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Ashley Brace

Ashley is a student at the College of Central Florida and Editor-In-Chief of The Patriot Press, with experience in journalism, media and student leadership.

Crowd watching fireworks light up the night sky at Tavares July 4th event.
America 250 in the 352
3 months ago
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in North Central Florida for America’s 250th

From Ocala and Belleview to Gainesville, Crystal River and beyond, communities across North Central Florida are lighting up the sky in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

A mugshot of a man with short blonde hair in an orange and white striped jumpsuit.
Crime & Safety
3 months ago
Ocala Man Arrested in Connection with Shooting Incidents, Battery and Criminal Mischief

An Ocala man was arrested after police say he fired shots from a moving vehicle in two separate locations, damaged property and was involved in a battery incident on June 12.

A mugshot of a white teen with shorter black hair and bangs.
Crime & Safety
3 months ago
Teen Arrested on Juvenile Warrant in Marion County Battery Case

A Marion County teenager was arrested after deputies served a juvenile warrant connected to a battery charge stemming from a domestic disturbance earlier in the month.

New lighting upgrades are coming to the pavilion at Lake Lillian Park in Belleview, aiming to improve safety and visibility for evening events like Trunk or Treat and Light Up Lake Lillian.
America 250 in the 352
3 months ago
Belleview Celebrates America’s 250 with Month of Community Events

From family activities and community gatherings to a fireworks celebration, Belleview is inviting residents to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary throughout July.

American flags on the lawn in front of the Heart of the Park building in Ocala, where HCA Florida Healthcare volunteers helped with cleanup and renovation.
America 250 in the 352
3 months ago
UPDATED: Heart of the Park Brings History to Life During America 250 Celebration in Ocala

From Revolutionary War exhibits to living history demonstrations and a community time capsule, Heart of the Park is serving as a centerpiece of Marion County’s America 250 celebration this summer.

Front view of the Appleton Museum of Art, featuring a grand modern facade with tall columns and large dark-tinted glass windows. A cascading water fountain runs down the center of the entrance walkway, surrounded by neatly trimmed greenery and a circular driveway. Three decorative animal sculptures are placed in the middle of the fountain near the museum entrance, and the sky is clear and blue.
America 250 in the 352
3 months ago
Celebrate America 250 Through Art, Music and Culture in North Central Florida

From orchestral performances to museum exhibitions, these arts and cultural events are helping residents of North Central Florida celebrate America’s 250.

A standalone entrance sign with a white arch and red structural supports, displaying a blue panel with “CF” and below it “College of Central Florida.” Behind it is a small pond with a fountain and a grassy lawn.
Education
3 months ago
CF Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant to Support Students Facing Financial Barriers

A $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County will help the College of Central Florida Foundation continue providing scholarships to students facing financial challenges, with a focus on helping student parents pursue higher education.

A group of men pose during an award presentation.
Community
3 months ago
Lady Lake Mayor Receives Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award

Lady Lake Mayor Ed Freeman has been recognized with the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award.

Community
3 months ago
Marion County Recognizes Waste and Recycling Workers Week

Marion County officials are encouraging residents to recognize the essential workers who help keep the community clean, safe and environmentally sustainable during Waste and Recycling Workers Week, observed June 15-20.

Closeup of Ocala Downtown Gazebo with white support beams and fencing surrounding it and leading down to the square. White triangles surround the top of the gazebo with a blue-gray dome sitting atop it and a City of Ocala circular logo placed center in the front facing triangle.
Food & Drink
3 months ago
Stella’s Modern Pantry Announces New Location After Downtown Closure

After announcing the closure of its downtown Ocala location earlier this year, Stella’s Modern Pantry has revealed plans to relocate and reopen in a new space later this year.