Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 25th of March.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Marion County will celebrate its 181st birthday with a free festival held Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (at the McPherson Governmental Campus at 601 SE 25th Avenue in Ocala) that includes games, live entertainment, local vendors, and a kids’ zone (featuring bounce houses and archery).
💼 Business
A fast food restaurant is planned for a .75-acre section of a 21.44-acre parcel near Liberty Middle School along SW 95th Street and SW 49th Avenue after a conceptual plan was discussed on March 24 by the Marion County Development Review Committee—final approval will come after a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.
🚨 Crime
New state data showed Marion County had nearly double the incarceration rate compared to the state average—4.7 per 1,000 residents in 2024 versus about 2.5 statewide, meaning the county held over 2,000 individuals while representing only 1.8% of the state population.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers are asking for help identifying a driver after a hit-and-run on March 17 sent a 27-year-old Ocala man to the hospital near Umatilla — witnesses with information are urged to contact the department.
Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run on County Road 42 near Southeast 203rd Avenue in Umatilla at 2:30 a.m. on March 17 that injured a 27-year-old Ocala man when a vehicle swerved off the road and struck him while he walked along the shoulder—investigators request help from anyone with information.
Marion County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Logan Guminski, 27, on March 21 after an anonymous tip on January 28 said she posted a video on Instagram showing her sexual activity with a Chihuahua—she admitted making and selling the video for $500 and the dog was taken in by Marion County Animal Services.
🌲 Environment
Emergency personnel fought to contain a wildfire in the Ocala National Forest’s Alexander Springs Wilderness that started Friday, March 21 and measured 210 acres—dry lightning may have sparked it.
Firefighters reported 50% containment on Saturday and closed the St. Francis hiking trail for public safety—no residences or structures were threatened.
🏛️ Government
Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta presented data on Feb.
27 and the county is considering raising its fire rescue assessment fee—either as a one-time increase or a gradual rate hike—to meet growing service demands caused by population growth.
Florida lawmakers are reviewing SB 1692—a bill sponsored by Sen. Stan McClain of Ocala that would make any material with nudity or sexual content harmful to minors.
If passed and signed, the law will take effect on July 1 and may lead to more book bans in schools.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
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.
Women Build 2025 Kickoff Party
5-8 p.m. — OHC Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the kick-off of a meaningful local initiative supporting women in building homes.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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