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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
1 year 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
1 year 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
1 year 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
1 year 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
1 year 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.

Education
1 year ago
Ben Whitehouse tapped as deputy superintendent in Marion County leadership shift

Longtime educator and Forest High alum joins interim superintendent Brewer to lead MCPS through upcoming transition.

Photo of black and white mixed-breed dog wearing a blue harness.
Project Pawsitivity
1 year ago
Meet Axle: A big heart and a too-long stay in the shelter

This handsome boy loves car rides to get coffee – especially if there’s a “pup cup” involved for him

Local
1 year ago
Local horses to watch in the Kentucky Derby: Ocala ties, Toby Keith’s dream, and where to catch the action this Saturday

From Summerfield training grounds to Churchill Downs, local horses with Marion County roots – including the late country star’s colt – are set to shine in this year’s Run for the Roses.

Community
1 year ago
Butterflies take flight in Ocala to honor bereaved mothers this Sunday

The Dandelion Project’s annual Butterfly Release offers healing and hope ahead of Mother’s Day at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens.

Entertainment
1 year ago
Enjoy those May flowers: Events for May 2-4

Celebrate spring with family-friendly events across North Central Florida May 2–4, from Star Wars fun to blueberry picking, art walks, markets, and more!