Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala Salvation Army Advisory Board meets at 12 p.m. today to decide the future of the city's largest homeless shelter amid a budget shortfall of more than $2 million in 2023 and another deficit after the Christmas donation season. Leaders from at least eight nonprofits are working on backup plans should the shelter close for six to 12 months. WCJB
- ➤ Local park rangers will resume the free Reading with Rangers & Friends program in Ocala parks, starting Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m. at Tuscawilla Park with more weekly events scheduled for different locations in June and July. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion County officials dedicated the John R. Hunt Pickleball Courts at Coehadjoe Park in Ocala on May 28 to honor John R. Hunt—an advocate who helped build the courts and boost local pickleball play—and his work has inspired ongoing community efforts in the sport. Ocala-News
- ➤ On May 31, Raney’s Road to Wishes truck show fundraiser at Raney’s Chrome Shop on West Silver Springs Boulevard raised over $90,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, exceeding its $80,000 goal—drawing more than 500 visitors and over 50 trucks. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Manny’s Ice Cream Shop reopened under new ownership at 5803 County Road 484 in Belleview—taking over from Ms. Steve’s which closed on March 31—with a grand opening on May 22 that introduced a range of ice cream flavors and treats. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 19-year-old man from Tampa attacked Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies Monday night after running naked near an empty car on a dirt road at the 8800 block of Southwest 190th Avenue Road—he was arrested and is now held in Marion County Jail without bond facing charges of assaulting an officer and resisting arrest. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools began a summer feeding program today to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students 18 and under at 29 schools and 12 off-site locations in Ocala and Marion County. The program will run through July with some schools closed on Fridays and July 4. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A large dust plume from the Sahara Desert is sweeping across the Atlantic and will reach Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi later this week—reducing visibility and causing sneezing and coughing. Experts say the dust may lower hurricane development while its fine particles can irritate the lungs of people with asthma or allergies. FOX 35 Orlando
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
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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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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.
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On-Site Tour of AdviniaCare at Paddock Ridge
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — AdviniaCare at Paddock Ridge — Free entry — Explore the best of senior living with engaging activities and quality dining options.
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Florida-Friendly Foodscaping Garden Tour Program
9:30 a.m. — 5151 SE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL — Free entry — Explore an edible ornamental landscape with hands-on experiences and take home plant cuttings.
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Jason Ricci Live Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience the award-winning harmonica virtuoso Jason Ricci in concert, promising an unforgettable night of contemporary blues.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I write to discover what I know.
~ Flannery O'Connor
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