82 F
Ocala
Friday, April 19, 2024
From fine dining and coffee shops to kayaking and orchestra performances, there is no shortage of options in Ocala for those looking to spend a romantic day or evening together. 
An Ocala resident's Century Agave plant is finally blooming after having been a fixture in the neighborhood for over two decades.

Headlines
News, events, politics, government in Ocala, Florida

Restrooms at three Ocala parks closing for repairs

The restrooms at three Ocala parks will be closed beginning next week as crews work to repair and replace flooring in the facilities. 

Burglary suspect nabbed by Belleview police

A 19-year-old Belleview man who was caught on video robbing a local store is behind bars after admitting to the burglary.

City spending $70,000 for parking signs at downtown garage

Ocala officials have approved a $70,000 agreement to fabricate and install signs at the downtown parking garage to help motorists and pedestrians. 

New townhomes in downtown Ocala part of growing residential offering

A set of luxury townhomes is one of the newest additions to the ever-changing residential offering in downtown Ocala.

Belleview man accused of receiving child porn of 12-year-old from another state

A 32-year-old Belleview man was recently indicted for allegedly receiving multiple videos depicting sexual acts involving a 12-year-old child from another state.

Marion Schools offering special kindergarten intro for new students

Marion County parents who pre-register their children to attend kindergarten will have access to a special "kickstart" program that introduces new students to the school setting before the school year begins in August.

Government
Government meetings, press releases, and Politics in Ocala, Florida

City spending $70,000 for parking signs at downtown garage

Ocala officials have approved a $70,000 agreement to fabricate and install signs at the downtown parking garage to help motorists and pedestrians. 

Ocala council abruptly ends public comments after residents wait over hour to speak

The Ocala City Council abruptly ended the public comments portion of its meeting on Tuesday night, telling multiple speakers who had signed up to speak about the conflict in the Gaza Strip that their comments were redundant and unnecessary.

Marion County voter summit returning this week

The Marion County Voter Summit will return to a local community building this week.

Temporary trail closure at Ocala Wetland Recharge Park

City officials announced a temporary trail closure at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park due to ongoing construction and repairs. 

Ocala may pay son $75,000 for selling the burial plots he bought next to his parents

An Ocala resident who purchased four burial plots in 1971 will likely receive a $75,050 settlement after it was discovered the city sold two of the plots to "unidentified individuals" who are now buried next to his parents.

City may spend $100,000 for consultant’s help on Ocala Fiber Network

Ocala officials will consider entering a $100,000 consulting agreement with a Colorado-based company to help the city determine the "growth and viability" of Ocala's Fiber Network throughout residential and commercial neighborhoods. 

Business
Business news, press releases and openings in Ocala, Florida

Waffle House planning new Ocala location

Waffle House is planning to open a new restaurant in southwest Ocala, which will be the franchise's sixth location in the city.

Crumbl Cookies making progress on first Ocala location

A cookie brand that has opened hundreds of locations across the country in the past few years is nearing completion of its first spot in Ocala.

Seventh Wawa in Ocala under construction along major thoroughfare

The seventh Wawa in Ocala is currently under construction along one of the city's main thoroughfares.

Chinese lifestyle brand opening new location in Ocala

A Chinese brand that specializes in plush toys, clothes, and hundreds of other "lifestyle" products is working on its first location in Ocala.

Cuban spot closes at Ocala mall food court

A spot known for its authentic Cuban food has closed up its location within the Paddock Mall.

Construction underway for drive-thru coffee chain’s second Marion location

A drive-thru coffee brand that expanded into Marion County earlier this year is currently working on its second location in the area.

Photos
Photos in and around Ocala, Florida

Beautiful sunrise view from College Park Ocala

Check out this gorgeous sunrise view photographed from College Park in Ocala. Thanks to Charles George for sharing!

Beautiful morning sunrise in the SummerGlen Community

This early morning sunrise in the SummerGlen Community in Ocala brought a vibrant orange glow to the sky. Thanks to Terrie Bauman for sharing!

More Headlines
News, events, politics, government in Ocala, Florida

Waste amnesty for electronics, hazardous waste in Ocala

The city of Ocala will host a special waste amnesty day this weekend for household hazardous waste and electronics.

Earthfest returns to Tuscawilla Park this weekend

The city of Ocala will celebrate Arbor Day with multiple family-friendly activities, including rock wall climbing, butterfly feeding, and a Youth Fishing Derby that gives children the chance to catch and release fish at Lake Tuscawilla.

Widen and expand SR 200 to make it safer

An Ocala resident says State Road 200 should be expanded to "make it safer" for travelers. What are your thoughts?

Teen allegedly flaunting stolen firearm outside Jervey Gantt Park

A 19-year-old Ocala man was arrested outside a local park after we was allegedly caught flaunting a stolen, loaded firearm to a female. 

New drive-thru coffee chain expanding into Ocala

A Georgia-based drive-thru coffee chain that is currently expanding its operations in the state of Florida has announced plans to open a new location in Ocala.

Bat-wielding man attacks neighbor over dog dispute, deputies say

A 40-year-old Fort McCoy man is facing an aggravated battery charge after he allegedly attacked one of his female neighbors with a baseball bat during an argument over her dogs.

What is the best date night spot in Ocala?

From fine dining and coffee shops to kayaking and orchestra performances, there is no shortage of options in Ocala for those looking to spend a romantic day or evening together. 

Foodie Fest returns to Lake Lillian Park this Friday

Multiple food trucks will make the trip to a Belleview park as part of the next Foodie Fest event.

Earthfest returns to Tuscawilla Park this weekend

The city of Ocala will celebrate Arbor Day with multiple family-friendly activities, including rock wall climbing, butterfly feeding, and a Youth Fishing Derby that gives children the chance to catch and release fish at Lake Tuscawilla.

Multiple readers agree that Ocala is becoming ‘over-developed’

"The county can't keep up with road repairs and traffic now. Traffic accidents have increased and so has car insurance. I was born here in 1944 and it was a small, beautiful community. Now, we are turning into a mini Orlando" - Residents shared their opinions about development in light of a recent letter.

Ocala horse farms are disappearing and car washes, gas stations are everywhere

"We moved here 21 years ago. It was wonderful...Now, the roads are worse than up north...The beautiful horse farms are disappearing, 200 looks like one big shopping mall, and car washes and gas stations are everywhere you look" - An Ocala resident shares her thoughts.

I’ve worked in Ocala for 20 years and I can’t afford to live here.

"I sold my home to downsize. I was faced with no option when looking for housing besides apartments that were not affordable" - A disabled resident who has worked in Ocala for two decades says she can't find an affordable place to live.

Marion Schools offering special kindergarten intro for new students

Marion County parents who pre-register their children to attend kindergarten will have access to a special "kickstart" program that introduces new students to the school setting before the school year begins in August.

Marion students to be recognized for audio and video production excellence

Marion County students of all grade levels will be recognized for their outstanding work in the fields of audio and video production during the 23rd installment of the Marion County Student Media Festival this week.

Car rear-ends Marion school bus carrying 50 students

A 28-year-old woman from Ocala was injured on Thursday morning after her vehicle rear-ended a Marion County school bus that was carrying 50 students.

Guillermo Alberto Pereira

Guillermo Pereira will forever be remembered by his many friends and loved ones.

Johnnie Bernard Blunt

Johnnie Blunt was a loving and dedicated father, he will be missed deeply by his many loved ones.

Joan Ann Taylor-Adragna

Joan Taylor-Adragna had a knack for storytelling, game nights, shopping, and was the heart with her family.
Ocala
clear sky
75 ° F
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