Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of April.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Multiple groups are hosting free Easter egg hunts and family activities this weekend in Marion County — today's glow hunt is at the RLE Community Complex in Dunnellon from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and other events will take place on Saturday at locations in Anthony, Ocala, and Ocklawaha and on Sunday at Brick City Adventure Park and Ocala First Nazarene.
💼 Business
Over the past month, four individuals filed lawsuits against several Publix stores in Ocala for slip-and-fall incidents, each seeking more than $50,000 in damages—three suits were filed by attorneys from Morgan & Morgan PA and one by Workman Injury Law, PLLC.
The lawsuits detail separate incidents at different Publix locations and claim negligence in maintaining store floors.
🚨 Crime
On Tuesday, April 8, Marion County deputies responded to a residence after a domestic altercation in which a 43-year-old man allegedly struck his stepfather—aged over 65—in the head with a shotgun barrel, and he was arrested on battery and resisting officer charges while being held without bond.
An Ocala man, Matthew Keel, who pleaded no contest to 23 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 19 counts of animal cruelty, failed to appear for his sentencing on April 9—prompting Marion County Judge Timothy McCourt to issue a bench warrant for his arrest—after he fled following a June arrest in Ohio when authorities discovered 53 dogs living in squalor and deceased dogs stored in a freezer at his home.
🎓 Education
The Marion County School Board passed a resolution Tuesday urging state officials to amend House Bill 5101 and Senate Bill 2510—bills that could cut up to 50% of funding, or about $2.5 million, for career prep and industry certifications—and warned that these cuts would hurt local students’ chances for success.
🌲 Environment
Starting April 16, Florida will protect bats during their maternity season, so property owners must obtain a permit to remove them from homes, barns, or sheds.
Officials note that bats eat insects and pollinate plants (which supports local ecosystems), so proper removal methods are advised.
📰 Real Estate
Spires 27 held its grand opening on April 9 in northwest Ocala at 5353 U.S. Highway 27.
The luxury apartment community offers hundreds of one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom units named after famous races and features amenities like a large pool and dog park (with plans for 65,000 square feet of commercial space underway).
🎉 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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