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Tag: Marion County

  • 4 dead, including 2 children, from carbon monoxide poisoning in Ocala

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    The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says four people, including two children, were found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning in an Ocala home. Deputies said they were called to a home on Banyan Track Way, near Southeast 58th Avenue in Ocala, shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Friday for a well-being check. At that home, deputies said they found two adults and two children dead inside.Investigators initially called their deaths suspicious, but have since confirmed there is no foul play involved. The identities of the deceased were not immediately released.> This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.

    OCALA, Fla. —

    The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says four people, including two children, were found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning in an Ocala home.

    Deputies said they were called to a home on Banyan Track Way, near Southeast 58th Avenue in Ocala, shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Friday for a well-being check.

    At that home, deputies said they found two adults and two children dead inside.

    Investigators initially called their deaths suspicious, but have since confirmed there is no foul play involved.

    The identities of the deceased were not immediately released.

    > This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.

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  • Ocala’s Black History Mural invites exploration of local heritage

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    Ocala’s Black History Mural invites exploration of local heritage

    LEADS YET FOR A POTENTIAL SUSPECT. BACK TO CENTRAL FLORIDA. THE FALLOUT CONTINUES AFTER 30 TO 40,000 RAILROAD TIES CAUGHT ON FIRE IN DUNNELLON. NOW, MARION COUNTY HAS DECLARED AN EMERGENCY AND SAYS IT WILL SUE BECAUSE THE COUNTY ORDERED THE RAIL TIES TO BE REMOVED, BUT SAYS THE PARTIES INVOLVED DRAGGED THEIR FEET. WESH TWO DAVID JONES IS IN DUNNELLON TALKING WITH PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEARBY WHO ARE QUITE UPSET. YOU CAN SEE ALL OF THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT THAT’S ON SITE TO HELP IN THIS RESPONSE. THOSE TIES THAT CAUGHT FIRE RIGHT THERE OVER MY SHOULDER, ALONG WITH THE NOW APPROVED LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY. MARION COUNTY SAYS IT HAS ALSO APPROVED FILING AN INJUNCTION AGAINST ALL OF THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN THIS. AND YOU CAN SMELL IT. IT’S ALMOST LIKE YOU CAN TASTE IT. LATONYA BRIGGS AND HER HUSBAND LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY OF DUNNELLON. THIS AFFECTS ALL OF US RIGHT NEXT TO WHERE A GIANT FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE SMELL. WE UNDERSTAND NOW WHAT THE SMELL IS THAT’S BEEN GOING ON. PEOPLE CAN’T SIT ON THEIR PORCHES OUT HERE IN THE COMMUNITY. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. AYE. ANY OPPOSED THAT PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. MARION COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VOTING FIRMLY TUESDAY TO LAUNCH AN INJUNCTION AGAINST CSX, THE OWNER OF THE RAIL LINE. FLORIDA NORTHERN, WHICH LEASED THE LINE AND THE PROPERTY AND TRACK LINE RAIL LLC, THE OWNER OF THE CREOSOTE SOAKED RAIL TIES THAT STARTED BURNING JUST BEFORE 3 A.M. SUNDAY. THE COUNTY SAYS TRACK LINE BROUGHT THE TIES INTO TOWN WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE CITY OR COUNTY. THE MANAGING ENTITY, CSX AND TRACK LINE LLC. THEY SHOULD BEAR THE FULL RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS CLEANUP. COMMISSIONERS LAID OUT THE STEPS THE COUNTY HAS TAKEN TO GET THE RAIL TIES OUT SINCE OCTOBER. TRACK LINE HAD ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO GRIND AND REPURPOSE THEM ON SITE. THE COUNTY SENT OUT CODE VIOLATION NOTICES, MET WITH CSX ATTORNEYS, SENT A NOVEMBER CEASE AND DESIST LETTER, AND PREPARED TO FILE AN INJUNCTION IN DECEMBER BEFORE TRACK LINE STARTED MOVING THE TIES. THE CITY SAYS JUST UNDER 18,000 HAD BEEN MOVED WHEN ANYWHERE FROM 30 TO 40,000 CAUGHT FIRE OVER THE WEEKEND. WHEN THE COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER, THAT’S WHEN THEY DECIDED THEY’RE GOING TO TRY TO START MOVING THIS STUFF. BUT BEFORE ALL OF THAT HAPPENED, THEY HIRED LAWYERS TO FIGHT. THE BRIGGS SAY THEY’VE BEEN HAVING RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS SINCE BEFORE THE FIRE. THIS IS HURTING PEOPLE. THE COUNTY SAYS IT’S GOING TO RESERVE FURTHER COMMENT NOW THAT LITIGATION HAS BEGUN. THE CITY, MEANWHILE, SAYS CSX WILL BE BRINGING 28 RAIL CARS INTO TOWN TO REMOVE THE REMAINING RAIL TIES COVERING MARION COUNTY IN DUNELLEN. DAVID JONES WESH TWO NEWS. AND RIGHT NOW ON WESH.COM, WE HAVE DETAILS ON AIR QUALITY MONITORING AND WATER QUALITY FROM THE CITY. MEANWHILE, TRACK LINE HAS NOT RESPONDED TO OUR REQUESTS FOR COMMENT. NEW TONIGHT OUT OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. A LYFT DRIVER IS FACING CHARGES ACCUSED OF BEATING HIS PASSENGER. DEPUTIES SAY 27 YEAR-OLD JOAQUIN VAZQUEZ WAS DRIVING TO THE VICTIM’S DESTINATION WHEN HE PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THAT’S WHEN THEY SAY HE WENT INTO THE BACK SEAT, CHOKED THE VICTIM AND THREATENED HER LIFE. HE’S NOW FACING SEVERAL CHARGES, INCLUDING BATTERY AND FALSE IMPRISONMENT. THE NEXT MISSION TO THE MOON IS GROUNDED FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER MONTH. NASA REVEALED NEW INFORMATION TODAY ON THE FUEL LEAK THEY FOUND DURING THE ARTEMIS TWO WET DRESS REHEARSAL. AND WHAT THEY NEED TO FIX BEFORE LAUNCH. MISSION MANAGER JOHN HONEYCUTT SAYS THE LEAKS CAUGHT THEM OFF GUARD, EVEN THOUGH SIMILAR PROBLEMS HAPPENED DURING ARTEMIS ONE TESTING IN 2022. SPECIALISTS SAY ROLLING THE ROCKET FROM THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY BUILDING TO THE LAUNCH PAD MAY HAVE PLAYED A ROLE, BUT THE TEAM THINKS THEY CAN FIX THESE ISSUES AT THE PAD. THE EARLIEST LAUNCH DATE IS NOW MARCH 6TH. OF COURSE, WESH TWO WILL BE COVERING ARTEMIS TWO EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. WE’LL HAVE THE LATEST MISSION UPDATES ON WESH.COM AND THE WESH TWO MOBILE APP. ALL RIGHT, TONY, YOU’RE OFF THE HOOK FOR ARTEMIS FORECAST FOR THE NEXT MONTH. WE’LL CHECK BACK IN WITH YOU THEN. BUT OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW. NOT TERRIBLE. NO. YOU KNOW, IT’S YOU NEED A JACKET, BUT IT’S NOWHERE NEAR AS COLD. LET ME TAKE YOU BACK OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW. WE’LL KIND OF BREAK THIS ONE DOWN THERE FOR YOU. VENUE 520 LAKE MONROE. RIGHT NOW. LOOKING PRETTY GOOD. AS YOU CAN SEE OUT THERE. LOVE THE SKY. IT IS ABOUT 47 DEGREES UP THAT WAY. 45 IN DELAND, 43 PALM COAST, AND THEN HERE UP TOWARDS OCALA. WE ARE RUNNING IN THE LOW 40S. WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE SATELLITE AND RADAR. THERE’S A LITTLE COLD FRONT HERE THAT’S GOING TO DROP TO THE SOUTH WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND DURING THE DAY ON THURSDAY AT LEAST THE FIRST HALF, WE’LL GET A LITTLE BIT OF RAIN. AND THAT’S SOME GOOD NEWS. WE’RE IN THE THROES OF A DROUGHT. WE NEED THAT RAIN. SATELLITE RADAR FROM THE THAT TO THE WATER TEMPERATURE SHOWS TEMPERATURES HAVE DROPPED. THE SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF THE RECENT COLD SPELL. AND YOU CAN SEE THE THE SHELF WATERS HERE OFF THE WEST COAST OF THE FLORIDA PENINSULA. AND YOU CAN SEE CENTRAL FLORIDA RIGHT UNDERNEATH THAT HIGH PRESSURE. RIGHT NOW WE ARE ONE OF THE COLDEST SPOTS IN THE ENTIRE PENINSULA. OVERNIGHT TONIGHT, A FEW CLOUDS WILL BE ARRIVING TOWARDS DAYBREAK UP TO THE NORTH. NOTICE THE WINDS FAIRLY LIGHT OUT THE DOOR TOMORROW MORNING. 12 HOUR FORECAST HERE. AS THE TEMPERATURES RUNNING IN THE LOW 40S OUT THE DOOR AT 6 A.M. COULD BE A LITTLE BIT OF FROST AND EVEN A SHORT DURATION FREEZE UP HERE INTO MARION COUNTY. FROSTY THROUGH SUMTER, LAKE COUNTY METRO AREAS. WE’RE GOING TO BE OKAY. EASTERN ORANGE, SEMINOLE COUNTY ON INTO RURAL OSCEOLA COUNTY. YOU CAN SEE DOWN TOWARDS CONNERSVILLE, SAINT CLOUD, DEER PARK, HOLOPAW HARMONY. YOU GUYS WILL LIKELY HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF FROST. THE LAND TO BURY ORANGE CITY UP TOWARDS THE LEON SPRINGS, ASTOR AND PEARSON YOU AS WELL. WE’LL HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF FROST NOW AS WE WORK OUR WAY INTO WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. HERE COMES THAT COLD FRONT. QUICK SHOT OF MAYBE A 10TH TO A QUARTER OF AN INCH OF RAIN. AND THEN WE TURN A LITTLE BIT COLDER. NOW, AS WE GET YOU INTO FRIDAY MORNING AND FRIDAY AFTERNOON. TEMPORARY THOUGH, AND NOT AS COLD AS WHAT WE JUST WENT THROUGH NOW, RAINFALL WISE, THE GRAPH IN THE ARE VERY, VERY CONSISTENT WITH ABOUT A 10TH TO 2/10 OF AN INCH OF RAIN. WHEN WE TAKE A LOOK AT TOMORROW’S TEMPERATURES. NOW GET OUT THERE, ENJOY IT. AFTERNOON HIGHS WILL BE RUNNING IN THE LOW 70S. CLERMONT LEESBURG BACK TOWARDS UMATILLA AND THEN LOOK AT THE LAND. SANFORD BITHLO SAINT CLOUD 7273 DEGREES UP AND DOWN THE I-95 CORRIDOR. LOW 70S NOW BEHIND THE FRONT. IT DOES GET COLDER HERE FRIDAY MORNING. LOOK AT OCALA 30. DELAND 33. DOWNTOWN ORLANDO MIDDLE UPPER 30S AND THEN BACK TOWARDS TITUSVILLE AROUND 37 DEGREES. AS WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE FREEZE HISTORY HERE, AS WE JUST SHOWED YOU THE POTENTIAL FOR ONE UP THERE IN OCALA AND MANY PARTS OF MARION COUNTY, 2010, WE HAD 32 OF THEM LAST YEAR. WE HAD TEN. THIS YEAR WE’RE UP TO 13. WILL BE TACK ON ANOTHER ONE OVERNIGHT TONIGHT. I’LL LET YOU KNOW OUT THE DOOR TOMORROW MORNING AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND. BIG DOME OF HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS SOUTHWARD. WINDS ARE FAIRLY LIGHT. A GOOD LOOKING WEEKEND. TEMPERATURES WILL BEGIN TO MODERATE, SO THAT’S TIMING. SUPER BOWL TIMING. THAT IS, EVEN THOUGH THE THE FORECAST FOR SANTA CLARA LOOKS COMFORTABLY COOL FOR KICKOFF THERE. IF YOU’VE GOT A SUPER BOWL PARTY GOING ON AT YOUR HOUSE THIS WEEKEND, LOCALLY IT’S GOING TO BE VERY, VERY NICE AND VERY, VERY COMFORTABLE AND A LITTLE BIT WARMER THAN FOLKS OUT WEST. HEY, THERE’S ANOTHER BIG EVENT GOING ON ON NBC THIS WEEKEND AND KICKING OFF FRIDAY NIGHT. THAT’S THE WINTER GAMES. THERE’S MILAN, GOT A LITTLE BIT OF RAIN COMING IN OFF OF THE MEDITERRANEAN. AND THEN WHEN WE LOOK AT THE FORECAST HERE AS WE GET YOU THROUGH WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY, HIGHER ELEVATION SNOWS ACROSS THE THE ALPS OF ITALY AND SWITZERLAND. RAIN, THOUGH COMING ACROSS THE LOWER ELEVATIONS. LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE OPENING CEREMONIES. 