Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Former West Port coach Greg Harper arranged for NBA star Shaquille O'Neal to purchase letterman jackets for the school’s football players to honor their hard work. Each player received a jacket (with WP insignia, embroidered names, and a Reebok logo) at no cost, reflecting a longstanding connection between the school's coaches and the famed athlete. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ The Budweiser Clydesdales paraded through downtown Ocala (March 17th) in celebration of St. Patrick's Day for Live Oak International. The horses pulled a red beer wagon provided by Tri-Eagle Sales (a local beverage distributor) while Mayor Ben Marciano took a ride. Ocala-News
- ➤ The Ocala Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy will host a free women’s self-defense seminar on Saturday, March 22 at 7365 SW 38th Street, Unit 203 in Ocala — the class will be led by two female academy students and is recommended for women ages 13 and up. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Construction crews at the World Equestrian Center are making brisk progress on an 80,000 square foot outdoor shopping venue — at least eight of 33 vendor spaces are filled — and a 180,000 square foot event center featuring four new restaurants and over 80,000 square feet of meeting space that will open later this fall. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Deputies stated that on Feb. 26 in a park near the Silver Springs Shores Country Club in Ocala, officers arrested 18-year-old Jeremiah Arzavius Smith, 16-year-old Ajihais Mackievion Williams, and 17-year-old Eron Ka'reem Thomas after they beat a victim with a firearm and robbed them, and the trio face charges of robbery with a firearm and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. ClickOrlando
- ➤ Mayra Ramirez, a 58-year-old from Ocala, told a judge she would not survive jail and made 33 urgent medical care requests while suffering from severe pain and health issues, yet she died in Marion County Jail on Sept. 7th after turning blue and falling during an episode of heart failure—raising concerns over inmate care. Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala and Marion County are set to host a busy schedule of cultural events including the live performance of Murder on the Orient Express at the Ocala Civic Theatre starting tomorrow and an outdoor free music series at Webb Field on Friday evenings. Additional events include a Whitesnake tribute at the Reilly Arts Center, community art exhibits and a family festival on March 29—offering local audiences diverse entertainment options in the coming weeks. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ The College of Central Florida will host documentarian Kerry Candaele on March 25 and March 26 as part of the Ira Holmes International Film Series. His film 'Following the Ninth' will be shown on March 25 at the Appleton Museum of Art and Marion Theatre + on March 26 he will deliver a 12:30 p.m. lecture on his mother’s and aunt’s roles in the All-American Girls Baseball League before a screening of 'A League of Their Own.' Ocala Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center at 819 NW Seventh St. in Ocala offers quality primary care with regular check-ups, vaccinations and screenings on Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.—the center, founded in 2009 to serve the underserved, is partnering with SMA Healthcare to expand services in April and will host a spring fundraiser on April 6 at The Reilly Arts Center. Ocala StarBanner
SHOP NEWS
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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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Makers Market
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop — Free admission — Discover unique handmade arts and crafts from local artisans while enjoying live music and good food.
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