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Saturday, July 5th, 2025

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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 5th of July.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Marion County Animal Services is highlighting three adoptable pets looking for loving homes — Dominic, a playful one-year-old dog; Echo, a nine-week-old kitten without eyes who stays full of energy; and Jax, an eight-year-old dog known for his calm nature. The $50 fee covers spay and neuter, vaccinations, microchips, and county licenses, and the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday.  WCJB

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • A mobile home in Silver Springs was destroyed by an explosion on July 2 when firefighters responded to a blaze at about 3:21 p.m. and had it under control by 3:30 p.m.—no injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.  Ocala-News

CRIME NEWS

  • Deputies in Marion County arrested 71-year-old Edwin Watts on July 4th at 11:30 a.m. in Dunnellon after he allegedly threw a piece of concrete, a metal pipe and a machete at a man during a home disturbance, and Watts now faces burglary with battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felony criminal mischief charges.  FOX 35 Orlando

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Attorneys for the Marion County School Board filed a motion on July 1 in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court to dismiss a lawsuit by two Ocala parents who claimed that a teacher bullied their fifth grade son at Legacy Elementary, leading to his suicide in 2023. The parents are seeking more than $75,000 in damages after they said the board did not act despite months of reported bullying.  Ocala-News

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Mark W. Clark—70 years old—is a retired Air Force officer with NSA experience running for Ocala City Council District 3 in a September 16 election to fill the seat of Councilman Jay Musleh. He raised $3,550 from several donors while his opponent TamBoura Jenkins has not yet registered any campaign contributions.  Ocala-News

HEALTH NEWS

  • Two new Florida laws will soon expand access to care for children with disabilities statewide—this change is expected to benefit local families as services are improved.  WCJB

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • A new guide of 16 Old Florida-style restaurants was released and it features local favorites that serve classic seafood and native dishes while showcasing historic charm—one spot in Marion County stands out for its enduring tradition. The list offers a look into venues across the state that have served communities for decades, inviting locals and visitors to experience true Old Florida flavor.  Ocala StarBanner

SPORTS NEWS

  • A 16-year-old inline speed skater from Ocala, Brady Ankney, will represent Team USA in the Speed World Championships in China this fall, competing from September 13 to September 21. He has earned medals in past meets and his parents are selling shirts and accepting donations—efforts to cover travel costs.  Ocala-News

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 7/12/25

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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.

    Fri, 7/18/25

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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.

    Sat, 7/19/25

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  • USA Swimming Futures Championship - Ocala

    All day — Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training Center — Entry deadline July 22nd — A showcase of swimming talent with top teams and athletes competing across various events.

    Wed, 7/23/25

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  • Summer Job Fair 2025

    5-7 p.m. — Howard Academy Community Center — Free entry — Explore job opportunities across various industries at this local job fair.

    Thu, 7/24/25

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  • Reading with the Rangers & Friends

    10:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Ocala Citizens' Circle — Bring your own snacks and blankets — Enjoy a relaxing day of reading with friends in the park.

    Fri, 7/25/25

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  • Candlelight Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

    4:00–4:59 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a candlelit setting performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

    Sat, 7/26/25

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  • Real Estate Power Team Workshop

    11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership — Lunch provided — Learn to build a strong real estate team in North Central Florida.

    Thu, 7/31/25

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  • House of Ruth Back to School Giveaway 2025

    12-4 p.m. — Lillian F. Bryant Park — Free — Collect one of 150 free school supply bags in this community support event.

    Sat, 8/2/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

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

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

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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