×
People sitting in lawn chairs watch fireworks under an American flag at night during a Fourth of July event
Community
1 year ago
Plan your perfect Fourth of July at Ocala’s Patriotic Skies celebration

Live music, food trucks, kids’ zones, and a 9:30 p.m. fireworks show highlight Ocala’s free family-friendly event.

Local
1 year ago
Prescribed burns underway today in Levy and Marion counties

Fire crews conduct controlled burns in Goethe and Indian Lake State Forests to restore ecosystem health.

Crime & Safety
1 year ago
UPDATE: Deputy-involved shooting in Summerfield under FDLE investigation

Marion County deputy injured, suspect hospitalized after traffic stop turns violent on S. Pine Avenue.

Local
1 year ago
Air taxis could soon take off in Ocala, says airport director

Ocala’s central location, airport infrastructure, and proximity to major cities make it a prime candidate for eVTOL test flights and future air taxi operations.

Business
1 year ago
Ocala CEP interim CEO earns national workforce development certification

Tamara Fleischhaker joins elite group of professionals completing ACCE and IEDC’s Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals, reinforcing CEP’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce..

A split image showing a kitchen blueprint on the left blending into a real wooden home frame under construction on the right, symbolizing planning and building.
Local
1 year ago
Marion County moves forward with growth plan update after state-mandated review

Commission adopts evaluation report shaping future housing, roads, and land use; comprehensive plan changes expected by year’s end

State
1 year ago
Florida gas prices surge amid Middle East tensions, then ease slightly

State average climbs to $3.15 before dropping to $3.11; Ocala drivers find lowest price at $2.93 per gallon.

Miss Ocala 2025 Caroline Schapansky and Miss Ocala Teen 2025 Madalyn Covington smile beside studio microphones, wearing red dresses and crowns.
Community
1 year ago
Miss Ocala and Miss Teen Ocala head to Lakeland for 2025 Miss Florida competition

Caroline Schapansky and Madalyn Covington represent Marion County in a weeklong celebration of scholarship, service, and talent at the Miss Florida stage.

Local
1 year ago
Ocala approves phased utility rate increases for homes and businesses through 2029

Residential bills to rise by $4.33 per month in 2026; commercial users face gradual adjustments as city aims to close cost gaps and plan for future growth.

Close-up of a "Detour Ahead" sign with traffic cones and road construction in the background.
Local
1 year ago
Overnight road closures on S.R. 19 in Eustis set for June 23–24, FDOT announces

Northbound S.R. 19 to close in phases for traffic signal work; nightly detours in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.