Ocala Police say 27-year-old Caleb Ray is accused of grooming a child for years after first meeting the victim at church. Detectives say the victim, now a teenager, reported first meeting Ray when the child was nine years old. According to the arrest report, investigators believe Ray maintained contact for years using Snapchat.

A pedestrian was killed in a crash in Marion County Tuesday morning, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The crash happened at County Road 25 near SE 102nd Terrace in Belleview.

Deputies responded to a home on W. Highway 318 at approximately 3:15 a.m. Saturday, after receiving a call about a stabbing. Upon arrival, they found a man suffering from a stab wound, the sheriff’s office said.

A man is dead after a stabbing at a home on W Highway 318 in Reddick early Saturday morning, and a woman is in custody, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

A Central Florida Realtor says she is getting hit with as many as 80 to 90 spam calls a day — and her attempts to stop them are starting to cost her business.

News 6 has compiled a list of the latest "book bans" from across Central Florida.

Wyomina Park Elementary students are expected to be rezoned to Oakcrest Elementary for the 2027-28 school year as part of a Marion County school district plan to better use campus space and address aging facilities.

Ocala's police chief has provided more information after a shooting over the weekend left one person dead and two others hurt.

According to an Ocala police social media post, a family of three — a father, mother, and their 5-year-old child — was traveling south when a vehicle behind them opened fire, striking their car multiple times.

Two people have been arrested in a drive-by shooting in Ocala where a mother and a five-year-old child were shot. Police arrested Kentrai Patterson, 28, and Kedonte Davis, 26, in connection with the Sept. 14 shooting on SE 11th Avenue.

Police said the shooting was reported around 2 p.m. near a home on NW 12th Avenue in Ocala. When officers arrived, they found one man shot to death outside the home. Another man with gunshot wounds was rushed to a hospital.

A stretch of West Highway 40 in Dunnellon has been closed after a deputy-involved shooting, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

A major natural gas leak is forcing residents to stay out of a Marion County neighborhood Wednesday while emergency crews work to contain it.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier took to the podium on Tuesday to announce that nearly 6 million eggs will be delivered to the Sunshine State after a massive investigation.

A Summerfield man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury convicted him of first-degree premeditated murder in the 2023 shooting death of Darius Jones.

Police in Ocala say they are investigating a bomb threat at the College of Central Florida. The Ocala campus has been evacuated.

With more locations expected in Florida, Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III said the fan-favorite convenience store chain will focus expansion efforts on business-friendly, “conservative” states.

One of the largest providers of health care services in The Villages settled with the federal government for more than half a billion dollars to resolve accusations that the company filed false Medicare diagnosis codes in order to increase payments.

Florida is accusing two companies of colluding to drive up prescription drug prices. The lawsuit goes after two pharmacy benefit companies, Prime Therapeutics and Express Scripts.

Last week, a dozen more Central Florida eateries were forced to shut down (at least temporarily) after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.

Deputies were on the scene of a home where a man with a warrant who has barricaded himself on Wednedsay afternoon, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Central Florida’s air quality is improving, according to MetroPlan Orlando, which monitors ozone levels at four locations across the region. The region’s ozone levels remain below the federal attainment standard, a threshold air quality officials want to stay under. Remaining in attainment is important because failing to meet the standard could affect transportation funding.

A man is dead after an early-morning crash in Marion County Sunday, says state troopers. Troopers say they were called out to the area of State Road 25 around 7 a.m.

Rain chances increase the farther north you go.

Rain chances increase the farther north you go.

Severe weather toppled trees and damaged homes in Ocala on Saturday, say fire safety crews. Officials say multiple fire engines were called to Southeast Eighth Street after a tree cracked and fell onto a home, taking down power lines.

Here’s where to find election results for Marion County races in Florida’s primary election on Aug. 18, 2026.

This year, the U.S. Census Bureau released a new report showing where people have been moving — and one Central Florida city had the biggest boom nationwide.

A street race last weekend led to the death of a 77-year-old woman, and both of the suspected drivers have finally been caught, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Central Florida’s dangerous heat wave isn’t going anywhere. The fourth heat advisory of the week was issued Friday, as heat index values will exceed 108 degrees.

Central Florida school districts are rapidly rolling out evolving, district-by-district rules that allow limited, transparent AI use in classrooms while tightening guardrails around privacy, academic integrity, and high-stakes decision-making.

A shooting was reported at a grocery store in Ocala on Tuesday, leaving one person seriously injured, according to the police department.

One driver is facing pending charges and troopers are looking for another driver in a multi-vehicle crash that killed a 77-year-old woman in Ocala over the weekend.

