Daily
Ocala
Friday, March 21st, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ocala.
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala’s Programs in the Parks is hosting a free session on owls and bats today from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Nature Conservancy at 2005 NE 3rd Street—visitors of all ages are welcome to attend and should bring their own blankets or chairs. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On March 18th, Jacob Paul Hartzell was arrested on Maricamp Road in Ocala after several calls reported he blocked traffic, stripped off his clothes, and threw rocks at cars while appearing under the influence of meth—he damaged a vehicle’s mirror and faces charges of criminal mischief and disturbing the peace—and his bond was set at $1,500. Ocala-News
- ➤ A 19-year-old man was arrested on multiple felony charges for allegedly firing several shots from his car at a home in Silver Springs Shores on February 16th—video evidence and damage estimated at $7,500 have linked him to the drive-by shooting. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, March 24th, noted local historian Annabelle Leitner will give a free Talking History presentation about four pioneering family lines that settled in Marion County from the 1820s to the 1920s at the Reddick Public Library (15150 NW Gainesville Road). The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. and include tips for genealogical research. Ocala Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A U.S. Census Bureau report showed that Ocala is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation as its population grew by over 50,000 people from the spring of 2020 to July 2024 and by 16,567 residents from July 2023 to July 2024, making it the only MSA to register at least a 4% gain. Ocala-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Since the school year started on August 12, about 170 students were expelled from Marion County schools through February 28 (107 high school students, 60 middle school students and 3 elementary students). The updated discipline report, which also shows 296 alternative placements, will be presented to the school board on March 25. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County firefighters union and state representatives Judson Sapp and Richard Gentry are backing a new bill so that firefighters injured in training will get full insurance coverage. The proposed change, introduced last week at a legislative convention in Tallahassee, will help cover firefighters and their families if injuries force early retirement. WCJB
- ➤ Bomb training will resume the week of March 24-30 at the Pinecastle Range Complex in Ocala National Forest, where live and inert bombs will be dropped on March 24 from 1 to 5 p.m., on March 25 from 1:30 to 10 p.m., and from March 26–30 from 1 to 10 p.m. Ocala is the only east coast site where the Navy is allowed to use live explosives—training that follows a Feb. 12 incident where a dropped bomb started a 20-acre wildfire. Ocala Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Marion County officials approved the final plat for Aurora Oaks’ phase one at 6280 SW 59th Street in Ocala on March 18, allowing construction to begin on 277 new homes and townhomes; the project will include amenities (a dog park, pool, pickleball courts, playground and gym) and is led by Calibrex Developments (a Canadian company). Ocala-News
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ocala.
-
Knightsnake: A Tribute to Whitesnake
Knightsnake, a five-piece tribute band, recreates the iconic music of Whitesnake with classic hits performed live.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Ocala KidFest & Camp Fair
10 AM – 3 PM — Paddock Mall — Free entry — Explore family-friendly resources, fun activities, and summer camp giveaways.
-
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.
-
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.
-
6th Annual Golf Extravaganza
12-5 p.m. — Ocala Golf Club — Enjoy a day of golfing fun for a good cause with fellow enthusiasts.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Ocala Oddities Market April Edition
6-10 p.m. — Florida Oddities Markets LLC — Free entry — Explore a uniquely quirky market with over 70 vendors showcasing oddities from taxidermy to handmade jewelry.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ocala.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Time magnifies the margin between success and failure. It will multiply whatever you feed it.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Ocala and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Ocala
A free Ocala community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyocala.com/sitemap