Whitfield Jenkins, longtime civil rights leader and community advocate, is honored with a street designation in Ocala, Fla., recognizing his decades of service
Community
6 months ago
Ocala honors civil rights leader Whitfield Jenkins with street designation

City council renames NW 24th Road to recognize Jenkins’ decades of service and impact on the community.

Audirius Carnegia, 42, has had two previous run-ins with MCSO.
Crime & Safety
6 months ago
Marion County Sheriff’s Office searching for Reddick man wanted for failing to comply with sex offender registration

Authorities say Audirius Carnegia, convicted in 2010, failed to register his vehicles and employment as required by law.

Flames and thick smoke rise as a wildfire burns through dry vegetation, threatening nearby homes and natural resources. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as high winds and dry conditions fuel its spread.
Local
6 months ago
Florida Forest Service deploys wildfire response team to South Carolina, including personnel from Marion and other counties

A specialized wildfire management team from Florida, including firefighters from Marion, Alachua, and Gilchrist counties, is being sent to assist South Carolina as the state battles multiple wildfires.

The newly installed “OCALA” sign at the south gateway on Interstate 75 stands at the 42nd Street flyover in Marion County, FL. The project, funded entirely by tourist development tax revenue, is expected to be substantially complete by March 2025.
Local
6 months ago
Ocala Gateway project funded by Tourist Development Tax, not grant money

Officials clarify that the Ocala Gateway project is financed through the Tourist Development Tax, which is designated for tourism promotion and development in Marion County.

Conditions are unsafe for outdoor burning.
Weather Updates
6 months ago
Wind advisory in effect for Ocala as strong storms and gusty winds impact the area

Southwest winds up to 40 mph and severe storms could cause power outages and hazardous driving conditions across Ocala today

Local
6 months ago
Pedestrian killed in late-night crash on SR 40 in Marion County

A 73-year-old Ocala man was fatally struck by a pickup truck while walking in the roadway on State Road 40 late Tuesday night, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Dawson Harman connects for a double during the College of Central Florida’s 13-3 victory over St. Johns River State on Tuesday in Ocala.
Sports
6 months ago
CF Patriots dominate St. Johns River State with explosive first inning in 13-3 victory

The No. 1-ranked College of Central Florida baseball team secures a decisive win over the Vikings, fueled by an eight-run first inning and strong pitching performance.

WUFT's community partnership display features cutouts of the PBS characters Carson the Butler from Downton Abbey and Big Bird from Sesame Street. These cutouts acted as audience fillers during the pandemic.
Community
7 months ago
The Ocala Civic Theatre adapts to post-COVID audience trends with community-driven programming

As theatergoing habits shift, The Civic is adjusting showtimes, expanding its lineup, and engaging with the community to keep live performances thriving.

Daniel Martinez, 40, will serve seven consecutive life sentences in the Florida Department of Corrections
Crime & Safety
7 months ago
Ocala man sentenced to seven consecutive life terms for Capital Sexual Battery of minors

40-year-old Daniel Martinez Jr. found guilty of multiple counts of Capital Sexual Battery and Lewd Molestation; Judge Timothy McCourt hands down life sentences in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Emily Gray, an AICE English Literature teacher at Belleview High School, smiles while holding her "Thank a Teacher" award during a recognition event on Feb. 27, 2024. The award, presented by HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, honors outstanding educators in the community.
Education
7 months ago
Belleview High School teacher honored with “Thank a Teacher” award

Belleview High School educator Emily Gray receives prestigious recognition for her dedication to inspiring students and shaping the future of education.