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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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Man arrested in Ocala after allegedly stealing over 150 gallons of fuel from 7-Eleven
A 46-year-old man was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after he was accused of stealing over 150 gallons of fuel from a 7-Eleven in Ocala.
Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular returns to Florida Horse Park
A festive light show is returning to the Florida Horse Park this holiday season.
Ocala man accused of pushing woman, destroying home during argument over marijuana plants
A 42-year-old Ocala man was arrested after he was accused of forcefully pushing a woman and destroying the interior of a Marion County residence during an argument over marijuana plants.
Marion County accepting donations for ‘Bring the Harvest Home’ food drive through December 2
Marion County is encouraging its residents and businesses to help those in need this holiday season by taking part in the 11th annual “Bring the Harvest Home” holiday food drive, and donations will be accepted through Friday, December 2.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office shares safety tips for holiday shoppers
With Thanksgiving now over and Christmas just a month away, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has compiled a list of tips to help keep shoppers safe during the holidays.
Ocala Police Chief participates in youth mentoring program
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken and his "Little Brother," also named Michael, recently visited a local family farm where they enjoyed multiple outdoor activities including mini golf, a hayride, and a maze. This latest outing was part of the 'Bigs in Blue' mentoring program, which matches children with law enforcement professionals for one-on-one relationships that provide friendship, support, and guidance.
MCSO arrests Ocala man after finding stolen gun, drugs inside vehicle during traffic stop
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 29-year-old Ocala man after a stolen firearm, fentanyl, and cocaine were found inside his vehicle during a traffic stop.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods seeks help in locating man wanted for capital sexual battery on child
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods is asking for the public’s help in locating a 34-year-old man who is wanted for three counts of capital sexual battery on a victim under 12 years of age.
Ocala to offer free parking throughout downtown area during holiday season
The City of Ocala will provide free parking in all metered spaces in downtown Ocala beginning on Thursday, December 1, 2022, through Monday, January 2, 2023, in an effort to encourage residents to support local businesses during the holidays.
Ocala firefighters extinguish vehicle fire on SW 44th Avenue
Ocala firefighters were dispatched to the 1200 block of SW 44th Avenue on Tuesday afternoon after receiving reports of a vehicle fire.
AAA offering free transportation service for impaired drivers through November 28
AAA is offering a free transportation service for members and non-members, beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23 through 6 a.m. on Monday, November 28, in an effort to prevent injuries and deaths caused by impaired drivers.
Marion County School Board members take oaths, elect new Chair and Vice-Chair
Four members of the Marion County School Board took their oaths of office this week inside the School Board Chambers located at 1614 E Fort King Street in Ocala.
Ocala man accused of pushing woman against wall, choking her during argument
A 32-year-old Ocala man was arrested after he was accused of pushing a woman against a wall and choking her during an argument over items that she wanted to retrieve from his vehicle.
OPD employees donate 50 Thanksgiving meals to local families in need
Ocala Police Department employees donated their holiday bonus checks on Tuesday to provide 50 Thanksgiving dinners to local families in need.
Ocala International Airport passes federal safety inspection
The City of Ocala has announced that the Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field recently passed its annual inspection, which was conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Multiple restaurants in Marion County to remain open on Thanksgiving
Marion County residents who are looking to dine out this Thanksgiving will have multiple restaurants to choose from.
Ocala man jailed after allegedly battering woman, fleeing from MCSO deputy
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested a 42-year-old Ocala man after he was accused of battering a woman and fleeing from several deputies.
Fort McCoy man dies in single-vehicle crash on County Road 315
A 32-year-old Fort McCoy man who was traveling on County Road 315 in Marion County was killed on Tuesday morning after his vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree.
Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti returns to Reilly Arts Center in January
Chris Botti, a Grammy Award-winning master trumpeter and composer, will return to the Reilly Arts Center on Sunday, January 22, 2023.
MCPS announces new literacy campaign
Marion County Public Schools has announced "Launching Literacy in the Community,” a new campaign that aims to help elementary school students and their families engage in literacy outside of the classroom.
Ocala police investigating theft of riding lawnmower
The Ocala Police Department is seeking any information from the public that could help locate a riding lawnmower that was stolen last month from a local business.
Ocala woman arrested after allegedly threatening female victim with axe
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 60-year-old Ocala woman after she allegedly threatened to harm a female victim with an axe.
DOH-Marion providing free naloxone in effort to reduce substance abuse deaths
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has announced the availability of free naloxone nasal spray kits. This lifesaving medication, known commercially as Narcan, could help reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.
Marion Oaks man accused of breaking into home, stealing cellphones and jewelry
A 19-year-old Marion Oaks man was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after he was accused of breaking into a woman’s home and stealing several cellphones and jewelry items.