Friday, January 3rd, 2025

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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ So Yummy BBQ & Grill has transitioned from a food truck to a permanent location at 1415 W. Glen Eagles Rd. in Ocala, Florida. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ A new rest area on I-75 in Marion County, set to open early 2025, will offer updated facilities and expanded parking. Ocala-News
- ➤ The Humane Society of Marion County is conducting a two-day winter camp for 1st to 5th graders, offering animal interactions, crafts, and educational sessions to foster understanding and compassion towards animals. WCJB
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 15-year-old was apprehended for an attempted armed robbery outside a Qwik King store in Marion County after his mother turned him in upon recognizing him from a social media post by the Sheriff's Office. FOX 35 Orlando
- ➤ A teacher in Ocala was released on a $70,000 bond after being charged with sending explicit photos to a 16-year-old student. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida braces for a series of cold fronts that could lead to the coldest January since 2011, bringing freeze warnings and potential for 'falling iguanas'. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay, a key figure in Florida's political landscape and advocate for integration, has passed away at 91 after a peaceful end at his home. WCJB
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ An Ocala recreation center introduces free high-intensity interval training classes to improve fitness, strength, and endurance, starting January 7. Ocala-News
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ St. Thomas Aquinas secured its first Kingdom of the Sun championship with a victory over Gibbs High, highlighting strong performances from local teams across the tournament. Ocala StarBanner
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Brick City Anime Festival Weekend Pass
The Brick City Anime Festival, held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL, features discounted ticket prices and promises a vibrant celebration of anime culture.
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Park After Dark: 1980's Concert Featuring Napoleon Complex
Enjoy an outdoor concert featuring the Napoleon Complex Band, performing hits from the 1980s at Sholom Park.
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Operation OCALA 2025 - Endurance Challenge
Operation OCALA 2025 is a 65+ mile endurance event through the Ocala National Forest, requiring participants to carry a 25 lb backpack and navigate a challenging course within 24 hours.
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King of the Streets: Annual Street Stock Racing Event
The 'King of the Streets' event at Ocala Speedway features exciting Street Stock races as part of the DIRTcar UMP Winter Nationals, running from January 20th to 25th, 2025.
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Annual King of the Streets Street Stock Extravaganza
The 'King of the Streets' event showcases an exciting lineup of Street Stock racing as part of the DIRTcar UMP Winter Nationals at Ocala Speedway.
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King of the Streets Street Stock Extravaganza
The King of the Streets event features exciting Street Stock racing as part of the DIRTcar UMP Winter Nationals at Ocala Speedway.
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Ocala Home & Garden Show Celebration
The Ocala Home & Garden Show features a variety of home improvement exhibitors, live cooking seminars by celebrity chef Warren Caterson, and free admission for all attendees.
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Goat Yoga Adventure
Experience a fun beginner yoga class with baby goats, suitable for all ages and experience levels.
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Chris Janson Benefit Concert: Never Give Up On Country
Country music sensation Chris Janson will perform at a benefit concert supporting the Travis Mills Foundation at Sheltair Aviation OCF.
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New Year Paso Festival 2025
The New Year Paso Festival showcases a variety of equestrian events and competitions, held at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala, Florida.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
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