Dunnellon says no to county’s push for injunction after CSX rail tie fire
Read full article: Dunnellon says no to county’s push for injunction after CSX rail tie fireThe Dunnellon City Council voted Monday night not to join Marion County in seeking a court injunction against CSX following last month’s rail tie fire.
Class action lawsuit filed after massive Dunnellon railroad tie fire
Read full article: Class action lawsuit filed after massive Dunnellon railroad tie fireA class action lawsuit was filed against CSX Transportation, seeking $50,000 after a massive tie fire in Dunnellon prompted a toxic smoke warning and a state of emergency.
Graphic videos show Marion County daycare worker abusing children, deputies say
Read full article: Graphic videos show Marion County daycare worker abusing children, deputies sayOfficials say new surveillance videos released by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office show instances of abuse by a 31-year-old daycare.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Here are safe meetup sites for online sales in Central Florida
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Here are safe meetup sites for online sales in Central FloridaSeveral law enforcement agencies throughout Central Florida have set up exchange zones in their parking lots to offer safe places to conduct online sales transactions.
Marion County daycare worker caught on video abusing children, deputies say
Read full article: Marion County daycare worker caught on video abusing children, deputies sayA 31-year-old daycare worker was arrested after surveillance footage showed multiple instances of alleged abuse involving children at a learning center, deputies said.
SEWAGE and RODENTS: 7 Central Florida eateries shut down over health violations
Read full article: SEWAGE and RODENTS: 7 Central Florida eateries shut down over health violationsLast week, seven more restaurants across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.
America’s most dangerous invasive lizard lives in Florida. Here’s why it’s a big problem
Read full article: America’s most dangerous invasive lizard lives in Florida. Here’s why it’s a big problemFlorida residents are no strangers to invasive reptiles. But this 6-foot-long African lizard poses an especially big threat.
Man in custody for questioning after girl dies in Marion County, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Man in custody for questioning after girl dies in Marion County, sheriff’s office saysA man is in custody after allegedly harming a girl who later died in Marion County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Woman accused of animal cruelty after dead dogs found in Marion County
Read full article: Woman accused of animal cruelty after dead dogs found in Marion CountyA 32-year-old woman was arrested after Marion County deputies found two dead dogs and another dog inside a cage at a residence in Ocklawaha, according to the sheriff’s office.
Handcuffed woman who shot Marion deputy with hidden gun gets prison sentence
Read full article: Handcuffed woman who shot Marion deputy with hidden gun gets prison sentenceA woman who shot a Marion County deputy while handcuffed in a patrol car last year will now spend several decades behind bars, according to court records obtained by News 6.
TRAFFIC ALERT: SR-19 still closed in Marion due to brush fires, officials say
Read full article: TRAFFIC ALERT: SR-19 still closed in Marion due to brush fires, officials sayState Road 19 remained shut down in both directions Sunday due to brush fires, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
US Forest Service battling brush fire in Ocala National Forest; road closures reported
Read full article: US Forest Service battling brush fire in Ocala National Forest; road closures reportedHeavy smoke from a brush fire forced officials to close S.R. 19 south of Salt Springs on Saturday as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Central Florida husband, wife realtors reunited after monthlong ICE hold
Read full article: Central Florida husband, wife realtors reunited after monthlong ICE holdA husband and wife who practice real estate in Central Florida were reunited Thursday for the first time since they were detained by federal immigration agents in early January.
Marion County couple’s retirement plans disrupted by highway
Read full article: Marion County couple’s retirement plans disrupted by highwayA Marion County couple’s retirement dreams have been shattered after discovering their recently purchased home will soon sit alongside a four-lane highway, a development they say came without warning.
Woman, 4-year-old daughter killed in Ocala by estranged ex-husband who shot himself in Georgia, police say
Read full article: Woman, 4-year-old daughter killed in Ocala by estranged ex-husband who shot himself in Georgia, police sayA man who shot and killed his ex-wife and her 4-year-old daughter in Ocala was tracked by law enforcement to Georgia, where he then took his own life in a traffic stop, according to police Chief Mike Balken.
Water shortage declared in Marion, nearby counties as groundwater levels drop
Read full article: Water shortage declared in Marion, nearby counties as groundwater levels dropAccording to the district, groundwater levels in parts of Marion and Duval counties have dropped below the 15th percentile, meeting the district’s criteria for a shortage.
