Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) has been selected as one of just 80 departments nationwide to participate in a national field assessment of the Qwake C-THRU Helmet Mounted System. The groundbreaking technology, developed in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, is designed to give firefighters enhanced visibility and situational awareness in smoke-filled, low-visibility environments.
Ocala braces for a weekend of heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms from Friday through Sunday. Temperatures will remain in the upper 80s, with daily rain and storm chances—so stay weather‑aware.
A 20-year-old Ocala man survived a potentially fatal gunshot wound thanks to a gold cross necklace — and the quick response of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital’s trauma team.
Law enforcement is searching for 16-year-old Makenzie Kepka, who was last seen Saturday in Deland. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating the missing teen.
Marion County Fire Rescue has launched a first-of-its-kind First Responder Academy for high school seniors, offering a direct path to a firefighting and EMS career upon graduation.
Eleven officers and a new police chaplain were sworn in this week by Mayor Ben Marciano, while three longtime members of Ocala PD earned well-deserved promotions.
Ocala’s Crime Stoppers has identified six new fugitives, all wanted on felony charges ranging from grand theft to drug trafficking. Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating them.
Ocala can expect a mix of sun and storm chances through the work week, with highs around 90–92 °F and scattered afternoon thunderstorms likely midweek and later.
A fiber line cut has disrupted Verizon users’ ability to text 9-1-1 in Marion County. Emergency officials urge affected residents to call instead of texting during the outage.
From back-to-school milestones to public safety warnings, Marion County residents were engaged with a wide range of headlines this week. Here’s a look at the 10 most-read stories on 352 Today between August 9 and August 15.
