SUMTER COUNTY

All four residents of The Villages charged with voting twice in the 2020 election have now admitted to the crime, court records show.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is looking for help in figuring out why three dogs ended up dead in a dumpster.

A 70-year-old man and two boys were arrested Friday in connection with the shooting death late last year of a Sumter County 15-year-old, according to the sheriff’s office.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Two teens and a man were arrested in connection with the death of missing juvenile Jontae Solomon Haywood, who was later found shot to death, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. READ: Downtown Orlando business owner says proposed safety measures are redundant, costlyHaywood was reported as missing on Dec. 16. Investigators later determined the people responsible for Haywood’s death were negligently handling a gun when it discharged, killing him. READ: Osceola County woman accused of stabbing father, 2 childrenThe three suspects then moved Haywood’s body to prevent it from being found, according to deputies. Nethercot was present at the time of the incident, but did not make any attempt to intervene to prevent Haywood’s death, deputies said.

A state attorney is delivering justice with a new animal cruelty task force spanning across three Central Florida counties.

A man was hospitalized early Saturday after being robbed and shot on a dead-end road in Sumter County, an incident that resulted in three arrests before day's end, deputies said.

Plan to import cheaper drugs still in stasis, DeSantis says

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a missing child alert for a 12-year-old Sumter County girl.

Theaters across Central Florida are pulling the curtain back on their 2023 productions, concerts, exhibits and more, ready for the year of art and culture ahead.

A Leesburg man was arrested Friday after driving away from the scene of a crash that evening in Sumter County which took the life of a motorcyclist, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — An 11-year-old is among two people who have died following a Sumter County crash, the Florida Highway Patrol said. According to a news release, a sedan and an SUV were traveling northbound on State Road 91. The sedan overtook the SUV around mile marker 304 and collided with the SUV, coming to a rest on the grass shoulder of the highway. Read: Foggy morning leads to partly cloudy Thursday; freeze watch issued for Christmas weekendTroopers said the SUV traveled on the grass median and overturned multiple times, and one passenger was ejected from the vehicle. Read: Man arrested after trying to rob Publix in Deltona, deputies sayTwo of the passengers in the SUV, a 40-year-old and an 11-year-old boy, died at the scene from their injuries.

An 11-year-old Ocala boy and a 40-year-old Ocala man were killed in a two-vehicle crash on the Florida Turnpike, the FHP says.

A 27-year-old man was killed and three others were seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash on County Road 466 in The Villages, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A missing 15-year-old teen was found dead on Friday, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said. In a news release, deputies said officers searched North Wall Street in Bushnell, the last area where Jontae Haywood had been seen. Investigators said Haywood, a student at Sumter Prep Academy, was reported missing early Friday morning. Read: Teen in the hospital after being shot on State Road 520, deputies saySumter County deputies are still investigating this incident. Read: Dog Saved from Home Fire in OcalaAnyone with information is asked to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 352-793-2621 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

A Sumter County teen reported missing on Friday was found dead later that day in an apparent homicide, the sheriff’s office said in an update on Facebook.

Central Florida is waking up to cooler air left behind a front that brought strong storms.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Sumter County are investigating after a train hit a car overnight. The crash happened Tuesday evening near Main Street and Central Avenue. Read: Tavares police officer exposed to fentanyl shines light on opioid dangersThe crash site is not far from Bushnell Elementary School. Read: Waste Management employees rescue elderly man trapped under golf cartDeputies say the crash involved a CSX train, but did not give details on the car or whether anyone involved was hurt. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A woman faces DUI charges after a train struck her vehicle in Sumter County.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Sumter County residents will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Tuesday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will distribute free, fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods in Lake Panasoffkee. READ: Coldest weather so far this season heading to Central FloridaOrganizers said the giveaway will be held in conjunction with Lake Panasoffkee United Methodist Church. Tuesday’s food giveaway will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will operate until supplies run out. READ: Florida lawmakers convene for 2nd special session this year to address home insurance issuesFarm Share has also scheduled a food distribution event in Central Florida for Wednesday.

