College football is back, and fans across Ocala are preparing for a packed opening weekend. With the Florida Gators kicking off their season in Gainesville and major matchups on the national stage, game-day excitement is building across Marion County.
Ocala-based Fish Hawk Spirits faces tough choices after its special use permit expired, with county officials pressing for major upgrades. The distillery has invested more than $4 million locally and employs six people, but meeting conditions could cost an additional $250,000.
The Marion County Commission voted unanimously to give Fish Hawk Spirits more time to address compliance issues after the company’s special use permit expired in 2024.
The Black Sheep on Broadway hosts a Pints 4 Paws charity event for the Humane Society of Marion County.
Ocala’s Jose Juarez has been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the College of Central Florida District Board of Trustees. A longtime Marion County resident, Juarez is the CEO and founder of Victory Solutions, owner of BarbaCuban, and an active community leader involved in Leadership Florida and the Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Sheltering Hands Inc. hosted its 1st Annual Paddle Auction at Water Oak Country Club, drawing more than 125 attendees and raising nearly $6,000 to support its cat rescue programs. Proceeds will strengthen vital services, including Trap-Neuter-Return initiatives, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, and adoption programs like Love for a Lifetime, which pairs senior cats with senior companions. The success of the event highlights the community’s commitment to animal welfare and ensures more cats find care, treatment, and forever homes.
The Barbie movie receives live audience engagement during screening at Marion Theatre Girls Night Out: Barbie Movie event.
The Alzheimer’s Association is bringing the community together for Catch the Purple Wave, a pep rally set for Wednesday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Ocala. The event offers a first look at this year’s walk, opportunities to get involved, and a chance to connect with others dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and show their support in the fight against this devastating disease.
A 35-year-old man died early Saturday following a collision between a motorcycle and a sedan near a busy Ocala intersection. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a special use permit for outdoor storage on the site of an old Elks Lodge on, Aug. 19.