50, 48 AND 46. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER HERE FOR YOU. SEVEN DAY FORECAST ALONG THE COAST. A LITTLE BIT OF RAIN THURSDAY. BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND WEATHER AND WARMING UP INTO THE LOWER 70S BY NEXT WEEK. NEW TONIGHT A MOUSE IN BREVARD COUNTY HAD A NEED FOR SPEED. YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO SEE THIS VIDEO. HE WAS CAUGHT ON CAMERA GOING FULL THROTTLE ON A WHEEL AT THE BREVARD ZOO. THE ZOO SHARED THIS LITTLE DAREDEVILS VIDEO ON FACEBOOK, EMPHASIZING THE FACT THAT THIS VIDEO IS NOT SPED UP. THIS IS HOW FAST HE WAS GOING. HE’S FAST, AND PROBABLY DIZZY. WANTED TO GO LOOK AT IT. AT ONE POINT HE LIKE, KIND OF STUMBLES OFF. IT’S FUNNY, BUT HE’S OKAY. YEAH, HE’S A GREAT SHAPE. YEAH. OH. GOT HIS CAR GOING. OKAY. YOU ONLY HAVE A COUPLE OF MONTHS TO RUN TO BAHAMA BREEZE BEFORE CLOSING. AFTER 30 YEARS. ORLANDO BASED DARDEN RESTAURANTS IS CLOSING ALL 28 OF ITS BAHAMA BREEZE LOCATIONS THAT ARE LEFT. DARDEN SAYS HALF OF THOSE WILL CLOSED OUTRIGHT, AND THEY WILL CONVERT THE REST INTO THEIR OTHER BRANDS. THIS MOVE COMES AFTER THE COMPANY CLOSED SOME OF THE OTHER LOCATIONS AMONG THE SALE. BAHAMA BREEZE WILL CLOSE DOWN APRIL 5TH. BLACK HISTORY IS ON DISPLAY IN OCALA. THE TOWN’S PAST CONTINUES TO BE FELT TODAY. COMING UP, HOW ONE OF OCALA’S EARLIEST FIGURES HELPED A PRESENT DAY LAWYER GET HIS EDUCATION. AND A MAN SAYS VOLUSIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES WRONGLY ARRESTED HIM. THE PROOF? HE SAYS HE HAS THAT SHOWS HE’S INNOCENT. NEXT, A WESH TWO INVESTIGATES LOCAL. LIVE. LATE-BREAKING. WESH TWO NEWS ON CW STARTS NOW. NOW AT 1030. WE START WITH THE TOP STORIES THIS HALF HOUR. FIRST, WE HAVE SOME BREAKING NEWS OUT OF COCOA THIS EVENING. POLICE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW A THREE MONTH OLD DIED. THE CALL CAME IN AROUND 430 THIS AFTERNOON ON PINEDA STREET AND DUKE WAY. WESH TWO SAW THIS CRIME SCENE TAPE AROUND THE PROPERTY. OFFICERS WERE COMBING THROUGH THE AREA AND SPEAKING TO PEOPLE ON THE SCENE. ONE STEP CLOSER TO DECIDING IF THEY’LL CLOSE SEVEN SCHOOLS. THEY SHOW WHERE HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS WOULD END UP IF THEIR SCHOOL CLOSED DOWN. THE DISTRICT SAYS LOW ENROLLMENT IS BEHIND THESE CHANGES. THEY EXPECT TO VOTE ON FINALIZING THE PROPOSAL DURING THEIR MARCH 10TH BOARD MEETING. A STATE OF EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED OVER THIS TOXIC FIRE BURNING IN DUNNELLON. THOUSANDS OF USED RAILROAD TIES CAUGHT FIRE OVER THE WEEKEND. THE COUNTY SAYS THEY WERE STORED IMPROPERLY. THE STATE OF EMERGENCY ALLOWS THE COUNTY TO GET THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO CONTROL ANY POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ALSO APPROVED FILING AN INJUNCTION AGAINST ALL PARTIES INVOLVED TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR LACK OF ACTION, AND TO REQUEST A COURT ORDER FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE TIES. TRANSPORTATION, TRACK LINE RAIL, AND FLORIDA NORTHERN RAILROAD. THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS MONITORING THE AIR. TALKING TO YOU, BIG GUY. SURRENDER NOW. THIS DOG’S GONNA BITE YOU. HEY. NEW TONIGHT, ORLANDO POLICE SHARED THIS BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE FROM A SEARCH WARRANT AND ARREST LATE AUGUST. OFFICERS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS OF DRUG SALES IN CARVER SHORES. THEY FOUND PEOPLE WITH DRUGS LEAVING THE HOME, AND A SEARCH WARRANT LATER FOUND COCAINE, AMPHETAMINES, OXYCODONE AND GUNS. DEREK GILMORE TRIED TO RUN, AND HE AND BLAKE COLEMAN WERE BOTH ARRESTED AND CHARGED. BUT THE STORY DOES NOT END THERE FOR GILMORE. HE MAY HAVE STOPPED UNDER 408. YEAH. IF YOU GOT OMAR CLOSE, YOU NEED TO CHECK ON THIS. YEAH, HE’S SITTING THERE RIGHT NOW. SO IN NOVEMBER, POLICE FOUND GILMORE BACK NEAR HIS HOUSE. HE WAS OUT OF JAIL ON BOND. HE WAS SEEN DRIVING AWAY AND DITCHING A BACKPACK. THAT BACKPACK HAD FENTANYL, MDMA, COCAINE, OXYCODONE, AND A HANDGUN. GILMORE ABANDONED HIS CAR AND WAS PICKED UP BY A WOMAN, REGINA TAYLOR. THEY WERE BOTH FOUND AND ARRESTED LAST MONTH. ORLANDO’S TACTICAL ANTI-CRIME UNIT FOUND GILMORE DRIVING A STOLEN VEHICLE. HE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY, AND OFFICERS FOUND MORE DRUGS. THEY SAY IN THE CAR. GILMORE HAS BEEN CHARGED AGAIN IN CONNECTION TO BOTH INCIDENTS. IN ORANGE COUNTY, A SEMI TRUCK DRIVER IS IN THE HOSPITAL WITH SERIOUS INJURIES AFTER THE TRUCK HE WAS DRIVING CRASHED INTO SEVERAL CARS. VIDEO SHOWS THE CRASH THIS MORNING ON ORANGE AVENUE NEAR HOLDEN AVENUE. TROOPERS SAY THE SEMI DRIVER HAD A MEDICAL EPISODE AND VEERED INTO TRAFFIC. THE TRUCK HIT TWO CARS AND THREE OTHERS PARKED OUTSIDE A BUSINESS. PARAMEDICS TOOK THE DRIVER TO THE HOSPITAL TO GET TAKEN CARE OF. ANOTHER DRIVER HAD MINOR INJURIES. TRAFFIC PROBLEMS HIT GROVELAND AFTER A ROAD SOUTHWEST OF TOWN COLLAPSED. LAKE COUNTY IS CALLING THE SCENE AT EMPIRE CHURCH ROAD. AT THE MOMENT, ENGINEERS ARE STILL TESTING TO DETERMINE IF IT’S A TRUE SINKHOLE. SOIL SETTLING HAPPENS VERY SLOWLY, BUT A SINKHOLE IS FAR MORE SERIOUS, SOMETHING MORE THAT HAPPENS AT THE LIMESTONE BEDROCK LEVEL. SO SOMETHING THAT IS CAUSING THESE CHEMICAL DISSOLUTION OF THE LIMESTONE AS ACIDIC WATER PERMEATES THROUGH THE SOIL AND EVENTUALLY ERODES, YOU KNOW, LIKE, SAY, 50 TO 100FT DOWN THE GROUND SURFACE. UCF ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR LUIS ARBOLEDA SAYS THAT IT IS LIKELY THE TEAMS ON SITE ARE DOING CONE PENETRATION TESTING. A CONE HITS THE GROUND WITH SENSORS AND CAN MEASURE RESISTANCE. LAKE COUNTY SAYS IT EXPECTS THE TEST RESULTS TO COME BACK ON MONDAY. A VOLUSIA COUNTY MAN SWORE HE WAS INNOCENT AFTER HE WAS ARRESTED FOR A CRIME HE SAYS HE DID NOT COMMIT, AND WESH 2 INVESTIGATES, UNCOVERED THE RECEIPTS PROVING IT. OUR JUSTIN SCHECKER DID WEEKS OF DIGGING TO HELP A LOCAL MAN GET HIS LIFE BACK. WHAT’S GOING ON? HE WENT IN FOR A HANDSHAKE AND WOUND UP IN HANDCUFFS. I NEED YOU TO PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. FOR WHAT? YOU GOT A WARRANT? WHAT? I’LL TELL YOU. OH. BURGESS WAS SHOCKED AS A VOLUSIA SHERIFF’S DEPUTY ARRESTED HIM IN EARLY AUGUST. SO I’M ABOUT TO COME OUT HERE AND TALK TO YOU. DAD. HIS FIVE YEAR OLD SON WAS WITH HIM IN THE BACK SEAT OF HIS SUV IN A HOME DEPOT PARKING LOT. SO YOU GOT SOME SOME SORT OF FRAUD WARRANT? I WAS LIKE, HEY, YOU KNOW, AT FIRST I THOUGHT HE WAS JOKING. I WAS LIKE, HEY, MAN. ORANGE COUNTY COURT RECORDS REVEALED BURGESS HAD TWO ARREST WARRANTS FOR FRAUD AND THEFT CHARGES AT TWO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT HOTELS. THIS ORLANDO POLICE AFFIDAVIT SAYS A PERSON IN JUNE CHECKED INTO ROOMS WITH INVALID CREDIT CARDS AT ENDLESS SUMMER SURFSIDE RESORT AND CABANA BAY RESORT THAT APPROXIMATELY $4,406.98 WAS CHARGED TO BOTH RESORT ROOMS AND WAS NEVER PAID FOR BY THE SUBJECT. WHY WOULD I GO TO A HOTEL AND STAY AT A HOTEL RUNNING UP CREDIT CARDS WHERE, YOU KNOW, I GOT KIDS I CAN’T EVEN. LIKE I SAID, I CAN BARELY GO TO A GAS STATION. DURING OUR INTERVIEW IN OCTOBER, HIS SON AND SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER GOT HOME FROM SCHOOL. THIS IS ABOUT WHEN THE THE HOME DEPOT INCIDENT. OH, I KNOW THAT WHEN COPS ARRESTED YOU FOR NO REASON. YES. MY DAD DIDN’T DO ANYTHING. HE WAS AT WORK THAT NIGHT. THE AFFIDAVIT SAYS THE SUBJECT CHECKED INTO CABANA BAY RESORT ON JUNE 16TH. BURGESS MAINTAINS HE WAS NEARLY 70 MILES AWAY WORKING AT EVERGLADES BOATS IN EDGEWATER. HE SAYS THE COMPANY TERMINATED HIM AFTER HIS ARREST, BUT HR PROVIDED BURGESS HIS TIME CARD, SHOWING HE CLOCKED IN AT 4:57 P.M. ON MONDAY, JUNE 16TH, AND PUNCHED OUT AT 3:35 A.M. THE NEXT DAY. I’M INNOCENT. I DIDN’T DO THIS. SO WHY DID POLICE BELIEVE HE DID? THEY SAY THE SAME MAN WHO CHECKED INTO CABANA BAY RESORT ON JUNE 16TH. CHECKED IN AGAIN ON JUNE 22ND, BUT THIS TIME THE MAN GOT A TRESPASS ORDER FROM ORLANDO POLICE. SO BASICALLY, IT’S GOING TO BE A TRESPASS FROM ALL UNIVERSAL STUDIOS PROPERTIES. WESH TWO INVESTIGATES OBTAINED THIS BODY CAMERA VIDEO NEARLY TWO MONTHS AFTER REQUESTING IT. POLICE SAY THEY BELIEVE THE MAN IN THIS VIDEO WAS BURGESS GIVING A FAKE NAME AND ID TO POLICE. WHAT WAS YOUR NAME BY? FINE. ALL RIGHT. WE ARE NOT SHOWING HIS FACE. BUT THE MAN BEING BANNED IS CLEARLY NOT BURGESS. YOU CAN SEE HE HAS NO TATTOOS ON HIS LEGS. WHILE BURGESS SHOWED US HIS. HIS TIME CARD ALSO SHOWS HE WENT TO WORK ON JUNE 22ND, THE SAME DAY AS THE TRESPASSING INCIDENT. I’M JUST SO MIND BLOWN THAT THAT THAT THEY DIDN’T DO NO KIND OF INVESTIGATION AND JUST CHARGED IT BECAUSE THEY, THEY IT IT LOOKS SORT OF LIKE ME. THE ARREST WARRANT AFFIDAVIT SAYS POLICE IDENTIFIED BURGESS USING LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES IN AN EMAIL TO WESH TWO INVESTIGATES ORLANDO POLICE CHIEF ERIC SMITH’S CHIEF OF STAFF SAID FACIAL RECOGNITION WAS NOT USED. HE ALSO SAID BECAUSE IT’S AN ACTIVE CRIMINAL CASE, POLICE ARE