Photo of three women in spectator hats at the Kentucky Derby.
Local
6 months 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.

Photo of two hands - and adult's and a child's - holding a butterfly to release.
Community
6 months 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.

Photo of children creating art at the Appleton Museum.
Entertainment
6 months 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!

A child’s hand rests on a car seat harness, a visual reminder of the importance of checking the back seat—especially on National Heatstroke Prevention Day, May 1.
Local
6 months ago
May 1 is National Heatstroke Prevention Day: A lifesaving reminder for families on the go

With temperatures rising, safety officials urge parents and caregivers to “look before you lock” and help prevent hot car tragedies.

Dr. Danielle Brewer wearing a red blazer and smiling in a professional headshot.
Education
6 months ago
Danielle Brewer officially approved as interim superintendent of Marion County schools

School board vote finalizes leadership transition as Brewer prepares to take full reins in July.

Close-up of piano hammers captured by artist David Kellner, featured in Melodic Metamorphosis at The Brick Gallery in Downtown Ocala.
Entertainment
6 months ago
Melodic Metamorphosis exhibit opens during Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk

Interactive art, music, and poetry blend for a cause at The Brick Gallery.

Louis “LJ” Johnson III, 10, is seen smiling in a family photo taken outside his home. His parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board, alleging teacher-led bullying led to his 2023 suicide.
Local
6 months ago
Parents file lawsuit against Marion school board two years after 10-year-old son’s suicide allegedly tied to teacher’s bullying

Lawsuit claims Legacy Elementary teacher publicly humiliated LJ for months while school officials ignored repeated parent complaints.

The College of Central Florida Hampton Center in Ocala, shown Monday, April 28, 2025. The campus was briefly locked down during a nearby police response but has since reopened.
Local
6 months ago
CF Hampton Center briefly locked down during nearby police response

All students and staff safe as Ocala Police investigate incident near downtown campus.

The winners of the 2025 Youth Business plan competition received a prize of $4,500.
Education
6 months ago
How youth programs and education are building Ocala’s future

Discover how Ocala is growing its future through young entrepreneurs, business innovation, and higher education partnerships.

The SpongeBob Musical is coming to The Civic!
Entertainment
6 months ago
‘The SpongeBob Musical’ is set to make a splash at The Civic May 1-18

Colorful characters, catchy music, and a message of community bring The SpongeBob Musical to life May 1-18 at Ocala Civic Theatre.

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