Crowd watching fireworks light up the night sky at Tavares July 4th event.
Entertainment
5 months ago
Tavares plans unforgettable July 4th celebration with live music, and fireworks

From a seaplane flyover to food trucks, kids’ activities, and a concert by The HOOTZ, this free Independence Day event has something for everyone.

Thomas Butler presents at a county commission meeting in Ocala to support the Bus Brigade school supply drive.
Education
5 months ago
Mission: Bus Brigade returns — Marion County aims to collect 30,000+ school supplies for students in need

Help support homeless and struggling students across Marion County by donating backpacks, hygiene items, and more at local drop-off sites through July.

Students seated in a lecture hall taking notes during class.
Education
5 months ago
Marion County students score big: FAST test gains show record academic growth across grades

From reading to math and history, local students outpaced state averages with double-digit improvements on Florida’s year-round progress monitoring tests.

Close-up of a "Detour Ahead" sign with traffic cones and road construction in the background.
Local
5 months ago
Temporary road closures near Ernie Mills Park to impact Dunnellon traffic July 5–6

Drivers should expect detours and delays along Bostick Street from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. due to scheduled closures for a local event.

State
5 months ago
DeSantis vetoes $6.25M Ocklawaha River restoration funding, delaying long-awaited project

Despite bipartisan support and projected economic and environmental benefits, the governor cut funding for restoring Florida’s most ecologically significant river system from the 2025–26 state budget.

Close-up of a kitten behind bars at a cat rescue shelter with other kittens in the background on red bedding.
Local
5 months ago
Help save lives, one cat at a time: Sheltering Hands seeks veterinarians to join low-cost clinic in Ocala

Florida-licensed vets are invited to donate just a few hours a month to provide spay/neuter services and basic care for rescued cats at Sheltering Hands’ nonprofit clinic.

Large red "CF" sculpture on College of Central Florida campus with Purple Star Campus designation badge overlay.
Education
5 months ago
College of Central Florida earns Purple Star Campus designation for veteran support

CF recognized by Florida Department of Education for its commitment to student veterans and military families through dedicated services, peer support, and education benefits guidance.

A child holding a lit sparkler, wearing a shirt with an American flag design, with a blurred outdoor background.
Health & Wellness
5 months ago
Fireworks safety tips from Ocala ER doctors as July 4th injuries spike among kids and teens

As Independence Day approaches, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital urges families to keep fireworks fun—not dangerous—with simple precautions to avoid burns, ER visits, and serious injuries.

Scientist prepares pine stem sample for imaging during pitch canker research at UF.
Education
5 months ago
UF researchers use Hurricane Helene data to track pitch canker spread in pine forests

With federal funding, UF/IFAS scientists study how hurricane winds may worsen fungal disease outbreaks in Southeastern timberlands, aiming to protect the region’s $100B forestry economy.

Bryson Leverette wearing a gray hoodie, standing outdoors near parked cars.
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
Two years later, Lady Lake police renew call for tips in unsolved homicide of Bryson Leverette

Investigators urge public to come forward with information in 2023 fatal shooting of 20-year-old Bryson “Swift” Leverette, as family continues to mourn and seek justice.

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