The former Center Hill police chief was arrested Friday in connection with sexual battery on a 14-year-old girl while using a deadly weapon in Sumter County, deputies said.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A former Central Florida police chief is accused of sexually battering a 14-year-old girl while utilizing a deadly weapon. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said William Pruitt, the former Center Hill police chief, was arrested on Friday. Deputies said they were advised by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on Monday that a sexual battery had occurred in Sumter County. Read: Jennifer Kesse: Investigation into Orlando woman’s disappearance turned over to FDLEOn Friday, deputies said the U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, with the assistance of the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Pruitt in Live Oak without incident.

Seasons change, and holiday events are in full swing.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — You may hear of firefighters rescuing a cat stuck in a tree, but one dog was saved from a rare situation. Sumter County Fire and Emergency Medical Services team rescued a dog that was trapped in a recliner on Nov. 11. Firefighters received a 911 call about Elwood — a 15-year-old blind dog who had gotten stuck in the gearing of the chair. Read: ‘Secured a loving home’: 17 children adopted during event at Brevard County stadiumOnce Sumter County firefighters arrived at the scene, they slowly reversed the recliner and then tried to take apart the chair. The firefighters advised the owner to take their dog to the veterinarian to be checked out.

, Fla. — We’ve made it easy for you to shop for a toy to help a local child. Find your county below and click on the link to safely shop for your local Toys for Tots campaign. NORTH BREVARD: https://www.roonga.com/9fcnorthbrevard2022SOUTH BREVARD: https://www.roonga.com/9fcsouthbrevard2022ORANGE COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcorange2022OSCEOLA COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcosceola2022SEMINOLE COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcseminole2022VOLUSIA COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcvolusia2022LAKE/SUMTER COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fclakesumter2022FLAGLER COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcflagler2022Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group

, Fla. — Toys for Tots needs volunteers this year in all counties. Find out how you can help below. NORTH BREVARD: https://mims-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-volunteer-form.aspxSOUTH BREVARD: https://barefoot-bay-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-volunteer-form.aspxORANGE COUNTY: http://www.toysfortotsusa.org/volunteersOSCEOLA COUNTY: http://www.toysfortotsusa.org/volunteersSEMINOLE COUNTY: http://www.toysfortotsusa.org/volunteersVOLUSIA COUNTY: https://volusiacounty.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-volunteer-form.aspxLAKE/SUMTER COUNTY: https://oxford-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-volunteer-form.aspxFLAGLER COUNTY: https://palm-coast-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-volunteer-form.aspxClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group

, Fla. — We’ve made it easy for you to shop for a toy to help a local child. Find your county below and click on the link to safely shop for your local Toys for Tots campaign. NORTH BREVARD: https://www.roonga.com/9fcnorthbrevard2022SOUTH BREVARD: https://www.roonga.com/9fcsouthbrevard2022ORANGE COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcorange2022OSCEOLA COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcosceola2022SEMINOLE COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcseminole2022VOLUSIA COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcvolusia2022LAKE/SUMTER COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fclakesumter2022FLAGLER COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcflagler2022Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group

A Sumter County high school teacher was arrested Wednesday after inappropriately touching at least one student, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency declaration for 34 of the state’s 67 counties ahead of the storm’s arrival later this week.

SUMTER, S.C. — A South Carolina woman is accused of attempted murder after an argument broke out at a Waffle House, authorities said. At about 3 a.m., officers were called to the Waffle House, where witnesses said Gray allegedly confronted a security guard at the restaurant, according to the newspaper. Police said Gray then entered a minivan and attempted to run over the guard, WIS-TV reported. According to Sumter police, Gray missed the security guard and struck an occupied vehicle. The vehicle driven in the incident was found in a wooded area in Sumter County, according to the news release.

Midterm elections are set to take place on Nov. 8, though thousands of Florida residents have been coming out to vote early or mail in their ballots. Here's how many have gotten out the vote in Central Florida so far.

