Miguel Siciliano III of Vanguard High School at the 2024 Big Springs STEM Fair demonstrating his project.
Education
8 months ago
Big Springs STEM Fair 2025: Young innovators showcase groundbreaking research in Ocala

The annual Big Springs STEM Fair features 177 students from Marion and Sumter counties competing in 13 categories, with top projects advancing to prestigious state and international science competitions.

Sgt. Michelle Bilbrey of the Lady Lake Police Department pulls over Donald Eugene Fields II during a routine traffic stop on January 26, 2025. The stop led to Fields' capture, who was wanted by the FBI as one of their Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives. Body cam footage captured the moment that resulted in Fields' arrest on charges including child sex trafficking and child rape.
Crime & Safety
8 months ago
Lady Lake Police capture FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Donald Fields II | VIDEO

Fields, wanted for child sex trafficking and child rape, was arrested during a routine traffic stop in Lady Lake on January 26, 2025.

Brayan Alvarez-Torres, 17, is charged with multiple counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
Crime & Safety
8 months ago
17-year-old arrested after sharing child pornography in exchange for video game rank

Detectives say 17-year-old Brayan Alvarez-Torres was exchanging child pornography for a higher “rank” in a video game.

Prominent figures in Marion County came together at Marion County Fire Rescue's newest station, EMS Central, to honor the installation of the Safe Haven Baby Box.
Local
8 months ago
Marion County Fire Rescue dedicates, blesses department’s first Safe Haven Baby Box

Marion County Fire Rescue, alongside others, dedicated and blessed the department’s first Safe Haven Baby Box on Monday at MCFR’s newest station, EMS Central.

Local
8 months ago
CAVA brings Mediterranean flavor to Ocala with grand opening on Jan. 31

Discover CAVA’s customizable bowls and pitas at its first Ocala location near Paddock Mall, featuring a convenient pick-up-by-car lane and fresh, healthful Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Community
8 months ago
Phoenix Rising YouthBuild secures $1m federal grant to empower underserved youth in Ocala

The nationally acclaimed program, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, provides education, job training, and affordable housing to transform lives and communities.

Ocala CEP Ambassadors celebrate their role in fostering connections and driving positive change in the community. Apply now to join the 2025 Ambassador program and make a lasting impact in the Ocala Metro area.
Business
8 months ago
Become a 2025 Ocala CEP Ambassador: Lead positive change in the community

Join the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership to drive economic growth, build connections, and make a lasting impact in the thriving Ocala Metro area.

The Firemen and rider Kaci O'Rourke make history at the NRHA Futurity Finals in the Jim Norick Arena, earning a $420,000 victory.
Equine
8 months ago
The Firemen makes history: Winning NRHA Futurity Finals and $420,000 prize

Peter and Courtney Morgan’s champion reining horse, The Firemen, secures a groundbreaking victory with rider Kaci O’Rourke, the first woman to win the Level 4 Open Division.

Local
8 months ago
Marion County Clerk of Court offers extended hours for passport and marriage license services

Take advantage of expanded 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. service hours from Feb. 18–20 for new passport applications, marriage licenses, and ceremonies.

CF softball players erupt in celebration after a big inning during their final day sweep at the JUCO Kickoff Classic.
Sports
8 months ago
CF softball sweeps final day at JUCO Kickoff Classic

The Patriots head to Tallahassee Community College for a doubleheader on February 6, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.