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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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Region’s jobless rate for month of April drops to 2.9%
The jobless rate in the three-county region (Marion, Citrus, and Levy) dropped to 2.9% in April 2022, a decrease of 2.3 percentage points from a year ago.
City of Ocala soliciting quotes for vendor to repair vehicles on as-needed basis
The City of Ocala is soliciting quotes for an experienced vendor to provide automobile and truck body repair work on an as-needed basis.
Plant City man arrested in Ocala after stealing relative’s vehicle
An 18-year-old Plant City man was arrested in Ocala after he was spotted behind the steering wheel of a stolen vehicle that belonged to one of his relatives.
Tonight’s Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series concert moving indoors to E.D. Croskey Recreation Center
For the second consecutive week, the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is moving its concert to the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center due to expected inclement weather. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. and will feature music from the Drifters Greatest Hits Show (R&B/Soul).
MCPS seeking community’s help to name new Early Learning Academy
Marion County Public Schools is seeking input from the community to help name a new Early Learning Academy that will be opening in Ocala for the 2022-2023 school year.
Downtown Ocala parking garage closing for scheduled maintenance
The downtown Ocala parking garage will experience partial closures beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 23 through 7 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25. During this time, the parking garage will undergo extensive deep cleaning.
SunTran seeking public feedback on transit system
SunTran is updating its Transit Development Plan (TDP) to reflect its 10-year vision for the future of transit in Ocala/Marion County, and residents are invited to offer their feedback by participating in a brief online survey.
Athletic grass turf fields throughout Ocala closing for summer maintenance
Effective immediately, all athletic grass turf fields maintained by the City of Ocala are closing for summer maintenance. Playgrounds, pavilions, and walking trails will remain open during this time.
Florida Department of Health in Marion County provides update on infant formula shortage
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is closely monitoring the current infant formula shortage and is taking the issue very seriously. The department has provided an update on the shortage, along with information and resources for families who are affected by this issue.
Ocala man arrested after allegedly breaking into victim’s home, stealing over $7,000 worth of items
An Ocala man was arrested after he allegedly broke into a female victim's home and stole over $7,000 worth of items which included multiple televisions, computers, a video game console, purses, and shoes.
Marion County Fire Rescue announces multiple promotions
On Wednesday, Marion County Fire Rescue was proud to announce that several firefighters/paramedics (Joshua Dobbs and Daniel Laxton) and lieutenants (Bethany Smith, Brian Fugate, and Andrew Bragoli) have received promotions.
Temporary lane closure on SE 54th Court in Marion County through May 24
Marion County motorists can expect a temporary lane closure on SE 54th Court, between the intersections of SE 141st Street and SE 140th Street, through May 24 due to the removal and installation of overhead power poles.
Evergreen Cemetery in need of volunteers for upcoming cleanup day
The City of Ocala Public Works Department is hosting a cleanup day at the Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, May 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and volunteers are needed.
DeSantis signs bill authorizing open containers in downtown Ocala during designated events
Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1429 on Wednesday which allows for downtown Ocala businesses to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption during designated events within a 34-block "event zone."
Florida man with prior battery convictions arrested after allegedly grabbing, slapping female victim
A man with several prior battery convictions was arrested after he allegedly grabbed and slapped a female victim inside a Marion County residence.
Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hosting DIY art classes for ages 50 and up
The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting a series of DIY art classes at the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center for residents who are over the age of 50.
Marion County inviting public to attend Fallen Officer Memorial
Marion County residents are invited to attend the Fallen Office Memorial to honor those officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial is being held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 19 at the McPherson Governmental Campus (601 SE 25th Avenue in Ocala).
Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary School opens time capsule from 1997
Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary School recently unveiled a time capsule that was buried in front of the school by students in 1997.
Ocala man violates pre-trial release conditions after visiting female victim, allegedly punching her in face
An Ocala man who was on pre-trial release for a domestic violence case was arrested after he visited the female victim's residence and allegedly punched her in the face.
KFC celebrates grand opening in east Ocala with ribbon cutting ceremony
A new KFC in east Ocala officially opened its doors to hungry customers last month, and the grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Florida visitor wins $1 million prize from scratch-off ticket purchased at Gainesville grocery store
A visitor to the Sunshine State recently claimed a $1 million prize from the 500X THE CASH scratch-off game, and the winning ticket was sold at the Publix located at 3930 SW Archer Road in Gainesville.
Marion County health officials share warning signs, prevention tips during ‘Stroke Awareness Month’
Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in Florida and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. In observance of 'Stroke Awareness Month,' the Florida Department of Health in Marion County is offering preventative tips and information on the risk factors and symptoms of stroke.
Ocala woman with revoked license arrested after MCSO deputy spots her behind wheel of pickup truck
An Ocala woman with a revoked driver's license was arrested after a Marion County Sheriff's Office deputy spotted her behind the steering wheel of a pickup truck.
Two people hospitalized after collision with rollover on Silver Springs Boulevard
A driver and passenger were transported to a local hospital following a two-vehicle collision with rollover that occurred on Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Tuesday afternoon.