LIMITED ON WHAT ELSE THEY CAN SAY. THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH, YOU KNOW, IT’S GOT TO COME OUT ON THE SAME DAY. WESH TWO INVESTIGATES RECEIVED THAT BODY CAMERA VIDEO IN DECEMBER FROM THE CITY OF ORLANDO. THE STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FILED A NO INFORMATION NOTICE IN THE CASE AGAINST BURGESS. PROSECUTORS ARE DECLINING TO FILE CHARGES BECAUSE THEY SAY THE EVIDENCE IS INSUFFICIENT TO PROVE BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT DUE TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUE. WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHEN YOU SAW THAT FILING? I TOLD YOU SO, BURGESS SAYS HE FELT HOPELESS BEFORE HE SHARED THE STORY OF HIS WRONGFUL ARREST WITH WESH TWO. INVESTIGATES. BEFORE I SPOKE TO YOU, I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I CALLED EVERYBODY AND I JUST GOT THE PHONE SLAMMED ON ME. WITHOUT YOU GUYS, I DON’T KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO. YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE HELPED. YOU HAVE HELPED TREMENDOUSLY WHEN OUT OF THE WAY. AND I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING. WESH TWO NEWS IS DONE. FOR WESH TWO INVESTIGATES I’M JUSTIN SCHECKER. AND WE LEARNED ABOUT THAT CASE BECAUSE BO BURGESS CONTACTED JUSTIN THEROUX. WESH TWO INVESTIGATES. IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING OUR INTO. EMAIL US AT INVESTIGATES@WESH.COM. THE DEEP FREEZE IS OVER AND MANY PEOPLE ARE NOT HAPPY WITH WHAT THEY’RE FINDING AFTER UNCOVERING THEIR PLANS. BUT AUSTIN COATES OF LUCAS NURSERY AND BUTTERFLY ENCOUNTER IN OVIEDO SAYS NOW THAT WE’RE IN THIS POST FREEZE PERIOD, DON’T JUST RUN OUT AND CUT BACK ALL YOUR PLANTS. IF YOU DO, YOU’LL RUN THE RISK OF CAUSING MORE DAMAGE AND STRESS TO THE PLANTS. YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO REALLY LEAVE IT, AT LEAST FOR THE FIRST 4 TO 6 WEEKS, SO THAT ANY SORT OF FROST DAMAGE THAT HAS YET TO SHOW ITSELF, YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO WAIT A LITTLE BIT FOR THAT PLANT TO KIND OF FINISH SORTING OUT WHATEVER ISSUES MAY BE GOING ON WITH THAT FROST DAMAGE, AND THEN PROBABLY AROUND EARLY MARCH, FIRST WEEK OF MARCH, YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO CUT A LOT OF THIS DEAD STUFF BACK. AND IF YOU SEE SOMETHING THAT LOOKS LIKE IT’S COMPLETELY COOKED, YOU CAN DO TWO TESTS TO DETERMINE IF IT’S STILL ALIVE. SO THE GREEN THAT’S ON THE INSIDE MEANS THAT THERE’S FLUID INSIDE OF THE TRUNK OF THE PLANT. SO IT’S STILL VIABLE AND IT WILL STILL COME BACK. YOU CAN ALSO TAKE A THUMBNAIL SKETCH OF THE PLANT AND SEE IF THERE’S GREEN ON THE INSIDE. A LOT OF GREEN THUMBS LIKE MINE JUST DID NOT GO GREEN. NO, I THINK WE LOST OUR ELEPHANT EARS. I THINK THEY’RE CALLED. YEAH, IT’S ALL RIGHT. IT’S OKAY. I’M SURE YOU’RE NOT ALONE. FEELS LIKE IT’S GOING TO BE ANDREW’S PROBLEM, NOT MINE. LET HIM DEAL WITH THAT. YES. AND ALL OF THAT HAPPENING BECAUSE OF THE COLD THAT WE HAD THROUGHOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA. AND IT’S GETTING A LITTLE BIT OF A BREAK, BUT THEN IT’S GOING TO COME BACK. YEAH. LET’S GET OVER TO TONY. NOW, WHO HAS THE DETAILS ON OUR FORECAST. WHAT’S UP TONY. YEAH, LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON TONIGHT. WE STILL THINK THERE’S GOING TO BE SOME FROST AND MAYBE A SHORT DURATION FREEZE HERE IN MARION COUNTY, BUT WE WARM UP NICELY ONCE WE GET PAST DAYBREAK. YOU CAN SEE THE SQUARE RIGHT NOW, 42 DEGREES, 44 PALM COAST, 48 DOWNTOWN 40 BACK TOWARDS TITUSVILLE. THERE ARE A FEW CLOUDS NOW APPROACHING THE I-10 CORRIDOR SIGN OF THAT WEATHER MAKER THAT’S GOING TO HEAD OUR WAY WEDNESDAY NIGHT ON INTO THE FIRST HALF OF THE DAY THURSDAY. BUT NOTICE OUT AHEAD OF IT AGAIN ANOTHER EVENING PLUS FIVE PLUS TEN DEGREES WARMER THAN WHERE WE WERE THIS TIME LAST NIGHT. AND OCALA IS GOING TO BE DROPPING VERY CLOSE TO FREEZING THERE FOR SHORT DURATION, ONLY TO WARM UP QUICKLY TO ABOUT 64. YOU TAKE A LOOK NOW UP TOWARDS DAYTONA BEACH, MID 30S WITH SOME PATCHY FROST. THEN BY THE 11:00 HOUR WE’RE COMING IN AT ABOUT 65 DEGREES. NOW I’M GOING TO TIME OUT THAT FRONT THAT’S COMING IN ON THURSDAY. THE COOLER AIR ON FRIDAY. AND THEN A NICE BIG WARMING TREND HEADED OUR WAY. AS WE GET YOU ON INTO THE BEGINNING OF NEXT WEEK. WHEN I SEE YOU COMING UP IN THE NEXT COUPLE MINUTES, GUYS. ALL RIGHT, TONY, MEANTIME, DEAD FISH ARE STARTING TO SHOW UP ACROSS PARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA. THIS IS VIDEO FROM MOSQUITO LAGOON NEAR NEW SMYRNA BEACH SHOWING FISH THERE IN THE WATER TOWARDS THE BOTTOM OF THERE. THIS VIDEO SAYS THAT ALL THOSE FISH SPANNED AN AREA OF ABOUT 200FT. NOW, IT’S NOT JUST FISH. OTHER KINDS OF SEA CRITTERS ARE WASHING UP ON BEACHES IN FLORIDA, EXPERTS SAY THE COLD WEATHER GOT TO THEM. STINGRAYS, CRABS, EELS, SEA SHARK HAVE ALL WASHED UP ON BEACHES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, OFFICIALS SAY WATER TEMPERATURES DROPPED TO THE LOWER 50S THIS WEEK THERE, WHICH CAN STUN OR KILL SOME OF THE MARINE LIFE IN THE GULF. SCIENTISTS SAY SOME CREATURES CAN LIVE IF THEY GET BACK IN THE WATER QUICKLY, BUT ANYTHING WITH GILLS LIKELY DIED AFTER A FEW MINUTES OUT OF THE WATER. ALL RIGHT, LOOK AT THIS. SEA LIONS AT AN IOWA ZOO. THEY MADE THEIR PREDICTION FOR THE SUPER BOWL ON SUNDAY. SO THE AFRICAN LIONS DO. SENDS ARENA COULD PICK A BARREL WITH THE LOGOS FOR THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AND THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. SO DEUCE WAS HESITANT TO MAKE A PICK. BUT ARENA ULTIMATELY PICKED THE SEAHAWKS TO WIN THE GAME. THERE SHE GOES. THE ZOO SAYS IT’S ANIMALS ACCURATELY PREDICT THE WINNER. 80% OF THE TIME. ISN’T THAT SOMETHING? OKAY, YOU CAN WATCH SUPER BOWL 60 BETWEEN THE SEAHAWKS AND THE PATRIOTS OVER ON WESH TWO AT 630 ON SUNDAY. GOT BETTER ODDS THAN PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL. I’LL TELL YOU THAT. CERTAINLY DO. ALL RIGHT, WESH TWO HERE WE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND YOU CAN FIND IT ON FULL DISPLAY IN MARION COUNTY. THIS LITTLE CITY CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, AND MARION COUNTY. IT PRODUCED SO MANY FAMOUS AND FIRSTS. COMING UP NEXT, HEAR ABOUT THE TRAILBLAZERS FROM OCALA AND HOW THEY INSPIRE PEOPLE TODAY. IT’S A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY, AND ITS PURPOSE IS TO GET ALL WHO SEE IT, TO SIMPLY ASK, WHO WAS THAT PERSON AND WHY IS THAT MOMENT SIGNIFICANT? WESH 2 STEWART MOORE WENT TO OCALA TO SEE THE BLACK HISTORY MURAL. WELCOME TO WEST OCALA, THE ONCE VIBRANT, BUSTLING, THRIVING ALL BLACK COMMUNITY HAS CHANGED AS MODERN TIMES HAVE TAKEN OVER. YOU KNOW WHAT THIS LITTLE CITY CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA AND MARION COUNTY. IT PRODUCED SO MANY FAMOUS AND FIRSTS. YOU KNOW, WE HAVE SO MANY AFRICAN AMERICAN FIRSTS HERE. AND OF COURSE, WHEN YOU HAVE THOSE TYPES OF THINGS, THEY TEND TO SPREAD ABROAD. SO NOT JUST IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, BUT IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY. BUT THE HISTORY OF WHAT WAS IS ON FULL DISPLAY. THIS IS THE OCALA BLACK HISTORY MURAL AND ITS PURPOSE, SAYS LEADER OF THE BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM, IS TO MAKE YOU ASK QUESTIONS. IT STARTS WITH A TIMELINE. IT GIVES YOU A TIMELINE ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE CIVIL WAR. IT TALKS ABOUT LOCAL GOVERNMENT, POLITICS. IT GOES ON TO TALK ABOUT THE POPULATION OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN MARION COUNTY. OBI SAMUEL JUNIOR IS A LOCAL ATTORNEY IN TOWN. WHILE IN LAW SCHOOL, HE RECEIVED THE VIRGIL HAWKINS SCHOLARSHIP. HAWKINS FEATURED RIGHT HERE ON THIS WALL PAVED THE WAY FOR ASPIRING BLACK LAWYERS TO ATTEND PREDOMINANTLY WHITE INSTITUTIONS. WELL, HE’S THE GUY THAT FOUGHT FOR THE INTEGRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LAW SCHOOL, SO HE WAS VERY INFLUENTIAL THERE. AND THOUGH HE NEVER ACTUALLY ATTENDED THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LAW SCHOOL, BUT THROUGH HIS EFFORTS, IT BECAME INTEGRATED AND THUS OPENED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO ENTER LAW SCHOOL. VIRGIL HAWKINS IS ON THIS WALL. PARADISE PARK IS ON THIS WALL, BUT ALSO THIS WOMAN. THIS IS DOCTOR CARRIE HAMPTON. SHE’S THE FIRST BLACK FEMALE DOCTOR IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. AND THE INTERVIEW WE DID WITH MR. SAMUEL WAS INSIDE OF HER HOUSE. THEY HAD A GREAT IMPACT AS FAR AS BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP. THEY MOTIVATED ME, AND THAT’S WHEN I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE THIS BUILDING. I FELT A CERTAIN SPIRIT ABOUT IT. YOU KNOW, A CERTAIN INSPIRATION TO CARRYING ON THEIR LEGACY, YOU KNOW, FOR BLACK EXCELLENCE. THIS HOME USED TO BE A FEW BLOCKS FROM WHERE IT SITS NOW PRESERVED HOME TO WHERE BLACK PEOPLE IN MARION COUNTY WENT FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. DOCTOR CARRIE MITCHELL, THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO BE LICENSED PRACTICING MEDICINE IN FLORIDA AND OPERATED A DRUGSTORE. SHE WAS MARRIED TO DOCTOR LEROY HAMPTON, A DENTIST WHOSE NAMESAKE, HAMPTON CENTER, WHICH SITS ACROSS A BASEBALL FIELD FROM THE MURAL, STILL TRAINS PEOPLE TO CARE FOR TEETH. TODAY. HERE YOU NOT ONLY DO YOU HAVE THE DOCTOR AND THE DENTIST, BUT YOU HAD OCALA BAZAAR, WHICH WAS AN AFRICAN OWNED DRY GOODS STORE WITH OVER 20 EMPLOYEES. YOU HAD THE. METROPOLITAN BANK BANK, WHICH WAS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN BANK IN MARION COUNTY AND ALSO IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, AND THE FIRST CHARTERED BLACK CORPORATION IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. YOU HAD THE OCALA TEXTILE MILL THAT HAD OVER 100 EMPLOYEES. THE WALL IS LIVING HISTORY THAT YOU CAN TOUCH AND RESEARCH FOREVER. HISTORY MAKERS. SO NEXT TIME YOU PASS IT AND YOU ASK