CSX cleanup plan approved after massive Dunnellon fire
Read full article: CSX cleanup plan approved after massive Dunnellon fireState environmental officials approved CSX Rail’s cleanup plan Monday following a massive fire that burned thousands of chemically treated railroad ties in Dunnellon, as city officials moved to join legal action against the company.
‘Far from over:’ More details come after Marion County teen set on fire by friend
Read full article: ‘Far from over:’ More details come after Marion County teen set on fire by friendAfter a 17-year-old was arrested over setting his friend on fire last month, more details have been revealed in a fundraiser for the victim and his family.
Teen, 2-year-old among 4 dead in home near Ocala, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Teen, 2-year-old among 4 dead in home near Ocala, sheriff’s office saysDetectives with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the “suspicious” deaths of two adults and two children outside of Ocala.
Florida bill protects public-sector employees who don’t use people’s preferred pronouns, citing beliefs
Read full article: Florida bill protects public-sector employees who don’t use people’s preferred pronouns, citing beliefsA bill moving through the Florida Senate would prohibit “adverse personnel action” against public-sector employees or contractors who choose to not use a person’s preferred pronouns.
Dunnellon railroad tie fire: What to know about cleanup, safety
Read full article: Dunnellon railroad tie fire: What to know about cleanup, safetyCity officials said no evacuations were necessary, and air quality monitoring conducted by an independent consultant contracted by CSX and local first responders showed no readings above action levels.
‘Get in the lake!’ Video shows Marion County teen setting his friend on fire
Read full article: ‘Get in the lake!’ Video shows Marion County teen setting his friend on fireNew footage released by the Marion County Sheriff's Office shows a 17-year-old setting his friend on fire with gasoline, according to investigators.
These Central Florida restaurants were closed down last week over health concerns
Read full article: These Central Florida restaurants were closed down last week over health concernsLast week, five more eateries across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.
Suspect arrested after shooting at Ocala bar leaves 1 injured, police say
Read full article: Suspect arrested after shooting at Ocala bar leaves 1 injured, police sayA 34‑year‑old man was arrested early Friday after a shooting outside an Ocala bar left another man injured, according to the Ocala Police Department.
Marion County declares state of emergency after 40,000 railroad ties catch fire in Dunnellon
Read full article: Marion County declares state of emergency after 40,000 railroad ties catch fire in DunnellonThe emergency declaration, coordinated with the city of Dunnellon, comes as officials estimate 30,000 to 40,000 railroad ties caught fire early Sunday, prompting immediate response from Marion County Fire Rescue and Hazardous Materials teams.
Residents pack Dunnellon City Hall after railroad tie fire raises health concerns
Read full article: Residents pack Dunnellon City Hall after railroad tie fire raises health concernsResidents packed Dunnellon City Hall Monday night to voice concerns about potential long-term health effects following a railroad tie fire in Marion County that sent thick smoke into nearby neighborhoods.
Marion County schools invest $400K into weapon detection
Read full article: Marion County schools invest $400K into weapon detectionOver the past few weeks, News 6 has reported on multiple school threats and hoaxes across Central Florida. Now, one local school district says it’s taking steps to get ahead of the issue.
‘Shortcut to jail:’ Florida motorcyclist clocked at 106 mph with child on back of bike, deputies say
Read full article: ‘Shortcut to jail:’ Florida motorcyclist clocked at 106 mph with child on back of bike, deputies sayDeputies say a motorcyclist was arrested in Marion County on allegations of traveling over 105 mph with a child as his passenger.
Family displaced after Marion County mobile home; no injuries reported
Read full article: Family displaced after Marion County mobile home; no injuries reportedA midday fire damaged a double‑wide mobile home in northeast Ocala on Monday, displacing a family of four but causing no injuries, according to Marion County Fire Rescue.
