Motorcycles line Main Street in historic Leesburg for Bikefest 2024 on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Entertainment
5 months ago
Engines, entertainment, and easy access: Leesburg Bikefest returns this weekend

Three-day motorcycle festival brings music, vendors, and shuttle service to downtown Leesburg; drivers on U.S. 441 should plan for delays.

A rendering of the design for two new elementary schools in Marion County. One in Marion Oaks. The other in Winding Oaks.
Education
5 months ago
Ross Prairie and Winding Oaks named as Marion County’s newest elementary schools

With deep roots in local history, the newly named schools also gain community partners and move closer to their 2025 openings.

A newly installed raised median lines a section of SR 200 in Ocala, part of a Florida Department of Transportation project aimed at improving traffic safety and reducing accidents along the busy corridor.
Local
5 months ago
Big changes on SR 200 in Ocala: What you need to know

Raised medians, new turn lanes, and pedestrian signals aim to make one of Ocala’s busiest roads safer, but expect lane shifts and delays during construction.

A vendor smiles while arranging plants at a flower market, one of many garden-themed displays expected at Ocala’s Big Bloom Home & Garden Show.
Local
5 months ago
Big Bloom Home & Garden Show brings fresh ideas to Ocala families this weekend

Free weekend event features shopping, seminars, roses, and kids’ activities at WEC.

Children enjoy the slides at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala. Portions of the playground will close in phases for upgrades and maintenance.
Community
5 months ago
Tuscawilla Park playground gets a fresh update, but expect temporary closures

Rotating sections will close for maintenance as crews install new equipment and spruce up the space.

Local
5 months ago
New Ocala development could bring homes, businesses to busy corridor

Freedom Commons project spans over 330 acres and is under review for residential and commercial use near existing neighborhoods.

Authorities say the burglars target unlocked vehicles by "car hopping" through the neighborhood.
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
Early morning burglars hit Silver Springs Shores, steal multiple firearms from unlocked cars

MCSO urges residents to lock vehicles and report suspicious activity after thieves strike during overnight hours.

Left to right: Marcia Meloni, WOW 2nd VP; Patricia Pratt, WOW Technology Chairperson; Kari Hamende, HMCF Interim Executive Director; Michele Croud, WOW President; Stacey Perlmutter, HMCF Annual Gifts Manager; Martha Dominguez, HMCF Dementia Services Manager; Dolores Burke, WOW 1st VP; Anita Martinetto, WOW Treasurer.
Community
5 months ago
Fashion with a purpose: Local women’s club doubles donation for dementia education

WOW Club’s $8,500 gift to Hospice of Marion County will fund a new training center for caregivers and first responders.

Tamara Fleischhaker, smiling in a professional headshot, wearing a black blazer and blue top against a neutral background.
Community
5 months ago
Tamara Fleischhaker named interim CEO of Ocala Metro CEP

Fleischhaker steps in to lead CEP during leadership transition as national CEO search continues.

Rotarians Herb Silverman, Tony Park, and Phyllis Silverman plus a friend
Community
5 months ago
Rotary returns to Ocala with first new club in 23 years

Rotary Club of IMPACT Ocala offers a modern, flexible approach to service and community connection.