Crime Stoppers banner displayed over East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Florida, encouraging tips with cash rewards.
Local
5 months ago
Ocala opens 2026 street banner lottery for local nonprofits

Two Silver Springs Boulevard locations available for weeklong display; applications due by Aug. 1.

A large brown skinned animal with its brow and eyes above the water, with murky water in the background and bluish water in the foreground.
Community
5 months ago
Beloved hippo Lu, star of Homosassa Springs and TV fame, dies at 65

Lucifer the hippopotamus, known for his roles on Daktari! and decades at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, was a global favorite and Citrus County icon.

A yellow and brown circular flower on a green stem, with a sea of green in the forefront and background.
Health & Wellness
5 months ago
Florida farmers face rising mental health challenges amid storms, financial strain

New report reveals emotional distress, lack of access to care, and growing concern for next generation in Florida’s agricultural communities.

Front view of the Humane Society of Marion County Thrift Store building with signage indicating it is a no-kill shelter.
Community
5 months ago
Humane Society of Marion County thrift store temporarily closes for cleaning and remodel

The popular nonprofit thrift store in Ocala plans to reopen Monday, June 16, after a short closure for updates and interior improvements.

Marion County Public Library Headquarters in Ocala, Florida, with a rainbow in the sky above the building.
Local
5 months ago
New online tool connects Marion County residents to local services July 1

RightServiceFL.org offers access to housing, food, healthcare, jobs, and more through library partnership.

Marion County Public Schools sign displaying logo and motto, "Helping Every Student Succeed," against a clear blue sky.
Education
5 months ago
Leadership changes coming to Marion County schools for 2025-26 school year

New principals and administrative shifts announced for several campuses ahead of School Board approval on July 1.

A group of people who just played a basketball game. The people dressed in blue are police officers, while the people dressed in white are youth basketball players.
Community
5 months ago
Ocala Police officers to square off in Hoops and Badges Basketball Showdown

Come out to the Mary Sue Rich Community Center this Friday to watch your Ocala Police officers compete with youth players in a basketball game

A large reddish full moon rises behind the ruins of an ancient stone structure on a hill, silhouetted against a deep blue evening sky.
Community
5 months ago
Strawberry Moon to light up Ocala sky early June 11

June’s full Moon peaks just before dawn, steeped in tradition and seasonal meaning.

A rectangular sign with letters and numbers on a green background, on top of a octagonal sign with a red background, with a green tree to the right and blue and white background.
Community
5 months ago
Marion County’s SW 80th Ave. expansion: Easing congestion with multi-phase road widening project

Discover how the SW 80th Ave widening in Ocala, FL, funded by the Penny Sales Tax, will improve traffic flow and connectivity for communities like On Top of the World and Calesa, starting with Phase 1 in early 2026.

People participate in expressive partner dance within a circular labyrinth pattern at Black Rock City, Nevada, during the Dance of Life event.
Local
5 months ago
Photographic exhibition “The human pulse” opens June 21 at the Appleton Museum

Ocala photographer John Elliott showcases 42 global black-and-white images through January 2026.

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