News from Ocala and Marion County

Executive Director, Veterans Helping Veterans USA Born into a family chock full of service in the United States Armed Forces, Todd Belknap is a native of suburban Detroit. After high school, Todd enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably for eight years (1982-1990). Obtaining the rank of Sergeant, Belknap served in the […]

July CEP after hours was held at the Pickleball Kingdom Ocala Florida at 2800 SW 24th Ave, Ocala. As you can see they are having fun. They are advertising league to join.  Plenty of exercise. Phone 352-421-9550 Or pickleballkingdom.com/ocala-fl The post CEP & Pickleball appeared first on TomL Publishing.

Marion County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion), in partnership with Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR), invites pregnant and postpartum mothers, caregivers, and their families to attend a free, non-certificate CPR overview on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The event will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. at:  DOH-Marion’s Ocala Office 1801 […]

(OCALA, FL.) July 14, 2026 – What began as a routine medical call escalated into a significant hazardous material response at Chewy’s Fulfillment Center located at 3380 NW 35th Avenue Road on Tuesday, July 14. At approximately 7:58 a.m., Ocala Fire Rescue’s Rescue 1 arrived on scene to assist a person experiencing lightheadedness. While medics assessed […]

This week on The Buzz, we’re celebrating 25 years of Horse Fever here in Marion County with the unveiling of a brand new painted horse. The horse is named “Freedom” and it was commissioned by Pyranha Animal Health to celebrate the lasting legacy of the values that make the horse capital of the world such a special […]

REVERSE VENDOR FAIR 08/14/2026 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY WORKSHOP 08/27/2026 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Doing Business with the City Workshop 09/22/2026 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM First Friday Art Walk 10/02/2026 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Sunset Songs Series 10/09/2026 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM The post Ocala […]

The month of August is steeped in American military history, with several significant dates observed across the nation. One is August 7—Purple Heart Day. Its origins date to 1782, when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner of today’s Purple Heart. The medal, as we know it today, was revived in […]

To Everyone Concerned about Education Dear Board Members Subject: School YE Student Test Results – Disappointing  This letter is a follow-up to our January 5th letter and subsequent meeting where we noted mid-year poor test results in several critical areas.  In discussions we were assured that supplemental actions to improve student outcomes and competency were […]

When people think about the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, they often picture ribbon cuttings, networking events, and community celebrations. While those moments are certainly an important part of what we do, they represent only a portion of our work. Much of the CEP’s impact happens behind the scenes. On any given day, our […]

Pictured (L to R) Meylin Powell-Smith, Medicare Benefits Consultant Carol Lane, Congregate Club Queen 2026 Luis Constance, Congregate Club King 2026 Glenda Thomas, MSS Nutrition & Outreach Director About the event/program: Marion Senior Services is proud to announce its 2026 Congregate Club King and Queen.  Nominations were received from each of the congregate clubs and […]

When people think about the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, they often picture ribbon cuttings, networking events, and community celebrations. While those moments are certainly an important part of what we do, they represent only a portion of our work. Much of the CEP’s impact happens behind the scenes. On any given day, our […]

As Marion County prepares to celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded of the values that have long defined our nation: service, sacrifice, resilience, and opportunity. The Fourth of July is a time for gathering with family and friends, enjoying community traditions, and reflecting on the freedoms we often take for granted. It is also an […]

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 […]