Deputy threatened while serving court document, prompting SWAT standoff in The Villages
A Sumter County deputy was confronted by a woman who allegedly pointed a gun at him while he attempted to serve a writ of replevin late Thursday morning in The Villages, authorities said.
Escaped inmate captured in swampy water after hours-long search
Deputies in Sumter County captured an escaped inmate after finding him waist-deep in murky water late Sunday night, according to body camera video released by the sheriff’s office.
School employee arrested for alleged romantic relationship with Sumter County teen student, deputies say
A school employee at a Sumter County middle high school is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Thousands in The Villages could be forced to switch insurance or doctors
The Villages Health System LLC filed for bankruptcy back in July. That case is still active; they just filed a proposed order on Nov. 12, seeking permission to borrow additional funds.
Wildwood Soup Kitchen worried about future amid increasing rent
The Wildwood Soup Kitchen in Sumter County serve nearly 5,000 meals a week. It currently rents a commercial kitchen and space from the First Presbyterian Church.
50 year case: 'Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee' identified
Sumter County officials said "Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee" had been identified as 21-year-old Maureen L. Minor Rowan, known as "Cookie to her friends and family. Detectives identified the woman's estranged husband – Charles Emery Rowan Sr. – as a person of interest in Maureen Rowan's murder. He died in 2015, the sheriff's office said.
'Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee' identified; person of interest identified, officials say
A young woman killed more than 50 years ago and left in a lake beneath an overpass – known as "Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee" – has been identified, officials with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office said.
Arrest made in 6-year-old Florida murder; family asking community for information
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) has made an arrest in a murder committed six years ago. Although this is a win for the family of 61-year-old Michael Kotait, who was killed in 2019, they're still searching for answers.
Arrest made in 6-year-old Florida murder case
A relentless pursuit for answers has finally produced a breakthrough in a 6-year-old murder case. A suspect is now facing first-degree murder charges in the death of Michael Kotait. His family is now sharing their relief with FOX 35's Marie Edinger.
Florida man who credited cross necklace with saving his life in shooting, on the mend
A Florida man who credits a cross necklace with saving his life after it deflected a bullet continues to recover, while the friend who shot him has been sentenced.
Florida man accused of impersonating officer with siren, flashing lights on I-75
A man was arrested Sunday after a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol said he used flashing lights and a siren to force drivers out of his way while speeding down Interstate 75 in Sumter County.
Man killed in Sumter County after tree falls on car in ‘freak accident,’ authorities say
A person was killed Wednesday morning in Sumter County when a tree fell on their vehicle along Marsh Bend Trail.
ICE Central Florida raids: At least 30 fled during worksite bust in Wildwood, agents said
At least thirty people fled during a construction site raid conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Wildwood on Tuesday. Now agents are searching for those who fled the scene.
Florida substitute teacher accused of abusing special needs students
A Sumter County father is demanding answers after his 5-year-old daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, allegedly came home from school with bruises and signs of physical abuse.
Crimeline speaks on unsolved homicide in Sumter County
Crimeline's Barb Bergin joins FOX 35 to speak about an unsolved homicide in Sumter County. The homicide took lace on March 17 near High Street and County Road 242. During the homicide, one person was killed and two others were shot. Investigators are asking anyone with information concerning the shooting to reach out.
Good Samaritans honored for rescuing teen in deadly Sumter County hit-and-run
A hit-and-run crash in Sumter County in January left 39-year-old Joel Law dead and his 16-year-old daughter, Bryleigh, seriously injured. Several bystanders rushed to help.
Wildwood cemetery vandalism: Police seek help identifying driver who destroyed gravesites
Wildwood Police are searching for the person who drove through Greenwood Cemetery.
Missing Florida man found deceased near Sumter County campground following extensive search
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office says there will be an increased police presence in the area of River Junction while deputies continue to search for a missing 24-year-old man.
Forgotten infant found dead inside vehicle outside Sumter County middle school, deputies say
A 15-month-old child was found dead in a parked vehicle at South Sumter Middle School on Monday afternoon, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
When do Florida schools open again after Hurricane Milton? See the list
Here's when Florida schools go back to class after Hurricane Milton.