Daily
Ocala
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ocala.
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Fabian Rivera, 24, of Ocala, pled guilty to attempted murder for firing his gun in a 2024 off-campus shooting near Fletcher Drive (he said the shot was an accident) and now faces up to 15 years in prison (police said evidence showed his act was intentional). WCJB
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Fidelity Manufacturing in Ocala completed a plant expansion and a new parking lot, growing from 28 employees to over 400 and planning to exceed 500 by year's end. The new facilities will boost production and strengthen the company's role in local economic success — a feat praised by Mayor Ben Marciano. Ocala StarBanner
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County School officials announced new school times for the upcoming year beginning in August—Madison Street Elementary now ends at 2:30 p.m., two new schools run from 7:35 a.m. to 2:10 p.m., Howard and North Marion Middle Schools finish at 3:55 p.m. while Osceola Middle shifts to 4:11 p.m., and Lake Weir High starts at 8:30 a.m.—to align with a three-tier bus system. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools is interviewing seven candidates for the interim superintendent role left by Diane Gullett—each with different experience—and plans a nationwide search to be complete by Feb. 2026. Board members will interview the candidates over the next week and select the final candidate at a work session on April 17 then vote at a meeting on April 29 at 5:30 p.m. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida law allows landowners to humanely kill green iguanas on private property with permission or on FWC-managed public lands—making it legal to eat these invasive lizards while following proper disposal rules to avoid fines. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The owner of a property in northwest Ocala approved for 54 age-restricted homes is seeking permission to switch from county to city water and sewer services. The request will be reviewed at a Marion County Board of County Commissioners planning and zoning meeting on Monday, April 14 at 1 p.m.—county staff oppose the change as it conflicts with the county’s comprehensive plan. Ocala-News
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ocala.
-
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.
-
Pattern of Transformation Workshop
5:30-7 p.m. — Marion Cultural Alliance at Brick City Center for the Arts — Free entry with a suggested donation — Immerse in African dance and painting in a vibrant interactive workshop featuring live drumming.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ocala.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The goal is not to read more books. The goal is to gain more wisdom.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Ocala and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Ocala
A free Ocala community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyocala.com/sitemap