Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 24th of April.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Interfaith Emergency Services saw a 25% increase in new clients this year as many struggle to pay for groceries, utilities, and rent—a trend that has led the agency to organize a food drive on May 10 to help restock its pantry and support programs like Food4Kids.
Residents can help by donating non-perishable items at their mailboxes or local postal branches so that all contributions stay in Marion County.
🚨 Crime
An Ocala woman was arrested in Silver Springs for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend during a camping trip—she claimed she blacked out after seeing cheating messages on his phone, the victim suffered stab wounds to his shoulder and back and was taken to a local hospital, and she is set to appear in court on Tuesday, May 20 at 9 a.m.
Marion County deputies are searching for Delvon Thornton, 32, who ran over a 66-year-old woman with his go-kart during an argument—leaving her with broken teeth and injuries while he faces a charge of aggravated battery on a person over 65.
On April 18, a black pickup truck hit a sedan along CR 326 near the intersection with NE Jacksonville Road at around 7:25 a.m., sending the sedan into a parked car and injuring its 59-year-old driver from Archer—law enforcement is now seeking the pickup truck driver.
🎓 Education
The Marion County School Board approved names for two new elementary schools on April 22—Ross Prairie Elementary at 14320 SW 70th Avenue and Winding Oaks Elementary at 7200 SW 49th Avenue are now under construction.
A public survey and committee recommendations led to the choices, and the schools will open in the next few months to help reduce overcrowding.
The Marion County School Board approved a rezoning change for Liberty Middle School and Howard Middle School on April 22—this adjustment, effective for the upcoming school year starting in August, will affect about 163 Liberty students and allow rising fifth graders to remain without changes in transportation. The district also plans to add a 16-classroom wing at Liberty to help relieve overcrowding.
An Ocala couple filed a lawsuit on April 21 against the Marion County School Board, alleging that teacher Donna Marie White repeatedly bullied their 10-year-old son at Legacy Elementary School—claiming her actions drove him to commit suicide with a firearm in April 2023.
They say school officials ignored months of complaints and now seek more than $75,000 in damages.
Parents of a 10-year-old—who took his own life two years ago—in Marion County have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the school board, alleging that fifth-grade teacher Donna White bullied their son and ignored reports of her behavior.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
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.
Mother's Day 5k
8-10 a.m. — Ocala City Hall — Registration fee applies — Celebrate mothers while enjoying a picturesque run through Ocala.
Fable Fest
10 AM – 5 PM — Brown & Brown Farms and Country Store — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience an immersive fantasy world with quests, mythical creatures, and diverse attractions.
Axe Throwing & Tiny Golf Event
11 AM – 4 PM — Homestead Park — Axe Throwing $15 for 30 min | Tiny Golf $5 per round — Enjoy fun-filled outdoor activities with friends and family at Homestead Park.
Open House in Ocala
12-3 p.m. — 8205 SW 78th Terrace Rd — Free entry — Discover a charming home in a vibrant 55+ community with fantastic amenities.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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