65.5 F
Ocala
Sunday, December 10, 2023
A home that features over 137 feet of water frontage on Rainbow River just sold for $1.2 million. 
Marion County Utilities has rescinded a precautionary boil water notice for customers within the Live Oak Village, Twin Lakes Village East, and Twin Lakes Village West Condominiums on Midway Drive.

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

One dead after fire ignites inside Ocala home

One person died on Friday night after a home in northwest Ocala caught on fire.

OcalaBetS announces online sports betting partnership with Hard Rock Bet

The recently opened poker room and intertrack wagering wing of Ocala Breeders' Sales Company will now offer online sports betting as part of a partnership with the Seminole Tribe.

Marion skyline featured in 2024 Florida Association of Counties calendar

The Florida Association of Counties recently unveiled the county photos featured in their 2023–2024 annual calendar, and a shot of the World Equestrian Center was selected for the month of February.

3 hospitalized after head-on collision in Marion County

Three people were hospitalized on Thursday afternoon following a multi-vehicle crash in Marion County.

Operation in Marion County leads to 6 arrests on child porn charges

A four-day operation led by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, with assistance from Ocala police and Homeland Security Investigations, resulted in the arrest of six individuals on multiple child pornography charges.

Marion health department to host art program for parents and youth

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is offering a fun opportunity for parents and children to improve communication with each other through the utilization of art.

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

City providing free downtown parking for holiday season

To celebrate the holidays and support local businesses, the City of Ocala is providing free parking in all metered spaces in downtown Ocala through Monday, January 1, 2024. 

Local rescues unite to control cat population in Marion County

Local animal rescue groups and low-cost spay-neuter clinics have come together in an effort to reduce the cat populations in Marion County.

Over 21,000 pounds of food collected for Marion County residents in need

The 12th annual installment of Marion County’s “Bring the Harvest Home” holiday food drive culminated on Friday with thousands of pounds of food donations that will fill local food pantries.

Three elected officials to be sworn in during next week’s Ocala City Council meeting

Three elected officials will be sworn in during the Ocala City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 5, and the city is providing several options for citizens to observe and participate in the public meeting.

Ocala Downtown Square to host ‘Bring the Harvest Home’ event on Dec. 1

Marion County is encouraging residents and businesses to help those in need this holiday season by taking part in the 12th annual “Bring the Harvest Home” holiday food drive, which culminates this Friday at the Ocala Downtown Square.

City to host roundtable event for building industry professionals next week

The City of Ocala’s Growth Management Department, in collaboration with the Marion County Building Industry, will host a roundtable event next week for members of the building community.

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

A new Caribbean restaurant just opened in Belleview

A restaurant that serves traditional Caribbean and American dishes with a tropical backdrop is now open in Belleview. 

Physical therapist moves into new space in east Ocala

A physical therapist licensed at the College of Central Florida has opened her own therapy and rehabilitation space in east Ocala to help locals suffering from pain, dizziness, and vestibular afflictions.

First poker room in Ocala now open

A new poker room featuring 33 card tables, a full bar, intertrack wagering, and over 100 televisions has officially opened its doors for business in Ocala. 

Drive-thru coffee shop opens second location in Ocala

A drive-thru coffee shop has opened its second location in southeast Ocala.

Popeyes nearing completion of restored location

A local Popeyes is nearing completion of its restored location on Pine Avenue, nearly one-and-a-half years after its roof collapsed.

7-Eleven on Maricamp Road joining several others in Ocala

Another 7-Eleven nearing completion on Maricamp Road is one of several new locations for the national convenience store in Ocala dating back to last year. 

Photos
Photos in and around Ocala, Florida

American white pelican at Stone Creek in Ocala

This American white pelican was spotted at Stone Creek in Ocala during its winter migration. Thanks to Nancy Stephens for sharing!

