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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024
An Ocala restaurant that specializes in fried chicken, waffles, and southern favorites recently moved to a new location within the city. 
A 26-year-old Ocala man who was allegedly in possession of a fake marriage license and adoption papers is being accused of sexually battering a teenage girl and attempting to harbor her from her parents.

Headlines
News, events, politics, government in Ocala, Florida

Free books for Marion children under five through Dolly Parton program

All Marion County children under the age of five are eligible to receive free books through a local organization that is championing a program created by Dollar Parton.

Marion home struck by lightning, consumed by fire

A Marion County home was struck by lightning on Wednesday and consumed by flames after the strike started a fire in the attic.

Easter celebrations around Marion County this weekend

Multiple organizations will host Easter egg hunts this weekend across Marion County. Check out our partial list.

The most famous ‘City of Ocala’ song was released nine years ago.

This month marked the ninth anniversary of "City of Ocala," the most famous song ever written about the Horse Capital of the World.

1 killed, 1 injured after SUV strikes fence, tree in Marion County

One person was killed, and another was seriously injured, after their SUV veered off the roadway and struck a tree in Marion County on Wednesday morning.

Man admits to stealing pipes from Marion County construction site

A 53-year-old man was arrested last week after he allegedly confessed to stealing $1,500 worth of pipes from a construction site in Marion County.

Government
Government meetings, press releases, and Politics in Ocala, Florida

Marion County Day festival returns this weekend

Marion County is inviting residents and visitors to its annual community festival this weekend, which will celebrate the county’s 180-year history.

Ocala residents speak on Gaza Strip conflict

"What does this have to do with the city business in Ocala, Florida?" - Ocala residents voiced several different views about the conflict in the Gaza Strip during Tuesday's meeting of the Ocala City Council, with some suggesting the city and county have no place in the fight.

City hosting senior services fair at CF

The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host its annual Parade of Senior Services Information Fair tomorrow at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Conference Center.

Early voting for President primaries runs through Saturday

Marion County residents looking to cast their votes to nominate the next President of the United States still have a chance to vote early before next Tuesday's primary. 

City now hiring seasonal lifeguards for aquatic centers

The city of Ocala is offering $19 an hour for seasonal lifeguard positions at its aquatic facilities.

Marion County Fire Rescue breaks ground on new Citra fire station

Marion County Fire Rescue officially broke ground on a new fire station in Citra on Friday morning.

Business
Business news, press releases and openings in Ocala, Florida

Ocala’s oldest newspaper cites digital dominance in switch to mail delivery

The Ocala StarBanner is now using the U.S. Postal Service to deliver its newspapers, saying it made the change because print subscribers are "increasingly engaging digitally."  

Jersey Mike’s opens new west Ocala location

A national sandwich chain opened its third location in Ocala last week.

Woodworker handcrafting furniture, accessories for Ocala

A woodworker with over 30 years of experience is now handcrafting shelves, boxes, and pieces of furniture for Ocala residents.

Joann fabric files for bankruptcy; no info on Ocala, other locations

A fabric and craft chain that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and delisted its stock to become a private company has not clarified what it will do with its locations, including one in Ocala.

Another new women’s clothing store just opened in Ocala.

A women's clothing company specializing in dresses and apparel for all occasions just expanded into Ocala, joining several similar businesses that have recently opened in the city.

New 390-room hotel open at World Equestrian Center

A new, 390-room hotel that features expansive, upscale accommodations including an outdoor pool, splash pad, and gourmet market has opened for business at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. 

Photos
Photos in and around Ocala, Florida

Rainbow view from Double Diamond Farm in Ocala

Check out this view from Double Diamond Farm in Ocala as a rainbow appeared after an afternoon storm cleared out. Thanks to Brian J. Richards for sharing!

Pair of monkeys at Silver Springs State Park

A reader was excited to share this photo after finally seeing the rhesus macaque monkeys at Silver Springs State Park with her friends. Thanks to Talsma Shelly for sharing!

More Headlines
News, events, politics, government in Ocala, Florida

3 Ocala communities under boil water notice for second time this week

Marion County has issued another precautionary boil water notice for customers in three separate communities as crews work to repair a water main.

Beer and wine festival returns to downtown Ocala this weekend

A popular beer and wine festival offering unlimited samplings from over 40 different local and regional vendors is returning to downtown Ocala this weekend. 

Dirt biker flees from Ocala police with child in lap

Local authorities are asking for the public’s help to identify a man who placed a child in danger while fleeing from a traffic stop in Ocala.

Marion school district seeking feedback on textbooks

Marion County school officials are asking the public for feedback on potential textbooks for kindergarten through middle school students. 

Popular diner working on second location in east Ocala

A diner that opened its first location in southwest Ocala in 2021 is working on a new, second location in the northeast part of the city.

Tom Cruise filmed in Silver Springs 40 years ago. He did all his own stunts.

An action star who has gained international notoriety for filming his own stunts once filmed a series of underwater shots at Silver Springs State Park for a movie. 

Vintage arts and crafts festival in Dunnellon this weekend

A local group will host a vintage arts and crafts event in Dunnellon this weekend. 

Easter celebrations around Marion County this weekend

Multiple organizations will host Easter egg hunts this weekend across Marion County. Check out our partial list.

Ocala library hosting two escape room events

You can get into the library, but can you get out? Anyone interested in finding out is invited to take part in an upcoming escape room event. 

We need more stores in southeast Ocala

"We need a big mall, Burlington, TJ Maxx, and Ross. We also need a Planet Fitness by us, a YMCA, a Sam's Club, and an Aldi," two residents of southeast Ocala say they'd like to see more businesses pop up in that area of the city. What are your thoughts?

Bring Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders to Ocala

An Ocala resident hopes a Michigan-based pizza and "grinder" chain will someday expand into Marion County. Are there any restaurants from the Midwest that you'd like to see expand into the area?

Ocala resident says end of daily newspaper delivery a ‘sad day’

"It's a sad day for older folks and some younger, who really enjoy sitting down in the morning with a cup of coffee and a newspaper" - Roger Francisco shares his thoughts in light of the Ocala StarBanner moving to postal delivery. What are your thoughts?

Free books for Marion children under five through Dolly Parton program

All Marion County children under the age of five are eligible to receive free books through a local organization that is championing a program created by Dollar Parton.

‘I’m going to shoot the kid’: Caller jailed in Dunnellon school shooting hoax

A Canadian man who believed he was in a relationship with a 13-year-old in Marion County is behind bars after he allegedly made a series of hoax calls, including one in which he claimed to be shooting children at Dunnellon Middle School. 

Paid internships available with Ocala Water Resources and Engineering

The City of Ocala's Water Resources and Engineering is offering paid internships for $15 an hour this summer for high school students interested in learning about pursuing a career in utilities and local government. 

Esther Bradberry King

Esther King served as a hospice volunteer for over 20 years. She was a very strong Christian believer and has long looked forward to seeing Jesus face to face.

Ruth Cavender Rhoades

Ruth Rhoades was an excellent cook, talented seamstress and loved playing games which included much laughter.

Martha A. Kay

Martha Kay was a homemaker and enjoyed horseback riding, collecting, tennis, scrapbooking and holiday decorating.
Ocala
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