the roads in Central Florida this weekend after the start of Bike Week on Saturday in Volusia County.
wftv.com‘He is stateless’: Central Florida veteran’s path to citizenship dealt another blow
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Last November, Paul Canton and his family got good news that had them believe he could be a U.S. citizen by Christmas. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran has lived in America for decades. READ: Marion County Marine vet denied U.S. citizenship gets new hope“He is stateless; he has citizenship of no country,” immigration attorney Elizabeth Ricci said. READ: Marion County Marine veteran U.S. citizenship status still in limboCanton and his attorney said the November memo clarifies the law and enlistment counts. READ: AAA: Florida gas prices rise amid invasion of UkraineUSCIS said its policy is to not comment on individual cases.
wftv.comUS vaccination drive is bottoming out as omicron subsides
Virus Outbreak Nurse Jordan Ledbetter prepares to perform a test for COVID-19 outside the Marion County Health Department in Hamilton, Alabama, on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. And with COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths subsiding across the U.S., people who are against getting vaccinated don’t see much reason to change their minds. But they didn't expect the stiff resistance among rural whites that has kept vaccination numbers stubbornly low in places like Marion County, which is 94% white. That caught us off guard," said Dr. Scott Harris, head of the Alabama Department of Public Health. Jordan Ledbetter, a nurse who works at the Marion County Health Department, was thrilled when two people came in for first-time shots on the same day recently.
wftv.comUS vaccination drive is bottoming out as omicron subsides
Less than 65% of all Americans are fully vaccinated. Vaccination incentive programs that gave away cash, sports tickets, beer and other prizes have largely gone away. And with COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths subsiding across the U.S., people who are against getting vaccinated don’t see much reason to change their minds. But they didn't expect the stiff resistance among rural whites that has kept vaccination numbers stubbornly low in places like Marion County, which is 94% white. Jordan Ledbetter, a nurse who works at the Marion County Health Department, was thrilled when two people came in for first-time shots on the same day recently.
wftv.com