Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ocala.
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Heather Evans and her children, 16-year-old Logan and 5-month-old Eli, settled into their new Habitat for Humanity home in Summerfield one month ago through United Way’s Strong Families program and now enjoy a promising new start on their journey to independence. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Ocala is set to celebrate Fourth of July with a local music event at Tuscawilla Park on July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.—Emma Forgette will open and Bryce Mauldin will headline the show before a 15-minute fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. City officials say the event will also offer family-friendly activities, local food trucks, and a free shuttle service from key locations throughout the city. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ In March 2020, Brian Ballard left a Mid-Florida Regional Manufacturers Association tour at a local plant and recalled how everything changed in one hour — a moment that set the stage for 'Mr. Ma' to guide Marion manufacturers through tough times. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Yummy House closed its longtime location on SR 200 at 3500 SW College Road on June 16 — it will reopen in a new establishment at 2510 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 102 and 103 later in November less than two miles away. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Ocala Police Department is asking for help after a 15-year-old boy, Dante Sparrowhawk, reported missing Monday, June 16, was last seen walking eastbound on SR 200 near the I-75 intersection wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans — anyone with information should call 352-369-7000. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ State officials approved conservation easements protecting over 76,000 acres in the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor on June 10, closing the final gap in the 100-mile network linking Ocala and Osceola National Forests; the measures include a 61,389-acre tract in Baker and Union counties and a 14,743-acre tract in Baker and Bradford counties +steps that help prevent habitat fragmentation and support water quality and local economies+. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida does not recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday and offers no paid time off, even though it is observed as a special day — instead, the state celebrates Emancipation Day on May 20 to mark the end of slavery within its borders. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ SunTran is offering free rides on all its operating routes in Ocala this week as part of the national Dump The Pump campaign—aimed at cutting emissions and reducing reliance on personal vehicles. Ocala-News
- ➤ On Thursday, June 19, 2025, federal offices, banks, and post offices will be closed for Juneteenth while Florida state offices and the DMV remain open—FedEx and UPS will still deliver mail. Some local governments may choose to close offices for the day—residents should check with local stores to confirm their hours. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Daisy Diaz, a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran, is now the director of the Marion County Veterans Services Office. She has served veterans since 2006 and replaces former director Jeffrey Askew. Ocala Gazette
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
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ocala.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
New Bethel Community Church Back To School Bash & Community Picnic
2-6 p.m. — Del Webb Spruce Creek Golf & Country Club — Free entry — Enjoy food, music, and a waterslide at this fun community event with free backpacks while supplies last.
-
Phil Collins Tribute Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — $28 to $57, VIP Box $270 — Experience the magic of Phil Collins through the powerful voice of Rick Snider.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Ocala.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Character is much easier kept than recovered.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Ocala and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Ocala
A free Ocala community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyocala.com/sitemap