Man, woman accused of impersonating law enforcement in Marion County, stealing wallet at bank
Read full article: Man, woman accused of impersonating law enforcement in Marion County, stealing wallet at bankA man and woman were arrested after claiming they were undercover detectives and stealing someone’s wallet while at a bank in Marion County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Shotgun-wielding Ocala man arrested in human trafficking case, deputies say
Read full article: Shotgun-wielding Ocala man arrested in human trafficking case, deputies sayAn Ocala man was arrested late last week as part of a human trafficking investigation, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida horse trainer faces charges after abuse caught on video, deputies say
Read full article: Florida horse trainer faces charges after abuse caught on video, deputies sayThe video, recorded by a witness and submitted to authorities, depicts the horse in obvious distress trying to evade the repeated kicks and yanks, an arrest affidavit states.
‘Executed while gardening:’ Ocala police chief shares new details in man’s fatal shooting
Read full article: ‘Executed while gardening:’ Ocala police chief shares new details in man’s fatal shootingOcala police Chief Mike Balken shared a video statement to social media updating his agency’s investigation of a man’s fatal shooting last week.
Why you may want to run your pool overnight in Florida when it’s freezing
Read full article: Why you may want to run your pool overnight in Florida when it’s freezingPeople in some Central Florida counties may want to run their pool pumps overnight as temperatures fall below freezing. Here's what pool experts say to do.
Here are the school graduation rates for your Central Florida district
Read full article: Here are the school graduation rates for your Central Florida districtStatewide, the Florida high school graduation rate is at 92.2%, up from 89.7% the previous year. Central Florida's school districts are also touting improved rates.
Brooks & Dunn, Blake Shelton lead Rock the Country lineup in Ocala
Read full article: Brooks & Dunn, Blake Shelton lead Rock the Country lineup in OcalaRock the Country festival returns to Ocala with two days of epic performances, from country icons to hip-hop hits, all in celebration of 250 years of freedom.
VIDEO: Handcuffed woman shoots Marion County deputy with gun hidden in her pants
Read full article: VIDEO: Handcuffed woman shoots Marion County deputy with gun hidden in her pantsBack-seat footage shows Rheanna Harden removing her visor and covering the rear seat camera before producing a handgun concealed in her clothing and then firing multiple shots through the partition, deputies said.
VIDEO: Man throws gun, drugs from pockets during Marion County pursuit, deputies say
Read full article: VIDEO: Man throws gun, drugs from pockets during Marion County pursuit, deputies sayAccording to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, one of their deputies tried to stop Terry Fischer, who was riding a black motorcycle and weaving around construction cones in an active construction zone.
Cold front on Sunday: Windy weather, dipping temps, and high beach hazards
Read full article: Cold front on Sunday: Windy weather, dipping temps, and high beach hazardsA strong cold front is moving through Central Florida, bringing lower temperatures, gusty winds, and beach hazards. Meteorologist Michelle Morgan explains what to expect in the days ahead.
‘A wonderful man:’ Ocala community mourns 64-year-old fatally shot in front yard
Read full article: ‘A wonderful man:’ Ocala community mourns 64-year-old fatally shot in front yardPolice say 64-year-old Harold Harper was gardening in the front yard of his home on Wednesday afternoon when he was shot and killed.
This is the deadliest area for car crashes in Florida, new data shows
Read full article: This is the deadliest area for car crashes in Florida, new data showsIt’s already been a week into the new year, and state officials have revealed which parts of Florida were most affected by fatal car crashes in 2025.
‘Random act of violence:’ Man fatally shot in front yard near Ocala middle school
Read full article: ‘Random act of violence:’ Man fatally shot in front yard near Ocala middle schoolTraffic has been blocked in Ocala after a homicide investigation broke out on Wednesday, according to the police department.
VIDEO: Man arrested for armed robbery in Marion County days after being released from jail, deputies say
Read full article: VIDEO: Man arrested for armed robbery in Marion County days after being released from jail, deputies sayA man was arrested Saturday in Marion County after deputies say he robbed a Dollar General at gunpoint less than two weeks after being released from jail.
These are the top places to retire in Florida. Half are near Orlando
Read full article: These are the top places to retire in Florida. Half are near OrlandoWith its warm weather and low taxes, it’s no surprise that Florida is a huge retirement hotspot for seniors across the nation. But some cities are better picks than others.
FORGET ORANGES: Will this ‘superfruit’ be the next big thing in Florida?
Read full article: FORGET ORANGES: Will this ‘superfruit’ be the next big thing in Florida?When it comes to Florida, fruits like oranges and pineapples may be the first things that come to mind. But that may not be the case forever.