    Ocala’s Black History Mural invites exploration of local heritage

    Updated: 11:51 PM EST Feb 3, 2026

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    The Ocala Black History Mural in West Ocala serves as a vibrant reminder of the area’s once-thriving African American community, inviting viewers to delve into the stories of its influential figures and moments.Davida Randolph, leader of the Howard Black History Museum, emphasized the significance of the mural, saying, “You know what this little civic city of Ocala, Florida, and Marion County, it produced so many famous and firsts. You know, we have so many African American first here.”The mural offers a timeline that stretches back to the Civil War, highlighting local government, politics, and the African American population in Marion County. Ob Samuel Jr., a local attorney, shared his connection to the mural through Virgil Hawkins, who fought for the integration of the University of Florida law school.”He’s the guy that fought for the integration of the University of Florida law school, so he was very influential there, and though he never actually attended the University of Florida law school, but through his efforts, it became integrated, and thus opened an opportunity for me to enter law school,” Samuel said.The mural also honors Black entrepreneurship and excellence, inspiring individuals like Samuel to continue the legacy.”They had a great impact as far as black entrepreneurship. They motivated me. And that’s when I had the opportunity to purchase this building. I felt a certain spirit about it, you know, a certain inspiration to carrying on their legacy for black excellence,” he said.This home, preserved a few blocks from its original location, was where black people in Marion County went for health and well-being.Dr. Effie Carrie Mitchell, the first black woman licensed to practice medicine in Florida, operated a drug store and was married to Dr. Lee Royal Hampton, a dentist.The Hampton Center, named after him, still trains people to care for teeth today and sits across a baseball field from the mural.The mural also highlights other significant establishments, such as the Ocala Bazaar, an African-owned dry goods store with over 20 employees, and the Metropolitan Blank Bank, the first African American bank in Marion County and Florida, and the first chartered black corporation in the state. The Ocala textile mill employed over 100 people.The Ocala Black History Mural is a living testament to the area’s rich history, encouraging passersby to explore and learn about the figures and events that shaped the community.

    MARION COUNTY, Fla. —

    The Ocala Black History Mural in West Ocala serves as a vibrant reminder of the area’s once-thriving African American community, inviting viewers to delve into the stories of its influential figures and moments.

    Davida Randolph, leader of the Howard Black History Museum, emphasized the significance of the mural, saying, “You know what this little civic city of Ocala, Florida and Marion County, it produced so many famous and firsts. You know, we have so many African American first here.”

    The mural offers a timeline that stretches back to the Civil War, highlighting local government, politics, and the African American population in Marion County. Ob Samuel Jr., a local attorney, shared his connection to the mural through Virgil Hawkins, who fought for the integration of the University of Florida law school.

