Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 8th of April.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Forest Animal Rescue, a Silver Springs nonprofit that rehabilitates wildlife, recently acquired a 60-acre island in the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve in Crystal River—purchased from the late Maria Molnar’s estate—and will restore the habitat by removing invasive plants to keep native water birds safe.
🚧 Accidents
On April 5 at 5:07 p.m., local firefighters rescued a family cat from a burning home on the 5000 block of SE 15th Avenue in Ocala after an electrical issue sparked the blaze (the home was unoccupied and no people were found).
On April 6 a 52-year-old Ocala man was struck and killed by a sedan while standing in the outer southbound lane of US 441, south of Southeast 3rd Avenue in southeast Marion County—Florida Highway Patrol reported.
💼 Business
Chef Juan Berrocal’s Euro-Peruvian restaurant Taverna Berrocal will move this spring from its cozy 2515 NE 3rd St. spot to a spacious new home on the top floor of Holiday Inn and Suites near I-75—its former location housed Sky Fine Dining while Sky will relocate to Hilton Garden Inn downtown.
🚨 Crime
A 24-year-old Ocala man named Alexander Thomas Daugherty was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge Thomas P.
Barber to 10 years in federal prison—he pleaded guilty after trying to meet an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl and will serve a lifetime of supervised release.
🎓 Education
Marion County Student Media Festival will honor local students for their audio and video work at a free awards ceremony scheduled for Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at the Marion Technical Institute campus (1614 E Fort King Street); the event will be broadcast on the Marion County Public Schools YouTube channel and will recognize over 213 projects from 18 schools with prizes including trophies and cash awards.
📰 Finance
Dennis Roger Bouvier won $123,081.16 when his Fantasy 5 ticket drew the winning numbers 2, 12, 17, 23, and 30 on April 3.
He purchased his $1 ticket at Diamond Oil located at 10801 SW 91st Avenue #3 in Ocala.
🏛️ Government
Drivers on State Road 200 in Ocala will see lane closures during the day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Saturday, April 12 and at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. until Sunday, April 13 as workers install underground conduit, pull boxes, and pour concrete curbs and sidewalks (FDOT project 439234-1). Construction crews have worked on the project for nearly a year and will finish later this year.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
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.
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.
Ocala Home & Garden Show
12 PM – 5 PM — World Equestrian Center — Free entry — Explore gardening innovations and home improvement ideas at this vibrant expo.
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.
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.
Extravaganza 2025
May 2-4 — World Equestrian Center — Entry fees apply — Witness the elegance and grace of the Paso Fino horse in action.
Sullivan Cadillac & Corvette Club Spring Cruise-In
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Sullivan Cadillac — Free entry — Enjoy an evening filled with beautiful cars, food, and the chance to win a trophy.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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💼 Ocala Job Board
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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