Monday, March 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala linemen won the gold medal in the Florida Lineman Competition this month, showing strong teamwork and skilled performance. Local officials praised the achievement — noting it reflects the quality of our electrical service maintenance — and will share more details in today’s Weekly Buzz. WCJB
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Both the driver and her passenger (66 years old) were taken to a hospital (on March 16th) with serious injuries after a crash on I-75. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new Chipotle is under construction along SR 200 in southwest Ocala + it will open May 27th as part of the Corta Commons development that also includes a Sprouts Farmers Market and townhomes +. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Netflix acquired the rights to distribute an award-winning documentary about the fatal shooting of AJ Owens, a mother of four, by neighbor Susan Lorincz—sentenced to 25 years—for a dispute that occurred on June 2nd, 2023. The film, which won a Directing Award at Sundance Film Festival, does not yet have a release date set. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A local resident urges citizens to send detailed written letters to the Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission to oppose high-density development that he says is changing the rural look of our area. He said officials need clear feedback with specific details like a parcel number or street address in order to follow the proper process. Ocala-News
- ➤ The ramp at exit 341 on county road 484 in Marion County is closed on the nights of March 16 and 17 for construction near the citrus center — drivers are advised to use alternate routes during the repairs. WCJB
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ On March 12th, 2025, Tommy Amodeo and his crew with A&A Demolition and Excavation — The Art of Destruction — began demolishing the old Winn-Dixie at Cedar Shores Plaza on Maricamp Road and Southeast 36th Avenue in Ocala. The work will take about six weeks to complete as the site is cleared to build a new Walmart Neighborhood Market. Ocala StarBanner
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County has 66 nominees in this week’s Star Banner Athlete of the Week race—voters can choose one athlete per hour until Thursday, March 20th, 2025 at 4:59 p.m. Last week’s winner, Vanguard softball standout Jaelynne Whipple, earned 44% of over 12,000 votes as strong competition comes from flag football, weightlifting and track events. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Lake Weir senior pitcher Lyric Hartley, the tallest high school athlete in Marion County at 6-foot-8, has recorded a career-high three wins and a 3.1 ERA through four starts this season. He turns taunts about his height into fuel — most recently delivering a complete shutout against West Port — while guiding freshmen teammates as a team captain. Ocala StarBanner
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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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Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
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