    “He’s the guy that fought for the integration of the University of Florida law school, so he was very influential there, and though he never actually attended the University of Florida law school, but through his efforts, it became integrated, and thus opened an opportunity for me to enter law school,” Samuel said.

    The mural also honors black entrepreneurship and excellence, inspiring individuals like Samuel to continue the legacy.

    “They had a great impact as far as black entrepreneurship. They motivated me. And that’s when I had the opportunity to purchase this building. I felt a certain spirit about it, you know, a certain inspiration to carrying on their legacy for black excellence,” he said.

    This home, preserved a few blocks from its original location, was where black people in Marion County went for health and well-being.

    Dr. Effie Carrie Mitchell, the first black woman licensed to practice medicine in Florida, operated a drug store and was married to Dr. Lee Royal Hampton, a dentist.

    The Hampton Center, named after him, still trains people to care for teeth today and sits across a baseball field from the mural.

    The mural also highlights other significant establishments, such as the Ocala Bazaar, an African-owned dry goods store with over 20 employees, and the Metropolitan Blank Bank, the first African American bank in Marion County and Florida, and the first chartered black corporation in the state. The Ocala textile mill employed over 100 people.

    The Ocala Black History Mural is a living testament to the area’s rich history, encouraging passersby to explore and learn about the figures and events that shaped the community.

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  • I-5 Overnight Closures Continue as ODOT Works to Widen Freeway – KXL

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    SALEM, Ore. — ODOT crews are busy this week on a section of I-5 South of Salem.  Drivers should expect overnight closures of I-5 both directions through Wednesday night from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    This Battle Creek Bridge Section of work is part of a much larger vision of turning I-5 into 3 lanes both directions long-term in that stretch between Delaney Road and Keubler Boulevard – exits 248 to 252.

    Eventually, ODOT hopes to have roundabouts installed on the east side of I-5 for safety as well.

    CLICK HERE to see much more on this project.

    PHOTO: ODOT

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    Brett Reckamp

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  • Firefighter plans to sue Marion County over reported hazing incident

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    Firefighter plans to sue Marion County over reported hazing incident

    PEACEFULLY. BACK TO YOU, JESSE. ALL RIGHT, TOM, THANK YOU. NEW TONIGHT. WE’RE LEARNING. THE FIREFIGHTER DETECTIVES SAY WAS THE TARGET OF HAZING IN MARION COUNTY. PLANS TO SUE THE COUNTY. CELL PHONE VIDEO SHOWS THE MOMENT IN QUESTION. INVESTIGATORS SAY FOUR OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS ENGAGED IN HAZING ACTS AGAINST KALYN STEWART THAT INCLUDED WATERBOARDING AND HITTING HIM WITH HIS OWN BELT. THOSE FOUR FIRST RESPONDERS WERE CRIMINALLY CHARGED. ANOTHER SIX EMPLOYEES WERE FIRED FROM THE FORCE. WE SPOKE TO STEWART’S ATTORNEY ABOUT THE LEGAL ACTION THEY PLAN TO TAKE. WE HAVE GONE AHEAD AND PLACED THEM ON NOTICE THAT WE INTEND TO SUE THEM UNDER THE SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY PROVISIONS IN FLORIDA LAW. SO, YOU KNOW, THAT’S A SIX MONTH WAITING PERIOD. AND DURING THAT, THAT’S BEFORE WE CAN ACTUALLY FILE SUIT. WE’VE GOT TO GIVE THEM SIX MONTHS, YOU KNOW, TO COMPLETE THEIR INVESTIGATION AND RESPOND TO THE ALLEGATIONS. AND IF WE CAN’T RESOLVE IT IN THAT WINDOW, THEN WE CAN PROCEED WITH A CIVIL ACTION. IN THE ATTORNEY’S LETTER OF INTENT, HE SAYS, QUOTE, MARION COUNTY WAS NEGLIGENT IN FAILING TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY, SAFE AND OR NON-DANGEROUS WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR KANE STEWART AT MARION COUNTY FIRE RESCUE AND SUCH NEGLIGENCE IS THE SOLE AND LEGAL CAUSE OF HIS INJURIES. TO TREAT A YOUNG MAN WHO HAD ALL GOOD INTENTIONS TO TRY TO COME IN AND SERVE HIS COMMUNITY IN THIS FASHION IS, YOU KNOW, JUST BEYOND THE PALE. AND PEOPLE NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. WESH TWO REACHED OUT TO THE COUNTY FOR COMMENT, AND THEY TOLD US THEY DO NOT DISCUSS

    Firefighter plans to sue Marion County over reported hazing incident

    Updated: 7:23 PM EST Jan 12, 2026

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Firefighter plans to sue Marion County over reported hazing incident

    Firefighter plans to sue Marion County over reported hazing incident

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  • Catching up with Floridians whose stories inspired us in 2025

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    FLORIDA — As we get closer to the end of the year, we look back at a year that brought happy times for some, but major struggles for even more. These stories are of those who found the strength to overcome adversity often make the most inspiring impression.

    Spectrum News catches up with some of the incredible individuals who taught us all a little bit about the best of humanity in 2025.

     

     

     

    Finding Your Passion

    — Apopka, FL —

    In the middle of February, Delia Miller shared her journey of finding her passions and purpose. Combining her love of art, concern for the environment, and newfound passion for aviation, she has turned all of this into an inspiring project.

    Her journey began with an opportunity to paint a mural in her hometown. Her path took a turn in an airport bathroom where she met a young, Black, female airline captain. The encounter spurred Miller to pursue aviation as a career path.

    Watch Delia’s story to witness how she turns dreams into reality and encourages others to discover their greater purpose.

     

    Act of Kindness

    — Orlando, FL —

    Watch her story to see how her acts of kindness reached kids in Geneva and Belize.

    In September, young Gracelynn “Gracie” Decelles shared her story with us. Two years ago, the now 8-year-old girl began selling eggs from her family’s chickens at a small stand outside her home. The proceeds of those sales went toward the purchase of hundreds of backpacks for children in need.

    Watch her story to see how her acts of kindness reached kids in Geneva and Belize.

     

     

     

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    Dan Trotter

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  • Father reunites with daughter in Marion County after searching for 40 years

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    Debra Newton was arrested by Marion County sheriff’s deputies after a tip led to a father and daughter reuniting for the first time in more than 40 years. Body camera video captured the moment deputies approached a woman they knew as Sharon Neely.”How are you doing, Ms. Sharon?” said one deputy.She was known in her Marion County community, but according to deputies, her real identity is Debra Newton.Newton was arrested by Marion County deputies for a warrant out of Kentucky after authorities said she abducted her own child.”When the tip came in, it says they recognized this lady from the social media post as being a person who was wanted out of Kentucky,” said Valerie Strong, public information officer for the MCSO.That tip was the last piece that ended a cold case from more than four decades ago.Joe Newton and his wife, Debra, were preparing to move to Georgia in 1983, but when Joe came home, Debra had taken off with their 3-year-old daughter, Michelle.After the pair disappeared, Joe searched for the two. For years, the family didn’t know if Michelle was alive.After Debra’s arrest, Michelle reunited with her father.”She’s always been in our hearts. I cannot explain that moment of that woman walking in and getting to put my arms back around my daughter,” Joe said.The news also meant Michelle had to learn her identity. She said she came home from work to find police at her door.”You are not who you think you are. You are a missing person. You are Michelle Marie Newton,” she was told.Michelle learned she had a family who never stopped searching for her and a father who never stopped loving her.”I wouldn’t trade that moment,” Joe said. “It was just like seeing her when she was first born. It was like an angel.”Despite life turning upside down, Michelle showed no anger toward her mother. She said she wants to heal and move forward.”My intention is to support them both through this and trying to navigate and help them both just wrap it up so that we can all heal and hopefully, you know, there’s just apologies and start healing,” she said.Debra was sent back to Jefferson County in Louisville, Kentucky, where she appeared in court Monday. She has been arraigned on a felony charge of custodial interference, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in Jefferson County. Felony custodial-kidnapping charges carry no statute of limitations in Kentucky. She is due back in court in January.

    MARION COUNTY, Fla. —

    Debra Newton was arrested by Marion County sheriff’s deputies after a tip led to a father and daughter reuniting for the first time in more than 40 years.

    Body camera video captured the moment deputies approached a woman they knew as Sharon Neely.

    “How are you doing, Ms. Sharon?” said one deputy.

    She was known in her Marion County community, but according to deputies, her real identity is Debra Newton.

    Newton was arrested by Marion County deputies for a warrant out of Kentucky after authorities said she abducted her own child.

    “When the tip came in, it says they recognized this lady from the social media post as being a person who was wanted out of Kentucky,” said Valerie Strong, public information officer for the MCSO.

    That tip was the last piece that ended a cold case from more than four decades ago.

    Joe Newton and his wife, Debra, were preparing to move to Georgia in 1983, but when Joe came home, Debra had taken off with their 3-year-old daughter, Michelle.

    After the pair disappeared, Joe searched for the two. For years, the family didn’t know if Michelle was alive.

    After Debra’s arrest, Michelle reunited with her father.

    “She’s always been in our hearts. I cannot explain that moment of that woman walking in and getting to put my arms back around my daughter,” Joe said.

    The news also meant Michelle had to learn her identity. She said she came home from work to find police at her door.

    “You are not who you think you are. You are a missing person. You are Michelle Marie Newton,” she was told.

    Michelle learned she had a family who never stopped searching for her and a father who never stopped loving her.

    “I wouldn’t trade that moment,” Joe said. “It was just like seeing her when she was first born. It was like an angel.”

    Despite life turning upside down, Michelle showed no anger toward her mother. She said she wants to heal and move forward.

    “My intention is to support them both through this and trying to navigate and help them both just wrap it up so that we can all heal and hopefully, you know, there’s just apologies and start healing,” she said.

    Debra was sent back to Jefferson County in Louisville, Kentucky, where she appeared in court Monday. She has been arraigned on a felony charge of custodial interference, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in Jefferson County. Felony custodial-kidnapping charges carry no statute of limitations in Kentucky. She is due back in court in January.

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  • Florida farm brings unique Gypsy Vanner horses and their story to life

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    OCALA, Fla. — Deep in the heart of Florida’s horse country, one farm is offering more than just beautiful pastures and photogenic horses — it’s giving guests a cultural and historical experience unlike any other.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gypsy Gold Horse Farm in Ocala is the first U.S. home of the rare Gypsy Vanner horse breed.
    • Visitors can take guided tours that provide education, history, and hands-on animal interaction.
    • The farm’s founder imported the first Gypsy Vanner after encountering the breed in Europe in 1995.


