FHP: 1 arrested following wrong-way crash that killed Citrus County teen

Troopers have arrested Manuel Alfonzo Villalbazo, 22, of Ocala, on several charges after a fatal multi-vehicle crash in Citrus County early Saturday morning. 

Man recently released from prison shot by Citrus County deputies investigating a homicide

Citrus County deputies shot Daniel Arthur Redman, 29, Friday evening after they say he shot and killed someone before fleeing and holding another victim hostage inside a motor home. 

Amid viral TikTok threats of school violence, Citrus County schools ask students to 'report, don't repost'

The Citrus County School District is addressing a viral TikTok trend threatening violence at schools across the country, asking students and parents to report threats to law enforcement rather than reposting them online.

Captain's fishing trip turns into rescue mission for stranded, missing boaters

They ran out of gas about 40 miles offshore and their boat got stuck in the shallows near some islands, but the pair got lucky when a boat captain chose that spot for his fishing trip a day after they disappeared.

Inverness man, 12-year-old boy killed in Citrus County crash

A 46-year-old man and a 12-year-old boy, both of Inverness, were killed Saturday night in a vehicle crash in Citrus County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. 

'He was a hero': Family, friends share memories of 'Smo,' retired Citrus deputy killed delivering propane

Steven Smolensky was a former Citrus deputy who was shot and killed this week. His loved ones are trying to focus on the good memories, recalling the laugh and professionalism he brought with the badge. "He was like my best friend."

Marion County man arrested for murder of retired Citrus deputy

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office says Steve Smolensky, a retired 25-year department veteran, was shot and killed while working as a propane delivery driver. The suspect told detectives he thought Smolensky was going to "fill the home with propane."

‘We have to go before the cops get here’: 2 accused of making racial slurs, beating Black man in Citrus County

Robert Lashley, 51, of Brandon and Roy Lashley Jr., 55, of Dunnellon, were arrested after they allegedly made racist remarks toward a Black man and beat him with a fiberglass-cased axe handle outside a Family Dollar Store, according to arrest reports.

‘End of an Era’: Duke Energy implodes stacks at Crystal River power plant

The stacks at the Duke Energy two-unit coal power plant, which has been a staple of Crystal River since the 1960s, were imploded Saturday morning. 

Meet the Buccaneers' nominee for NFL Fan of the Year

A Citrus County woman is being recognized for being a die-hard Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, representing the Bucs as the team's Fan of the Year in an NFL competition.

Monkey Island in Homosassa is getting a major overhaul in 2022

Monkey Island has sat in the Homosassa River for decades. But now, a major project will begin to overhaul and update the tiny island, and it couldn't have been done without the Nature Coast community rallying together.

Monkey Island of Homosassa, a Florida tale

Back in the 1960s, a Citrus County developer tried to fix two problems and ended up creating Florida's own Alcatraz. Monkey Island remains a fixture for the state's Nature Coast, beloved by locals and an attraction for visitors.

Meet the primate residents of Florida's Monkey Island: Ralph, Emily, and Ebony

Ralph, Emily and Ebony. They are the energetic primates living on Florida's own version of Alcatraz, Monkey Island. They love to swing by their tails, enjoy the scenic views of Homosassa River and eat. Their favorite meal? Sweet potato.

Citrus County woman charged with sexual battery, human trafficking

On Friday, U.S. Marshals arrested Kristin Jarvis, after they say she had sex with a teenager while working as a para-professional at Silver River Mentoring and Instruction, a private company that operates the Renaissance Center located in Lecanto.

Coast Guard rescues 2 from disabled sailboat off Homosassa Springs coast

Two men were rescued from a disabled 42-foot sailboat Saturday night 31 miles off the coast of Homosassa Springs, according to the Coast Guard.