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Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of May.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The city of Ocala will reopen its Hampton Aquatic Center at 225 NW Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and its Jervey Gantt Aquatic Center at 2390 SE 36th Avenue on Saturday, May 24 with both morning and afternoon sessions, with Sunday hosting only afternoon sessions and Monday resuming both; starting May 30 the pools will operate daily—new fees are set at $3 per child and $5 per adult while outside coolers, drinks and food are not allowed.  Ocala-News

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • Ocala Police officers saved a runner who collapsed during a May 10 5k race by performing CPR and using an AED—his family expressed their deep gratitude.  WCJB

CRIME NEWS

  • Marion County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 17-year-old student at Belleview High School on Monday after a tip stated he brought a gun to campus in his vehicle—he later admitted to wrapping the weapon in a T-shirt and discarding it in the woods.  WCJB
  • A 17-year-old Belleview High School student was arrested after deputies recovered a gun wrapped in a t-shirt near his car—he is accused of bringing the firearm to campus after a classmate reported he had shown it to other students.  ClickOrlando
  • Marion County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a burglary—pneumatic boring tools valued at about $124,000 were stolen from TT Technologies on Northeast 36th Avenue.  WCJB

CULTURE NEWS

  • Horse Capital TV highlighted winners at the Florida Thoroughbred Owners’ Gala in Ocala — the event honored top thoroughbred owners and breeders for their impact on the equine industry.  WCJB

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Florida law allows residents to trap snakes in their yards if they release them to a qualifying site or humanely euthanize them within 24 hours—most local snakes are non-venomous and help control pests. Locals must check local ordinances before using firearms since city rules may ban gun discharge on residential property and some species are protected.  Ocala StarBanner

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • At a May 20 City Council meeting, several residents spoke against Ocala's ICE agreement with the police, saying it makes the city pay for federal work and gives up local power. Police Chief Mike Balken said his officers will arrest only criminal illegal aliens and not raid schools, horse farms or job sites—city leaders continue to debate the deal.  Ocala-News

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 5/24/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 5/25/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 5/28/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 5/31/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 6/13/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 6/14/25

    View event
  • Smokin' and Forever Foreigner Tribute Concert

    7:30-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Tickets vary — Rock out with iconic hits from the bands Boston and Foreigner performed by top-tier tribute bands.

    Sat, 6/21/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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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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