    Gypsy Gold Horse Farm is the first in the United States to introduce the rare and striking Gypsy Vanner horse breed to American soil.

    Known for their feathered hooves, flowing manes, and gentle temperament, these horses were originally bred by British and Irish travelers — often referred to as gypsies to pull their ornate caravans.

    “This amazing breed that Dennis has been preserving for over 30 years now. These are amazing, beautiful creatures, and a lot of people that come on these tours aren’t even familiar with the Gypsy Vanner breed,” said Eileen Mahoney, who works with the horses daily at the farm.

    Founded by Dennis Thompson and his wife, the farm is home to more than 30 Gypsy Vanner horses, each with a unique story and heritage.

    Thompson gives weekly tours where he not only introduces visitors to the horses but also shares the journey that brought them here.

    “My late wife and I, in 1995, saw one horse and learned it belonged to a gypsy,” Thompson told a tour group.

    “Spent that day in a gypsy camp and basically became obsessed.”

    The farm has earned TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence four times and remains one of the top-rated attractions in Central Florida. (Spectrum News)

    That encounter sparked a decades-long mission to preserve the breed and honor the culture behind it.

    For Thompson, it’s not just about the horses — it’s about correcting long-held misconceptions about the Romani people.

    “They don’t read and write — that is by choice because they don’t want to lose their culture,” he explained. “So, they have been treated with prejudice for a thousand years.”

    During the tour, visitors meet horses like “Little Big Man,” whom Thompson describes as “a grandson of Kushti Bok,” one of the original horses he imported.

    Guests can also interact with mules and exotic birds, like colorful macaws, all while walking the picturesque grounds.

    Visitors from all over the country have made the trip — some with a deep love for horses, others simply curious.

    “Yes, I’ve grown up with horses. I used to be a jumper — and then I got old,” joked Bonnie Mickley, a visitor from Georgia.

    “It’s so wonderful that people like Dennis are saving this animal,” added fellow visitor Chris Connolly.

    Thompson’s passion is simple.

    “When people come to Gypsy Gold, I hope they get a better understanding of the culture and a better understanding of the horses that they envisioned.” said Thompson

    The farm has earned TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence four times and remains one of the top-rated attractions in Central Florida.

    For more, visit the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Grapevine man dies after hunting mishap in Marion County

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    Police car lights in night time, crime scene, night patrolling the city. Abstract blurry image. Photo by Getty Images This is a stock image downloaded from Getty Images. It is a Royalty Free image.

    Police car lights in night time, crime scene, night patrolling the city. Abstract blurry image. Photo by Getty Images This is a stock image downloaded from Getty Images. It is a Royalty Free image.


    Getty Images

    Getty Images/iStockphoto

    A 45-year-old Grapevine man died in a hunting accident in Marion County just after midnight Saturday, , Texas Parks and Wildlife officials said.

    Jose Ramirez of Grapevine was removing a gun from a vehicle when it accidentally discharged, striking him. Despite life-saving measures, Ramirez died from his injuries, KLTV reported.

    Marion County is about three hours east of Fort Worth.

    “We encourage every hunter to take safety seriously. Always handle all firearms as if they are loaded, keep muzzles pointed in a safe direction and take time to unload your firearm before placing or removing it from a vehicle,” officials said in a social media post. “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

    The accident is under investigation, officials said.

    Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Shambhavi Rimal

    Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Shambhavi covers crime, law enforcement and other breaking news in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. She graduated from the University of North Texas and previously covered a variety of general assignment topics in West Texas. She grew up in Nepal.

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    Shambhavi Rimal

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  • Former Marion County deputy sentenced in fatal shooting of girlfriend

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    Above: Reporting from the initial September 2024 shooting incidentA former Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy was sentenced to more than two decades in prison after he was found guilty in the shooting death of his girlfriend in 2024.Leslie Boileau Jr. was sentenced to 25 years, 8 months and 20 days in prison by Judge Timothy McCourt on Friday. The sentence length was chosen to signify the exact age of Boileau’s girlfriend, Polina Wright, at the time of her death.The 33-year-old Boileau was a Marion County sheriff’s deputy at the time of the incident in September 2024. Boileau said he and Wright were cleaning his firearms when he pointed a semi-automatic rifle at her and pulled the trigger. He said the gun dry-fired the first time he pulled the trigger, but it then fired a live round at Wright after the first dry-firing.Boileau was arrested and charged with manslaughter by use of a firearm, a conviction that carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.”This case reiterates the very real consequences of negligence and reckless actions,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit state attorney. “I cannot think of a more just sentence to hold this offender accountable and pay respects to the victim and her grieving family.”Boileau had served as a deputy sheriff for eight years, but was immediately terminated from his position following the shooting in September 2024.

    MARION COUNTY, Fla. —

    Above: Reporting from the initial September 2024 shooting incident

    A former Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy was sentenced to more than two decades in prison after he was found guilty in the shooting death of his girlfriend in 2024.

    Leslie Boileau Jr. was sentenced to 25 years, 8 months and 20 days in prison by Judge Timothy McCourt on Friday. The sentence length was chosen to signify the exact age of Boileau’s girlfriend, Polina Wright, at the time of her death.

    The 33-year-old Boileau was a Marion County sheriff’s deputy at the time of the incident in September 2024. Boileau said he and Wright were cleaning his firearms when he pointed a semi-automatic rifle at her and pulled the trigger. He said the gun dry-fired the first time he pulled the trigger, but it then fired a live round at Wright after the first dry-firing.

    Boileau was arrested and charged with manslaughter by use of a firearm, a conviction that carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.

    “This case reiterates the very real consequences of negligence and reckless actions,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit state attorney. “I cannot think of a more just sentence to hold this offender accountable and pay respects to the victim and her grieving family.”

    Boileau had served as a deputy sheriff for eight years, but was immediately terminated from his position following the shooting in September 2024.

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  • 911 services restored in some Citrus, Marion counties

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    Officials in both counties reported that issues with their 911 systems have been resolved.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • 3 Brothers Boards brings visitors face-to-face with wildlife on Silver River

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    MARION COUNTY, Fla. — For more than 10,000 years, humans have been drawn to the serene waters of the Silver River near Ocala — a place where Florida’s ancient past still lingers.

    What You Need To Know

    • 3 Brothers Boards offers guided paddleboard tours on the Silver River, showcasing its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife

    • Visitors frequently encounter manatees and rhesus macaque monkeys, making it a unique eco-tourism destination in Florida

    • The company was founded 17 years ago by Justin Murray and his brothers, who began building their own high-quality paddleboards

    • Each board features the signature of their late brother Jason, honoring his memory and keeping him part of every journey

    When mastodons and giant ground sloths roamed the peninsula, the river was already a source of life.

    While those prehistoric giants have long disappeared, Silver River has become home to a new, unexpected variety of creatures that continue to awe visitors.

    “This river just has a wow factor,” said Justin Murray of 3 Brothers Boards, a Daytona paddleboard outfitter and tour company.

    The water is so clear that few of its aquatic inhabitants can remain hidden — including the gentle manatees often seen grazing beneath the surface.

    “So, the manatees eat hundreds of pounds of grass every single day,” Murray explained.

    Every week, Murray and his team guide guests through this pristine spring-fed waterway, using custom-made paddleboards — some with transparent bottoms offering an unmatched view of the river bottom below.

    “Being able to see them on the paddleboard is definitely way easier than when you’re lower to the water in a kayak,” he said.

    Murray and his brothers began their journey 17 years ago, inspired by the natural beauty surrounding them and a growing need for quality paddleboards.

    That idea launched 3 Brothers Boards.

    “This is the largest artesian spring in the state of Florida. We have over 550 million gallons of water come out of this spring — every single day,” Murray said.

    Though his younger brother Jason has since passed, his legacy lives on in every board.

    “If you look at the bottom of every board we’ve ever made, we have his handwritten signature that we got off his schoolwork just so he can be part of making the boards and part of that process. Like to think he’s with us every time we hit the water,” Murray said.

    The wildlife visible along the trip on the river is abundant — including deer, birds and pigs.

    In addition to manatees and birds, one unexpected group steals the spotlight: rhesus macaque monkeys. About 400 of them roam the area — descendants of monkeys accidentally released in the 1930s, contrary to the myth that they were part of Tarzan film productions.

    “The monkeys that we have here are rhesus monkeys. And for many years, people believed that the monkeys were here from the Tarzan films,” Murray said. “However, after looking into every Tarzan film that was filmed here, there was never any rhesus monkeys used in those films.”

    For Murray, the river is more than just a tour destination — it’s a sanctuary of natural wonder.

    “Most people who even live in Florida (in) their entire lives have never seen such a diverse array of wildlife in one spot,” he said.

    The 3 Brothers Boards store is located in Daytona Beach.

    For more on its paddleboard adventures, visit 3 Brothers Boards.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Sister advocates for safety improvements after tragic accident in Marion County

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    Shanta Norton is pushing to support safety in her community and other rural areas after the death of her younger sister Shannon Rush earlier this week. She’s dubbed the petition “Shannon’s Law,” which has already gained 2,000 signatures in a matter of days. Rush was a senior at Forest High School and her family said she wanted to someday become a school teacher. On Monday, around 6:20 in the morning, while walking to the bus stop on Blitchton Road, Rush was hit by an SUV. “She was just a bright, goofy person and made us laugh constantly,” she said. “She was a light to our family.”Now, Norton is pushing to have sidewalks, adequate street lighting and signage along the roadway where her sister died and neighboring streets.”I just want something to happen that you can see along the roadway in different parts of the town, not just this neighborhood. The street lights are very dim, and it’s very dark walking in these places,” said Norton.The SUV driver claimed Rush was walking in the roadway and not on the grassy part of the road when they collided. Family members no longer believe Rushing was wearing headphones during the accident. Norton is also concerned about speeding on that stretch of road. “Since this happened, I’ve been standing in my driveway every morning at 6 a.m. Trailers and SUVs are doing at least 50, 60 (mph) coming off of 10th street,” said Norton. Norton knows the changes she’s pushing for won’t bring her sister back, but she hopes it will do something to improve safety in her community and prevent others from enduring the same pain. Click here to learn more about the petition for Shannon’s Law.

    MARION COUNTY, Fla. —

    Shanta Norton is pushing to support safety in her community and other rural areas after the death of her younger sister Shannon Rush earlier this week. She’s dubbed the petition “Shannon’s Law,” which has already gained 2,000 signatures in a matter of days.

    Rush was a senior at Forest High School and her family said she wanted to someday become a school teacher.

