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12.08.2020 / 20:13

Florida sheriff bans deputies from wearing face masks, memo says

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods is making national headlines after forbidding his deputies and visitors to the sheriff's office from wearing face masks, according to a memo he released. This after Florida reported its largest single-day jump in deaths yet on Tuesday. FOX 35 obtained the memo on Wednesday.

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Florida sheriff bans masks for deputies

OCALA, Fla. – A Central Florida sheriff says his deputies won’t be allowed to wear face masks except under some conditions, and neither will visitors to the sheriff’s office.Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said this week in an email to staff that he had weighed both sides of the issue.“Now, I can already hear the whining and just so you know I did not make this decision easily and I have weighed it out for the past two weeks,” Woods said. “We can debate and argue all day of why and why not.

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Florida sheriff bans deputies from wearing face masks, report says

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Ocala man struck, killed while riding bicycle

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 58-year-old Ocala man was struck and killed Tuesday night while riding a bicycle in Marion County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.The fatal crash was reported around 9:35 p.m. on NE 25the Avenue.The FHP said the man was traveling in the right portion of the northbound travel lane of NE 25th Avenue and did not have proper lighting on the bike.Troopers said the front of an SUV headed north hit the rear of the bike.

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Despite drop in return poll workers, Primaries fully staffed in Central Florida

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A few months back there were concerns over staffing for the primaries.“We’ve lost probably 30% of our return poll workers. They just decided it was safer for them to remain home because they were recommended by family or doctors.

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Video: Drunk Florida man drives lawn mower on highway, deputies say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida man who admittedly had “maybe a little too much to drink” was caught on dash camera video riding a lawn mower on a highway, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies said they caught Paul Burke, of Fort McCoy, driving the riding lawn mower in the middle of Highway 316 on Wednesday.Video provided by the department shows Burke slurring his words and admitting that he had been drinking, although he never quantifies exactly how much he had.At first, Burke said he had “a couple” but when asked again by the deputy again he replies, “I’m not gonna lie to you” and later says, “I have had maybe a little too much to drink tonight.”Burke said he had just left his home and was driving to his home.Watch the

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19-year-old man killed in crash in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 19-year-old Ocala man was killed on 95th Avenue Road in Marion County around 4:35 p.m.

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55 more COVID-19 cases related to Marion County jail facilities

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Fifty-five more COVID-19 cases are related to the jail facilities in Marion County, according to the department of health.The DOH said earlier in the week 290 cases were from the correctional facilities in the county.[RELATED: Three inmates in state prisons in Marion County die of COVID-19]This week, health officials said three women at two of the prisons had died from complications of the coronavirus.There are now 4,892 cases of COVID-19 in Marion County, according to the DOH.The positive rate for COVID-19 tests in the county was at 15.3 percent on Friday, the target line is usually at 10 percent.

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Three inmates in state prisons in Marion County die of COVID-19

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Three women at two Florida state prisons in Marion County died due to complications of the coronavirus, according to the Florida Department of Health.Two women died at Lowell Correctional Institution and one woman died at Florida Women’s Reception Center.

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Two-thirds of Marion County students will return to classroom

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County School District is preparing for two-thirds of the student body to return to the classroom while only one-third opted for online instruction.Implementing safety guidelines for about 43,000 students and their teachers is something newly appointed superintendent Dr. Diane Gullett said is very costly.The district will put $5.9 million towards technology like hot spots, webcams and laptops for students learning remotely.

