The Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center is gearing up for its second annual Taste of the Town fundraiser, bringing together 19 local restaurants, food trucks, and beverage vendors for an evening of food, fun, and community. Set for September 12, 2025, at the Ocala Downtown Market.
Theresa Boston-Ellis Marion County Public Schools chief financial officer is retiring from the school district after 33 years on Aug. 29, 2025.
The southbound I-75 on-ramp from westbound State Road 326 in Marion County will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, to 5 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, for asphalt repairs. Motorists will be directed to follow detours via Northwest 44th Avenue and U.S. 27, with alternate routes provided for semi-truck drivers.
Ocala’s Jose Juarez has been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the College of Central Florida District Board of Trustees. A longtime Marion County resident, Juarez is the CEO and founder of Victory Solutions, owner of BarbaCuban, and an active community leader involved in Leadership Florida and the Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Sheltering Hands Inc. hosted its 1st Annual Paddle Auction at Water Oak Country Club, drawing more than 125 attendees and raising nearly $6,000 to support its cat rescue programs. Proceeds will strengthen vital services, including Trap-Neuter-Return initiatives, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, and adoption programs like Love for a Lifetime, which pairs senior cats with senior companions. The success of the event highlights the community’s commitment to animal welfare and ensures more cats find care, treatment, and forever homes.
The Alzheimer’s Association is bringing the community together for Catch the Purple Wave, a pep rally set for Wednesday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Ocala. The event offers a first look at this year’s walk, opportunities to get involved, and a chance to connect with others dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and show their support in the fight against this devastating disease.
A vehicle collision between a sedan and a motorcycle during the early morning hours on, Aug. 23, 2025, would lead to a fatality as the result of the incident.
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau’s third quarter report highlights record-setting media exposure, with national features like Southern Living delivering more than 160 million impressions and over $1.4 million in value.
The Marion County Litter Task Force awarded Miguel Sanchez the Community Impact Award for his leadership in keeping Marion Oaks clean and beautiful. Miguel founded the Marion Oaks Community Beautification Crew, organizes monthly cleanups, and partners with local schools to involve students in community service.
The Marion County Veterans Memorial Park has renamed its cross program to “Remember & Honor” to pay tribute to fallen service members. Families can purchase personalized crosses displayed around Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year.