News 6 has compiled a list of the latest "book bans" from across Central Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it was notified that an adult woman was bitten on the arm by an alligator while swimming in the Silver River on Friday.

Law enforcement arrested a Spring Hill man after over 26,000 pounds of litter was found dumped in the Ocala Wildlife Management Area, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Early voting has already begun in some Central Florida counties, but starting Saturday, all counties across Central Florida will offer early voting for the Florida Statewide Primary election. Find early voting locations, information on what you need to vote, and what's on the ballot, here.

Last week, half a dozen Central Florida eateries were forced to shut down temporarily after a visit from a health inspectors, according to state records.

A federal survey shows that, on average, U.S. households spent 12% of the family budget on food in 2024. For very-low-income households, it was 33%. And over the past year, as food costs continued to rise, a new federal law pushed hundreds of thousands of Floridians out of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, America’s food security safety net. This article from Central Florida Public Media looks at those issues. It also focuses on the congressional options one voter affected by food insecurity will have on this year’s General Election ballot.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Chad Cordey, can be seen in chopper video ditching the car and fleeing through a nearby yard, all while holding up his sagging shorts as he ran.

Strong storms are moving through Central Florida.

Florida Republican Congressman Randy Fine spoke one-on-one with News 6 anchor Lauren Melendez about affordability, immigration, and focusing on President Trump's agenda.

Deputies said security camera footage showed Duvall approaching the victims, pointing the weapon at them, and hitting the metal cable that was pulling the truck, all while getting within a few feet of them.

A Central Florida man who ignored what he thought were junk shipping emails said boxes began showing up at his Ocala home - and he soon discovered about $1,200 in credit card charges for items he says he never ordered.

Property taxes have gone up across Florida — but some places have seen much bigger jumps than others.

The week begins with lingering moisture and ends trending a little drier.

Scattered storms continue in Central Florida to close weekend

Rain chances increase even further as we remain unsettled.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties. Here are the candidates for the Marion County Commission District 2 Republican primary.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties. Here are the candidates for the Marion County Commission District 4 Republican primary.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties. Here are the candidates for the Marion County School Board District 4.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has filed 81 additional felony charges against a sex crimes suspect after a forensic examination of his mobile device revealed extensive child sexual abuse material — and detectives believe there are more victims who have not yet been identified.

Marion County deputies trying to stop an Amber Alert suspect used a PIT maneuver to disable his vehicle Monday evening — and shots were fired as they moved in to arrest him, according to the sheriff's office.

Ahead of Florida's Aug. 18 statewide primary, Central Florida election supervisors are urging all registered voters — not just party members — to participate, as the ballot includes nonpartisan races for school board, county commission, judicial seats, and select universal primary races that are open to every eligible voter.

A Marion County man died after investigators say he ran off the road and hit a tree Saturday.

Quick acting crews in Marion County attacked and brought a structure fire under control in just 16 minutes Saturday night, according to Marion County Fire Rescue.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies said a missing woman who was last seen in the early morning hours Wednesday in Dunnellon has been found safe.

A business partially collapsed Sunday morning after a fire that required help from agencies across Marion County. Marion County Fire Rescue said crews responded around 4 a.m. to the area of South Highway 25 in Weirsdale after multiple 911 calls.

On Wednesday, the sheriff's office issued a message to left-lane campers across the state. "Be a hero. Move over."

One of the eateries — a Chinese restaurant in Orlando — suffered its fourth closure this year, according to state records.

Law enforcement agencies across the Southeast kicked off Operation Southern Slow Down Monday at Daytona International Speedway, launching a weeklong campaign aimed at reducing speed-related crashes and fatalities on Florida’s roads.

A strong storm hit Ocala Saturday evening, knocking out power to thousands and damaging homes with downed trees. Crews are working to restore service.

Heat Advisories unlikely Sunday afternoon.

Downed trees and power lines — that’s what Ocala fire officials say was left behind after storms swept through the area Saturday. Photos show trees on some homes and sprawled across roads.

Florida wildlife officials are investigating a viral TikTok video that appears to show a woman petting an alligator from a kayak at Silver Springs after receiving multiple complaints from the public.

A 64-year-old Ocala boxing coach is behind bars after detectives say he sexually abused a juvenile student for months at multiple locations across Marion County, including two local boxing gyms, a hotel, his home, and inside his vehicle.

An 11-year-old Pennsylvania boy lost his hand in an alligator attack while fishing with his family at Nelson Fish Camp in Florida. The boy's father attempted to save him, but the alligator severed his hand, which could not be reattached despite multiple surgeries. The community has rallied around the family, raising funds for medical expenses and future prosthetic costs. Authorities remind the public to stay alert and cautious around alligators, especially during warmer months.

