Ocala firefighters battled a fire at a single-story home in the 700 block of SW Fifth Street early Wednesday morning.
Local
8 months ago
Two early morning house fires in Ocala leave one home destroyed, no injuries reported

Ocala Fire Rescue saved a mobile home in the first blaze, but lost a second house to flames hours later.

Lauren Proctor-Brown (white sleeves) and Laura Willson (green jersey) attempt to ride each other off in a game at the Ocala Polo Club at the Florida Horse Park on June 1, 2024. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Local
8 months ago
Florida Horse Park stands as Central Florida’s premier equestrian and event destination

The Florida Horse Park has grown into a vital community asset with 130 annual events, major facility upgrades, and a key role in emergency response efforts.

Front view of the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala with event banners and fountain in foreground.
Entertainment
8 months ago
Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-year anniversary exhibition at Appleton Museum: A must-see event for art lovers

Celebrate a decade of artistic excellence with a special exhibition featuring MAX’s Resident Artists, on view from Feb. 15 to May 18 at the Appleton Museum of Art.

Community
8 months ago
Join the 13th annual Race Against Child Abuse at Calesa Township

Join the movement to end child abuse – run or walk to help Marion County’s children heal and thrive.

Gilberto Martinez stands with Last Leaf at Barn 12 at the OBS Sales Pavilion on Jan. 28, 2025. The 6-year-old mare was the sales topper, bringing $140,000.
Equine
8 months ago
Last Leaf tops 2025 Ocala Breeders Sales winter mixed sale with $140,000 sale price

Five-time stakes winner, Last Leaf, leads the auction as sales reach over $3.1 million; top horses include yearlings and racing prospects.

Sirius, the 6-year-old Maremma sheepdog, was named the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Convention in San Antonio, Texas, on January 26, 2025. Known for his loyalty and protective nature, Sirius plays a vital role as a guard dog for Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.
Local
8 months ago
Ocala’s Sirius named 2025 Farm Bureau Dog of the Year at AFBF convention

Maremma sheepdog Sirius wins prestigious honor for his work as a farm guard dog and his special bond with therapy horses.

Local
8 months ago
New study ranks Ocala as the 36th best-performing city in the US

The Milken Institute ranked cities based on infrastructure, job markets, and resources for residents.

Miguel Siciliano III of Vanguard High School at the 2024 Big Springs STEM Fair demonstrating his project.
Education
8 months ago
Big Springs STEM Fair 2025: Young innovators showcase groundbreaking research in Ocala

The annual Big Springs STEM Fair features 177 students from Marion and Sumter counties competing in 13 categories, with top projects advancing to prestigious state and international science competitions.

Sgt. Michelle Bilbrey of the Lady Lake Police Department pulls over Donald Eugene Fields II during a routine traffic stop on January 26, 2025. The stop led to Fields' capture, who was wanted by the FBI as one of their Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives. Body cam footage captured the moment that resulted in Fields' arrest on charges including child sex trafficking and child rape.
Crime & Safety
8 months ago
Lady Lake Police capture FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Donald Fields II | VIDEO

Fields, wanted for child sex trafficking and child rape, was arrested during a routine traffic stop in Lady Lake on January 26, 2025.

Brayan Alvarez-Torres, 17, is charged with multiple counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
Crime & Safety
8 months ago
17-year-old arrested after sharing child pornography in exchange for video game rank

Detectives say 17-year-old Brayan Alvarez-Torres was exchanging child pornography for a higher “rank” in a video game.