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Rising coronavirus cases in Marion County attributed to jail facilities

OCALA, Fla. – For the past 20 days Marion County has reported an average of 138 new coronavirus cases per day, however, on Monday the county saw a record 347 new positive tests alone but local health officials say a majority of those new cases are tied to inmates at jail facilities.On Monday, the Department of Health-Marion County said in a news release of the nearly 350 new positive cases, 202 were from correctional facilities.There have been a combined 628 COVID-19 cases at three facilities in Marion as of Tuesday afternoon: 183 at the Florida Women’s Reception Center, 444 at Lowell Correctional Institution and one positive case at Marion Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.Those numbers are likely

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Player wanted in connection with shooting at semi-professional football game in Florida

OCALA, Fla. – A semi-professional football player is being sought in connection with a shooting that occurred directly after the Central Florida Bulls and the Tampa Bay Tigers faced off in Marion County, according to the Ocala Police Department.Police said the shooting happened at Ocala Regional Sportsplex on July 11 shortly before 10:30 p.m., just after the match ended.Witnesses said a member of the Tampa Bay Tigers who wore either jersey number 52 or 58 grabbed a black semiautomatic pistol from his waistband and shot toward referees and bystanders, according to a news release.Video and other evidence led detectives to identify Zachariah Doster, who wears jersey number 52 for the Tampa Bay Tigers, as a suspect in the case, records show.A

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Marion County drive-thru COVID-19 testing site moving to Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Department of Health in Marion County will soon be moving its drive-thru COVID-19 testing site and making some changes as to how the site is operated.Starting Aug. 11, the site will move from the department’s Ocala office to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion on Jacksonville Road in Ocala.

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Marion County school board discusses changes for upcoming school year

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County School Board met early Thursday to discuss changes that will be in place when the school year begins.The meeting came a day after the deadline for families to decide if their students would return to the classroom or choose one of the district’s distance learning options.For students who elect in-person instruction, there will be social distancing measures and face coverings will need to be worn in certain areas."When we can social distance appropriately, then masks don't need to be worn," Deputy Superintendent Mark Vianello said.

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Here’s the start dates for public schools in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – Schools in Central Florida have different start dates amid the COVID-19 pandemic.Marion County Flagler County Volusia CountyLake County Sumter County Seminole County Orange County Brevard County Polk County Osceola County

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Ocala man, 62, killed in Marion County motorcycle crash

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 62-year-old motorcyclist was killed and his 37-year-old passenger was critically injured Sunday in a crash in Marion County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.The fatal wreck happened around 7 p.m. on SE 180 Avenue Road near County Road 314A.The FHP said the Ocala man was southbound when he failed to negotiate a curve and veered off the west side of the roadway.

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Pedestrian hospitalized after hit-and-run in Marion County, officials say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A pedestrian was taken to a hospital after a hit-and-run in Marion County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.Officials said the pedestrian was found at about 8:35 p.m.

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The Villages doctor urges people to take precautions as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – Almost a fifth of Florida’s new positive coronavirus cases are in Central Florida. The recent rise in cases prompted Dr.

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Everything you need to know about Marion County’s back-to-school plan

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Soon, students across Marion County will return to the classroom for the first time since schools moved to an online-only model in March when coronavirus cases were first detected in the state.Marion County Public Schools has a plan in place and is ready to welcome students back on Aug. 10 as safely as possible with increased hygiene measures.School officials said parents have two options to choose from to enroll their child in -- either traditional learning or virtual learning -- and they have until July 22 to pick.Below is everything you need to know about Marion County’s back-to-school plan:As of now, there are no plans to alter the school start date in Marion County.

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Man charged in Florida church arson attack

OCALA, Fla. – A man accused of setting a Florida church on fire was being held without bail Sunday on charges that include attempted second-degree murder and arson.The Marion County Sheriff's Office charged Steven Shields, 23, on Saturday, hours after detectives say he plowed a minivan through the front door of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, doused the foyer with gasoline and set it on fire, causing extensive damage.RELATED: Marion County man drives into church, lights fire with people inside, deputies saySeveral people were inside preparing for Mass when the attack occurred early Saturday, but no one was hurt.According to court documents, Shields told detectives he is mentally ill but had stopped taking his medication, the Ocala

