Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 1st of April.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A customer injured when Classic Laundromat and Dry Cleaners exploded on July 30th, 2024 in Ocala filed a lawsuit this month against owner Zeenat Kotadya and contractors — including the property management company — alleging negligent handling of a gas leak that led to the blast. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Three travel vloggers from the Netherlands made their first US visit and stopped in North Central Florida; they enjoyed local attractions such as demolition derbies and snorkeling with manatees—saying the US is their favorite among more than 20 countries they have visited. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A wildfire named the Fernadez Fire grew to about 565 acres in the Alexander Springs Wilderness of Ocala National Forest as of Monday morning—fire crews reported 65% containment and continue mopping up hotspots. Crews used bulldozers, fire engines and helicopters while advising local motorists to avoid Forest Road 42. Ocala-News
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Marion County resident Sarah Mallory (57) won a $1 million prize from a $5 MONOPOLY™ SECRET VAULT scratch-off bought at Belleview Food Store on East Highway 25 and took a lump sum payment of $576,900. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ FDOT said that rotating lane closures will continue along SR 200 in Ocala this week to allow crews to pour concrete curbs, footers, and pedestrian bases. Daytime closures run (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) through April 5 and nighttime closures run (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) through April 6 as part of a multi-million dollar project that will add raised medians and segmented left-turn lanes to reduce accidents. Ocala-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Southeast 73rd Avenue, LLC—owned by Patrick McLaughlin and Matt Fabian—requested county approval to add one lot and update amenity plans for a 158-home community in southeast Ocala; the revised plan removes vegetative buffers and replaces a dog park and walking trail with pickleball courts, a playground and a small recreation area, and it was discussed on March 31 with a Board review scheduled for April 14. Ocala-News
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The MAC flag football tournament began on Monday, March 31st at Lake Weir with seven high school teams battling for the title; today two semifinal games are set at 5:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the championship game will be held on April 2nd—marking a key three-day event in the county. Ocala StarBanner
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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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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.
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Spring Strings Concert
4-7 p.m. — Sholom Park — Free entry — Experience the modern bluegrass sounds of Remedy Tree in a serene park setting.
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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.
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Brandon Dull Live Performance
3-5 p.m. — Tierra Del Sol Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy timeless tunes from a talented singing guitarist based in Ocala, Florida.
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Ocala Home & Garden Show
12 PM – 5 PM — World Equestrian Center — Free entry — Explore gardening innovations and home improvement ideas at this vibrant expo.
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Kids Day Celebration
4-6 PM — Graffiti Seafood & More — Free activities — Celebrate Kids Day with games, balloon art, and fun activities for the whole family.
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Marion County Youth Job Fair 2025
3:30-6:00 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Free entry — Explore job opportunities tailored for young adults aged 16 to 24 in a supportive environment.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The longer you wait to do something, the more likely you are to find a reason not to do it.
~ James Clear
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