64.7 F
Ocala
Friday, April 19, 2024
Ocala officials have approved a $70,000 agreement to fabricate and install signs at the downtown parking garage to help motorists and pedestrians. 
A set of luxury townhomes is one of the newest additions to the ever-changing residential offering in downtown Ocala.

Headlines
News, events, politics, government in Ocala, Florida

Belleview man accused of receiving child porn of 12-year-old from another state

A 32-year-old Belleview man was recently indicted for allegedly receiving multiple videos depicting sexual acts involving a 12-year-old child from another state.

Marion Schools offering special kindergarten intro for new students

Marion County parents who pre-register their children to attend kindergarten will have access to a special "kickstart" program that introduces new students to the school setting before the school year begins in August.

Waste amnesty for electronics, hazardous waste in Ocala

The city of Ocala will host a special waste amnesty day this weekend for household hazardous waste and electronics.

Earthfest returns to Tuscawilla Park this weekend

The city of Ocala will celebrate Arbor Day with multiple family-friendly activities, including rock wall climbing, butterfly feeding, and a Youth Fishing Derby that gives children the chance to catch and release fish at Lake Tuscawilla.

Widen and expand SR 200 to make it safer

An Ocala resident says State Road 200 should be expanded to "make it safer" for travelers. What are your thoughts?

Teen allegedly flaunting stolen firearm outside Jervey Gantt Park

A 19-year-old Ocala man was arrested outside a local park after we was allegedly caught flaunting a stolen, loaded firearm to a female. 

Government
Government meetings, press releases, and Politics in Ocala, Florida

Ocala council abruptly ends public comments after residents wait over hour to speak

The Ocala City Council abruptly ended the public comments portion of its meeting on Tuesday night, telling multiple speakers who had signed up to speak about the conflict in the Gaza Strip that their comments were redundant and unnecessary.

Marion County voter summit returning this week

The Marion County Voter Summit will return to a local community building this week.

Temporary trail closure at Ocala Wetland Recharge Park

City officials announced a temporary trail closure at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park due to ongoing construction and repairs. 

Ocala may pay son $75,000 for selling the burial plots he bought next to his parents

An Ocala resident who purchased four burial plots in 1971 will likely receive a $75,050 settlement after it was discovered the city sold two of the plots to "unidentified individuals" who are now buried next to his parents.

City may spend $100,000 for consultant’s help on Ocala Fiber Network

Ocala officials will consider entering a $100,000 consulting agreement with a Colorado-based company to help the city determine the "growth and viability" of Ocala's Fiber Network throughout residential and commercial neighborhoods. 

City considering $100,000 settlement for child struck by oak tree at Ocala park

City officials looking to avoid a jury trial will consider a $100,000 settlement to the mother of a child who was struck by a large oak tree at an Ocala park in 2020.

Business
Business news, press releases and openings in Ocala, Florida

Waffle House planning new Ocala location

Waffle House is planning to open a new restaurant in southwest Ocala, which will be the franchise's sixth location in the city.

Crumbl Cookies making progress on first Ocala location

A cookie brand that has opened hundreds of locations across the country in the past few years is nearing completion of its first spot in Ocala.

Seventh Wawa in Ocala under construction along major thoroughfare

The seventh Wawa in Ocala is currently under construction along one of the city's main thoroughfares.

Chinese lifestyle brand opening new location in Ocala

A Chinese brand that specializes in plush toys, clothes, and hundreds of other "lifestyle" products is working on its first location in Ocala.

Cuban spot closes at Ocala mall food court

A spot known for its authentic Cuban food has closed up its location within the Paddock Mall.

Construction underway for drive-thru coffee chain’s second Marion location

A drive-thru coffee brand that expanded into Marion County earlier this year is currently working on its second location in the area.

Photos
Photos in and around Ocala, Florida

Beautiful morning sunrise in the SummerGlen Community

This early morning sunrise in the SummerGlen Community in Ocala brought a vibrant orange glow to the sky. Thanks to Terrie Bauman for sharing!

