News from Ocala and Marion County

Across downtown Ocala and throughout Marion County, there is a renewed sense of momentum and optimism surrounding the future of our community. From locally owned small businesses and restaurants to major employers and manufacturers continuing to invest in the region, growth is happening in ways that strengthen every part of our local economy. The recent […]

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion has opened a new career center in Bronson, expanding access to workforce development services for businesses and job seekers across Levy County. The center is located at 375 Garner St., Suite E in the Levy County Government Complex and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All services are […]

OCALA, Fla. (May 14, 2026) – The Reilly Arts Center welcomes a variety of national and local artists for performances of rock, jazz, classical and more this summer. Unless otherwise indicated, events are held at the Reilly Arts Center located at 500 NE 9th St. Ocala, FL 34470.  Tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or […]

Todd Belknap Executive Director of the Veterans helping Veterans USA Greetings! This is the maiden column designed to highlight Veterans’ events and activities taking place in Marion County, as well as to raise awareness of issues that concern the Veteran community at large. On behalf of the 46,000 Veterans calling Marion County home, I extend […]

The Ocala International Horse Trials will be taking place April 16-19th; truly one of the best times of the year at the Park. This is one of our largest, if not the largest of our Horse Trial events, bringing Three-Day Eventers from around the world together to compete at an FEI level of competition. Last […]

The Annual Senior Fishing Derby was held and Lake Tuscawilla by the Ocala Recreation & Parks. Hundred thirty five were fishing  it was catch and release fishing derby. The weather was great, the fish were biting. Door prizes galore, trophy’s were won! Everyone enjoyed lunch and a great time was had by all. The three […]

DOH-Marion Cautions About Blue Green Algae at Lake Bryant – Resort Dock Marion County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Bryant – Resort Dock on April 21, 2026. Water sample testing is underway. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental […]

Ocala Fire Rescue Hosts Ceremony and Receives Cancer Prevention Grant Funding (OCALA, FL.)– In a significant step towards enhancing firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities, Ocala Fire Rescue proudly served as the host site for the presentation of cancer prevention and firefighter assistance grants awarded by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal, Blaise Ingoglia. The […]

May 3 6:00 PM First Friday Art Walk Downtown Square 6:30 PM Sunset Songs Series: Perpetual Groove Citizens’ Circle May 10 7:00 PM After Dark in the Park –Despicable Me 2 Tuscawilla May 11 10:00 AM Art Park Literary & Poetry Festival Tuscawilla Art Park May 25 8:00 AM Mayor’s Spring Clean Up Tuscawilla 9:00 […]

The Parade of Senior Services was an over whelming success. Hundreds of seniors attended. The  annual information fair hosted by Ocala Recreation and Parks, was held March 20th for adults aged 50+. It connects local seniors with over 45+ agencies offering health, social, and support services, featuring vendors, refreshments and resources. There were free gifts from […]

By Matt McKoprmic There’s something about downtown that makes networking feel a little more natural. Maybe it’s the walkability. Maybe it’s the familiar faces. Or maybe it’s just that when you spend enough time here, conversations don’t feel like “networking” at all, they just feel like part of your day. You run into someone grabbing […]

DOH-Marion Cautions About Blue Green Algae at Lake Bryant – Resort Dock Marion County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Bryant – Resort Dock on April 21, 2026. Water sample testing is underway. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental […]

By Matt McCormick If you ask ten people what drives Ocala’s economy, you’ll probably get ten different answers:horses, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing,small businesses, tourism, construction, or the arts and culture. And the truth is that every one of-those answers is right.But beneath the industries, the headlines, and the economic data, there’s something even more powerful at […]

By Tom James ‘We All Have Hidden Potential’ Mireyli Hernandez, Ameris Bank Merriam-Webster describes art as “a personal, unanalyzable creative power” and “the faculty of executing well what one has devised.” Art comes in an infinite number of forms, as Mireyli Hernandez proves. “My artistic inspiration,” she says. “comes to life through welded metal art.” […]