Ocala/Marion County Transportation and Planning Organization released their 2025 safety report Aug. 18.
Eleven officers and a new police chaplain were sworn in this week by Mayor Ben Marciano, while three longtime members of Ocala PD earned well-deserved promotions.
The City of Ocala will soon expand its popular skate park with more than 6,000 square feet of new space, including a competition bowl, beginner and intermediate areas, and a snake run. A groundbreaking ceremony is set for Thursday, Aug. 28, at 9:15 a.m. at the Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St. The project, managed by Platform Group, LLC, is expected to be completed by February 2026.
Citrus County Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire Aug. 16 in Inverness.
The Orange Blossom Gardens Lions Club Inaugural District 35-O Golf Tournament to raise money for disaster relief initiatives is scheduled for Oct. 4.
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital welcomed 60 new doctors who are starting residencies and fellowships in one of seven in-demand specialties.
The Ocala City Council will vote at the Aug. 19 meeting on the redevelopment agreement for Project Hometown, the Downtown Ocala Marriott AC, between the City of Ocala and Domach, LLC. Council will also vote on parking agreement for the Downtown Ocala Marriott AC for the dedicated parking spaces in City Parking Garate No. 2, that will number 225.
A special use permit for a private school, kindergarten through 5th grade on a church campus will be considered by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 19.
The Dandelion Project’s Picking up the Pieces Annual Overdose Awareness Event will be held Aug. 30 at the Compassion United Methodist Church in Ocala, where the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit’s banner will be on display.
From back-to-school milestones to public safety warnings, Marion County residents were engaged with a wide range of headlines this week. Here’s a look at the 10 most-read stories on 352 Today between August 9 and August 15.