Three planes leave smoke trails in a Memorial Day flyover above an American flag and tree branches against a blue sky.
Weather Updates
6 months ago
MEMORIAL DAY WEATHER: Sunshine, sizzle, and a chance of surprise showers

Be ready for a warm Ocala holiday with classic Florida skies that may shift as the day goes on.

Inset image of U.S. Marine Francisco “Panchie” Diaz in uniform overlaid on a photo of a folded American flag being held during a military funeral ceremony.
Community
6 months ago
Fallen Marine’s legacy lives on through Ocala niece’s mission to serve

Francisco “Panchie” Diaz was killed in Vietnam the day after his 20th birthday — now, his niece honors his memory as Marion County’s veterans’ services director.

Barbergators Chorus members wearing matching blue vests sing together on stage in an energetic group performance.
Entertainment
6 months ago
Harmony for a cause: Barbergators return to the Civic with uplifting performance

Dr. Bill Slayton among featured singers in the June 1 fundraiser concert benefiting Save the Civic Now campaign.

USMC veteran Sgt. Bob Levenson standing beside an American flag at Ocala’s 2024 Memorial Day ceremony.
Community
6 months ago
Honor, remember, and teach: Ocala’s Memorial Day ceremony offers a powerful family experience

From stirring flyovers to heartfelt tributes, “A Legacy of Sacrifice” at Veterans Memorial Park connects all generations to the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Heather Lynne stands with her band in front of a white gazebo, smiling and making hand gestures after a live performance in downtown Ocala.
Entertainment
6 months ago
Artist Spotlight: Heather Lynne – from backyard shows to Ocala’s center stage

Ocala singer-songwriter shares her musical journey, debut album, and “positude” vibe with fans across Central Florida.

Image of Hurricane Milton from NOAA's GOES-16 satellite on Oct. 8, 2024, showing a well-defined eye and dense cloud bands approaching the Florida peninsula.
Weather Updates
6 months ago
After a brutal 2024, NOAA warns of even busier 2025 hurricane season

Florida residents urged to prepare now as forecasters predict 13 to 19 named storms and up to five major hurricanes.

Five smiling children holding fruit and drinks during a summer library program, standing in front of colorful shelves.
Community
6 months ago
Free summer meals and library programs for Marion County kids keep parents covered

Marion County Public Library branches offer free meals and educational fun June 2–Aug. 8 through the Summer BreakSpot program..

Person sketching building plans at a desk with blueprints, hard hat, laptop, and construction tools in daylight.
Local
6 months ago
Zoning delay raises concerns over tree loss, traffic, density, and vanishing commercial space

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners asked the developer for a continuance on a request for a zoning amendment.

A young angler smiles with his father after catching a Gulf red snapper off the coast of Florida.
Local
6 months ago
Gulf anglers can look forward to record-long red snapper season in 2025

Longer 2025 Gulf Red Snapper season expected to boost tourism and fishing along Crystal River, Cedar Key, and Yankeetown.

Kathy Bryant stands at a podium with an Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership sign, speaking into a microphone during the State of the County event.
Community
6 months ago
State of the County: Growth, roads, and resources shape Marion’s future

From new jobs and road relief to pet laws and natural preservation, here’s what Chair Kathy Bryant says matters most to Marion County families in 2025.