Smalls Sliders employees and community members celebrate the opening of the brand’s newest location in Ocala.
Business
8 months ago
Smalls Sliders® expands in Ocala with second location

Smalls Sliders is expanding its footprint in Ocala with a second location, celebrating with a Can Drop event on January 30 and honoring Kimberly’s Center as its Smalls Town Hero for its dedicated service to children in need.

Denny Burns, 50, is held without bond at the Marion County Jail.
Crime & Safety
8 months ago
“You’re gonna get dog bit”: Bodycam footage shows K-9 tracking down, biting runaway criminal

Deputies dispatched the K-9 to track down 50-year-old Denny Burns, who was wanted for violating his probation.

The Brick City Bluegrass Festival returns to Citizens' Circle for the second year this Saturday, February 1. Courtesy: City of Ocala
Entertainment
8 months ago
WEEKEND TOP PICKS: Step back in time with renditions and reunions

Tribute concerts, festivals, and locally loved annual events await North Central Florida this weekend.

Earl James Okine, 35, is facing charges of drug and firearm possession.
Crime & Safety
8 months ago
Former Florida Gator football player arrested for drug, firearm possession

Ex-Gators defensive end Earl Okine, who played for Florida from 2008-2012, was arrested after deputies discovered meth, marijuana, and a loaded handgun during a traffic stop.

College of Central Florida President Jim Henningson speaks to attendees at the grand opening of the AdventHealth Center for Nursing, highlighting the facility’s impact on healthcare education and workforce development.
Education
8 months ago
AdventHealth Center for Nursing opens at College of Central Florida, expanding healthcare education

Ocala officials celebrate the grand opening of a $20 million, state-of-the-art nursing facility designed to train over 300 students and strengthen the local healthcare workforce.

Bentley Vradenburg, 15, faces charges of Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle.
Crime & Safety
8 months ago
UPDATE: Car theft solved after father leads deputies to son’s arrest

Marion County Sheriff’s Office says the father of 15-year-old Bentley Vradenburg recognized him through images posted online.

CF Patriots celebrate their 9-4 victory over A3 Academy, fueled by strong relief pitching and key hits from Victor Martinez Jr. and Jacob McKenzie.
Sports
8 months ago
CF Patriots stay perfect with 9-4 victory over A3 Academy

College of Central Florida baseball improves to 4-0 as strong relief pitching and clutch hitting lead the Patriots past A3 Academy.

Local
8 months ago
Combating sex trafficking: How Anew is rescuing and restoring lives in North Central Florida

Nonprofit organization Anew is leading the fight against sex trafficking with prevention, outreach, and survivor rehabilitation.

Crime & Safety
8 months ago
Marion County deputies arrest repeat DUI offender after citizen reports erratic driving

James Wilgor, a repeat DUI offender, was arrested after deputies found him exhibiting signs of impairment, with vodka bottles in his vehicle and a history of DUI convictions in Ohio.

A produce-filled semi-truck lies on its side after crashing near Exit 354, prompting road closures and hazardous material cleanup.
Local
8 months ago
Overturned semi in Ocala causes fuel spill, closes I-75 NB ramp

A semi-truck carrying produce overturned on Blitchton Road at I-75 Exit 354, spilling fuel and prompting road closures as emergency crews responded.