A close-up of a margarita in a glass with a salted rim and lime wedge, next to a colorful plate of Mexican food, with festive string lights in the background.
Entertainment
8 months ago
Top 5 places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Ocala

Whether you’re craving street tacos, live music, or margaritas with a view, these Ocala favorites are bringing the party this Cinco de Mayo.

Girl holds a cardboard house, longing for one of her own.
Community
8 months ago
Families in motels: The hidden struggles of Marion County’s homeless students

As the number of homeless students rises, Marion County schools face mounting challenges with transportation, attendance, and limited funding.

Local
8 months ago
Ocala Firefighters help rescue flightless owl from a transformer station

OFR says the owl was freed from the fenced area of the transformer station and reunited with its mother in the nearby wilderness.

A driver pumps gas at a station
Local
8 months ago
Florida gas prices dip after another week of fluctuations

Oil prices hit lowest point since 2021; Ocala drivers find relief under $3/gallon.

Hurricane Milton blew through Shady Road Ranches in Southwest Ocala, FL on Thursday, October 10, 2024. While the path of Milton shifted a little farther south, Marion county had plenty of trees down across roads and powerlines down.
Ask The Expert
8 months ago
Are you really covered? Angie Lewis shares essential insurance tips for hurricane season

From flood risks to auto protection, local State Farm agent Angie Lewis explains what every Florida resident should know before the storms roll in.

Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s BBQ in Ocala, serves smoked barbecue samples to fans at Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse during the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, California.
Local
8 months ago
From Ocala to Stagecoach: Rashad Jones brings Big Lee’s BBQ to country music’s biggest stage

The Lake Weir High grad and Big Lee’s pitmaster shares how a surprise visit from Guy Fieri led to a life-changing invite to California’s iconic country music festival.

Sports
8 months ago
Patriots dominate game one behind hot bats, strong outing from Jung

CF one win away from Region 8 Final Four after 13-4 victory over Indian River.

An elderly woman with light hair and glasses sits in a blue chair, carefully weaving a colorful basket by hand. She is surrounded by a display table filled with completed woven baskets in various patterns and sizes.
Community
8 months ago
ICYMI: Art, music, and movement light up downtown Ocala at First Friday Art Walk | PHOTOS

First Friday Art Walk featured the debut of “Melodic Metamorphosis,” local performers, student dancers, and award-winning works.

Cyclist in action
Community
8 months ago
Sharing the road: AAA urges bike safety during National Bike Month

With injuries and deaths on the rise, AAA offers safety tips to help cyclists and drivers stay alert, visible, and respectful this May

Thick smoke from a wildfire billows into the sky behind a wire and barbed fence, partially obscuring trees in the background. Some vegetation and branches are caught in the fence, emphasizing the fire’s proximity.
Local
8 months ago
Update: Evacuation order lifted for Silver Springs Fire

Residents allowed to return home as fire crews remain on scene; roads reopened but caution still urged along SE Hwy 314.