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Crews work to contain wildfire apparently caused by lightning, officials say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Crews worked to contain a wildfire apparently caused by lightning, according to the Florida Forest Service.Officials said crews from the Florida Forest Service and Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the wildfire near the intersection of State Road 41 and County Road 328.Smoky conditions may occur in the area, especially during the overnight and early-morning hours, according to the Florida Forest Service.The five-acre wildfire was 100% contained as of Saturday afternoon, officials said.pic.twitter.com/qlQ8IATwpx

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Marion County man drives into church, lights fire with people inside, deputies say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after they say a man drove into a church then lit a fire.According to deputies, the man drove through the front doors of the Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Southwest Highway 200.The man then proceeded to light a fire while parishioners were inside, investigators said.“He then led deputies on a vehicle chase and was soon captured,” officials said.According to authorities, no serious injuries were reported.

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Traditional vs. online: Marion County parents on the fence about school

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Some parents said the three-week in-school summer program the Marion County School District is starting will help them get a better idea of what school will look like come fall. Others are still very nervous about sending their children back to school, saying the plan is very broad."It's not really clear cut.

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Thousands of students invited to in-person summer school in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County School District said its summer learning program was created to help students who were struggling through distance learning. It’s also a way for teachers and parents to get a better idea of what things will look like for the upcoming school year.Florida students have been online learning since this spring when the coronavirus pandemic arrived."It's almost like a soft opening.

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4 staff members test positive for COVID-19 at Florida Women’s Reception Center

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Officials said Thursday that four staff members at the Florida Women’s Reception Center in Ocala have tested positive for COVID-19.The prison has not, however, reported any cases of the coronavirus among inmates, officials said.“Staff members who test positive for COVID-19 do not return to work until a full recovery is documented by a medical professional and Florida DOH and CDC guidelines are followed,” officials said in a news release.According to the prison’s website, the facility houses 1,345 women and has reported four negative COVID-19 tests in addition to the four positive cases.More information about COVID-19 cases reported across Florida’s correctional institutions can be found by clicking here.To keep up with

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Marion deputies fear man accused of giving drugs to juveniles could have more victims

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Marion County deputies say they recently arrested a man accused of taking juveniles to his home and providing them with prescription drugs but they’re still worried he could have more victims out there.Sheriff Billy Woods posted a message on Facebook as part of Wanted by Woods Wednesday, a segment usually used to highlight wanted fugitives in hopes of gathering tips from the community.“We are doing things a little differently today, instead of looking for a criminal, we are looking victims of a man who took advantage of children,” the post read.Frank Calabria, 64, was arrested Tuesday on charges of child abuse, delivering drugs to a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and depriving custody of a minor.

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Marion County Schools to reopen with two learning options

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – With a unanimous vote by the Marion County School Board, the school district will move forward with reopening schools for the fall semester on Aug. 10.As part of the reopening plan, students won't be required to wear face coverings unless they are in a situation where they can't socially distance, like on a school bus.

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Video shows wild Marion County deputy chase

OCALA, Fla. – A suspected car thief led deputies on a chase in Marion County, according to sheriff’s officials.The chase happened Sunday along SE Abshire Boulevard.Dashcam video released by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office shows the moments after a deputy tried to pull over the driver of a car that had been reported stolen.Video shows the driver refusing to stop, even after the car loses a tire and crashes into another vehicle.Deputies eventually performed a PIT maneuver on the car, and the driver, Harley Moore, and a passenger, Harrison Blodnick, were arrested, officials said.Moore faces charges including grand theft auto, fleeing and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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U.S. schools face emotional debates, tough decisions over reopening amid coronavirus

Coronavirus: Ontario government asks school boards to consider starting upcoming academic year earlier New Mexico, which has been largely spared major outbreaks, plans a hybrid model of virtual and in-person learning. Parents in New York have demanded schools reopen in the fall.

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Marion County deputies search for missing man with dementia

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a man with dementia.Thomas Tutton, 86, left his home Saturday morning and has not been seen since, deputies said. A statewide Silver Alert was issued Saturday.Tutton was driving a red 2016 Ford Edge with Florida tag number WK30X, according to the Sheriff’s Office.Tutton is described by the Sheriff’s Office as about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 155 pounds, with gray hair and hazel eyes.

