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News from Ocala, Florida and surrounding communities. Crime, classifieds, events, government, and local happenings for Ocala and Marion County, as well as surrounding cities and communities.
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Insomniac Theatre Company announces upcoming performances at Reilly Arts Center
The Insomniac Theatre Company season kicks off later this month at the Reilly Arts Center with Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery." The theater company will perform multiple productions throughout the season, concluding in May 2022 with Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Shadowcast.
Unemployment rate sees slight decrease in August
The August unemployment rate in Marion County saw a slight decrease in August to 5.4% from the previous month. The rate is 30% lower than last year's August rate of 7.2%. Among Florida’s 67 counties, Marion County's unemployment rate ranked 13th highest. The Ocala MSA held the sixth highest unemployment rate among the state’s 24 metropolitan areas.
Marion County Commissioner joins committee to improve broadband in Florida
Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone will be the county’s champion as the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) seeks to deliver reliable and affordable high-speed internet to all Floridians.
Ocala police officer shoots at, misses armed subjects who made threats at Promenade Apartments
The Ocala Police Department reported no injuries after an officer fired his gun at armed suspects at the Promenade Apartments.
Ocklawaha man arrested after stealing Confederate flag, customized tables from local business
A 66-year-old Ocklawaha man, who was identified by witnesses through video surveillance and Facebook, was arrested after allegedly stealing customized tables and a Confederate flag from a local pub.
Ocala votes to repeal panhandling, roadway solicitation ordinances deemed unconstitutional
The city of Ocala has repealed certain sections of the city code relating to panhandling and roadway solicitation that were deemed unconstitutional in federal court.
Job by Claudia Lauster added to City of Ocala’s permanent public art collection
The City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division recently announced the addition of “Job” by Claudia Lauster to the city's permanent public art collection.
Marion County Jail employee arrested after falsely impersonating detective
A 46-year-old Citra man employed at the Marion County Jail, was arrested after admitting that he falsely impersonated a detective to intimidate a victim.
Driver stops car, prevents homeless man’s alleged attack on Ocala City Council candidate’s campaigning wife
A driver stopped his vehicle and intervened after he saw a homeless man attempting to attack an Ocala City Council candidate’s wife while she was campaigning for her husband outside of the Hilton Garden Inn.
City hosting final meeting for public input on new mural at E.D. Croskey Rec Center
The Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division is hosting its final meeting seeking public input on a new mural planned for the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center.
Polar Patrol police ice cream truck starts service Thursday
The Polar Patrol, a new ice cream truck initiative by the Ocala Police Department, will start serving sweet treats around the city later today. Ocala Police Department Chief Mike Balken says he believes officers visiting neighborhoods and handing out free ice cream will enable children and families to talk, listen, and build trust with police.
Marion County health officials reminding immunocompromised of opportunities to receive third shot
Marion County health officials are reminding immunocompromised residents across the county that there are opportunities to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine shot.
Marion County Public Schools hosting career fair for senior students, businesses
Marion County Public Schools will host a career fair for senior students at multiple local high schools next week.
Ocala Art and Food Festival to highlight local restaurants
The Ocala Art and Food Festival will take place on Saturday, October 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Magnolia Art Xchange, which is located at 531 NE 1st Avenue.
Law enforcement seize 275 marijuana plants in northeast Ocala drug bust
Two south Florida men were arrested after police seized nearly 300 marijuana plants being grown at a northeast Ocala residence.
Ocala woman arrested after fleeing traffic stop, ditching cocaine in police car
An Ocala woman was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop and trying to hide drugs in a police vehicle while en route to the Marion County Jail.
Free yoga event at Fort King National Historic Landmark
DeNaya Wilkerson will host a free yoga class on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Fort King National Historic Landmark.
A & N Caribbean Cuisine temporarily closed after failed health inspections
A & N Caribbean Cuisine was temporarily closed last week after an inspector cited 13 health code violations, including 20 live roaches and 20 dead roaches found around the kitchen.
City of Ocala agrees to pay nearly $400,000 in settlement over public sleeping arrests
The city of Ocala has agreed to pay nearly $400,000 in attorney’s fees and costs for what a judge ruled "cruel and unusual punishment" in arresting homeless individuals sleeping outside without first checking availability at local shelters.
Bowl-2-Build Bowlathon to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Marion County
A bowling event to benefit the Habitat for Humanity of Marion County is coming to Ocala next week.
Ocala man arrested after allegedly battering officer responding to domestic violence call
A 28-year-old Ocala man was arrested after allegedly attacking officers who were responding to a call about a domestic violence incident.
Litter Task Force requesting public feedback through survey
The newly established Marion County Litter Task Force is looking for public feedback about the state of litter in the county.
Habitat for Humanity hosting homeownership informational meeting
The Habitat for Humanity of Marion County will host a homeownership informational meeting on Saturday.
Elvis tribute concert to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Marion County
A local Elvis tribute artist who has garnered international fame will perform a concert to benefit the Habitat for Humanity of Marion County this winter.