Marion County fourth-grader honored for saving choking classmate

A Marion County fourth-grader is being honored for helping to save a classmate who was choking during lunch at Emerald Shores Elementary School.

Tree crashes into Ocala home roof after strong storm
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Ocala Fire Rescue responded to two separate homes on Saturday after severe weather caused large trees to collapse, crushing roofs and compromising structural integrity. One resident on SE Eighth Street narrowly escaped injury when a tree caved into her living room ceiling while she sat inside with her dog.

Man hunt for Marion County shooting, vehicle theft suspect continues
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Authorities in Marion County are continuing their search for 49-year-old Leroy Parks III. Deputies said Parks left a home on Southeast 192nd Court in Ocklawaha after a shooting about 5:45 a.m. and then stole two vehicles. The shooting victim was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

'Armed and dangerous' suspect sought after shooting, vehicle thefts in Marion County

Marion County sheriff’s deputies are searching for a 49-year-old man wanted in connection with a shooting and the theft of two vehicles Thursday morning, authorities said.

Firefighters rescue dog trapped in Marion County sinkhole

Firefighters rescued a dog named Lada after she became trapped in a sinkhole at a home in northwest Marion County.

Good Samaritans Rush in to Save Woman being Attacked by Alligator
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 A peaceful weekend on the water in Marion County shattered in an instant when an alligator attacked a local swimmer. Seeing the horror unfold, Jacinda and Mike Head didn't hesitate and jumped into the water to pull her to safety. In an exclusive interview, the couple walks us through the harrowing rescue.

Florida wildlife officials investigate deadly bear shooting in Marion County

Florida wildlife officials are investigating the fatal shooting of a black bear near Lake Kerr in Marion County that neighbors say left three cubs without their mother.

'Flesh-eating' bacteria survivor issues warning after 14 cases in Florida in 2026
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A Marion County resident between the ages of 60 and 74 has died after contracting a severe infection from Vibrio vulnificus—a rare, naturally occurring bacteria often referred to as "flesh-eating." Survivor Genevieve Gallagher is now using her experience to warn others about how easily the bacteria can strike.

Florida reports 2nd 'flesh-eating' bacteria death of 2026 as cases reach 14

A Marion County resident has died from a Vibrio vulnificus infection, marking Florida's second death linked to the flesh-eating bacteria this year.

Woman survives alligator bite in Marion County Silver River; arm amputated, family says
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A woman is recovering at home in good spirits after suffering a traumatic right-arm amputation in an alligator attack on the Silver River. Her family credits a quick-thinking boater with saving her life. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon, Aug. 8, while the victim and a group of swimmers were in the springs at Silver River in Marion County. 

Storms topple trees, damage homes in Ocala neighborhood

Marion County has experienced repeated rounds of strong thunderstorms in recent weeks, producing heavy rain, frequent lightning and strong wind gusts.

Hidden underground cavities force South Marion High School football off home field

Hidden subsurface voids beneath the football field at Marion County's new South Marion High School will keep the stadium closed until at least late October, forcing the school's inaugural football season to begin away from home, district officials said.

Victim in firehouse hazing incident reaches settlement with Marion County

Kayne Stuart, who was beaten and waterboarded while filling in at Marion County Fire Rescue’s “Friendship Station" in December 2025, has now reached a settlement with the county.

Settlement reached in civil case of Marion County firehouse 'hazing'
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Kayne Stuart was beaten and waterboarded while filling in at Marion County Fire Rescue’s “Friendship Station” in December of 2025. Details of Kayne’s agreement with the County are mostly confidential. We do know one aspect of it, the worker’s comp portion, settled for $100,000. Stuart has now reached a settlement with Marion County.

Ocala horse owners take extra precautions during extreme heat

As dangerous heat bears down on Central Florida, horse owners are taking extra precautions to protect animals from heat-related illness, particularly those with medical conditions that make them more vulnerable.

License plate reader cameras aid investigations but fuel privacy debate

License plate reader cameras are being credited with helping law enforcement quickly locate suspects in two recent Central Florida cases, even as the technology continues to face criticism from privacy advocates.