News
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.
HomeNews
East Central Florida planning organization looking for public feedback
A planning organization representing east central Florida is asking the public for feedback on "personal values and priorities" and an evaluation of current community planning efforts.
Marion County Sheriff looking for suspects who stole purse from cart, made fraudulent credit card purchases
Three suspects are being sought by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the theft of a purse from a shopping cart at a local Walmart and multiple fraudulent credit card purchases.
Young Professionals Ocala raise $300 for Dignity Center
The Young Professionals of Ocala business networking organization raised $300 for the Dignity Center as part of a volunteer day with Ocala non-profit organization Wear Gloves, Inc.
Ocala City Council incumbents claim ‘hearts broken,’ allude to loss of votes in support of City Manager
Two Ocala City Council members that will seek reelection this fall cited a “broken heart” about the termination of Shane Alexander, and one suggested his support of Ocala City Manager Sandra Wilson would "lose him votes."
Ocala, Marion County amidst construction boom as lumber prices still at record highs
Development across Ocala and Marion County continues at a rapid pace despite record high lumber prices. This month, lumber’s price returned to $647, after skyrocketing to $1,544 in May. The current price is 94% higher than it was in 2019, and over 250% higher than it was in 2017.
‘COVID-19 cases on rise again’ in Marion County according to health department
Marion County reported 1,056 new cases of COVID-19 last week, higher than 50 of the other 67 counties in Florida. As a state, 73,199 new cases were reported during the week from July 16 to July 22. Of the 372,469 residents that live in Marion County, 169,557 have been vaccinated.
Ocala Mayor speaking to local Republican women’s group
Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn will address the Republican Women of Ocala-Marion County Federated on July 27 at the Ocala Golf Club.
Man arrested in shooting at Promenade Apartments
A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting at Promenade Apartments in Ocala that left another man injured from a gunshot wound.
Food Wizards food truck temporarily closed for 13 violations during failed inspection
Food Wizards food truck was forced to temporarily close operations after a health inspector found 13 violations, including 20 live roaches present underneath a sink.
Marion County Gentle Carousel Mini Horses return from trip to Surfside Memorial
Marion County’s Gentle Carousel Miniature Horses made a trip to the Surfside Memorial recently to help a community still mourning the condo collapse that claimed the lives of nearly 100 people.
Ocala overdose responses and deaths remain constant, amnesty participation down 33% from 2020
While overdose responses and deaths have remained relatively constant since last year, participation in the Ocala Police Department’s amnesty program has dropped by 33%.
Ocala Fire Rescue responds to tractor-trailer fire on I-75
Ocala Fire Rescue Engines responded to a tractor-trailer fire on I-75 on Friday.
New Trulieve opens doors in Crystal River
With a new Trulieve in Crystal River, there are now at least 20 marijuana dispensaries located within 50 miles of Ocala, five of which are within city limits and ten of which are in Gainesville.
Ocala man arrested after cyberstalking, threatening to jeopardize woman’s custody over child
An Ocala man is being charged with cyberstalking after a victim claims he cut his wrist in front of her and threatened to reveal he is a sexual predator to her ex-husband so she would lose custody of her child.
Ocala City Council member says audit shows Ocala Fire Rescue Chief termination followed protocol
Ocala City Council member Jay Musleh says he asked the city auditor to conduct an audit of the recent firing of former Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander. Musleh says the firing followed protocol.
Appleton Museum announces mobile photography contest winners
The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, announced the winners of the seventh annual “Mobile Photography Contest & Exhibition.”
City Gallery showcases completed, ongoing projects across Ocala
The City Gallery at Ocala City Hall highlights recently completed and ongoing projects across the city. Visit city hall at 110 SE Watula Avenue to see it in person.
Ocala resident asks city council for path forward to keep pigeons
A resident of northwest Ocala is hoping the city will make an exception for his pet pigeons after he was instructed he could no longer keep them.
Agendas are the ‘grocery lists’ of Ocala government meetings
Agendas are the “grocery lists” that keep Ocala, and all local government meetings, from veering out of focus. An agenda sets forth the topics to be discussed at any meeting of a governmental body. Across the county, every meeting of the Ocala City Council, local advisory boards, the Marion County Commission, or any other governmental agency or department has an agenda list.
Ocala residents lend support for former fire chief, Ocala City Manager
“Ocala is much divided. We are here attacking the city manager. We don’t have all the facts" - Multiple Ocala residents showed up to this week’s Ocala City Council meeting to lend their support behind both former Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander and Ocala City Manager Sandra Wilson, who terminated Alexander from his position earlier this year.
Marion County Public School Teacher recognized nationally as ‘Gold Star Teacher of the Year’
Jenny Hoosac, a fourth-grade teacher at Sunrise Elementary School, has been awarded the first ever "Gold Star Teacher of the Year" from a national organization for educators. A 12-year teaching veteran and Dunnellon High School graduate, Hoosac will receive thousands of dollars in prizes, including a cash scholarship for her classroom and a three-day Disney vacation. Leave your thanks and congratulations to Hoosac for a job well done.
Ocala City Council, city attorney to discuss possible settlement of homeless lawsuit
The Ocala City Council with meet with the City Attorney’s office in a shade meeting to discuss potentially settling a lawsuit brought about by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of multiple, local homeless individuals who say the city's panhandling laws are unconstitutional.
Pointe Grand Apartments approved for 360 units in southwest Ocala
Pointe Grand Apartments received approval for a new 360-unit apartment complex along Ocala.
Ocala man pawns nearly $35,000 worth of stolen tools
A 24-year-old Ocala man is facing 20 charges after a victim, whose daughter bonded the man out of jail in late June, claims he stole $35,000 worth of tools owned by her late husband.