Exterior of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital on a sunny day
Local
3 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.

A child holding a lit sparkler, wearing a shirt with an American flag design, with a blurred outdoor background.
Health & Wellness
3 months ago
Fireworks safety tips from Ocala ER doctors as July 4th injuries spike among kids and teens

As Independence Day approaches, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital urges families to keep fireworks fun—not dangerous—with simple precautions to avoid burns, ER visits, and serious injuries.

Group of VITAS Healthcare employees and local leaders standing outside the new Ocala office, cheering during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Business
3 months ago
VITAS Healthcare celebrates grand opening of new Marion County office

Facility expands compassionate hospice and palliative care for local patients and families.

Group of people standing in front of two vehicles during a ribbon cutting event at Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center in Ocala.
Community
3 months ago
Estella Byrd Whitman unveils donated vehicles to boost patient access in Ocala

With support from the City of Ocala and community leaders, the health center’s new vehicles aim to eliminate transportation barriers to medical and specialty care.

UF mascots Albert and Alberta reach out to touch a horse inside a veterinary stall at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
Health & Wellness
3 months ago
UF researchers seek Central Florida horse owners for groundbreaking arthritis pain study

Equine-focused UF study aims to improve early detection and treatment of joint pain in horses — and potentially humans.

A man in a blue shirt stands at a podium, in front of a wood platform with people sitting behind it, in front of flags and a large ornamental circular object with the city's insignia on it.
Local
3 months ago
Ocala repeals fluoride ordinance to comply with new Florida law

City Council votes 3-1 to end water fluoridation; resident urges focus on education, access, and nutrition.

Samantha Trevino smiles while holding a flower arrangement and her “Thank a Teacher” award outside Eighth Street Elementary School.
Education
3 months ago
Eighth Street Elementary teacher honored with final “Thank a Teacher” award of the school year

HCA Florida Healthcare and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County recognize Samantha Trevino for going above and beyond to support students in and out of the classroom.

A white sign, with blue lettering, with a three-board fence in the foreground, and grass and live oak trees with Spanish moss in the background.
Health & Wellness
3 months ago
Former Morriston rehab site sold for new veteran-focused healthcare campus

Shield Investments and Haven Health plan to renovate 425-acre property into long-term care and residential facility for U.S. veterans.

Dustten Martineau in blue scrubs holding his DAISY Award certificate and statue in front of a framed beach painting.
Health & Wellness
4 months ago
From Ocala roots to Daisy honors: Dustten Martineau recognized for extraordinary nursing care

Vanguard grad and UNF-trained nurse Dustten Martineau earns prestigious DAISY Award for compassion and clinical excellence at Baptist Medical Center Beaches.

Doctors and staff from AdventHealth Ocala smile as they cut the ribbon in front of a balloon arch at the Medical Office Building grand opening.
Health & Wellness
4 months ago
AdventHealth Ocala opens new medical office building with expanded specialty care

Ribbon cutting celebrates 57,000-square-foot facility offering women’s health, heart and vascular care, brain and spine services, orthopedics and more.