Daily
Ocala
Saturday, March 15th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 15th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Animal Services has three adoptable pets ready for a new home, including Gunner the loyal three-year-old, Jiminy Cricket the playful two-year-old and Roxy the gentle three-year-old. The shelter in Ocala charges $17 for March adoptions+offers free adoption if you wear green+welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday. WCJB
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Fire Rescue sent 39 firefighters and 8 fire suppression units to a burning home in the 4900 block of SE 169th Avenue early Friday as crews fought the flames and evacuated the structure—no injuries were reported. ClickOrlando
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Construction crews at the Paddock Mall in Ocala have been steadily building a new artisan market that replaced the old Sears. The project, run by Guy Levintin and BSD Capital, may open in July with 20 restaurant-ready spaces (78 booths and 12 popup kiosks) for local vendors. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Ocala repeat offender Santini Antwain Chisholm was convicted on March 6 for selling drugs and possessing a firearm—an investigation that began in 2021 after officers found drugs, guns and cash at his home—and he will serve 50 years in prison. Ocala-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Marion County School Board will continue its school resource officer program with officers from the county sheriff, Ocala Police and Belleview Police despite rising costs. The board asked safety director Dennis McFatten to work with law enforcement to lower costs for a new contract (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028) that will raise expenses from $4.91 million to $5.32 million next year and $5.47 million after. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Dunnellon City Council voted 5-0 to draft a contract with the Marion County Sheriff's Office to dissolve its police department and shift law enforcement duties. A special council meeting will consider the draft on March 20 at 5:30 p.m. (current officers will continue to patrol) (the mandatory city police chief role will be defined later). Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ The House Commerce Committee will discuss HB 105 on Monday—sponsored by Rep. Adam Anderson— which would remove the rule that requires Florida’s two thoroughbred tracks to hold live races to offer other gambling. If approved, the bill will move to the full House while some experts say it could harm the horse racing industry in areas like Marion County. Ocala Gazette
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ People from across the country are attending the 34th Live Oak International in Ocala — a four-day event featuring different horse competitions. WCJB
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Ocala Winter Championship Horse Show
The Ocala Championship features a week-long series of USEF-rated competitions, including Grand Prix, Hunter Derbies, and Jumper Classics for riders and horses of all levels at HITS Post Time Farm.
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Broadway Across The Ages Concert at Sholom Park
Experience an evening of musical entertainment featuring performers Scotty Tomas and Victoria Sexton in a Broadway-themed concert.
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March USEA Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks
The Area 3 March USEA Horse Trials, featuring various competitive divisions, will take place at Majestic Oaks from March 21-23, 2025, with cross-country and show jumping designed by David Taylor.
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Knightsnake: A Tribute to Whitesnake
Knightsnake, a five-piece tribute band, recreates the iconic music of Whitesnake with classic hits performed live.
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Hammer Head: Florida Endurance Mountain Bike Series Race #6
The Hammer Head race is part of the 9th Annual Florida Endurance Mountain Bike series, featuring various race classes for all ages and skill levels at the Cross Florida Greenway Trails in Ocala.
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Meeple Movers Board Game Night
5-9 p.m. | Meeple Movers Board Game Cafe | Free entry | Enjoy an evening of gaming with a library of over 300 games and friendly experts to guide you.
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Ocala KidFest & Camp Fair
10 AM – 3 PM — Paddock Mall — Free entry — Explore family-friendly resources, fun activities, and summer camp giveaways.
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On-Site Tour at Hampton Manor Deerwood
Explore the comprehensive care and vibrant community at Hampton Manor Deerwood, featuring nutritious meals and a variety of engaging activities for residents.
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Indian Motorcycle Demo Event
— 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Indian Motorcycle Ocala — Free demo rides — Experience the all-new 2025 Scout lineup on a thrilling motorcycle adventure.
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6th Annual Golf Extravaganza
12-5 p.m. — Ocala Golf Club — Enjoy a day of golfing fun for a good cause with fellow enthusiasts.
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