Ocala Morning News — Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Ocala Man Sentenced to Life for Murder Outside Middle School
An Ocala man has been sentenced to life in prison following his conviction for a fatal shooting outside a Marion County middle school in 2024.
Roderick Kelvin Watson Jr., 36, was found guilty of premeditated first-degree murder on October 8 in the death of Joseph James Jaurez Coles, 32.
According to prosecutors, the shooting occurred during a school awards ceremony. Watson confronted Coles, who was his fiancée's former boyfriend, before shooting him multiple times.
Coles sustained six gunshot wounds and later died at a hospital.
Watson argued that he acted in self-defense, but prosecutors said the evidence and witness testimony contradicted that claim.
The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office announced the conviction and life sentence in reporting published October 13.
Ocala Man Receives Probation in School-Bus Stop Sprinkler Case
An Ocala man accused of deliberately spraying children with lawn sprinklers while they waited for a school bus will not serve jail time.
Antonio Roman accepted a plea agreement that includes one year of probation.
He must also complete anger-management classes and donate $500 to the Marion County Schools Mission Bus Brigade.
Roman was arrested in 2025 after Marion County sheriff's deputies alleged that he repeatedly turned on sprinklers to spray children with disabilities while they waited for or exited their school bus.
Investigators said Roman claimed the children were standing on his driveway.
The court's disposition was reported Tuesday, October 13.
Marion County Woman Arrested in Alleged Lost-Dog Ransom Case
A Marion County woman has been arrested after deputies say she demanded money to return a family's missing dog.
According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Christina Spence Reid posted on Facebook that she had found a lost dog named Teddy.
When the dog's owner contacted Reid, deputies say she sent a photograph showing herself with Teddy and demanded $1,000 for his return.
Investigators located Reid at her residence, where the dog was reportedly still in her possession.
Deputies say Reid indicated she intended to keep the dog until the owners paid.
Reid was arrested Saturday and charged with grand theft. She posted bond Sunday.
The charge remains an allegation, and the case is subject to further court proceedings.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Opens First Marion County Location
A new sandwich restaurant is now serving customers in southwest Ocala.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop held its soft opening Tuesday, October 13, at Corta Commons, near State Road 200 and Southwest 84th Avenue Road.
The Chicago-based chain, founded in 1977, operates hundreds of restaurants nationwide.
Its menu includes toasted sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups.
The Ocala location is owned by franchise operator Danish Alidino and partners at Deli Management LLC, who also operate a Potbelly location in Lady Lake.
The official grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m.
The company says the first 50 people in line will receive a promotional offer for free Potbelly food for a year, subject to the promotion's terms.
Marion County School Board Approves Nearly $4 Million for New Buses
The Marion County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the purchase of 22 new school buses.
The vehicles are expected to cost approximately $3.9 million.
The purchase is intended to replace aging buses and improve reliability for students who depend on district transportation.
The order includes standard buses as well as vehicles equipped to accommodate students using wheelchairs.
School officials say delivery could take up to a year.
The district is also continuing efforts to recruit school-bus drivers.
Ocala Symphony Announces Young Artist Competition
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra has announced its 36th annual Young Artist Competition, which has been renamed in honor of musician and longtime supporter Margaret A. Dates.
The competition provides an opportunity for talented young musicians to perform and receive recognition for their achievements.
The annual program is part of the orchestra's continuing effort to support music education and encourage emerging performers.
Additional competition information is available through the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.
