A wide shot showing a College of Central Florida sign with an LED display in front of a landscaped area. In the distance are a pond fountain, a large Rooms To Go Patio building, trees and traffic cones.
Education
1 month ago
Jose Juarez of Ocala Appointed to CF District Board of Trustees

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.

College of Central Florida received a $70,000 grant to assist students who may not qualify for financial assistance.
Education
1 month ago
CF Foundation receives grant to support students and families through scholarships

The College of Central Florida received a $70,000 grant to assist students who may not qualify for financial aid.

Articles that trended the week of 8/15
Local
2 months ago
From Traffic Alerts to TikTok Challenges: Top 10 Stories in Ocala This Week

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.

MCPS, Marion County Public Schools adds two more schools to their evening food program, making 39 schools participating
Education
2 months ago
Marion County Public Schools Expand Afterschool Meals Program to 39 Sites

Marion County Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Department is adding two more campuses to its Afterschool Meals Program this year, bringing the total to 39 locations serving free, nutritious meals to students in Marion Afterschool Programs.

An oval image with lettering at the top, a semicircle and clothespin image to the right of the semicircle.
Education
2 months ago
Alachua County Public Schools launches new tools to keep families, schools connected

Alachua County Public Schools is introducing new and improved communication tools designed to make it easier for families, staff, and the community to stay informed and connected.

MCPS sign with motivational message on grassy roadside in Ocala under partly cloudy skies.
Education
2 months ago
Marion County School Board discusses changing kindergarten start date from Sept. 1

The Marion County Public School board discussed the possibility of a change in the state statute that could change the language for starting kindergarten in the future.

South Ocala Elementary School welcome back over 700 students.
Local
2 months ago
First day of school brings smiles to South Ocala Elementary | PHOTOS

South Ocala Elementary School welcomed students back for the first day of the 2025–26 school year with bright smiles, new backpacks, and an unmistakable sense of excitement.

Man experiencing homelessness sitting on sidewalk receiving money from passerby.
Local
2 months ago
Marion County leaders push for broader homelessness definition to capture hidden cases

Advocates say school-based McKinney-Vento data offers a more accurate picture than HUD’s Point-in-Time count.

MCPS Starts August 11th
Education
2 months ago
What parents need to know before school starts-August 11 in Marion County

Marion County students head back to school on Monday, August 11, and parents are gearing up for a smooth start. From orientation schedules and bell times to transportation info and afterschool care, here’s everything families need to know for the first day of school in Ocala.

ChatGPT said: A yellow marquee sign in front of Sunrise Elementary School displays the message: "LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 5/29 ENJOY YOUR SUMMER." The sign is set against a backdrop of trees and a quiet road, indicating a peaceful school environment.
Education
2 months ago
Schools to start adhering to House Bill 1105 banning cell phone use in schools in late August 

Marion County and Alachua County public schools begin adjusting phone policies to adhere to House Bill 1105 banning phones in elementary and middle schools while limiting high school use.