Sunday, March 16th, 2025

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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 16th of March.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Fire Rescue responded early Friday March 14 at about 1:27 a.m. to a blaze that destroyed a 3,500-square-foot home on the 4900 block of SE 169th Avenue in Ocklawaha — no injuries were reported and investigators are examining the cause. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ During the Ocala Breeders’ March Sale this week, a horse was sold for $3 million—setting a record for a single-horse sale while the event generated nearly $66 million in sales. Hip 654, consigned by Eddie Woods and bought by Donato Lanni on Thursday, closed out the auction that sold 432 horses in total. Ocala-News
- ➤ A new Waffle House near the 7600 block of SR 200 in southwest Ocala is nearly complete and will open soon—placing it just over five miles from the one that opened in October 2022. The diner is next to Ellianos drive-thru coffee, Tire Outlet, and the second Tidal Wave Auto Spa and will be Ocala’s fifth Waffle House in a period that has seen three new locations over the past five years. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 31-year-old man from Silver Springs on March 13th after Facebook messages allegedly threatened to kill his mother—he remains in custody without bond. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala residents enjoyed a bar crawl at The Lodge on Saturday, March 15 and will join free St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on Monday, March 17. The events at Downtown Ocala Square and The Lodge will show bagpipe music and Irish food—part of a big lineup of Irish traditions across Central Florida. FOX 35 Orlando
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ High schoolers interested in agriculture or veterinary science can apply for the Vetericyn Future Leaders Scholarship to win money for their education—applications opened on March 15th. WCJB
- ➤ Lincoln High School alumni celebrated the unveiling of a new memorial wall after 15 years of planning—marking a long-awaited tribute to the school’s history. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida law will make it illegal to remove bats from attics and barns after April 15 so residents must check their buildings and act before the mating season begins. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises using exclusion devices—one-way tunnels—to let bats leave safely before sealing up any entry points. Ocala StarBanner
SHOP NEWS
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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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