A 57-year-old woman from Lake Panasoffkee was killed in a crash Wednesday afternoon in Sumter County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Florida voters make decisions in the 2022 general election.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — School districts nationwide now have nearly $1 billion to buy electric buses. Photos: EPA awards $1 billion for school districts to buy electric school busesExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 EPA awards $1 billion for school districts to buy electric school busesThe Biden administration announced the grant Wednesday. Read: Powerball jackpot hits $800M after no one wins Wednesday’s top prize“Mark my words, zero emissions school buses can be and will be the American standard,” Regan said. The agency said this is the first installment of $5 billion in grants that will be spread out over the next five years. Watch: A student filmed a fight at a Central Florida school.

Sumter County is just one of the school districts across the U.S. receiving funding for low-emission, electric buses as part of the federal government’s EPA Clean School Bus Program initiative.

Two Wildwood Middle High School students who have been friends since fifth grade are celebrating their academic accomplishments together.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A Webster man has been charged in connection to a shooting that killed his son, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said. SCSO said Lindsay McGeorge, 51, was already in jail for an unrelated crime when it charged him with manslaughter on Thursday. READ: Tristen Nash, son of WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash, dead at 26Sumter County shooting death arrest Lindsay McGeorge (Sumter County Sheriff's Office)On Aug. 20, investigators said McGeorge was at his home on County Road 673 when he shot and killed his son, 19-year-old Jaiden McGeorge, after mistaking him for a burglar. READ: Man found inside crashed car in Orange County shot to death, deputies sayThey said the elder McGeorge reported seeing three people trying to enter his home, claiming one was armed with a handgun. Jail records show that McGeorge was booked into the Sumter County Detention Center on Sept. 8 on charges including possession of a weapon and contempt of court.

A suspended Sumter County commissioner awaiting trial on a felony perjury charge is in more legal hot water over an online fundraiser he created to pay his lawyers.

A father faces a charge of manslaughter after mistakenly shooting and killing his 19-year-old son earlier this year, according to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.

International Sloth Day is coming up this Thursday, and to celebrate, News 6 has gathered a list of places in Central Florida where you can go to see these slow-moving creatures.

The Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had to rescue a white-tailed deer that was stuck on a part of its property after Hurricane Ian.

A male cyclist is dead after he was hit and killed while riding his bike in Sumter County, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Suspended Sumter commissioner Oren Miller’s felony perjury trial will begin the day after Election Day, a judge ordered Tuesday.

As the Nov. 8 general election approaches, the state of Florida has important deadlines in place to make sure each vote is counted.

As the Nov. 8 General Election approaches, the state of Florida has important deadlines in place to make sure each vote is counted.

Officials said there are now 58 deaths attributed to Hurricane Ian, according to an update by FDLE on Sunday evening.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, federal loans are being offered to help Central Florida businesses that were impacted by the storm.

Many streets in Central Florida are damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of people in Central Florida will wake up Friday with no power. As of Friday morning, more than 27,000 Orlando Utilities Commission customers are in the dark, as well as nearly 295,000 Duke Energy customers, nearly 211,000 Florida Power and Light customers and more than 2,500 Kissimmee Utility Authority customers. LIVE UPDATES: Florida works toward recovery as Hurricane Ian heads toward the CarolinasDozens of Duke Energy trucks are set up just outside The Villages, ready to help all across the state. About 4,800 Duke energy workers and mutual aid are hitting the roads today to restore power for customers across the state. They have been sent to all the way from west Pinellas County, east to Orange County, Seminole County and multiple places in between.

As Hurricane Ian gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida counties are preparing for the storm impacts it will bring.

A 38-year-old woman from Bushnell was killed in a crash in Sumter County, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

A county by county breakdown of where you can find the closest shelter near you, if you need to evacuate.

The Sumter County Board of Commissioners approved a local declaration of emergency as Hurricane Ian is moving closer to the Florida gulf coast.

After Hurricane Ian moved through the area, Central Florida schools announced how they are handling the storm’s aftermath and when they will be reopening.

