In Case You Missed a Few Items Locally
Regional News Briefs – Marion, Citrus, Levy, Lake, and Sumter Counties
Dates Covered: October 20–24, 2025
A pedestrian was fatally struck in the 3700‑block of NW Blitchton Road near the I‑75 off‑ramp in Ocala, according to the Ocala Police Department. The crash was reported just before 1 a.m. Friday morning. The vehicle fled the scene and remains unidentified. East‑bound lanes from the ramp to the 3800 block were blocked during investigation. No arrest has been made. Detectives are appealing for any dash‑cam or surveillance video to assist the investigation.
Marion County — Oct 23, 2025
A 22‑year‑old man is facing DUI‑manslaughter charges following a fatal crash in southeast Marion County. Court documents filed Oct. 23 state the incident involved alleged impairment behind the wheel. The Florida Highway Patrol continues to collect evidence ahead of a hearing. No further suspect details or time of day have been released.
Citrus County — Oct 23, 2025
County commissioners approved placing a local option one‑cent sales tax referendum on the November 2026 ballot. The vote came Wednesday. The tax is projected to raise approximately $25 million annually and is designated solely for resurfacing more than 700 lane miles of roadways. A sunset clause would allow the tax to expire once the projects are complete.
Citrus County — Oct 23, 2025
The Florida Citrus Commission adopted a $23.4 million budget for fiscal year 2025‑2026. The move was reported Wednesday in Tallahassee. The plan reflects a production forecast of 11.6 million boxes of oranges, 1.2 million boxes of grapefruit, and 350,000 boxes of specialty fruit. Growers face lingering challenges from disease and labor shortages, and the budget includes marketing and research funds.
Sumter County — Oct 23, 2025 — afternoon
A tenant was arrested after a physical altercation with a landlord at a residential complex off Buena Vista Boulevard in The Villages. The incident occurred Wednesday during a dispute which escalated. Deputies responded and took the tenant into custody. The case raises concerns over escalating conflicts in rapidly growing retirement‑community environments.
Lake County — Oct 23, 2025 — time not released
Troopers investigated a multi-vehicle crash on State Road 44 near Mount Dora that involved three passenger vehicles and a commercial truck. One person died and several others were injured, according to initial reports. Florida Highway Patrol closed portions of SR-44 for several hours to document the scene and collect statements. Exact cause and contributing factors have not been released. Investigators are asking for motorists who were in the area during the afternoon to share dash-camera footage.
Lake County — Oct 20, 2025 — ~10:25 p.m.
A 24-year-old Clermont man driving a 2024 Toyota Crown died in a head-on collision with a 2015 Freightliner semi on State Road 50 near Sloans Ridge Road. Florida Highway Patrol said the eastbound sedan failed to negotiate a curve, crossed into the westbound lane, and struck the truck. The sedan became partially engulfed in flames; the truck driver, 69, from Tampa, sustained minor injuries and was transported to South Lake Hospital.
Sumter County — Oct 23, 2025 — afternoon
A Wildwood man was taken into custody on a warrant and later charged with possession of a stolen firearm after deputies located a handgun in his waistband during the arrest. The incident occurred in Wildwood; the subject was transported to the Sumter County Detention Center. No injuries were reported. Deputies documented the firearm and entered it as stolen. Additional charges are pending prosecutorial review.
Sumter County — Oct 23, 2025 — afternoon
A 47-year-old defendant, identified as Brian William Decot, was released on $100,000 bond following a hearing in Sumter County Court. The case stems from a charge of death caused by the unlawful distribution of cocaine tied to an incident in The Villages in 2024. Release conditions were set by the court; next court dates were not announced in the initial report.
Marion County — Oct 24, 2025 — ~2:30 p.m.
Marion County Fire Rescue, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a reported gas leak near Maplewood Elementary School, 3749 NE 7th Street, Ocala. The incident impacted student pickup operations. Crews isolated and contained the leak; no injuries were reported. Traffic control was in place during the response, and normal operations resumed after clearance from responders.
Marion County — Oct 23, 2025 — 4:19 p.m.
A Silver Alert was issued for an 84-year-old man, identified as Charles Olds, who left a residence on SE 290th Avenue in Umatilla at approximately 10:40 a.m. He was later located in Lake County and is safe. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the alert and subsequent recovery. No foul play is suspected; family cited medical concerns including memory issues.
Marion County — Oct 24, 2025 — morning
FDLE announced 'Operation 12 Parsecs,' a five-day undercover effort with partner agencies, including Marion County deputies, resulting in charges against 13 individuals. The operation targeted child-predator offenses. Arrests and charges vary by defendant; case files are being referred to the State Attorney’s Office.
Marion County — Oct 24, 2025 — morning
Marion Technical College announced two new training programs for aviation and diesel mechanics starting next week. The programs provide hands-on instruction with aircraft and diesel engines, aimed at workforce placement in maintenance and repair roles. Enrollment details and start dates were released by the college; financial aid and industry partnerships were referenced.
Marion County — Oct 21, 2025 — evening
Deputies opened a death investigation in Summerfield after human remains were found. The call came in the evening hours; the location was not publicly disclosed pending scene security. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with the Medical Examiner for identification and cause of death. Investigators did not indicate a connection to any other recent case.
Levy County — Oct 23, 2025 — morning
An 83-year-old Chiefland man died after a crash with a semitruck on U.S. 19 at County Road 347. The Florida Highway Patrol reported the collision occurred Wednesday morning; the driver of the semitruck was not injured. Lanes were restricted during scene processing, and the victim’s identity will be released after family notification.
Marion County — Oct 21, 2025 — 3:42 p.m.
A major road‑improvement project on County Road 484 near I‑75 appears stalled, prompting frustration from nearby businesses and commuters. The Florida Department of Transportation says the work was paused to redesign the project for integration with the upcoming 'Moving I‑75 Forward' initiative and expects parts to resume within a month.
Marion County — Oct 23, 2025 — afternoon
During the regular meeting of the Ocala City Council, members unanimously approved a change order for the downtown Parking Garage No. 2, allocating an additional $216,000 for a third elevator and discussing a $700,000 fire‑sprinkler upgrade. The debate centered on budget oversight, bidding procedures, and ensuring compliance with fire‑safety code.
Marion County — Oct 24, 2025 — 7:47 a.m.
Marion County Animal Services placed its main kennel under partial isolation after several animals tested positive for the bacterium *Streptococcus zooepidemicus*. The agency says the condition 'can pose a serious health risk to dogs in high‑stress or high‑density environments.' Intake is limited, and enhanced cleaning is underway.
Marion County — Oct 21, 2025 — evening
Human remains were recovered along U.S. Highway 441 in Summerfield. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded Sunday evening after a caller reported the remains. Officials say the discovery is the second in the county this week, and no connection has been made between the two incidents. Identification and cause of death are under investigation.