Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s BBQ in Ocala, serves smoked barbecue samples to fans at Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse during the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, California.
Local
9 months ago
From Ocala to Stagecoach: Rashad Jones brings Big Lee’s BBQ to country music’s biggest stage

The Lake Weir High grad and Big Lee’s pitmaster shares how a surprise visit from Guy Fieri led to a life-changing invite to California’s iconic country music festival.

Sports
9 months ago
CF advances to FCSAA Final Four with 12-1 rout of Indian River

Bradshaw’s walk-off homer caps run-rule win as Patriots sweep regionals and earn spot in Port Charlotte.

Sports
9 months ago
Four Patriots earn All-Citrus Conference softball honors

Clark, VanAllen, Daugherty, and Holmes recognized for standout seasons.

National
9 months ago
Sovereignty wins muddy 151st Kentucky Derby as rain soaks Churchill Downs

Fans in ponchos and a sloppy track set the stage as favorite Journalism falls short in dramatic Run for the Roses.

Sports
9 months ago
Patriots dominate game one behind hot bats, strong outing from Jung

CF one win away from Region 8 Final Four after 13-4 victory over Indian River.

An elderly woman with light hair and glasses sits in a blue chair, carefully weaving a colorful basket by hand. She is surrounded by a display table filled with completed woven baskets in various patterns and sizes.
Community
9 months ago
ICYMI: Art, music, and movement light up downtown Ocala at First Friday Art Walk | PHOTOS

First Friday Art Walk featured the debut of “Melodic Metamorphosis,” local performers, student dancers, and award-winning works.

Cyclist in action
Community
9 months ago
Sharing the road: AAA urges bike safety during National Bike Month

With injuries and deaths on the rise, AAA offers safety tips to help cyclists and drivers stay alert, visible, and respectful this May

Thick smoke from a wildfire billows into the sky behind a wire and barbed fence, partially obscuring trees in the background. Some vegetation and branches are caught in the fence, emphasizing the fire’s proximity.
Local
9 months ago
Update: Evacuation order lifted for Silver Springs Fire

Residents allowed to return home as fire crews remain on scene; roads reopened but caution still urged along SE Hwy 314.

Crime & Safety
9 months ago
Deputies search for person of interest after $12K utility vehicle stolen in Marion County

MCSO releases surveillance image of man seen in area at time of theft; Crime Stoppers tips may earn cash reward.

Crime & Safety
9 months ago
Suspect arrested after road rage, gunfire, and two chases in Marion County

MCSO says Charlie Daniels Jr. threatened victims, shot at a vehicle, and fled deputies twice before surrendering near I-75.