Saddlewood Elementary Teacher Arrested; Detectives Seek Additional Victims

The Marion County Sheriff's Office has arrested a physical education teacher at Saddlewood Elementary School following allegations involving a former student.

Jeffery Thomas Farris, 54, was arrested Friday, October 30, and charged with one felony count of lewd and lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12.

Authorities announced details of the investigation Monday.

According to detectives, the investigation began in September after allegations surfaced that Farris had inappropriately touched an eight-year-old student several years earlier.

Investigators also reviewed Farris's previous disciplinary history, including a 2017 suspension involving an unrelated incident during a school wrestling trip.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Farris was being held without bond according to the latest available jail information. His next scheduled court appearance is December 1.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Anyone with information may contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 352-732-9111.

Election Day Arrives With More Than 91,000 Marion County Ballots Already Cast

Today is Election Day across Florida, and Marion County is reporting substantial participation before polls even open.

According to figures published Monday, approximately 91,586 Marion County residents had already voted.

That represents 33.76 percent of the county's 271,268 active eligible voters.

Of those ballots, 62,143 were cast during the early voting period, while 29,443 were returned by mail.

Polling places are open today from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Voters must report to their assigned Election Day precincts rather than using any early voting location.

Marion County voters will decide several important local issues, including:

• Renewal of the school district's optional one-mill operating property tax through June 2031.

• Authorization of up to $140 million in general-obligation bonds for conservation lands, water resources, parks and trails.

• Marion County School Board District 4 and District 5 elections.

Statewide races include governor, U.S. Senate and congressional seats.

Voters can find their assigned precincts and official election information at VoteMarion.gov.

Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli Closes After 12 Years

A longtime downtown Ocala business has permanently closed.

Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli, located at 1010 Southwest First Avenue, announced Sunday, November 1, that it was ending operations after twelve years.

The business cited increasing operating expenses, higher product prices and changes in the business environment.

The owners thanked customers for their years of support and said another business is expected to occupy the location.

Customers who enjoyed the deli's soups and sandwiches can still find those menu items at the nearby Ocala Downtown Diner, located at 816 South Magnolia Avenue.

The closure adds to concerns among local small-business owners about operating costs and changing consumer conditions.

Ocala City Council to Consider $13.4 Million in Vehicle and Equipment Purchases

Ocala City Council is scheduled to meet today, November 3, with several major expenditures and development proposals on the agenda.

The largest proposed expenditure involves $13,378,535 for 85 vehicles and pieces of equipment for city departments.

Council members will also consider approximately $252,360 for resurfacing the pool deck at the Hampton Aquatic Center.

Three rezoning ordinances are scheduled for second and final readings.

Other agenda items include a liquor license request involving the AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Ocala and a proposal concerning the city's Christmas on Broadway event.

The Christmas proposal would establish December 13 as the event date.

The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in the second-floor City Council chambers at Ocala City Hall, 110 Southeast Watula Avenue.

All items remain proposals until acted upon by the council.

Parents Demand Answers Following Ocala Christian Academy Teacher Arrest

Parents of students at Ocala Christian Academy are raising concerns about the school's response to allegations against a fifth-grade teacher arrested last week.

Several parents protested outside the school, questioning why teacher Joel Gould was permitted to return to the classroom after administrators initially received a complaint.

According to reporting by News 6, parents also want changes to the school's uniform policy to allow girls to wear pants instead of skirts.

The school has informed parents that girls may wear skorts or leggings underneath skirts, but pants remain prohibited under the reported policy.

Gould has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from allegations that he took inappropriate photographs of a student.

His next court appearance is scheduled for December 1.

Parents are calling for greater transparency and stronger procedures for responding to complaints involving student safety.

Interstate 75 and Other Marion County Roads Face Construction Delays

Motorists traveling through Marion County should prepare for additional construction-related traffic restrictions this week.

The Florida Department of Transportation has scheduled overnight lane closures on Interstate 75 in both directions through Thursday, November 5.

Additional work is planned along U.S. Highway 441 between Summerfield and Belleview, as well as near State Road 200 and Southwest 60th Avenue.

The Southwest 66th Street bridge over Interstate 75 remains closed as part of its reconstruction project.

Drivers should allow additional travel time and follow posted construction signs.

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