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.
State
5 months ago
Haven’t filed your taxes yet? Disaster victims in Florida may qualify for IRS extensions and relief

You could get more time and write off storm-related losses, but watch out for tax scams

Children participate in a classroom activity during story time.
Education
5 months ago
Why missing just two days a month could hold your child back in school

Marion County schools tackle truancy and chronic absenteeism with community partnerships and a focus on student wellness.

Visitors stop by the Save Our Rural Areas booth during the Marion County Farmland Preservation Festival at Stirrups and Strides on April 12.
Community
5 months ago
Marion County Farmland Preservation Festival celebrates 17 years of rural advocacy

Live music, local vendors, and community voices highlight the urgent need to protect Marion County’s farmland and rural heritage.

A College of Central Florida student wears a University of Florida T-shirt while attending in Ocala, Fla., reflecting the new “Going Gator” transfer partnership between CF and UF.
Education
5 months ago
CF students now have a guaranteed path to UF through “Going Gator” program

New transfer program creates a seamless, affordable path from CF to the University of Florida’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

A Marion County Fire Rescue firefighter extinguishes a blaze at a Summerfield home on April 14, 2025. Four dogs were rescued from the structure.
Local
5 months ago
Firefighters rescue four dogs from burning Summerfield home

Marion County crews respond quickly to house fire, saving pets and recovering family belongings.

Ocala Electric Utility crews and law enforcement respond to a utility pole crash near NE 43rd Place and NE 36th Ave. early Monday.
Local
5 months ago
UPDATE: Power restored after vehicle strikes poles in Ocala

Repairs were made and power restored after a commercial vehicle hit utility equipment near NE 43rd Place and NE 36th Avenue.

Dr. Diane Gullett, Superintendent of Marion County Public Schools, presents with Marion County Public Education Board President Mel Poole.
Local
5 months ago
Young filmmakers shine at Marion County Student Media Festival

From fun animated shorts to powerful public service announcements, students of all ages were celebrated for their creativity and the stories they brought to life..

The P.E.O Sisterhood is an international organization. The 501 (c)(3) nonprofit places an emphasis on celebrating and motivating women, education and leadership development.
Community
5 months ago
Ocala women lift each other up through education and sisterhood

This local sisterhood helps women go back to school, find support, and build friendships that last a lifetime.

David Lighty and his wife, April, operate GreenInnovative Solutions.
Local
5 months ago
Meet the Dunnellon couple using backyard science to protect Florida’s water and wildlife

Their eco-friendly solutions turn trees into water filters and old tires into oil, all with local families and the environment in mind.

Staff and community members gather for a flag-raising ceremony at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital in honor of National Donate Life Month.
Health & Wellness
5 months ago
HCA Florida hospitals honor donors, celebrate lives saved through organ donation

Flag-raising ceremonies in Ocala spotlight organ recipients, donor families, and the healthcare heroes who make it all possible.