    On Monday, around 6:20 in the morning, while walking to the bus stop on Blitchton Road, Rush was hit by an SUV.

    “She was just a bright, goofy person and made us laugh constantly,” she said. “She was a light to our family.”

    Now, Norton is pushing to have sidewalks, adequate street lighting and signage along the roadway where her sister died and neighboring streets.

    “I just want something to happen that you can see along the roadway in different parts of the town, not just this neighborhood. The street lights are very dim, and it’s very dark walking in these places,” said Norton.

    The SUV driver claimed Rush was walking in the roadway and not on the grassy part of the road when they collided.

    Family members no longer believe Rushing was wearing headphones during the accident.

    Norton is also concerned about speeding on that stretch of road.

    “Since this happened, I’ve been standing in my driveway every morning at 6 a.m. Trailers and SUVs are doing at least 50, 60 (mph) coming off of 10th street,” said Norton.

    Norton knows the changes she’s pushing for won’t bring her sister back, but she hopes it will do something to improve safety in her community and prevent others from enduring the same pain.

    Click here to learn more about the petition for Shannon’s Law.

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  • Tour some spooky Halloween Homes around Central Florida and Tampa Bay

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    The Halloween season is here, and lots of homes are decked out with all sorts of spine-chilling decorations.

    Spectrum News got the chance to check out some of the best and scariest in Central Florida and around Tampa Bay.

    🔼 Check out the creepy compliation above! 

    And we’d love to see your home, too! Just fill out a form for Central Florida or Tampa Bay.

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Human remains found in wooded area of Marion County

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    Human remains found in wooded area of Marion County

    SURE TO BRING IT TO YOU ON AIR AND ONLINE. NEW TONIGHT. HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN MARION COUNTY. THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS THAT SOMEONE WAS WALKING THROUGH THE WOODS OFF OF 441 IN SUMMERFIELD. AND THEY MADE THE DISCOVERY ON SUNDAY. WESH 2’S HAYLEY CROMBLEHOLME JOINING US LIVE FROM THAT AREA TONIGHT. HAYLEY. THERE’S STILL SOME CRIME SCENE TAPE UP WHERE YOU ARE. THEY HAVE BEEN OUT HERE FOR MORE THAN A DAY AT THIS POINT. THIS IS AS CLOSE AS WE CAN SAFELY GET HERE. BUT THAT RED TAIL LIGHT YOU CAN SEE IN THE DISTANCE, THAT IS A DEPUTY’S CRUISER. AND JUST IN FRONT OF IT YOU CAN SEE CRIME SCENE TAPE STILL UP AROUND THOSE WOODS. NOW, AT THIS POINT, THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS THEY DON’T KNOW HOW THIS PERSON DIED, BUT THEY ARE SAYING THESE REMAINS ARE NOT RELATED TO THE REMAINS FOUND JUST DAYS BEFORE IN MARION OAKS. I DON’T KNOW, IN THIS AREA, LIKE, YOU KNOW, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. IT’S NOT BEING SECURE LATELY. LEO DOMINGUEZ WORKS IN THE PLAZA IN SUMMERFIELD, ACROSS FROM THE WOODS WHERE SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES HAVE BEEN STATIONED FOR MORE THAN A DAY. HE SAID PLENTY OF CUSTOMERS HAVE BEEN COMING IN ASKING WHAT’S GOING ON? ASKING THE SAME QUESTION BECAUSE THE CAR’S BEEN THERE FOR A WHILE ALREADY. THE MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TELLS US A PERSON WALKING THROUGH THESE WOODS OFF OF 441 CALLED IN AND REPORTED FINDING WHAT THEY THOUGHT WERE HUMAN REMAINS SUNDAY NIGHT, JUST BEFORE SEVEN, THEY SAID. DETECTIVES, FORENSIC TECHS IN THE MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE ALL CAME OUT AND CONFIRMED THE REMAINS WERE HUMAN. THEY DON’T KNOW HOW LONG THE REMAINS HAVE BEEN OUT THERE, BUT BECAUSE OF THE STATE THEY WERE IN, THEY DON’T BELIEVE IT’S RECENT. HUMAN REMAINS. ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN. SO WE’VE GOT TO BE SECURE BY MONDAY. THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE STILL HASN’T DETERMINED HOW THE PERSON DIED. IF IT COULD BE NATURAL CAUSES OR SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS. BUT FOR ONE MAN WHO LIVES NEARBY, THE NEWS REMAINS WERE FOUND WAS STILL ENOUGH TO PUT HIM OFF HIS REGULAR WALKS IN THE AREA. BECAUSE I’M SCARED THERE MAY BE NOTHING NEFARIOUS ABOUT THE REMAINS FOUND IN THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAID THERE ISN’T ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO DETERMINE IF THEY COULD BE RELATED TO ANY OF THEIR ACTIVE CASES, BUT HE’S CONCERNED ALL THE SAME. I’M A FATHER TO A CHILD AND A HUSBAND TO A WIFE. I CANNOT RISK MYSELF, YOU KNOW, GETTING KILLED. I DON’T WANT TO END UP IN THE WOODS OR WHATEVER. LIKE I SAID, I GO WALKING ALL THE TIME AND I FEEL ENDANGERED RIGHT NOW. YOU KNOW WHO WOULDN’T? KNOW? THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS THEY WILL BE BACK OUT HERE TOMORROW. THEY’LL BE LOOKING FOR AND COLLECTING MORE EVIDENCE. AND THEY WILL ALSO BE RECOVERING THOSE REMAINS AS SOON AS WE KNOW WHO THIS PERSON WAS AND HOW THEY DIED. WE’RE GOING TO BRING THAT TO YOU ON AIR AND ONLINE@WESH.COM COVERING MARION COUNT

    Human remains were found in a wooded area in Summerfield, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.This is the second time in the last week where the MCSO was called in to investigate or respond to an incident involving human remains being discovered. The MCSO responded to the 17000 block of South Highway 441, where forensic technicians and the medical examiner’s office confirmed the contents were human. The investigation aims to determine the person’s identity and what the cause and manner of death are. The remains were reported Sunday night just before 7 p.m. The sheriff’s office said they are not related to remains found in Marion Oaks Friday. Monday night the sheriff’s office was still investigating how the person died. They don’t yet know if it’s natural causes or a suspicious death. They don’t know how long the remains have been out there, but because of the state they were in, they don’t believe it’s recent.At this time, the MCSO is uncertain if the remains found are related to any current cases. >> This is a developing story and will be updated as new information is released

    MARION COUNTY, Fla. —

    Human remains were found in a wooded area in Summerfield, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

    This is the second time in the last week where the MCSO was called in to investigate or respond to an incident involving human remains being discovered.

    The MCSO responded to the 17000 block of South Highway 441, where forensic technicians and the medical examiner’s office confirmed the contents were human.

    The investigation aims to determine the person’s identity and what the cause and manner of death are.

    The remains were reported Sunday night just before 7 p.m. The sheriff’s office said they are not related to remains found in Marion Oaks Friday.

    Monday night the sheriff’s office was still investigating how the person died. They don’t yet know if it’s natural causes or a suspicious death. They don’t know how long the remains have been out there, but because of the state they were in, they don’t believe it’s recent.

    At this time, the MCSO is uncertain if the remains found are related to any current cases.

    >> This is a developing story and will be updated as new information is released

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  • Teen’s claim he was nabbed, shot by ‘Hispanic’ men sparked outrage. It was a hoax, police say

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    The text was every parent’s worst nightmare: A 17-year-old said he had been abducted, shot and wounded by a group of men on a Florida highway.

    Law enforcement scrambled to the scene. A statewide alert went out to locate the boy. After it became known that the teen had said his abductors were “Hispanic,” an outpouring of outrage followed online.

    But none of it was true, authorities now say.

    In a text to his mother last week, the teen — identified as Caden Speight — claimed he had been shot and abducted by four Latino men on Highway 484 in Dunnellon in Marion County, Fla.

    The claim prompted authorities to issue a statewide Amber Alert and sparked furor against Latinos on social media.

    “It’s time to act, no more words,” one user wrote on X, tagging President Trump. “Unleash the hounds of hell.”

    Another shared a drawing of a stick-figure family — the males clad in sombreros — with the caption, “Big or small, deport them all.”

    On Sept. 25, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrived near Highway 484 and found Caden’s vehicle, but the teen was nowhere to be seen and his cellphone had been discarded, according to a news release from the agency.

    The report triggered further investigation.

    Caden was eventually found in Williston, Fla., authorities said, and his tale of abduction unraveled under closer scrutiny.

    Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said in a video statement Monday that detectives have collected evidence showing “the initial details that Caden texted to his family, were proven to be false — completely made up.”

    “We did find evidence of a single gunshot where Caden left his truck,” Woods said. “However, his claims that he had been shot and abducted were quickly disproven. We then learned that he had purchased a bicycle, tent and camping supplies just prior to him reporting this.”

    Caden bought a red-and-gray tent from a Walmart in Ocala, Fla., before he reported that he had been shot and abducted, Woods said.

    “Caden simply rode away towards Williston while the rest of us were left to think the worst and my team was working in overdrive to solve this case,” Woods said.

    The teen had a handgun with him and shot himself in the leg before he was found, authorities said.

    Woods alleged Caden did this to “continue the ruse,” adding that authorities believe, “There is zero chance that Caden’s gunshot wound came from any type of an assailant.”

    Woods said it wasn’t “off the table” that the teen might face criminal charges. The investigation is ongoing and detectives have questions for Caden, he added, but his parents haven’t allowed investigators to speak with him.

    The update from law enforcement triggered a fresh wave of social media commentary, ranging from condemnations to calls for patience and unity.

    “The fact that he tried to make it about four Hispanic men abducting him and not caring that that could have caused some real harm to innocent men that [were] doing nothing wrong in itself is despicable,” one Facebook user wrote.

    “I think we just need to all be supportive and an actual community and not act all crazy and jumping to conclusions,” another said. “A lot of people make things up. All we have to do is pray.”

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    Summer Lin

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  • I-75 reopens hours after dump truck hits overpass in Marion County

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    MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Interstate 75 reopened Wednesday morning, hours after a dump truck hit an overpass in northern Marion County overnight.

    The impact caused damage to the County Road 320 bridge, and major delays on southbound I-75, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. 

    “Preliminary looks like (the dump truck driver) had been working in the area and the dump bed was up,” said FDOT District 5 Spokeswoman Cindi Lane. 

    FDOT said the 55-year-old driver from Ocala, was driving the dump truck with the bed in a raised position when it collided with the overpass, causing significant damage. The driver of the truck was not injured. 

