Daily
Ocala
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Tomorrow, April 18, the city will host Friday Foodie Fest at Lake Lillian Park on SE Robinson Road from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.—the event will feature food trucks, local vendors, free family activities even if it rains, and more festivals are scheduled on the fourth Friday of each month through September. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On day two of the OBS Spring Sale, 164 two-year-olds in training were sold for more than $26 million with six horses selling for at least one million dollars each—indicating strong buyer interest. WCJB
- ➤ Downtown Ocala business owners say ongoing construction of the second parking garage has cut customer visits and revenue with some reporting a 50% drop due to poor signage and disrupted traffic — City Manager Pete Lee said the city will add temporary paving, improved signage, and sidewalk repairs to ease the impact as work continues until summer with roadway projects lasting into 2027. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Christina Anne Adams was found guilty of first-degree murder for killing her father and of attempted first-degree murder for injuring her mother on September 16th, 2022—she was given two life sentences in a row after a three-hour jury debate. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ A 26-year-old Ocala man was arrested on April 13 for allegedly dragging his girlfriend out of her home through an open window and biting her multiple times—he is currently held without bond and faces burglary with battery charges. Ocala-News
- ➤ A 25-year-old Ocala man (William Thomas Lindo II) was convicted on April 9 on charges including trafficking fentanyl and fleeing deputies after a Citrus County pursuit on October 6, 2023 led officers to find over 25 grams of fentanyl, and he will serve 25 years in prison. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, April 19, the city will host a hazardous and electronic waste collection event at the southwest corner of NE 8th Avenue and NE 14th Street in Ocala from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.—items such as lawn chemicals, paints, batteries, electronics, and other hazardous materials will be accepted for safe disposal. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ocala police conducted over 8,000 traffic stops in 2025, nearly 30% more than last year, and averaged about 80 stops per day. The department noted busy areas such as State Road 200 — a key focus in its enforcement efforts. Ocala-News
- ➤ Florida legislators filed bills (including Senate Bill 1118 and House Bill 1209) that would take away local control over land use and let developers build on farmland without local approval, and community leaders and environmental groups (such as Marion County officials) warned that the changes may hurt planning and risk safety. Ocala Gazette
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala Big Bloom Home & Garden Show will take place April 25-27 at the World Equestrian Center at 1750 NW 80th Ave., where vendors offer seeds, plants, mowers and outdoor kitchen displays while visitors attend seminars, join bingo for prizes and enjoy daily giveaways for the first 100 people—an event that is free with no parking fee. Ocala Gazette
SHOP NEWS
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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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Extravaganza 2025
May 2-4 — World Equestrian Center — Entry fees apply — Witness the elegance and grace of the Paso Fino horse in action.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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