Ocala-based Amanda Steege and the Belgian Warmblood gelding Laffite de Muze have enjoyed great success. Laffitte de Muze was the USEF High Performance Hunter of the Year.
Equine
8 months ago
Laffite de Muze shines in $80,000 International Hunter Derby at World Equestrian Center

Amanda Steege and her Belgian Warmblood claim victory in Ocala’s premier hunter competition under the lights.

Megan Taylor as Jerusha Abbott and James R. Taylor III as Jervis Pendleton bring wit, charm, and heartfelt emotion to the stage in Daddy Long Legs, live at Ocala Civic Theatre from February 6-23.
Entertainment
8 months ago
Daddy Long Legs musical brings romance and mystery to Ocala Civic Theatre

Experience the heartwarming tale of Daddy Long Legs, a captivating musical filled with romance, mystery, and self-discovery, live at the Ocala Civic Theatre from Feb. 6-23.

State
8 months ago
DeSantis unveils 2025-26 budget to boost Florida’s conservation, boating, and outdoor recreation

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ new budget plan invests in fish and wildlife conservation, public boat ramps, artificial reefs, and law enforcement to enhance outdoor recreation and economic growth.

Robert Howie, a retired Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy, prepares for his 1,000-mile cycling journey from Ocala to Key West and back in support of The Arc Marion. The ride, scheduled for Feb. 17-28, aims to raise funds and awareness for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Local
8 months ago
Howie’s Ride for Inclusion: Robert Howie’s 1,000-mile cycling journey to support The Arc Marion

Retired Deputy Robert Howie embarks on a 1,000-mile bike ride from Ocala to Key West and back, raising funds and awareness for The Arc Marion’s mission of inclusion.

Fire rescue workers show Leadership Ocala Marion Class XXXVIII how procedures such as extinguishing fires are done.
Local
8 months ago
PHOTOS | Marion County Fire Rescue hosts Fire Experience Day for Leadership Ocala Marion members

Marion County Fire Rescue gave leaders from Leadership Ocala Marion a crash course on rescue procedures during Fire Experience Day.

MCFR Paramedic Deb Bush (left) with her mother Patricia McWharton (right), who knitted the blankets and hats.
Local
8 months ago
Blanket delivery: Mother of fire rescue paramedic knits baby hats and blankets for department

Noticing a shortage of baby hats, MCFR Paramedic Deb Bush’s mother, Patricia McWhorter, hand-knitted a fresh batch for newborns in need.

Local
8 months ago
Stay at the scene: Florida’s hit-and-run campaign highlights legal and safety consequences

Florida’s FLHSMV urges drivers to stay at the scene of traffic crashes, emphasizing legal penalties, safety risks, and the importance of accountability in its annual hit-and-run awareness campaign

Sarah Jacobs, a ninth and tenth-grade English teacher at West Port High School, was selected as the Marion County Teacher of the Year at the 35th Annual Golden Apple Gala at the Reilly Center for the Arts on Feb. 1, 2025.
Education
8 months ago
Golden Apple Gala 2025: Marion County honors top educators at prestigious event

The 35th Annual Golden Apple Gala honored Marion County’s most dedicated educators, naming Sarah Jacobs as the 2025 Teacher of the Year and celebrating the outstanding contributions of teachers who shape students’ futures.

Local
8 months ago
Florida gas prices drop as crude oil costs decline, bringing relief to drivers

Pump prices in Florida fell 15 cents last week as crude oil prices declined, with the cheapest gas in Ocala reported at $2.74 per gallon.

5-year-old Golden Retriever, Bella, died from her injuries after being shot by a crossbow arrow.
Local
8 months ago
Golden Retriever killed by crossbow in Silver Springs: Family seeks justice

Authorities are investigating the heartbreaking death of Bella, a Golden Retriever fatally shot with a crossbow, as her devastated family seeks justice.