As Hurricane Ian is moving closer to the Florida gulf coast, residents are filling up gas tanks and buying supplies to be prepared.

A motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a pickup truck in Sumter County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A silver alert was issued Monday evening for a 91-year-old Sumter County man, according to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.

Using electronic data extracted from those voter rolls, “Totes Legit Votes” provided Florida elections officials with the names of 282 people who appeared to have voted in both Florida and at least one other state, emails reviewed by News 6 reveal.

Rep. Daniel Webster faces two challengers: conservative firebrand Laura Loomer and Gavriel Soriano.

Sumter County is working with mosquito-management workers to survey mosquito-transmitted diseases in the county — through the use of chickens.

Deputies responded to a Webster home Saturday evening after a father mistakenly shot and killed his son whom he mistook for a burglar, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

Qualified adopters can adopt a shelter pet for free at Sumter County Animal Services.

A third resident of The Villages has admitted to voting twice during the 2020 election, court records show.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida’s primary election is only days away. Do you know where you need to go to vote? To make sure you end up in the right place to cast your ballot on Tuesday, Aug. 23, Channel 9 compiled a county-by-county list of resources to help you find your polling place. See the list of polling place locators below:Orange CountySeminole CountyBrevard CountyRead: Florida elections: Can you take a selfie with your ballot? Osceola CountyMarion CountyVolusia CountyRead: Early voting for primary election underway in all Central Florida countiesSumter CountyLake CountyFlagler CountyRead: Demings, Fried, and DeSantis all lead in new UNF PollVideo: Early voting for primary election underway in all Central Florida counties It’s time for residents in Central Florida to pull out their sample ballots.

Florida will hold its 2022 primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Rep. Daniel Webster faces two challengers: conservative firebrand Laura Loomer and Gavriel Soriano.

The Florida Department of Transportation will, for the moment, no longer pursue a proposed extension of the Florida Turnpike.

Parents are experiencing sticker shock as they head to stores to complete their back-to-school shopping.

A 52-year-old man was killed after a car hit him in Sumter County, troopers say.

Man found dead after shooting at bar in Sumter County, deputies saySUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Sumter County are investigating after a man was found dead inside a bar early Saturday. READ: President Biden: ‘I tested positive for COVID again’Investigators responded around 12:20 a.m. to The Damn Pub at 4666 CR 300 Lake Panasoffkee for a reported shooting. When deputies arrived, they found Shaun Farkus of Oxford, Florida dead from a gunshot wound. Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting to contact them. READ: Officials: Florida school basketball coach accused of sexually abusing studentsAnyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 352-793-2621.

VIDEO: ‘No build!’ Sumter’s rural residents pressure county to fight Turnpike project More of Sumter County’s rural community members are joining together to fight a planned extension of the Florida Turnpike. (Nick Papantonis, WFTV.com/WFTV)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — More of Sumter County’s rural community members are joining together to fight a planned extension of the Florida Turnpike. Sumter County residents are out to pressure their commissioners to oppose the Turnpike extension project. @WFTV pic.twitter.com/fgShdh0y7O — Nick Papantonis WFTV (@NPapantonisWFTV) July 26, 2022READ: Some Orange County residents not seeing timely trash pickupSupporters of the no build movement want FDOT to consider scrapping their proposed project altogether, or a “no build” alternate option, as the name suggests. However, FDOT leaders and the state government have the final say.

Florida Turnpike Extension A sign outside a home in Royal, FL, protesting a planned northern extension of the Florida Turnpike. (Nick Papantonis)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Members of the “No Build Community” in Sumter County will rally at 4 p.m. in The Villages Tuesday to urge the Florida Department of Transportation to alter the plans for the Northern Turnpike Extension. During Tuesday’s rally, they also hope to persuade Sumter County Commissioners to pass a “no build” resolution and send it to the state. Sumter County development Central Florida community founded by freed slaves could be permanently paved over (wftv.com)The group says the new extension would impact the communities of Royal, Wildwood, Tillman’s Hammock and Oxford in Sumter County. For more details about the group’s efforts, you can click here.

