Daily
Ocala
Sunday, May 18th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 18th of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A car hit a tree on Bay Court Pass in Ocklawaha Saturday morning—firefighters extricated the trapped driver and sent the driver to the hospital as a trauma alert while highway patrol is investigating. WCJB
- ➤ At least one person died in a crash on I-75 about 9 miles south of Ocala Saturday evening—northbound lanes reopened less than an hour later after the incident briefly blocked traffic. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Graffiti Seafood & More, a fast casual restaurant near downtown Ocala, is seeking city approval to sell beer and wine during its operating hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with extended Friday sales until midnight at 1532 S Pine Avenue; the request will be discussed at the Ocala City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 20 at 4 p.m. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Salt Springs brush fire burned 62 acres near Shanty Pond Campground and over 50 firefighters + six engines, four helicopters, three dozers and three UTVs are using control features to keep the blaze west of State Road 19 and south of SR-314. Portions of the Florida Scenic Trail are closed and authorities advise anyone seeing smoke to call highway patrol. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Lake Louise, LLC, owned by John and Shirley Rudnianyn, has asked to rezone a 9.51-acre site for 151 apartment units and will face a final vote by Marion County officials on Monday, May 19 at 1 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Campus—if approved, the rezoning will raise the total approved units at the site to about 1,020. Ocala-News
- ➤ City officials will consider a five-year, $5.95 million contract to replace seven-year-old radios used by the Police, Fire Rescue and Electric Utility—new Motorola devices will be installed as each department funds its share. The proposal will be reviewed by the City Council on Tuesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. at City Hall. Ocala-News
- ➤ Florida Highway Patrol Captain Gregory S. LaMont retired after 44 years—his farewell party was held May 16 at the Ocala Police Department Community Room and his last day is May 31; he will continue to serve with the FHP reserve program. Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Fourth Annual Recovery Awareness Gathering in Ocala offered a space for people facing addiction and mental health challenges to get support and resources. Ken Lunday of Celebrate Recovery recounted his journey from heroin use to sobriety and said leaders, including his wife Kim, encourage attendees to keep coming back—hoping repeated visits spark lasting change. WCJB
SHOP NEWS
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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.
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Geek Fest May Edition
12:00 – 11:59 PM — Ocala Downtown Market — Free entry — Dive into a wonderland of over 60 vendors specializing in video games, vintage toys, comic books, and more.
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Twilight Trail Trot
11:10 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. — Santos Trailhead — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a thrilling twilight trail running event with local community support.
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3rd Annual Children's Miracle Network 5K Walk/Run
8:00-9:30 a.m. — Baseline Road Trailhead — Entry fee applicable — Participate in a fundraising event supporting children in need through UF Health.
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All About Joel - Billy Joel Tribute
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Ticket costs vary — Relive the classic hits of Billy Joel through an energetic tribute performance.
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Ocala Toddler Time Multi-Sport Program
9-10:50 a.m. — McCall Ballfield — $85 — A fun summer multisport program for toddlers aged 18 months to 5 years.
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