‘Roughhousing:’ New details after violent hazing scandal at Marion County fire station
Read full article: ‘Roughhousing:’ New details after violent hazing scandal at Marion County fire stationAfter a handful of Marion County firefighters were arrested in the aftermath of a violent hazing scandal, new footage related to the incident has now been released.
Wanted man flees over 100 mph after armed robberies in Marion County, video shows
Read full article: Wanted man flees over 100 mph after armed robberies in Marion County, video showsLess than a week before Christmas, Marion County deputies managed to catch a wanted man who was speeding along the highway, according to the sheriff’s office.
Former Marion County firefighters plead not guilty in hazing case
Read full article: Former Marion County firefighters plead not guilty in hazing caseFour former Marion County Fire Rescue employees accused in a violent hazing incident at a local fire station have pleaded not guilty to criminal charges and have waived their personal appearances at arraignments that had been scheduled for Tuesday, court records show.
New info released in Florida motorhome crash that killed 5-year-old boy and baby delivered after wreck
Read full article: New info released in Florida motorhome crash that killed 5-year-old boy and baby delivered after wreckA predawn crash involving a motorhome carrying 15 people killed a 5‑year‑old boy and a baby delivered after the collision and injured more than a dozen others, according to the Florida Highway Patrol., according to new details released Monday by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Child killed, 13 critically injured after motorhome carrying 15 overturns on Highway 27 in Marion County
Read full article: Child killed, 13 critically injured after motorhome carrying 15 overturns on Highway 27 in Marion CountyA 5-year-old boy was killed and 13 others critically injured after a motorhome overturned during a two-vehicle crash in Marion County on Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Central Florida man sues Outback Steakhouse, says toilet shattered beneath him
Read full article: Central Florida man sues Outback Steakhouse, says toilet shattered beneath himAn Ocala man is suing Outback Steakhouse after a trip to a restaurant’s bathroom took an unfortunate turn, according to court documents obtained by News 6.
Ocala man dies after being ejected in crash, run over by pickup, troopers say
Read full article: Ocala man dies after being ejected in crash, run over by pickup, troopers sayThe Florida Highway Patrol said the 25-year-old Ocala man landed in the roadway when he was ejected from his pickup and run over by a truck.
Leadership axed at Marion County fire station after violent hazing scandal
Read full article: Leadership axed at Marion County fire station after violent hazing scandalAfter four Marion County Fire Rescue employees were arrested and terminated from their roles last month, the agency has announced another round of firings.
Man accused of rape in Marion County faces another charge after 3rd victim comes forward
Read full article: Man accused of rape in Marion County faces another charge after 3rd victim comes forwardThe sheriff’s office said an additional victim came forward after seeing his arrest to report she was also attacked by him.
Father-daughter reunion follows mother’s arrest in The Villages for 1983 abduction case
Read full article: Father-daughter reunion follows mother’s arrest in The Villages for 1983 abduction caseNow in her 40s, Michelle Newton is navigating a relationship with a father she never knew, while her mother, seen in a viral bodycam video, faces criminal charges.
Charges dropped against former Marion County child-care worker accused of abuse, attorney says
Read full article: Charges dropped against former Marion County child-care worker accused of abuse, attorney saysCharges have been dropped against a former employee of a Marion County day care who was fired following her arrest on accusations of child abuse, according to her attorney.
Man sentenced to 20 years for stealing Marion County sheriff’s patrol car, fleeing deputies
Read full article: Man sentenced to 20 years for stealing Marion County sheriff’s patrol car, fleeing deputiesThe chase ended at the intersection of State Road 200 and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, where a deputy used a PIT maneuver to stop the stolen vehicle.
‘We’re here for you, ma’am:’ Bodycam video shows woman’s arrest in The Villages in 1983 kidnapping case
Read full article: ‘We’re here for you, ma’am:’ Bodycam video shows woman’s arrest in The Villages in 1983 kidnapping caseDebra Newton was taken into custody in Florida on custodial interference charges stemming from a 1983 kidnapping case.
Man sentenced to life in prison in shooting death of teen at Marion County gas station
Read full article: Man sentenced to life in prison in shooting death of teen at Marion County gas stationA Marion County jury found a 24-year-old man guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm in the shooting death of 17-year-old Nosiah Santos, according to a news release from the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida.