Ocala Metro CEP President and CEO Kevin Sheilley accepts a plaque and key to the city from former Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn and current Mayor Ben Marciano.
Business
9 months ago
Kevin Sheilley honored for transformative leadership in Ocala

The visionary leader bids farewell after 12 years of driving economic growth in Ocala and Marion County.

Aerial View of 20-year-old Nathaniel Vargas being chased by aviation units.
Crime & Safety
9 months ago
Aviation Unit captures chase, arrest of man on Grand Theft charges

MCSO says 20-year-old Nathaniel Vargas stole a black 9mm handgun from GPS Guns and Ammo.

FILE - Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks at a news conference, Jan. 26, 2023, in Miami.
State
9 months ago
Florida Attorney General and UF graduate Ashley Moody will fill Marco Rubio’s Senate seat

The appointment will make Moody only the second woman to represent Florida in the chamber.

Justin Hall of the Florida Forest Service carefully monitors and administers a prescribed burn to promote ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk.
Local
9 months ago
Florida Forest Service conducts prescribed burns in Marion County

Waccasassa Forestry Center targets 401 acres in Ross Prairie State Forest to restore ecosystems and reduce wildfire risk.

Local
9 months ago
Car rams into back of Marion County School Bus, no injuries reported

Florida Highway Patrol also confirms no children were aboard the school bus at the time the accident occurred.

Juan Carlos Abreu-Reyes
Crime & Safety
9 months ago
Suspect arrested after fuel theft at Ocala RaceTrac

OPD says that the suspect was arrested after fleeing on foot following a theft of more than $1,000 in diesel fuel.

Valerie Buck and Donna Blem’s collaborative program, ACTT Naturally and Evolution Horsemanship, hosted its first equine-assisted therapy session in Marion County on Jan. 15, 2025, at Evolution Horsemanship in Citra. The program aims to help veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors heal through their connection with horses.
Health & Wellness
9 months ago
Healing through horses: Hearts and Harmony brings equine therapy to Marion County

The equine therapy program combines healing and personal growth for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors.

The Nest is a town center project spearheaded by the Colen Built team that will bring an entertainment area to Calesa Township.
Business
9 months ago
Build it and they will come: Colen Built Team celebrates growth and community impact

The Colen Built Development team was the featured panel and they shared their story at the Ocala Metro ExCEPtional Morning Breakfast Jan. 15, 2025.

Off-duty firefighter Lt. Cody Murphy rescued a young woman trapped inside of a burning car, saving her life.
Local
9 months ago
Heroic actions save a life during fiery crash

Off-duty firefighter-paramedic risks his own life to rescue a young woman trapped in a burning car.

Kenya's Kids opens Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at the Discovery Center in Ocala.
Local
9 months ago
Discover Kenyan culture at the Discovery Center’s new exhibit, Kenya’s Kids

An immersive, family-friendly journey into the daily lives and traditions of Kenyan children.