The Ocala Police Department is encouraging residents to donate new or gently used books during an upcoming book drive that will benefit the youth in the community.
The Ocala Police Department is turning to the public to help locate a missing man who was last seen in southwest Ocala on Friday, September 30.
HeadlinesNews, events, politics, government in Ocala, Florida
OPD, MCSO officers deployed to Hardee County as part of Hurricane Ian response team
A multi-agency Hurricane Ian response team including law enforcement officers from the Ocala Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrived in Hardee County on Friday to assist with search and rescue efforts.
Passenger trauma alerted after two-vehicle crash on W Silver Springs Boulevard
One passenger was trauma alerted to a local hospital on Friday evening after two vehicles collided near the intersection of W Silver Springs Boulevard and NW 30th Avenue in Ocala.
Ocala Electric Utility restores power to over 8,500 customers
Thousands of Ocala residents are happy to have their power restored after all outages related to Hurricane Ian were closed by Ocala Electric Utility crews.
Marion County Parks and Rec hands out over 25,000 sandbags to residents
The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department's team members helped hand out over 25,000 sandbags to Marion County residents earlier this week in preparation of Hurricane Ian.
Connection of sewer main to cause temporary road closure on Spring Road
Ocala motorists can expect a temporary road closure on Spring Road, from Water Road to Pine Road, beginning on Tuesday, October 4 through October 6. On those dates, a company working for Marion County Utilities will connect a sewer main as part of the Septic to Sewer Initiative.
City of Ocala sanitation services delayed next week
The City of Ocala’s residential sanitation collection routes will experience a one-day delay next week.
GovernmentGovernment meetings, press releases, and Politics in Ocala, Florida
Marion County Emergency Management provides Hurricane Ian update
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management is currently working to remove debris, clear the roadways, and restore utilities while monitoring any additional impacts from Hurricane Ian. MCSO is also gathering personnel, equipment, and supplies to dispatch to counties in southwest Florida that were severely impacted by the storm.
Ocala to host proposed redistricting public meetings on October 6
The City of Ocala will host two public meetings in Council Chambers on Thursday, October 6, at 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., to discuss proposed redistricting. Due to Hurricane Ian, the two additional meetings that were scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 28 have been canceled.
Marion County announces government office and service closures, sanitation schedule
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management and local government agencies have announced multiple government office and service closures due to the potential effects from Hurricane Ian.
Ocala to reschedule Building Community Roundtable event
Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Ian, the Building Community Roundtable that was scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 29 has been canceled. This event will be rescheduled for a future date once the threat of severe weather has passed.
Marion County commissioners declare local state of emergency
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has declared a state of local emergency in anticipation of the potential for severe weather resulting from Hurricane Ian. This declaration provides the framework for coordination between agencies, as outlined in the county’s comprehensive emergency management plan.
Marion County commissioners adopt $1.2 billion budget for 2022-2023
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a $1.2 billion budget for next fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. That figure includes the countywide budget of $854.3 million and another $349.8 million for non-countywide entities.
BusinessBusiness news, press releases and openings in Ocala, Florida
Ocala Fire Rescue seeking vendor to provide work uniforms
The City of Ocala is soliciting quotes for a vendor to provide work uniforms for approximately 150 Ocala Fire Rescue employees.
Gator Joe’s temporarily closed after health inspection failure
Gator Joe's in Ocklawaha was temporarily closed earlier this week after an inspector cited five health code violations, including the presence of rodent activity.
Ocala Main Street to host 2023 state conference for Florida Main Street programs
Ocala Main Street has been selected to host next year's annual state conference for Florida Main Street programs. The week-long conference will allow attendees to experience, explore, and be exposed to the many businesses and history that makes downtown Ocala a unique destination.
Construction of Mary Sue Rich Community Center making progress
Construction of the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place is steadily progressing, and the City of Ocala expects the facility to open later this year.
City of Ocala seeking vendor to produce, manage annual concert series
The City of Ocala is soliciting quotes for a vendor to provide concert series production and management services for yearly events that will be held throughout the city.
Healthcare and Human Services Job Fair coming to Ocala on July 26
Local job seekers are invited to take part in the 2022 Healthcare and Human Services Job Fair in Ocala on Tuesday, July 26. Multiple businesses will be onsite to fill in-demand positions at area hospitals, doctors’ offices, nonprofit organizations, and nursing homes.