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Pilot dies in Ocala plane crash, officials say

OCALA, Fla. – A pilot has died after their small, private plane crashed Wednesday early afternoon, according to Marion County Fire Rescue.Around 10:30 a.m., fire rescue received a call for a plane crash at Leeward Air Ranch at SE 72d Ave., Ocala.The 911 caller told dispatch they could see the pilot was inside the cockpit as the plane crashed during an attempted landing.Multiple rescue crews responded to the scene and found the pilot was still inside the cockpit when the plane landed upside-down, according to officials.The pilot was pronounced dead at the scene.“Firefighters on scene mitigated a fuel leak on the airplane, securing it until the plane wreckage is removed,” officials wrote in a Facebook post.The scene was turned over to the

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Marion County woman with medical conditions has been missing for a week, deputies say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Marion County deputies say they’re searching for a woman with medical conditions who hasn’t been seen or heard from since June 22.According to a news release, Kathleen Nolan was last known to be at her home in Fort McCoy more than a week ago and it’s possible she might have left the residence on foot.Deputies said Nolan, 61, suffers from medical conditions that have caused concern for her well-being.She is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, has green eyes and brown hair.Anyone with information concerning her whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.

state Florida county Marion information

Marion County Humane Society temporarily closes as cases of COVID-19 rise

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County Humane Society announced Monday that it would close to the public for a week due to the continued rise of COVID-19 cases in Central Florida.Officials with the humane society said in a Facebook post that the closure comes as a precautionary measure, and that all of the animals at the shelter will be cared for during the closure.Officials said they will be updating the humane society’s social media with reopening details.On Monday, the Florida Department of Health reported a total of 655 cases of COVID-19 in Marion County, as well as 10 deaths and 66 hospitalizations since the virus was first detected in the state on March 1.Orange County Animal Services closed Sunday after three staff members tested

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Marion County deputies search for missing teen

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are asking for the publics’ help as they search for a missing teen.According to officials, Lauren Outlaw, 15, was last seen on Saturday between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m.Officials said Lauren left a home located at 4781 Northwest 48th Avenue in Ocala.“It is unknown as to what she was wearing,” deputies said.

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Marion County deputies concerned for missing woman’s safety after unknown person answers her phone

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies are searching for a missing and endangered Belleview woman who was last seen earlier in the week, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.Sandra Gordon, 35, left her home in the late evening hours Sunday or the early morning hours Monday, and has not been heard from since.Gordon told her friend she was headed to the Florida Horse Park, but when her friend attempted to call her phone, an unknown person answered, causing concern for her safety, according to a news release.Officials said Gordon is driving a 2010 dark blue Chevrolet Traverse with a possible Tennessee tag, CCW041.

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Three dead after fatal crash on County Road 484 in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol is on the scene of a fatal crash in Dunnellon.According to the Marion County FHP, three people died in the crash. According to troopers, the crash happened near State Road 200 and County Road 484.”The intersection is closed in all directions at this time.

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Ocala man caught throwing Molotov Cocktail at Department of Children and Families building, officials say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – An Ocala man is behind bars after he built homemade Molotov Cocktails and attempted to throw one at the Department of Children and Families building in Marion County, according to U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez.According to a news release, 26-year-old Tommy Holt pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered destructive device in the form of an incendiary bomb Wednesday.Officials said Holt faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.“According to the plea agreement, on November 5, 2019, Holt manufactured eight incendiary bombs (Molotov cocktails) using glass bottles filled with gasoline.

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69-year-old woman dies after crashing truck into fence, troopers say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A woman died after she veered off the road and crashed into a wooden fence in Marion County Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.Troopers said the 69-year-old woman was driving a pickup truck south on County Road 315 at about 10:10 a.m. when she drove off the road and hit a wooden fence that was on the grass shoulder.The truck came to a final rest in a pasture.The driver died at the scene of the crash while the 45-year-old woman in the passenger’s seat suffered minor injuries, records show.

