WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has arrested the man suspected in five sexual assaults since July. Sheriff’s Office Spokeswoman Jenifer Lowe says 37-year-old Michael Alan Frye was positively identified by victims in two of the cases and his vehicle matched descriptions in all four Marion County attacks. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/10/LOWE2.mp3] He was …
Read More »Another victim tied to serial rapist
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says another attack has been tied to the suspected serial rapist, now potentially linked to 5 sexual assaults over the past few months in Marion and Alachua Counties. Detectives leading the investigation held a news conference this morning with more information on the latest attack and prior …
Read More »Food donations up, but still not enough in Marion County
With only one week left, a Marion County-sponsored food drive still needs donations. Interfaith Emergency Services is helping collect food for the “Bring the Harvest Home” food drive. Warehouse Manager Thomas Curtis says while donations are up, it’s still not enough to meet the demand. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/10/Curtis-51.mp3] Non-perishable food, baby items and toiletries can …
Read More »More sinkholes uncovered at Marion County schools
Four schools around Marion County are still dealing with the effects of last week’s bad weather. WUFT-FM’s Briana Rittersporn says sinkholes are popping up around the school grounds. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/10/SINKHOLES-WRAP2.mp3] Howard Middle School Principal Robert Hensel says the sinkholes on his campus are secure and guarded against students by barriers. An …
Read More »Marion County sheriff’s deputies uncover meth lab
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has uncovered a methamphetamine lab with 574 grams of the drug valued at $57,400. Deputies were searching for a warrant suspect at 19955 SE 156th Street in Umatilla when they heard noise coming from a shed behind the home. A search of the shed uncovered …
Read More »Potential lead as the search for a serial rapist continues
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has obtained a surveillance photo identifying the vehicle driven by a man suspected of multiple recent sexual assaults. The vehicle is a 1991 through 1995 Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan, or Chrysler Town and Country. Ocala Police and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are searching for …
Read More »Recover Ocala aims to bring Marion County out of hard times
The second annual Recover Ocala will unite community agencies, churches and residents to discuss social and economic issues facing Marion County. Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Meredith Chipman has more on Saturday’s event. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/MEocalafeatureFRI.mp3]
Read More »Marion County churches come together for a service of unity on 9/11
The Interfaith Alliance of Marion County offered a service of remembrance, hope, and light entitled “The Liturgy of the Candles.” Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Jordan Matich reports how a community of different religions gathered to participate in remembering the events of 9/11. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/FPMarionCountyInterfaith.mp3]
Read More »Ocala orchestra pays musical tribute to fallen heroes of September 11
Fallen heroes from September 11th will be honored this evening during an official pinning ceremony and concert in Marion County. Florida 89.1, WUFT FM’s Stephanie Bechara reports how this commemorating ceremony is expected to bring the community together. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/FPSeptember11Ocala.mp3]
Read More »Marion County possibly closing schools to cut costs
Marion County is looking at options to help cut costs and closing schools is on the list. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Stephanie Brown spoke with Marion County School Board Vice Chairman, Ron Crawford, about the possibility of shutting down two public schools. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/FPMarionSchoolsQA2.mp3]
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