Local News

By Bryce Abshier – Contact Bryce@voiceofsouthmarion.com Campaign finance reports show candidates in Marion County Commission races have reported more than $385,000 in combined monetary contributions. The figure includes active, qualified candidates in the District 2 and District 4 races. Withdrawn candidates were not included. District 2 Mike Crimi reported the largest fundraising total, with $143,334.50…

Ocala woman sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2019 infant deathAn Ocala woman has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted of aggravated manslaughter of a child in connection with the 2019 death of her 2-month-old son. Melissa Waiman Schroer, 43, received the maximum sentence Monday following her conviction in May,…

A Belleview man is facing 20 felony charges after a Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigation into alleged possession of child sexual abuse material stemming from a cyber tip received earlier this year. According to the arrest affidavit, Gary James Sozio, 61, of Belleview, was arrested June 26 after detectives executed a search warrant at his…

A 28-year-old Summerfield man is facing multiple felony charges after Marion County Sheriff’s Office detectives say he shot a man several times inside a residence, drove the wounded victim to the HCA Florida Summerfield Emergency Room, and then fled after allegedly trying to prevent a witness from contacting law enforcement. Josiah Elijah Yarrington was arrested…

The City of Belleview is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of family-friendly events and community activities throughout July. The month kicks off with a special Patriotic Pizza Party at Story Time with the Mayor on Tuesday, July 7, at 5 p.m. at the Belleview Community Center. Children can enjoy a story read…