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278 complaints filed against Central Florida businesses amid coronavirus

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation received 278 complaints against Central Florida businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, according to records obtained by News 6.The complaints were made by citizens in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, Lake, Sumter and Marion counties using the DBPR complaint portal between March 27 and May 22.Records show complaints were made against a variety of business, including restaurants, retail stores, hair salons and rental properties.Kissimmee businesses saw the most complaints with 45 registered with the state, while Orlando saw the second highest number with its businesses receiving 39 complaints.One resident in Melbourne complained a

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UPDATE: Facebook post helps family reunite with boy found wandering in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – UPDATE:The family of a boy found wandering alone in Marion County has been located since News 6′s initial story was published, according to the sheriff’s office.“UPDATE: Because of you sharing his information, he has been identified and his mother is on her way. Thank you for sharing his information,” Marion County Sheriff’s Office officials said.PREVIOUS STORY:Authorities are asking for the community’s help locating the family of a little boy who was found wandering in Marion County.Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said they were called to the area of Highway 326 and North Highway 441 around 1 p.m.

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FHP trooper accused of sexual relationship with 15-year-old girl involved in crash

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was arrested Thursday after Marion County Sheriff’s Office detectives say they learned he began having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl following a crash the trooper investigated.Christopher Delrusso, 26, first met the victim in March when the girl was driving without a license and crashed, according to the arrest report.

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Man struck, killed while inspecting flat tire in Marion County

SUMMERFIELD, Fla. – A 31-year-old man was killed and two others were injured when a pickup truck struck them Thursday night in Marion County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.The fatal crash happened around 8:50 p.m. on County Road 475.According to the FHP, a 32-year-old Summerfield man was driving a pickup north on C.R.

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Another horse found butchered, dismembered in Florida, deputies say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A horse was found butchered and dismembered at a Summerfield horse farm, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies responded to a farm along Southeast 145 Street on May 29 after receiving a report that a horse had been found dead on the property.When deputies arrived, they met with the owner, Cindy Downs who told deputies she boards and cares for horses at her farm. She told deputies she fed all the horses and checked on them the night prior to the incident and said they were all alive and well.When Downs returned to the property the next morning, she noticed one horse did not come to eat while she was feeding breakfast, according to a report.

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Another ground collapse in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Crews are responding to another ground collapse in Marion County.This is happening just off of Baseline Road and just south of Aspen Road.The ground collapse has closed the southbound lanes in the area.This is about 1.8 miles south of Maricamp Road.“These are pretty common here in Florida when we get a lot of heavy rain,” Sgt. Paul Bloom said.

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Marion County student-athletes to begin organized practice with limitations

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – After spending months on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, organized sports are coming back to Marion County schools, but with some changes.With the pandemic still at play, coaches and athletic directors said changes will be necessary to keep everyone safe and healthy. Marion County Public School athletic directors worked with the National Federation of High School Sports and the school board to come up with guidelines to continue school sporting activities throughout the summer, while abiding by CDC guidelines.

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FDOT issues emergency road closure of SR 35

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation has announced an emergency road closure on State Road 35.According to FDOT, the road closure in effect is for northbound Baseline Road.“Currently, northbound Baseline Road is closed from SE 92nd Place Road to just north of Dogwood Road for emergency road work,” officials said.Southbound Baseline Road remains open to traffic.FDOT recommends drivers use the detour provided or seek alternate routes. “Motorists are advised to take SE 92nd Place Road to U.S.

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Deputies search for person of interest in Marion County shooting

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies are searching for a person of interest in a shooting that left a man with life-threatening injuries, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

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1 dead, 1 in critical condition after fiery Marion County crash

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A man was killed and another driver was in critical condition after a fiery crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

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United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0