Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of March.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Marion County Animal Services invites local residents to join its Pack Walk event at Silver Springs State Park on Sunday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Volunteers will walk adoptable shelter dogs on staff-led loops throughout the park (a $2 entry fee applies and no preregistration is required).
🚧 Accidents
An Ocala man who was seriously injured in a 2024 laundromat explosion filed a lawsuit on March 7 in Marion County alleging that neglect in maintaining a faulty gas plumbing system led to the blast and he is seeking over $50,000 in damages—his legal team claims the defendants ignored a dangerous gas leak.
💼 Business
Retired NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, a Florida resident, teamed up with 7-Eleven to launch the Shaq-A-Licious Slurpee that mixed the tangy Sour Pineapple flavor with his XL Gummies (customers received a 6.2 oz gummy bag for $2 with any Slurpee) as part of a new promotion.
🎭 Culture
Jeepers Creepers was filmed entirely in Florida during the late summer of 2000 and features scenes shot in Ocala, Dunnellon, and other parts of Marion County.
The horror film was released on August 31, 2001 — it grossed nearly $60 million worldwide and became the county’s most commercially successful movie.
🌲 Environment
US Forest Service officials are working to contain a wildfire that broke out on March 21 in Ocala National Forest near Alexander Springs Wilderness.
The fire spread to about 210 acres by 5 p.m. and is suspected to have been started by lightning — drivers are expected to see smoke tonight and tomorrow.
🏛️ Government
The Ocala City Council renamed NW 24th Road—running from NW 20th Street to NW 21st Avenue—to honor longtime resident and activist Whitfield Jenkins.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold three virtual meetings this April—April 2 from 12–3 p.m. EDT, April 3 from 5–8 p.m. EDT, and April 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT—to gather public input on a possible black bear hunt prompted by a rise in bear sightings and complaints. The proposal will be reviewed at a May meeting after a controversial 2015 hunt resulted in nearly 300 bears being killed in two days.
Officials announced today that work on upgrading the Rotary Sportsplex in Ocala began with converting two soccer fields from natural grass to synthetic turf—an upgrade that supports local sports—and they said the park generates millions in economic impact for the county.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
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.
Spring Strings Concert
4-7 p.m. — Sholom Park — Free entry — Experience the modern bluegrass sounds of Remedy Tree in a serene park setting.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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