PhotosPhotos in and around Ocala, Florida
Rainbow At Sunrise Over Stone Creek In Ocala
Check out this beautiful rainbow that formed as the sun was rising over the Stone Creek neighborhood of Arlington in Ocala. Thanks to Rose McCloy for sharing!
Beautiful Orange Sunset Over Ocala
Check out this beautiful pink sunset over Ocala the night before Hurricane Ian made landfall. Thanks to Carmen De Santiago for sharing!
More HeadlinesNews, events, politics, government in Ocala, Florida
Marion County emergency shelters closing
All emergency shelter locations that were opened in Marion County due to Hurricane Ian will soon be closed. Anyone who is currently staying at the shelters will be able to leave as soon as the conditions are safe for them to do so.
Ocala Electric Utility crews addressing multiple power outages
Ocala Electric Utility crews are currently addressing multiple power outages that were caused by Hurricane Ian. As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, OEU reports that there are 27 open outages affecting 1,039 customers.
Hurricane Ian makes landfall in Florida as Category 4 storm, wind speed slightly decreases
After making landfall in Florida on Wednesday afternoon as a Category 4 storm, Hurricane Ian’s maximum sustained winds have decreased to around 140 mph, and further weakening is expected as the storm moves across central Florida on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
Ocala reschedules Hispanic Senior Wellness Fair at Citizens’ Circle
Due to potential severe weather associated with Hurricane Ian, the Hispanic Senior Wellness Fair at Citizens’ Circle (151 SE Osceola Avenue) has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event was originally scheduled to take place this weekend.
Ocala Electric Utility provides power outage tips for residents
In preparation for Hurricane Ian, Ocala Electric Utility is providing several tips for residents who may experience a power outage during the storm. Â
Marion County Emergency Management provides update on Hurricane Ian
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management is asking for all citizens to take precautions as Marion County braces for the possible impacts from Hurricane Ian. Shelters are now open to the public, and sandbags are available at multiple Marion County locations until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, weather permitting.
Fort King National Historic Landmark reopens to public
The park and visitor center at the Fort King Historic Landmark have reopened to the public and will follow normal hours of operation.
Ocala reschedules Hispanic Senior Wellness Fair at Citizens’ Circle
Due to potential severe weather associated with Hurricane Ian, the Hispanic Senior Wellness Fair at Citizens’ Circle (151 SE Osceola Avenue) has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event was originally scheduled to take place this weekend.
Discovery Center classes cancelled, Science Matters exhibit now opening on October 8
Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Ian, the opening of the Discovery Center’s newest exhibit, Science Matters, has been pushed back a week, and several classes have also been cancelled.
Resident says Marion County needs reliable internet service
"I'm a new resident to Dunnellon and I'm a senior citizen. I'm unable to acquire reliable fiber optic service at my address, which is plagued by numerous dropped calls daily, and often times I'm not able to call out at all. This situation is a liability for Marion County as I'm unable to access 911 should I have an emergency requiring immediate medical assistance," says Dunnellon resident Wanda Zanetti in a Letter to the Editor.
Residents discuss activities, quality of life in Ocala/Marion County
"I would like to see development with character and design, not just a roadside strip mall. There is a lack of public sport activity centers in southwest Ocala. Some accessible public pickleball courts and colorful playgrounds along SW 200 would be a great addition," says Ocala resident John Bourland in a Letter to the Editor.
Marion County residents weigh in on internet service quality
"I, too, agree with a recent letter from a Dunnellon resident. I live in the same area and internet is almost nonexistent. Cellphone coverage is almost nonexistent as well. Come on, Marion County, this is 2022, not 1922," says Ocala resident Aimee Hausy in a Letter to the Editor.
Marion County schools to remain closed on September 30
Marion County Public Schools has announced that schools will remain closed on Friday, September 30 in order for crews to visit all campuses and assess the damage that was caused by Hurricane Ian.
MCPS extends school closures due to Hurricane Ian
Marion County Public Schools is extending its closures through Friday, September 29 due to the anticipated severe weather from Hurricane Ian.
Marion County announces school closures, shelter locations
Marion County Public Schools and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management have announced school closings and multiple shelter locations in preparation for Hurricane Ian.
Frank Melillo Jr.
Frank Melillo owned a 1977 Buick Regal and enjoyed entering it in numerous car shows.
Antoinette Adelaide Huhnken
Antoinette Huhnken loved traveling with her dogs and spending countless hours with her family.
Paul A. Wise
Paul Wise and his wife, Jan, moved in 2000 to Ocala, where he spent time tinkering in his garage sharpening tools and riding his bike daily.
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