I-75 southbound shut down after crash involving 2 tractor-trailersSUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 is causing major traffic backups in Sumter County. WATCH: Police: 2 women dead, 1 man injured in early morning shooting in TitusvilleTroopers said the crash involves two tractor-trailers and injuries have been reported. The crash occurred on southbound I-75, just south of County Route 476. I-75 southbound shut down after crash involving 2 tractor-trailersThe crash occurred around 8:48 a.m. near mile marker 313. It’s unclear how long I-75 southbound will be shut down.

Video: Man killed, 3 others seriously injured in DUI crash on I-75, troopers saySUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A man was arrested after a deadly crash on Interstate 75 early Thursday, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Troopers said the crash happened around 2:45 a.m. near mile marker 323 in Sumter County. A pickup truck towing a trailer was traveling southbound on I-75 in the center lane when a car collided with it. READ: Police find SUV involved in hit-and-run that killed man walking dog in Seminole County, troopers sayThe pickup truck driver, a 32-year-old man from Tennessee, died in the crash. READ: Record gas prices: Here’s how much they jumped overnight in FloridaTroopers said they arrested Henderson on charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI serious injury and DUI property damage.

Once known as Picketville, it was founded by freed slaves in 1865, during the “40 and a mule” era of Reconstruction. Driving around, you’re welcomed by people greeting each other by name, calling out from porches or along the paths of the community park. Once set upon miles of fields with only the town of Wildwood in sight, it now has I-75 slicing through its westernmost portion and is bordered by the Florida Turnpike to the south. See a map of the proposed development below:Sumter County development Central Florida community founded by freed slaves could be permanently paved over (wftv.com)Florida’s state government has longed to extend the Turnpike to the northwest, up toward Marion County and the Gulf Coast, to help develop the mostly rural area and provide another hurricane evacuation route. Hughes, Steele and others want the highway routed away completely, preferably through a conservation district where the road currently meets I-75.

Suspended Sumter County commissioner Gary Search has accepted a series of punishments from prosecutors in exchange for immunity and testimony against his co-defendant in a felony perjury case.

Suspended Sumter County commissioner Gary Search is on the verge of a deal that could make him a state witness against his co-defendant in a felony perjury case, court records

Animal sanctuary, wedding venue owner at odds over gunfire in rural Sumter County A dispute involving wild animals, guns and a wedding venue has two neighbors at odds in rural Sumter County. (WFTV)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A dispute involving wild animals, guns and a wedding venue has two neighbors at odds in rural Sumter County. Chase Animal Rescue and Sanctuary said it believes its neighbors have been purposely shooting guns near its animals. “The lemurs and the tamarins are very critically endangered, on the verge of extinction,” said Nina Vassallo, who works at the sanctuary. The owner of the wedding venue said the animal rescue is harassing him by having people call and message him.

Ruth Ruth has called an animal shelter in Sumter County home for more than half her life. (YOUR Humane Society SPCA)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Ruth has called an animal shelter in Sumter County home for more than half her life. After more than 1,350 days in the shelter, staff said Ruth would do best as a stay-at-home dog with an owner who will understand her needs and quirks. READ: Orlando officer helps rescue malnourished dog and puppiesHer likes: tennis balls, food and treats. Halifax Humane Society discounting adoption fees through the weekendRuth is fixed, microchipped and up to date on all of her vaccines, so she’s ready to head to her new home.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A New York mobster who killed three people and attempted to kill two others has escaped from federal custody after recently being moved to a halfway house, according to the Bureau of Prisons. Dominic Taddeo, a hit man from a Rochester-area crime family, escaped on March 28, according to the Bureau of Prisons website. Taddeo, 64, had been imprisoned at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Coleman Medium in Sumter County before he was transferred to a Wildwood residential halfway house in February. Taddeo failed to return from an authorized medical appointment and “was placed on escape status” on Monday, a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said. READ: Orange County deputy indicted on charge of aggravated battery with a firearmCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Some Wildwood-area families will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Tuesday morning. SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Some Wildwood-area families will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Tuesday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will hold a food giveaway in conjunction with New Covenant United Methodist Church and the city of Wildwood. The organization with team up with Senator Randolph Bracy, Dedicated Senior Medical Center, and Promise Seeds Initiative. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

“This is one of the most disturbing videos I have seen in my career,” Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. “It was extremely difficult to watch and I am appalled at the actions of all parties in the video.”

