Front view of the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala with event banners and fountain in foreground.
Community
4 months ago
Unlock art, events, and exclusive perks — Appleton Museum memberships now 20% off through July 31

Act fast to save on all membership levels at Ocala’s top art destination and gain access to hundreds of museums nationwide.

A wide view of the Ocala Jai-Alai building shows a large beige structure with colorful signage and satellite dishes on the lawn. The front area is overgrown with patches of grass and scattered debris, suggesting the site is no longer in active use.
Features
4 months ago
Defunct Ocala: Ocala Gainesville Poker & Jai Alai’s final bet

Exploring the lost landmarks and attractions that shaped Marion County’s past.

Students seated in a lecture hall taking notes during class.
Education
4 months ago
Marion County students score big: FAST test gains show record academic growth across grades

From reading to math and history, local students outpaced state averages with double-digit improvements on Florida’s year-round progress monitoring tests.

Marion County officials and staff pose together with a proclamation at a board meeting.
Community
4 months ago
Marion County kicks off Park and Recreation Month with big plans for growth and fun

July celebration highlights new projects, local parks, and community events as part of “Build Together, Play Together” initiative.

Exterior of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital on a sunny day
Local
4 months ago
Marion County approves hospital assessment that helps locals get free care without raising taxes

Commissioners vote 5-0 to renew hospital-only fee that brings millions in Medicaid support for uninsured and low-income Marion County residents.

Kat Cammack stands with business leaders and chamber members during a tax policy roundtable in Ocala.
Business
4 months ago
Kat Cammack joins Ocala business leaders to discuss future of tax policy

As key tax provisions near expiration, Ocala hosts roundtable with U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack to explore how policy decisions impact local economic growth.

State
4 months ago
DeSantis vetoes $6.25M Ocklawaha River restoration funding, delaying long-awaited project

Despite bipartisan support and projected economic and environmental benefits, the governor cut funding for restoring Florida’s most ecologically significant river system from the 2025–26 state budget.

Community members seated in a meeting room during a Marion County Planning and Zoning Board public hearing.
Community
4 months ago
Major sports complex could reshape Ocala — but at what cost?

Golden Ocala’s proposed indoor/outdoor venue promises youth programs, tourism, and economic growth while locals raise red flags about traffic, water, and rural character.

Close-up of a kitten behind bars at a cat rescue shelter with other kittens in the background on red bedding.
Local
4 months ago
Help save lives, one cat at a time: Sheltering Hands seeks veterinarians to join low-cost clinic in Ocala

Florida-licensed vets are invited to donate just a few hours a month to provide spay/neuter services and basic care for rescued cats at Sheltering Hands’ nonprofit clinic.

Gov. Ron DeSantis smiles while holding signed budget documents surrounded by officials at a ceremony in Wildwood, Florida.
State
4 months ago
DeSantis signs $117.4B state budget in Wildwood, prioritizing tax relief, education, and debt repayment

Governor highlights $2 billion in tax relief, record education funding, historic Everglades investment, and continued debt reduction during Wildwood budget signing.

1 44 45 46 47 48 171