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake spotted on Withlacoochee State Trail

This large eastern diamondback rattlesnake was making plenty of noise when he was spotted on the Withlacoochee State Trail just south of Dunnellon. Thanks to Barbara Cabrera for sharing!

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

Longtime MCPS employee named Florida’s ‘School Communicator of the Year’

A veteran of the Marion County school district was recently named the state of Florida’s inaugural “School Communicator of the Year.”

New venue for events, parties opens in shuttered space in downtown Ocala

A new event and party venue that will showcase local entertainment acts has moved into a recently shuttered location in downtown Ocala.

11-year-old arrested for hoax school shooter call at Horizon Academy

An 11-year-old Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks student was arrested after he allegedly called 911 and falsely reported that a shooter was on campus, prompting a school-wide lockdown.

Elderly Morriston man killed in 3-vehicle crash at Levy intersection

A 74-year-old man from Morriston was killed on Thursday morning in a three-vehicle crash that occurred at an intersection in Levy County.

Ocala man accused of masturbating outside Aquatic Club in Oak Run community

A 29-year-old Ocala man was arrested this week after he was accused of masturbating outside the Aquatic Club located in the Oak Run community.

Ocala country singer releases new single in quest to record first album

An Ocala country singer who just released another new single is seeking support from the community to help him fulfill his dream of recording his first full-length album.

Marion health department to host art program for parents and youth

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is offering a fun opportunity for parents and children to improve communication with each other through the utilization of art.

Ocala country singer releases new single in quest to record first album

An Ocala country singer who just released another new single is seeking support from the community to help him fulfill his dream of recording his first full-length album.

Ocala Christmas Parade returns this weekend, road closures announced

The highly popular Ocala Christmas Parade will return this Saturday, December 9 for its 67th installment, and motorists can expect multiple road closures and detours.

Heading to a store or restaurant? Leave your dog at home.

"No matter how clean you keep your pooch, they are nasty and do carry diseases and other parasites. Don't believe it? Look it up on the internet. When you put your pet in a grocery cart or other store cart, they are slobbering, shedding, and putting their nasty butt in places that other people are putting their food, clothes, other items, and children in," says Dunnellon resident J. David Griffin, Jr. in a Letter to the Editor.

Bringing dogs into stores

"The person who let their dog poop in the store and tried to leave it should have had to pay a fine for the cleanup and disinfecting required after such an error. If fines are imposed, perhaps it will help to control the amount of animals going into stores that are truly not needed. The poor dog is not to be blamed," says Belleview resident Shirley Long in a Letter to the Editor.

More readers want a local Costco

"I’m in favor of having a Costco in Ocala. I hate traveling all the time to Orlando, when my hometown is in Ocala. We need more competition. Sam's Club is a nightmare a lot of the time where they are located," says Ocala resident Judith Velez in a Letter to the Editor.

Longtime MCPS employee named Florida’s ‘School Communicator of the Year’

A veteran of the Marion County school district was recently named the state of Florida’s inaugural “School Communicator of the Year.”

11-year-old arrested for hoax school shooter call at Horizon Academy

An 11-year-old Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks student was arrested after he allegedly called 911 and falsely reported that a shooter was on campus, prompting a school-wide lockdown.

MCPS announces 2024 Teacher of the Year finalists, Rookie Teacher of the Year

Five local teachers received Golden Apples during surprise classroom visits on Wednesday, placing them in the running for Marion County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. The Public Education Foundation of Marion County, which announces the Golden Apple teachers, also honored one teaching newcomer as the Rookie Teacher of the Year.

Jacqueline Hallman

Jackie Hallman was a longtime member of Dunnellon Community Church. She loved the Lord, spending time with her family, and crocheting.

Harry E. Weber

Harry Weber was a home builder, commercial fisherman, was in the logging business and owned cattle for many years.

Bennie Mae Blunt

Bennie Mae Blunt was employed by the University of Florida as a custodian in the housing department for 25 years.
Ocala
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