Oren Miller and Gary Search repeatedly denied under oath that they talked to each other on their personal cellphones last year — until they were shown evidence to the contrary,

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of families in need in Sumter county got some much needed help thanks to a free food giveaway Thursday. The drive through event was held by the Society of Saint Andrews church and Farm Share, the state’s largest food bank. Residents lined up at New Covenant United Methodist Church in Wildwood to receive free bags of food. Information about how to make a donation and a list of Farm Share food distribution events can be found here. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Farm Share Distributes Food to Food-Insecure Floridians in Orlando Area (WFTV)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

ORLANDO, Fla. — It is a cold Sunday morning with temperatures starting off in the 30s and 40s. It will remain cool throughout the day, with high temperatures reaching the 50s and 60s. Freeze watches are in place for areas NW of Interstate 4 on Sunday morning. Read: Cold-weather shelters provide help as cold weather blasts Central FloridaWe will see temperatures drop into the 20s and 30s Sunday night. Chief meteorologist Tom TerryClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Oren Miller and Gary Search According to Marion County arrest affidavits, Oren Miller, 71, and Gary Search, 71, are both accused of lying while making statements under oath (Sumter County Jail)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed executive orders on Thursday suspending two Sumter County commissioners who were arrested last month accused of lying under oath. According to Marion County arrest affidavits, Oren Miller, 71, and Gary Search, 71, are both accused of lying while making statements under oath to the state attorney as part of a criminal investigation related to possible Sunshine Law violations. When questioned about the phone records under oath, investigators said both men lied. Miller said the two hadn’t spoken on their cell phones since January 2021, and Search said they hadn’t spoken on the telephone at all.

Charles Barnes Charles Barnes, 64, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of fraud for casting more than one ballot. (Sumter County Jail)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Another resident of The Villages is accused of casting more than one ballot in an election. Charles Barnes, 64, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of fraud for casting more than one ballot. Barnes is the fourth resident of The Villages in the past month to be charged with voter fraud related to casting multiple ballots. READ: Florida election supervisors question need for new $6 million election police forceA conviction could mean up to five years in prison.

Generic corrections fencing, barbwire A $4,000 retention bonus will be offered to current correctional officers in an effort to retain staff. (WFTV)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A former guard at a federal prison in Florida has been sentenced to federal jail time himself for his role in a scheme to smuggle drugs into the prison. Federal authorities learned about the scheme and began an undercover operation. Investigators say Grant was even observed smuggling paraphernalia into the prison during one of his shifts and delivering it to an inmate. A District Judge sentenced Grant Friday to a year plus eight months in federal prison with two more years of supervised release.

Oren Miller and Gary Search According to Marion County arrest affidavits, Oren Miller, 71, and Gary Search, 71, are both accused of lying while making statements under oath. (Sumter County Jail)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Two Sumter County commissioners were arrested Wednesday, both accused of lying under oath. According to Marion County arrest affidavits, Oren Miller, 71, and Gary Search, 71, are both accused of lying while making statements under oath to the state attorney as part of a criminal investigation related to possible Sunshine Law violations. READ: Synthetic marijuana ‘spice’ linked to 2 deaths, 41 hospitalizations in FloridaThe arrest affidavit says many of the phone calls between the two commissioners happened either just before or just after Sumter County Commission meetings. Both men were released from Sumter County jail on $2,000 bond.

