Cox Communications has announced that WFTV, the Orlando-based ABC affiliate, will be returning to Cox's Ocala/Marion County lineup on Channel 9 as of July 15, 2006. WFTV-HD will be added to the Ocala/Marion County lineup on Channel 729 at the same time.

What that means for Ocala viewers is that they will be able to watch Central Florida's most watched television station for local news. Earlier this month WFTV became the first television station in Florida, and just the tenth in the country, to broadcast local news in high definition. The weather presentation on from Severe Weather Center 9 is un-equaled by any station in the country. Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry and the Severe Weather team have the only all high definition weather technology available, which gives area viewers more advanced warning when severe weather threatens.

WFTV is one of the country's premiere ABC affiliates and carries the entire network line-up including favorites such as Desperate Housewives, LOST and Grey's Anatomy in high definition, shows that area viewers have not been able to receive in HD. Channel 9 is also Central Florida's home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will be carrying three pre-season games in HD. Channel 9 also carries broadcast favorites like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, currently not available to Cox Communication customers on any other channel.