Friday, June 20th, 2025

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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Multiple fireworks and celebration events are planned for the 4th of July in our region. Ocala will host a Patriotic Celebration at Town Square from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. and a family event at Tuscawilla Park from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4, a June 29 concert will honor veterans at Reilly Arts Center, Gainesville will feature fanfares and fireworks at UF Bandshell on July 3, and Micanopy’s parade will begin at 11 a.m. on July 4 with ball park festivities and fireworks around 8:45 p.m.—all events offer live music and food options. Ocala StarBanner
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A train partially derailed near the 500 block of NW 10th Street Thursday afternoon (no injuries were reported) and blocked both eastbound and westbound lanes from Highway 441 to Northeast 8th Avenue as officers advised drivers to use alternative routes. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. opens a new store in Ocala today at 2701 SW College Rd, Suite 604-A in Gaitway Plaza near Golf Galaxy. Owners Cynthia & Phillip Everett, who moved from Tulsa to be closer to family, will offer a range of soaps, face scrubs, and bath bombs along with special promotions. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ From June 2 to June 15, Ocala Police Department officers made 1,344 traffic stops, 246 arrests, and handled 40 significant crimes including burglaries and eight weapon-related incidents — marking a 68% rise in stops over last year, a 7% increase in crimes, and an 8% drop in arrests. Ocala-News
- ➤ Herbert Swilley, 57, accused of murdering his husband in March by drugging and choking him—causing a fractured cervical spine—and listed as the beneficiary of $333,000 in life insurance policies, appeared before a judge Thursday in Ocala and will face his next court hearing on August 26. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ An Ocala homeowner was allowed to keep two emotional support goats after she agreed to extend her fence and create a buffer—this decision came after a neighbor complained about noise from livestock. Marion County commissioners approved the request by a 4—1 vote on June 17, setting conditions to address residential concerns. Ocala-News
- ➤ Governor DeSantis signed 11 bills into law on Thursday, including Senate Bill 1228 sponsored by Ocala lawmaker Senator Stan McClain — the bill addresses reclaimed water use and affects wastewater treatment plants for rural areas of opportunity. Most North Central Florida counties, excluding Alachua and Marion, will see these changes in action. WCJB
SHOP NEWS
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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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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.
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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.
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Ocala Christmas in July Festival
10 AM – 3 PM — World Equestrian Center — $5 — Experience a winter wonderland of holiday shopping with handcrafted gifts and a special appearance from Santa.
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