Friendly pileated woodpecker in Ocala

This beautiful pileated woodpecker spotted in Ocala seemed to be friendly and not at all afraid of humans. Thanks to Daniela M. for sharing!

More Headlines
News, events, politics, government in Ocala, Florida

New drive-thru coffee chain expanding into Ocala

A Georgia-based drive-thru coffee chain that is currently expanding its operations in the state of Florida has announced plans to open a new location in Ocala.

Bat-wielding man attacks neighbor over dog dispute, deputies say

A 40-year-old Fort McCoy man is facing an aggravated battery charge after he allegedly attacked one of his female neighbors with a baseball bat during an argument over her dogs.

Mayor of Ocala hosting free workouts for community

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano will host a new, free workout program to encourage the public to get together and exercise.

Guided hiking tour of Indian Lake State Forest this week

Hikers are invited to join the Marion County Parks & Recreation's guided tour of Indian Lake State Forest later this week.

Kid Rock: ‘What the f***is going on in Ocala’ as ticket sales boom

Kid Rock expects close to 35,000 people at his upcoming concert in Ocala, saying tens of thousands of tickets have already been sold. 

What is that noise? Residents hearing bomb testing at Ocala National Forest

As bomb testing continues in the Ocala National Forest, residents have reportedly heard sounds throughout the city that never cease to startle them. 

Foodie Fest returns to Lake Lillian Park this Friday

Multiple food trucks will make the trip to a Belleview park as part of the next Foodie Fest event.

Earthfest returns to Tuscawilla Park this weekend

The city of Ocala will celebrate Arbor Day with multiple family-friendly activities, including rock wall climbing, butterfly feeding, and a Youth Fishing Derby that gives children the chance to catch and release fish at Lake Tuscawilla.

Guided hiking tour of Indian Lake State Forest this week

Hikers are invited to join the Marion County Parks & Recreation's guided tour of Indian Lake State Forest later this week.

I’ve worked in Ocala for 20 years and I can’t afford to live here.

"I sold my home to downsize. I was faced with no option when looking for housing besides apartments that were not affordable" - A disabled resident who has worked in Ocala for two decades says she can't find an affordable place to live.

My child is late weekly, left standing on busy highway by Marion school bus

"I am upset my child is late to school weekly and that they are left standing at a very busy spot of a highway in the dark, but I also understand that there is only so much that can be done" - An Ocala mother says she believes Marion school bus drivers are doing the best they can and are still coming up short. What are your thoughts?

New residents, development in southwest Ocala are welcome

"I do not feel threatened, as some seem to be, by the apartments. I am so glad the doors to Ocala and On Top of The World were not closed to us when we came here in 2001, and I am happy to welcome new folks to our end of town," - A 23-year resident of On Top of the World says she welcomes new apartments and development.

Marion Schools offering special kindergarten intro for new students

Marion County parents who pre-register their children to attend kindergarten will have access to a special "kickstart" program that introduces new students to the school setting before the school year begins in August.

Marion students to be recognized for audio and video production excellence

Marion County students of all grade levels will be recognized for their outstanding work in the fields of audio and video production during the 23rd installment of the Marion County Student Media Festival this week.

Car rear-ends Marion school bus carrying 50 students

A 28-year-old woman from Ocala was injured on Thursday morning after her vehicle rear-ended a Marion County school bus that was carrying 50 students.

Sandra L Van Nice

Sandra Nice was strong in her Catholic faith and in her retired years volunteered at Immaculate Heart of Mary thrift store.

Luis Manuel Granda

Luis Granda was muti-talented, and quick minded. He was always willing to help anyone in need, and loved his dogs.

Sally Ann Franklin

Sally Franklin served faithfully in her church, she loved all people, and had an infectious smile.
Ocala
few clouds
70.7 ° F
73 °
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85 %
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89 °
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86 °
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75 °
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