According to Ocala Fire Rescue, crews arrived on scene and found a one-story home with flames burning through the roof.

A man was airlifted to a burn center Thursday after an explosion sparked a major garage fire at a home in Silver Springs, according to Marion County Fire Rescue. Investigators say the cause remains under investigation.

Seven Central Florida school districts garnered “A” grades in the latest report card released this week. Individual school grades were also released. We've listed all of the school grades.

The skies over Central Florida will light up this Fourth of July, with fireworks, festivals and celebrations stretching across the region all weekend long.

After months of work, company officials revealed that eight supermarkets have now been converted into Winn-Dixie stores.

Take a clear kayak tour at Silver Springs State Park with Kayaking Florida and spot manatees, gators, otters, birds and even the park’s famous monkeys.

Around 11:30 p.m. Monday, units responded to the 1500 block of NE 162nd Street after reports of a house fire. When crews arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames, the sheriff’s office said.

A 31-year-old woman died after being bitten by an alligator while swimming with friends Saturday afternoon near Geneva, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida Fish and Wildlife officials shared news Sunday of a second alligator bite in Marion County in the past week.

On Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed another batch of 15 bills, though he also opted to veto three bills.

A Marion County family is reuniting with their 13-year-old dog, Apollo, who was found in New York nearly two months after disappearing. Surveillance footage showed a woman taking Apollo, and he was later discovered in Hempstead with a tag bearing a different name. The family is incurring significant expenses to bring him home and is seeking answers about his journey, while expressing relief and excitement at his return. Authorities have not yet updated their previous determination that no crime occurred.

An Indiana man has been charged on accusations he stalked WNBA player Sophie Cunningham and sent her threatening and explicit messages on social media.

A new report has emerged revealing which cities spent the most on OnlyFans last year — and one Florida metro came in at No. 2.

The Rainbow River has reopened after deputies and FWC located and removed an alligator involved in a snorkeler bite, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.

The cult-favorite convenience chain Buc-ee’s is set to open several new locations in the Sunshine State — but one location in particular may be a good fit for the company, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Despite its Texan upbringing, Buc-ee’s has been a smash hit for many Florida residents since its debut in St. Augustine years ago.

Marion County and state officials on Thursday announced the arrest of more than 50 people in what is being called the largest child predator sting in the county’s history. Sheriff Billy Woods said the suspects included fathers, teachers, coaches and even a high school student.

In Orange County, authorities say Bryan Watts, a convicted felon, shot and killed his two young daughters, Tiana and Jaliyajh, before killing himself at their apartment last week. The killings happened one day after Watts was in court on charges accusing him of beating his girlfriend.

State officials have revealed the latest data showing which parts of Florida were most affected by fatal car crashes in 2025.

A father and son were taken into custody this week after investigators said they uncovered a local RV scam, according to the Ocala Police Department.

Deputies said she and the children may be in Texas, where the individual with whom she allegedly had an affair lives.

A 2-year-old boy died after he fell into a pool in Marion County over the weekend, according to the sheriff’s office.

According to organizers, the event will have a heavy focus on Florida's legendary "Skunk Ape."

A lightning strike over the holiday weekend severely damaged Larry Mull's Ocala property, destroying his shed and the well pump and filtration system that supplied his home with water. Mull and his family were left without running water for days and had to rely on a neighbor's supply while facing costly repairs. The incident occurred at a challenging time, delaying insurance and repair responses. Despite the destruction, Mull expressed relief that no one was hurt and that two full propane tanks in the shed were unharmed.

A 68-year-old Ocala man died after his motorcycle overturned on Maricamp Road near Locust Place on Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

An Ocala church already recovering from a major electrical fire is now dealing with what church leaders describe as a hateful act of vandalism involving racial slurs and threatening messages. Leaders at St. Paul A.M.E. Church said someone broke into the church overnight and vandalized the property with racist language and symbols just days after a fire forced the church to close temporarily.

The latest study reveals the top-ranked places to live across the U.S. — including right here in the Sunshine State.

A crash along Interstate 75 left an ambulance overturned on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Ocala Fire Rescue.

Andres Bahamon, who was identified as a person of interest in his father’s disappearance, was arrested on Monday and charged with felony evidence tampering.

Now that it’s May, school districts across Central Florida are gearing up to release their students for the summer.

The project — later dubbed "Florida's Folly" — nearly caused the Sunshine State to be split in half.

The man accused of ambushing a Marion County deputy and then stabbing him multiple times is being held without bond, and now News 6 is learning this isn’t the first time he’s been violent with a member of law enforcement.

Central Florida’s drought is deepening, and the St. Johns River Water Management District says its work is being stretched across all of its main responsibilities.