Bryan Francois, 25, and Natasha Francois, 33, were arrested Tuesday after separate incidents involving a Marion County school bus, according to the sheriff’s office.
Crime & Safety
6 months ago
Two arrested after altercation involving school bus and brass knuckles in Marion County

Deputies say a verbal altercation escalated into property damage after a man threw brass knuckles through a school bus window in southwest Marion County.

Abby Ferrell and her brother, Nate, have ties to Dance Marathon that will last a lifetime.
Local
6 months ago
Abby Ferrell named director after UF Dance Marathon raises $1.3 million

Inspired by her brother’s medical journey, the UF senior steps into a leadership role following the 26.2-hour fundraiser for Shands Children’s Hospital.

Santa Fe College Fall 2024 Graduation Ceremony commencement in the Gym on Dec. 13, 2024, in Gainesville, FL.
Local
6 months ago
Santa Fe College to honor more than 1,600 graduates during spring and summer commencement

Ceremonies will be held May 1-2 at the Northwest Campus gym with live-streaming available for guests.

Christian Scribben, 17, is shown in a booking photo after his arrest on April 29, 2025, in Marion County, FL, for charges related to directing child sexual performances via Roblox.
Crime & Safety
6 months ago
Marion County teen charged as adult for directing child sexual performances via Roblox

17-year-old Christian Scribben faces multiple charges after allegedly targeting children online, prompting ongoing investigation by sheriff’s office.

Louis “LJ” Johnson III, 10, is seen smiling in a family photo taken outside his home. His parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board, alleging teacher-led bullying led to his 2023 suicide.
Local
6 months ago
Parents file lawsuit against Marion school board two years after 10-year-old son’s suicide allegedly tied to teacher’s bullying

Lawsuit claims Legacy Elementary teacher publicly humiliated LJ for months while school officials ignored repeated parent complaints.

Local
6 months ago
Gas leak shuts down stretch of E. Fort King Street in Ocala Tuesday afternoon

Quick response by Ocala Police, Fire Rescue, and TECO crews helps restore traffic after natural gas line rupture.

The College of Central Florida Hampton Center in Ocala, shown Monday, April 28, 2025. The campus was briefly locked down during a nearby police response but has since reopened.
Local
6 months ago
CF Hampton Center briefly locked down during nearby police response

All students and staff safe as Ocala Police investigate incident near downtown campus.

The winners of the 2025 Youth Business plan competition received a prize of $4,500.
Education
6 months ago
How youth programs and education are building Ocala’s future

Discover how Ocala is growing its future through young entrepreneurs, business innovation, and higher education partnerships.

The SpongeBob Musical is coming to The Civic!
Entertainment
6 months ago
‘The SpongeBob Musical’ is set to make a splash at The Civic May 1-18

Colorful characters, catchy music, and a message of community bring The SpongeBob Musical to life May 1-18 at Ocala Civic Theatre.

Members of the College of Central Florida baseball team huddle before a game during the final weekend of conference play, Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Ocala, FL.
Sports
6 months ago
Patriots set for playoff rematch against Indian River after late-inning heartbreaker

College of Central Florida looks to bounce back and punch their ticket to the FCSAA State Final Four in Port Charlotte.