News from Ocala and Marion County

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 […]

Reilly Noir: Dayve Stewart Friday, July 3, 2026 at 7:30 PM | in the NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center Tickets from $33 Join us for an unforgettable evening with Dayve Stewart and his Vintage Saxophone performance, featuring soulful melodies and captivating energy. Having toured with legendary artists like Al Green and collaborated […]

(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 grants, aimed at strengthening firefighters’ protection against harmful chemicals encountered […]

Contact: Ashley Lopez, Public Information Officer, Telephone: (352) 629-8306, Mobile: (352) 817-5914 Celebrating Excellence: Ocala Fire Rescue Honor Guard Wins First Place in 2026 Competition There is an unparalleled level of reverence when witnessing the respect, discipline, and traditions upheld by Honor Guard Members during their ceremonial displays. Whether at a celebratory event or a […]

Endorses Byron Donalds for Governor Largest agricultural organization in the state backs Donalds’ campaign to protect Florida’s farmers and ranchers NAPLES, FL — The Florida Farm Bureau FarmPac today endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor. The Florida Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agricultural organization representing more than 130,000 member-families across Florida. “From citrus groves to cattle ranches […]

Greetings! July is steeped in history that has forged our beloved Republic into the standard bearer of freedom for the world. Pivotal July military battles shaped our nation’s independence, altered the course of the Civil War, and helped break the deadlock of World War II. Since the “shot heard around the world” at Concord in […]

OCALA, Fla. – The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) has been recognized nationally by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), receiving an Award of Excellence in the 2026 Awards for Communications Excellence competition for its Weekly Buzz video series. The Award of Excellence represents one of only 12 top honors presented nationwide in this […]

Most people in Marion County already know Nick and Diana Navetta. Nick is an established business leader in our Community, serving as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments for the past twelve years and currently serves as the President of the Marion County Estate Planning Council. He also has an extensive military career — […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]