WILDWOOD, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis will speak in Central Florida Wednesday morning. READ: Osceola County sheriff launches anti-bullying campaign after school fight video goes viralThe event will be held at the Ezell Regional Recreation Center in Wildwood. Channel 9 will livestream the news conference when it begins. READ: Central Florida becoming the Wild West of real estate scamsClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Three residents of The Villages were recently arrested and face charges of casting more than one vote during the 2020 election, according to affidavits. Joan Halstead, Jay Ketcik and John Rider all face felony charges of casting more than one ballot in an election, arrest reports provided by the office of Ocala-based State Attorney Bill Gladson show. The complainant against the ...

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — An Ocala man accused of fatally shooting a man in October before fleeing a traffic stop was arrested Monday, Marion County deputies said. Marion County shooting victim Willie Jones, Jr.Deputies said Samuel fled the scene in an older model Cadillac convertible. Deputies said the pursuit ended when they performed a successful maneuver to spin and stop Samuel’s car in Sumter County. READ: Deputies: Man who tried to kidnap girl in 2017 might be stalking women in Volusia CountySince his arrest in Sumter County, Samuel has been held in the Sumter County Jail without bond. He has since been transported to the Marion County Jail where he will be held without bond for the charge of murder.

Newcomers to The Villages will see faces that were unfamiliar to them in their home states.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that a detention sergeant died due to complications from COVID-19. Officials said that Detention Sergeant William Prevatt was dedicated to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, starting his career in 1995. He he retired as a sergeant in 2013 and rejoined the Detention Center in 2019. READ: Florida’s ‘vaccine passport’ ban will be enforced starting this month“I would like to offer my condolences to Sergeant Prevatt’s family, his three children Jaycob, Kayla, Bryton,” Sheriff Bill Farmer said. READ: Where the Ivermectin craze came from, and why doctors say it doesn’t work“We would also like to ask that you keep Sergeant Prevatt’s family and our Sumter County family in your thoughts and prayers during this unthinkable time,” Farmer said.

While three newly elected Sumter County commissioners were fighting to push through a tax increase on new business, the county was already collecting millions of dollars more than expected in

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in the central Florida area are 115% of their previous peak, according to the Florida Hospital Association. “Volusia County is currently a high transmission area. READ: Marion County seeing more cases of people being reinfected with COVID-19The spike in cases is being seen across central Florida but is most pronounced along the coast. This ratio has led to 23.6% of its ICU beds being used by COVID-19 patients. READ: Orange County businesses contemplate COVID-19 vaccine mandates©2021 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla. — The new school year is creeping closer for students in Central Florida. Here’s a list of when students in each county will return to school. READ: Parents take over Brevard County Schools meeting, board members escorted outAug. 10Orange CountySeminole CountyBrevard CountyLake CountySumter CountyMarion CountyFlagler CountyPolk CountyREAD: Deadline: Here’s when Seminole County students must enroll in virtual school byAug. 12Osceola CountyAug. 16Volusia CountyThe deadline to enroll students in Florida Virtual School is Aug. 13. READ: Back to school: How to adapt to shopping for supplies while dealing with coronavirus pandemicStudents’ first day of Florida Virtual School will be Aug. 17. ©2021 Cox Media Group

Read live updates below:>>> DOWNLOAD THE WFTV NEWS & WEATHER APPS <<<>>> DOWNLOAD THE WFTV NOW APP FOR YOUR SMART TV <<<12:30 a.m. updateSeveral tornado watches are in effect for several Central Florida counties. A tornado watch is in effect for Orange County through 8 a.m. Wednesday. Tornado watches are also in effect for Lake, Seminole, Volusia, Osceola, Sumter and Marion counties until 8 a.m.Channel 9 Chief meteorologist Tom Terry said he is tracking more rotation in squalls in the Polk/Sumter County area. READ: Tropical Storm Elsa: These school districts, universities will be closed tomorrowTornado watch is expanded north through 8am Wednesday as we track #Elsa in the Gulf. Live updates on @WFTV and #TV27 pic.twitter.com/N3oqJFYgzP — Tom Terry (@TTerryWFTV) July 7, 2021Watch “Calm Before the Storm,” Channel 9′s hurricane special, below:©2021 Cox Media Group