    The crash initially caused all southbound lanes on I-75 to close between County Road 234 (Exit 374) in Alachua County and County Road 318 (Exit 268) in Marion County.

    FDOT said drivers should still expect delays and use caution in the area as crews continue to work on repairs. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ocala special election to fill mayor and District 3 seats

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    OCALA, Fla. — The city of Ocala is holding a special election Tuesday to elect a new mayor and fill the city council seat for District 3.

    What You Need To Know

    • An Ocala special election is being held for mayor and District 3 seats

    • Incumbent Mayor Ben Marciano faces 20-year-old Zackary Feliciano

    • District 3 council member Jay Musleh faces Mark Clark and TamBoura Jenkins

    • Polls close at 7 p.m.

    Mayoral elections occur every two years, as outlined in the city’s charter, while elections for city council members occur every four years.

    Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano will face off against 20-year-old candidate Zackary ‘Arbor’ Feliciano in the special election.

    District 3 council member Jay Musleh has served since 2012 and will face two challengers: retired Air Force officer Mark Clark and community advocate TamBoura Jenkins.

    While District seats 1 and 5 are up for re-election, council members Barry Mansfield and James Hilty Sr. are running unchallenged and will remain the representatives for District 1 and 5.   

    Marciano said he’s proud of what he’s accomplished in the past two years and hopes to continue.   

    Since one of the mayor’s responsibilities is to oversee the police department, he said reducing crime in Ocala was a major focus during his first term.

    “We actually reduced crime by 5% with 5% growth,” he said, adding that the city has had no murders in the past 15 months.

    One initiative he introduced to help with that crime reduction was a community policing program, which allowed Marciano to work alongside the community to solve crimes.

    Another big focus of his was improving the mental and physical health of his community.

    “We are one of the most unhealthy cities in the state of Florida,” he said.

    One way he aimed to address that issue was by introducing a digital platform called Healthy Ocala, giving the community an easy way to find all the mental health resources.

    “People had no idea where to go to find help. We have thousands of people using that platform every month, so I’m really excited about that,” Marciano said.

    Another big initiative he took part in was opening two new homeless shelters and addressing addiction issues in the community.

    Now, he’s working to support Ocala’s growing population.

    “Right now, we’ve experienced a lot of growth issues. People are complaining about the growth. I think growth is good, but it’s got to be good growth. There’s a lot more things for people to do now, a lot more high-paying jobs. We had a lot of affordable housing issues, but now, because we have been able to build apartments, people are lowering the rates, so people can get into affordable housing. But right now, we need to look at infrastructure and how can we support this growth? So that’s going to be a major focus of mine. Looking at our roadways, looking at the infrastructure, and how can we make it so that there’s not some of the congestion issues that I’m hearing from our citizens?” he explained.

    Spectrum News reached out to his opponent but has not received a response.

    Based on his campaign website, Feliciano is focusing his campaign on a more affordable Ocala.

    Among his top priorities are housing reform and land conservation, which he aims to address by reducing suburban sprawl.

    Feliciano said his focus is to maintain Ocala’s “idyllic natural beauty, strong culture and affordability,” despite the growth in its population.

    On the affordability note, Feliciano also focused his campaign on making health care accessible to residents, adding that “nobody should have to choose between their health and finances.”

    Other priorities outlined on his website deal with homelessness, ending the city’s agreement with ICE and raising property taxes on corporations that have 1,500 employees or more to help small businesses.

    The mayor’s position does not have a vote on the city council but does have veto power and oversees the police department. A mayor’s salary is capped at $550 a month.

    City council members oversee the city manager, attorney, clerk and auditor and make other community decisions. They earn $250 a month.

    Polling places will close at 7 p.m.

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    Sasha Teman

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  • Victim’s father in Pagan’s murder case loses confidence in Marion County Prosecuting Attorney

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    FAIRMONT — The attorney defending the most recent Pagan’s murder trial accused the Marion County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of bad faith against her client in a motion to dismiss she filed on Friday.

    “Knowing no evidence existed to tie Ryan Lane to first degree murder, the State began its quest in bad faith to ‘poison the well; with crimes committed by ‘the Pagans’ in an attempt to paint Ryan Lane as a despicable individual who acted in conformity with ‘Pagans’ in general and no one in particular,” Elgine McArdle, Lane’s attorney, wrote in the filing. “In reality, Ryan Lane is a thirty-seven year old man who has never been arrested.”

    The Marion County Prosecuting Attorney’s office charged Ryan Lane, 37, with the September 2022 murder of Henry Silver. A love triangle drove the deadly outcome. Silver and the girlfriend of one of the members of the Central Chapter of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club had an affair. After the boyfriend, John Wolfe, found out, Wolfe called one of his fellow club members and five men drove out to Carolina, where Silver was shot five times.

    After an investigation, law enforcement arrested six men for the crime, including Lane. The prosecuting attorney’s office worked under the theory a conspiracy formed between the six men to kill Silver. However, Lane — the chapter president — was not present when the crime took place. Austin Mullins, one of the five men, confessed to shooting Silver during his trial. Before Lane’s case reached trial, four successive trials weakened the prosecuting attorney’s theory. Mullins testified he acted on his own, which cast serious doubt on the prosecution’s theory.

    “Prior to presenting testimony to a second grand jury in February, 2025, the State knew exactly who killed Henry Silver upon the hells of Austin Mullins’ conviction on Jan. 27, 2025,” McArdle wrote. “Yet approximately 10 days after the trial and conviction of Austin Mullins, the State presented testimony to a second grand jury to accuse Ryan Lane of first degree murder.”

    At Lane’s trial, the prosecution was unable to prove conclusively to a jury that Lane was part of a conspiracy and guilty of Silver’s murder. The jury deadlocked, and the judge declared a mistrial.

    Marion County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sean Murphy, who tried the case, has lost the confidence of the victim’s family. Jason Silver, Henry’s father, told WDTV that Lane is innocent.

    “No hard evidence or any evidence that connects Ryan Lane to my son’s murder,” Silver said to WDTV. “This has become a personal vendetta for one man against the Pagans. We want it about our son Henry. We want closure. It’s three years today (since Henry’s murder).”

    Jason Silver concluded by asking the prosecuting attorney to not go after the Pagan’s on the blood of his son.

    “I want justice and peace for my family,” he said.

    McArdle argued In her filing that the defense can show Murphy overreached in his prosecution of Lane. She said the prejudicial climate Murphy created may prevent a retrial under the Double Jeopardy Clause.

    “The key factor is the bad-faith intent behind the misconduct, not merely judicial or prosecutorial error,” she wrote in the filing.

    McArdle explained the fundamental tenet behind the Double Jeopardy Clause in the U.S. Constitution is that the State should not be able to oppress individuals through abuse of the criminal process.

    McArdle also alleged juror misconduct. She alleged one of the jurors on the trial admitted under oath to discussing the case with their spouse outside of deliberations. During trials, the jury is instructed to not discuss the trial with anyone. According to McArdle, the hung jury resulted because this juror was left on the panel.

    It’s not known how the tainted juror will affect the Marion County Prosecuting Attorney’s decision to move forward with a retrial. Murphy did not return a request for comment before press time. Previously, Murphy indicated the state’s intention to retry the case with a new jury.

    Alongside the motion to dismiss, McArdle asked for her client to be released on bond pending further hearings, trial or rulings on the case. She argued that continuing to hold and try Lane would constitute fraud on the state of West Virginia and allow prosecutorial misconduct to proceed.

    “The facts clearly dictate that this killing, through an unfortunate series of unplanned events, resulted in Henry Silver’s death,” McArdle wrote. “The state has done nothing but attempt to use one isolated incident of self-defense and make it into a case for glorification of its own sensationalized theory of the case.”

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  • Suspect shot after trying to run over deputy during Marion County pursuit, officials say

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    A deputy-involved shooting happened overnight in Marion County.

    The incident began around 2:45 a.m. after a suspect attempted to flee from deputies responding to a suspicious person call in Reddick.

    Deputies said they arrived at a home in Reddick and saw a vehicle driving recklessly away from the scene.

    Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to comply, leading to a brief pursuit.

    The pursuit ended just north of Highway 329 on NW Gainesville Road, where the vehicle was finally stopped.

    Officials said the suspect refused to exit the vehicle and attempted to run over a deputy in an effort to continue fleeing. In response, another deputy shot the suspect.

    Despite being shot, the suspect continued to drive off before stopping in the 12600 block of N Highway 441.

    The suspect was then transported to a local hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

    The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has been notified and will be conducting an investigation into the shooting.

    Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

    Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

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  • Marion County and firefighters begin contract negotiations

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    MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighter contract negotiations are set to begin soon in Marion County.

    The professional fire fighters of Marion County say work hours are a top issue for the 2026 fiscal year, as increased growth has led to more overtime.

    What You Need To Know

    • The union and the county have opened contract talks for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year

    • The union is requesting changes to work schedules, wage increase and other benefits

    • Union representative says that on average, Marion County firefighters are working 56-hour weeks, which has contributed to employee burnout and fatigue

    • The signing of House Bill 929 has created a surge in Florida fire departments adopting new work schedules


    The current contract will expire in June 2026. The union and the county have opened contract talks for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year.

    The union is requesting changes to its work schedules, wage increase and other benefits. They represent more than 500 first responders, both active and retired in Marion County Fire Rescue.

    “The industry for the fire service is very competitive right now, and that’s due to retirements, the departments in the state and the need for qualified people to work,” Marion County Professional Firefighters Second Vice President Joseph Romani said.

    Romani said that on average, Marion County firefighters are working 56-hour weeks, which he said has contributed to employee burnout and fatigue. He said if they lose members, they have to keep the same level of service since the county is growing at an excessive rate.

    The union is requesting no more than 42-hour work weeks with the overall goal of better retention and staying competitive against other fire departments across the state. 

    Romani says the signing of House Bill 929 has created a surge in Florida fire departments adopting new work schedules.

    “The hope is we can secure a contract that is competitive and responsible enough to keep the members we have here,” Romani says.

    Marion County sent a statement saying in part, “We are looking forward to a successful year of negotiations. The county is looking forward to the best outcome for our employees, the department and the citizens of Marion County.”

    “The job will take a lot out of you, it will take a lot of heart sacrifice and do things to your body,” Romani says. “I want to make sure we are doing our part to set the future for whoever chooses to serve Marion County in the future.”

    The county and union are set to discuss the contract further in September. Romani says the goal is to make these changes ahead of the next fiscal year that starts in October. These changes would be set in place through 2029.

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    Camille Acevedo

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