A wide view of the Ocala Jai-Alai building shows a large beige structure with colorful signage and satellite dishes on the lawn. The front area is overgrown with patches of grass and scattered debris, suggesting the site is no longer in active use.
Features
8 months ago
Defunct Ocala: Ocala Gainesville Poker & Jai Alai’s final bet

Exploring the lost landmarks and attractions that shaped Marion County’s past.

Crime & Safety
8 months ago
Marion County man arrested for child pornography and bestiality charges

Sheriff’s office detains 25-year-old for possessing illegal content after NCMEC tips.

Students seated in a lecture hall taking notes during class.
Education
8 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.

Storm clouds over grassy field with palm tree in Marion County, Florida
Weather Updates
8 months ago
Tropical system could soak Marion County with heavy weekend rain

Forecasters eye low-pressure system with 40% chance of development near Florida’s coast.

Community
8 months ago
Marion County kicks off Park and Recreation Month with big plans for growth and fun

July celebration highlights new projects, local parks, and community events as part of “Build Together, Play Together” initiative.

Exterior of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital on a sunny day
Local
8 months ago
Marion County approves hospital assessment that helps locals get free care without raising taxes

Commissioners vote 5-0 to renew hospital-only fee that brings millions in Medicaid support for uninsured and low-income Marion County residents.

Close-up of a "Detour Ahead" sign with traffic cones and road construction in the background.
Local
8 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.

Business
8 months ago
Kat Cammack joins Ocala business leaders to discuss future of tax policy

As key tax provisions near expiration, Ocala hosts roundtable with U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack to explore how policy decisions impact local economic growth.

Crime & Safety
8 months ago
Drunk man tries to flee deputies in golf cart, gets stuck in woods

Marion County Sheriff’s Office says DUI suspect Hunter Rodgers admitted he was “just a drunk guy on a golf cart” after failed getaway on SE 92nd Loop.

State
8 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.