Wildfire burning through dense, dry vegetation with heavy smoke filling the air and orange glow from flames.
Local
9 months ago
Outdoor burns halted in five North Central Florida counties due to fire danger

Florida Forest Service cites dry conditions, weather risks.

A young man stands in front of a red brick and marble military flag display at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, with flagpoles and engraved memorial slabs visible behind him under a sunny sky.
Community
9 months ago
Forest High senior’s $60K Eagle Scout project honors veterans with lasting tribute

Nicholas Eggers turned his dream into a community legacy, revamping a key display at Ocala’s Veterans Memorial Park with marble, concrete, and heart.

Group Of Students Celebrating Graduation
Education
9 months ago
College of Central Florida to honor 2025 graduates with ceremonies at WEC

Morning and afternoon events set for May 9; speakers include students from dental hygiene and AA programs.

A close-up of a margarita in a glass with a salted rim and lime wedge, next to a colorful plate of Mexican food, with festive string lights in the background.
Entertainment
9 months ago
Top 5 places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Ocala

Whether you’re craving street tacos, live music, or margaritas with a view, these Ocala favorites are bringing the party this Cinco de Mayo.

Girl holds a cardboard house, longing for one of her own.
Community
9 months ago
Families in motels: The hidden struggles of Marion County’s homeless students

As the number of homeless students rises, Marion County schools face mounting challenges with transportation, attendance, and limited funding.

Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s BBQ in Ocala, serves smoked barbecue samples to fans at Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse during the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, California.
Local
9 months ago
From Ocala to Stagecoach: Rashad Jones brings Big Lee’s BBQ to country music’s biggest stage

The Lake Weir High grad and Big Lee’s pitmaster shares how a surprise visit from Guy Fieri led to a life-changing invite to California’s iconic country music festival.

Sports
9 months ago
Patriots dominate game one behind hot bats, strong outing from Jung

CF one win away from Region 8 Final Four after 13-4 victory over Indian River.

An elderly woman with light hair and glasses sits in a blue chair, carefully weaving a colorful basket by hand. She is surrounded by a display table filled with completed woven baskets in various patterns and sizes.
Community
10 months ago
ICYMI: Art, music, and movement light up downtown Ocala at First Friday Art Walk | PHOTOS

First Friday Art Walk featured the debut of “Melodic Metamorphosis,” local performers, student dancers, and award-winning works.

Cyclist in action
Community
10 months ago
Sharing the road: AAA urges bike safety during National Bike Month

With injuries and deaths on the rise, AAA offers safety tips to help cyclists and drivers stay alert, visible, and respectful this May

Thick smoke from a wildfire billows into the sky behind a wire and barbed fence, partially obscuring trees in the background. Some vegetation and branches are caught in the fence, emphasizing the fire’s proximity.
Local
10 months ago
Update: Evacuation order lifted for Silver Springs Fire

Residents allowed to return home as fire crews remain on scene; roads reopened but caution still urged along SE Hwy 314.