Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze at Berkley Pointe Apartments in Ocala, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. Crews contained the fire to a single unit and rescued a family’s cat. No injuries were reported.
Local
8 months ago
Firefighters battle apartment blaze in Ocala, rescue family cat

Ocala Fire Rescue contained an electrical fire at Berkley Pointe Apartments, displacing a family but preventing further damage.

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano attends the United Way of Marion County’s Children's Charity Classic Pairing Party at HITS Post Time Farm on Feb. 6, 2025. The inaugural event pairs show jumpers with local charities, raising funds to support children in need.
Community
8 months ago
United Way of Marion County hosts Children’s Charity Classic Grand Prix to support local kids’ charities

Inaugural equestrian event at HITS Post Time Farm pairs show jumpers with beloved children’s book themes to raise $100,000 for community programs.

Mariah Moody, newly appointed Belleview City Administrator, and Lezli Merritt, newly sworn-in City Clerk, stand together at City Hall. Moody will oversee city operations and strategic planning, while Merritt manages public records and meetings to ensure government transparency.
Local
8 months ago
Belleview names Mariah Moody as city administrator, Lezli Merritt sworn in as city clerk

Moody takes on leadership role to guide Belleview’s growth, while Merritt ensures transparency and efficiency in city records.

Local
8 months ago
CareerSource CLM expands free Creating Connections training for high-paying telecommunications careers

New program offers no-cost training, industry certifications, and job placement support for residents in rural Florida counties.

Members of the Belleview Chamber and Economic Partnership hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 4, 2025, to welcome two new doctors to McKenney Chiropractic Center in Belleview, FL.
Business
8 months ago
Belleview chiropractic center welcomes new doctors, expanding community care

McKenney Chiropractic Center adds two new providers, strengthening its 40-year legacy of healing and wellness, enhancing the community’s quality of life, one adjustment at a time.

Local
8 months ago
20th Annual Ocala Open returns to Candler Hills Golf Club to support local charities

The Ocala Open brings top golf talent and community supporters together for a competitive tournament benefiting Hospice of Marion County and Interfaith Emergency Services.

The event allowed children the opportunity to explore their favorite emergency vehicles.
Education
8 months ago
Over 200 families explore free preschool options at Truckin’ It to Preschool event in Marion County

The inaugural event connected parents with Volunteer Pre-Kindergarten programs while offering fun activities for children, including emergency vehicle exhibits and developmental screenings.

Emergency crews respond to a multi-vehicle crash involving three semi-trucks and a passenger vehicle on southbound Interstate 75 at mile marker 351 in Ocala, Fla., on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.
Local
8 months ago
Multi-truck crash on I-75 in Ocala causes major traffic delays and fuel spill

Three semi-trucks and a passenger vehicle were involved in a collision on Interstate 75, leading to hazardous spills, road closures, and hospitalizations.

Molly, center, poses with Marion County Commissioners along with SPCA of Ocala Board Members. Courtesy: SPCA of Ocala
State
8 months ago
Florida bill would create searchable database of animal abusers

“When I heard it, I just started crying — I’m still crying,” said Lilly Baron, president of the SPCA of Ocala, praising a proposed Florida bill that would create a public database of convicted animal abusers.

Community
8 months ago
Marion County Commission reviews key changes to animal control ordinance

Proposed amendments address no-kill shelter status, pet licensing, and new tethering regulations in ongoing public hearings.