Thursday, February 20th, 2025

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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Marion County Clerk of Court is hosting special events from Tuesday to Thursday for marriage license and passport services with extended hours. WCJB
- ➤ Ocala's high-visibility enforcement efforts led to approximately 300 fewer traffic accidents and over 1,129 traffic stops in the last two months. Ocala-News
- ➤ The 11th annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival aims to raise funds for building affordable housing for a family in need. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ The Belleview High School band honors the memory of former trombonist Robert King, who died in a scooter accident, prompting an honor walk and a fundraising effort for his family. WCJB
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ An Ocala man, already wanted on a warrant, was arrested and faces charges for resisting arrest and threatening a deputy. Ocala-News
- ➤ Ocala police are searching for a suspect in the theft of a $2,300 jewelry item from a Paddock Mall kiosk. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band celebrates its 35th anniversary with free performances at Marion Technical Institute, emphasizing a blend of musical generations. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Veterans at risk from exposure to carcinogens like Agent Orange can now receive a free Galleri blood test, capable of detecting over 50 cancer types, at the Ocala Vet Resource Center. Ocala Gazette
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The World Equestrian Center in Ocala is set to open a new 180,000-square-foot Event Center featuring dining, meeting spaces, and a grand ballroom, targeted for this fall. Ocala-News
SHOP NEWS
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Country Club of Ocala Invitational Golf Tournament
The Country Club of Ocala Invitational is a two-day, 36-hole stroke play event featuring Championship, Legends, and Hall of Fame flights for male golfers.
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Ocala Metro Chamber of Commerce Annual Lunch 2025
The Annual Luncheon, focused on the theme 'The Power of Partnership', will bring together over 1,200 partners from the Ocala region for networking and discussion.
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Ballet Magnificat! presents 'Deliver Us!'
Experience Ballet Magnificat!’s acclaimed ballet 'Deliver Us!', telling the story of Moses and the Exodus set to the music of 'The Prince of Egypt'.
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38th Annual Car Show and Swap Meet
The 38th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet at Florida Horse Park features a variety of car shows and community activities.
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11th Annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival
The festival features over 230 vendors, kid-friendly activities, a car show, and fresh strawberries, all while supporting Habitat for Humanity's mission.
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FACAP's 47th Annual Seminar: Blazing a Trail in Fire Investigation
The seminar focuses on advancing fire investigation training and enhancing arson awareness at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.
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Santos Fat Tire Festival 2025
This annual festival in Ocala celebrates mountain biking and features various activities related to the sport, drawing enthusiasts from across the Southeast.
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Master Gardener Spring Festival 2025
The UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners host the largest plant sale in the region during their annual Spring Festival.
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Moot Thomas Invitational Golf Championship
The Moot Thomas Invitational is a 54-hole stroke play championship for men aged 55 and older, held at the Ocala Golf Club, featuring various age divisions for competitors.
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Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping Tournament
The Live Oak International features America's largest combined driving and show jumping tournament, benefiting local charities, with general admission and various food vendors available.
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