Daily
Ocala
Tuesday, July 8th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 8th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lulu Mae Keaton, a 108-year-old Ocklawaha resident, celebrated her birthday on July 4 with family and said 'I feel good' as she credited her long life to hard work + her faith in the good Lord. Ocala Gazette
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A motorcycle rider died when a car struck the rear of their motorcycle on County Road 25 on Monday morning in Belleview— the car driver was injured and taken to a local hospital—. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools confirmed that 1,556 students were identified as homeless last school year and provided support including meals, supplies, and transportation under the McKinney-Vento Act. The County and MCPS launched a Bus Brigade School Supply Drive on July 1—donations collected through the end of the month will be presented on Aug. 5 to help these students. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ On July 7, the state announced that Marion County Public Schools raised their district grade from a C to a B for 2024-25—most elementary schools kept their grades with three improving and seven declining, while middle and high schools generally showed improvements. Eight schools earned A grades and no school received a failing mark. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ State officials released Florida's end-of-year school district grades, with most North Central Florida districts rated above average (Gilchrist and Clay earned A ratings while Putnam received the lowest mark and Marion improved from C to B). WCJB
- ➤ Eight high school students were awarded scholarships by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Eta Tau Omega Chapter and will attend college in Florida. The award recognizes local achievement—students include A’zareyah Dart, Grace Davis, and Kiersten Foskey among the recipients. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University scaled back its plan to pave a new airstrip in Ocala National Forest after over 1,100 local residents raised concerns about noise and harm to the environment—now the school will improve the existing airstrip with a 10,000 square-foot hangar and widened access roads while limiting flight operations. The university said it would work with neighbors to improve the project and ease worries. Ocala StarBanner
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ In the last sports season, Marion County Athlete of the Week polls collected 327,650 votes from fans who picked winners from ten high schools—Vanguard’s Jaelynne Whipple won three times and West Port’s Evelyn Milak earned 17,090 votes in one week. The contest is on pause for summer and will resume in the fall. Ocala StarBanner
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
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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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