Daily
Ocala
Thursday, March 20th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala and Marion County residents have shared over 100 photos of local wildlife including hawks, eagles and manatees this year. Photographers like Brad Mullins and Alex Vazquez have captured images at Silver Springs State Park — a favorite spot — and Rodman Reservoir, showing the region’s natural beauty. Ocala-News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Two individuals were injured in a rollover crash on U.S. Highway 441 near the intersection of SW 11th Street and S Pine Avenue on Tuesday, March 18 (shortly after 3 p.m.) when responders extricated a trapped occupant from an overturned SUV (both were taken to local hospitals). Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released redacted records for three deaths in custody at Marion County Jail that were under active investigation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office — discrepancies between agency reports have been noted while names, dates, and other key details remain hidden. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ At the Red Roof Inn in Ocala on March 17, 63-year-old former broker Dean Randall Guntner was arrested for walking naked down a hotel hallway and shattering a glass door, causing about $3,400 in damage+ he is now held on a $1,000 bond for felony criminal mischief. Ocala-News
- ➤ An Ocala man, identified as 34-year-old Ernest Andrew Van Damme, stole a Ford F-250 from Gary Yeomans Ford on March 14 and led police on a 100-mph chase on I-75 until he was pulled over on the shoulder—officers found stolen keys, a hammer, a machete, a hatchet, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the truck as he now faces multiple charges. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Civic stages the classic murder mystery 'Murder on the Orient Express' live from today until April 6 — a dress rehearsal with Adelaina Brahim as Daisy Armstrong took place on Monday, March 17 on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Ocala Geek Fest returns this weekend at the Ocala Downtown Market on Sunday, March 23 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring over 60 vendors, cosplay contests, comics, collectibles, and food trucks — and visitors enjoy free parking and admission. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Stan McClain proposed a bill that would remove local control over land use and let developers build on rural lands—his plan has drawn hundreds of calls and emails from local residents and faced pushback from officials. Lawmakers discussed the measure on Monday and some believe it will lower fees while others worry it ignores community rules. Ocala Gazette
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County high school beach volleyball is growing as teams from St. John Lutheran, Trinity Catholic and Forest sharpen their skills for both beach and indoor play. Star player Rylee Palmateer and coach Chris Hamilton lead training efforts while junior Sarah Macdonald’s commitment to Eastern Kentucky University shows rising talent (with Division play ahead). Ocala StarBanner
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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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Candlelight: The Best of The Beatles
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of The Beatles' music performed by an intimate string quartet under candlelight.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
~ Les Brown
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