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.
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Marion County reports 876 new COVID-19 cases in latest bi-weekly report
For the second consecutive bi-weekly report (August 5 to August 11), Marion County health officials are reporting a decline in COVID-19 cases, with a daily average of 125 new infections.
Marion Cultural Alliance inviting artists, makers to submit works for fall/winter consignment
The Marion Cultural Alliance is now accepting entries from local artists and makers for The Shop at the Brick’s fall/winter consignment, which will run from October 2022 through January 2023.
MCSO announces temporary road closure on SE 95th Street due to barricaded individual in area
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has announced a temporary road closure on SE 95th Street, between S Magnolia Avenue and SE 25th Avenue. Deputies are currently negotiating with a barricaded individual in the area.
Limited vendor booths still available for next month’s Ocala Comic Con
The Ocala Comic Con is returning next month to the World Equestrian Center, and a limited amount of vendor spaces recently opened up for both dates of the convention.
Dunnellon police seeking help identifying Sears theft suspect
The Dunnellon Police Department is turning to the local community to help identify a man who is suspected of stealing lawn equipment from Sears.
‘Legends of the Fort’ event heading to Fort King National Historic Landmark
Visitors will have the opportunity to step back into history to meet the legends of the fort’s past during an upcoming event at the Fort King National Historic Landmark.
Ocala Police Department looking for stolen 2016 Yamaha motorcycle
The Ocala Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a blue 2016 Yamaha motorcycle that was recently stolen. The suspect who stole it was last seen riding the motorcycle on NE 14th Street towards E Silver Springs Boulevard.
Homeschool Art and P.E. programs returning to Brick City Adventure Park
The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back its Homeschool Wednesdays program for the 2022-2023 school year, and participating children will enjoy various art and physical education activities.
First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala on September 2
The First Friday Art Walk will return to downtown Ocala on September 2 with hands-on art activities, live music, and more.
MCSO offering free bleeding control, hands-only CPR training class this weekend
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is offering another free training class on Saturday, August 13 that will teach participants how to control bleeding and perform hands-only CPR.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods seeks help in locating sex offender
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods is asking for the public’s help in locating a 47-year-old man who is wanted for two counts of failure to comply with sexual offender registration requirements.
Ocala police asking for help identifying man who allegedly stole alcohol from Circle K
The Ocala Police Department is turning to the community to help identify a man who is suspected of stealing several alcoholic beverages from the Circle K located at 1702 S Pine Avenue.
MCPS highlights successful start to 2022-2023 school year
The 2022-2023 school year officially kicked off on Wednesday as 39,753 students across Marion County filled local classrooms. Aside from occasional 911 calls for students with medical conditions and minor fender benders with no injuries, Marion County Public Schools stated that opening day operations were smooth, organized, and efficient.
Car backs into school bus transporting 25 children in Ocala, no injuries reported
There were no injuries reported after a sedan backed into a school bus that was transporting 25 children in southwest Ocala on Wednesday afternoon.
Ocala Symphony Orchestra announces Open Rehearsal dates for upcoming season
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is bringing back its open rehearsal events for students and their families at the Reilly Arts Center.
Paddock Mall hands out over 2,000 backpacks to local students during back-to-school event
The Paddock Mall gave away over 2,000 backpacks to Marion County students and their families during the Back 2 School Bash that was held on Saturday, August 6.
Marion County firefighters highlighting importance of smoke detectors in home
Marion County Fire Rescue is reminding residents of the importance of having multiple working smoke detectors in their homes. Approximately half of all home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep.
Silver Springs man jailed after stealing pickup truck, trailer, and UTV
A 26-year-old Silver Springs man was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff's Office after he admitted to stealing a Ford flatbed pickup truck, Triple Crown trailer, and Polaris Ranger utility task vehicle.
Archery workshop sessions returning to Silver Springs Archery Range
The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back its Archery Workshop sessions, and registration opens later this month.
15-year-old boy arrested by MCSO after burglarizing vehicles, fleeing in stolen pickup truck
A 15-year-old boy was arrested in Ocala after he admitted to burglarizing multiple vehicles, vandalizing a law enforcement officer’s patrol car, and fleeing in a pickup truck that was reported stolen.
MCPS in need of substitute teachers for 2022-2023 school year
As students return to classrooms for the start of the 2022-2023 school year, Marion County Public Schools is looking to fill substitute teaching positions.
Three women suspected of stealing $18,000 worth of merchandise from Sunglass Hut in Ocala
The Ocala Police Department is turning to the public to help identify three women who are suspected of stealing $18,000 worth of merchandise from the Sunglass Hut located at the Paddock Mall.
Ocala Civic Theatre’s new season opens next month with ‘Hands on a Hardbody’
Ocala Civic Theatre is gearing up for its 2022-2023 season, and tickets are now on sale for its opening musical: Hands on a Hardbody.
MCPS kicking off 2022-2023 school year with new leaders, options, and opportunities
With the 2022-2023 school year kicking off on Wednesday, August 10, Marion County Public Schools is highlighting its new leaders, options, and opportunities.