Features
8 months ago
Love is on the menu: 10 most romantic restaurants in Ocala for Valentine’s Day

Looking for the perfect romantic restaurant in Ocala this Valentine’s Day? Here are 10 swoon-worthy spots to wine, dine, and impress your special someone.

Surveillance footage captures a suspect trespassing on a property in the 12500 block of SE 102nd Terrace in Belleview on Feb. 1, 2025. Authorities say the individual stole a red/orange manual engine hoist and are asking the public for help identifying him.
Crime & Safety
8 months ago
Authorities seek help identifying Belleview theft suspect caught on camera

A suspect stole a red/orange manual engine hoist from a Belleview property on February 1—law enforcement urges the public to come forward with tips.

Kathleen Carrara and her 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Allu Jewel, compete in the Ocala I Winter Horse Trials at the Florida Horse Park on Feb. 8, 2025. The event, held Feb. 6-9, featured three phases of competition, including dressage, cross-country, and stadium jumping.
Equine
8 months ago
From spectator to competitor: Kathleen Carrara embraces eventing at Florida Horse Park

Former marathon runner and triathlete takes on the challenge of three-day eventing in Ocala, forming a strong bond with her Irish Sport Horse.

Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diane Gullett (R) is competing in the Magnet Schools of America National Superintendent of the Year contest, with MCPS facing Seminole County Public Schools in the first round.
Education
8 months ago
Dr. Diane Gullett competes for National Superintendent of the Year in Magnet Schools of America contest

Marion County Public Schools faces Seminole County in the first round of the national competition, with voting open through Feb. 13.

National
8 months ago
Trump orders Treasury to stop minting pennies, citing high production costs

The U.S. Mint loses millions annually on penny production, and Trump’s cost-cutting move aims to eliminate waste—though congressional approval may be required.

Dorrie Douglas, an Ocala-based rider, has been a fixture at the World Equestrian Center and HITS, competing at the upper levels in both show jumping and show hunters. She is pictured in front of the MTM barn at HITS Post Time Farm on Feb. 6, 2025.
Equine
8 months ago
Dorrie Douglas: from passionate young rider to elite hunter/jumper competitor in Ocala

How a lifelong dedication to horses and a fateful opportunity led Dorrie Douglas to the top of the equestrian world.

Equine
8 months ago
World Equestrian Center in Ocala hosts Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier and All for the Horses Expo

Elite equestrians compete in Ocala from Feb. 11-16, with top riders preparing for the Longines League of Nations™ in March; All for the Horses Expo offers shopping and educational events Feb. 15-16.

Attendees network on the tradeshow floor at Florida Huddle and Encounter 2025, held at the World Equestrian Center—Ocala in Ocala, Fla., on Feb. 3-5, 2025. The event brought together 550 travel industry professionals from 27 countries for business appointments, networking, and industry updates.
Local
8 months ago
Ocala/Marion County hosts record-breaking Florida Huddle and Encounter 2025, showcasing top-tier meeting destination

International travel and tourism professionals gathered at the World Equestrian Center—Ocala for Florida’s premier trade shows, driving global business and exposure for Ocala/Marion County.

Crystal Canfall and her family, joined by representatives from the City of Ocala and D & S Development, cut the ribbon on their new home, the first completed under the city's Affordable Housing Initiative, during a ceremony in Ocala, FL on Feb. 5, 2025. The initiative aims to address housing needs by utilizing surplus city land.
Community
8 months ago
Ocala celebrates first affordable housing initiative home with ribbon-cutting ceremony

The City of Ocala and D & S Development welcome the Canfall family into their new home, marking a milestone in the city’s affordable housing efforts.

College of Central Florida shortstop Logan Chapman makes a strong throw to first base during Tuesday night's game against Tallahassee State College in Tallahassee. Chapman played a key role in the Patriots' 12-9 comeback win, including a game-tying home run in the ninth inning.
Sports
8 months ago
Pats rally in Tally: CF Patriots score four in ninth to stun Tallahassee State, 12-9

Logan Chapman’s game-tying homer and Marcus Bradshaw’s clutch triple lead the College of Central Florida Patriots to a thrilling comeback win over the Eagles.