Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, July 9th, 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 9th of July.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 33-year-old Georgia woman named Dakota McKenzie Clark was arrested in Ocala on June 22 at around 6 p.m. after allegedly using a stroller to steal over $1,000 in merchandise from Walmart at 4980 E Silver Springs Boulevard — investigators later found a makeup bag in her vehicle that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Ocala-News
- ➤ Early Tuesday around 4:20 a.m., a convicted felon fired a flare gun at a Marion County sheriff’s deputy’s patrol car along Highway 19—he ignored commands and was subdued with a Taser before being booked on charges including firing a missile into a vehicle and resisting an officer—no injuries were reported. FOX 35 Orlando
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Education released 2024-25 school grades for Central Florida with 71% of 2,461 schools earning an A or B, as Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined progress during a news conference in Jacksonville. Marion County improved its performance to a B (up from a C last year) while other counties, including Brevard, Flagler, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia, maintained strong grades. ClickOrlando
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County firefighters and emergency personnel from Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces 4 and 8 departed from Ocala on Monday morning to help flood victims in Texas after flash floods caused over 100 deaths last week— they reported reaching Baton Rouge and joining operations at the Central Texas Operations Center in Austin by Tuesday afternoon. Ocala-News
- ➤ Multiple Central Florida agencies reported technical difficulties that disrupted 911 and non-emergency services starting Tuesday at 2 p.m.; affected areas include (Ocala, Leesburg, Marion, Lake and Osceola) and officials are working to restore operations while advising people to text 911 for emergencies. FOX 35 Orlando
- ➤ Marion County officials said the 911 service is malfunctioning in Central Florida — calls from cell phones and landlines are coming through intermittently. Dispatchers are monitoring dropped calls — text to 911 remains the preferred way to reach emergency services. WCJB
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.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ This summer, Vanguard football won several 7on7 tournaments and head coach Edwin Farmer praised the team's hard work and emerging talent—players like Terrance Lewis and James Bethea earned Division-I offers during the events. Farmer said the Knights will build on their success in the 2025-26 season if they stay healthy. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Florida Gators football will send QB DJ Lagway, OL Jake Slaughter — an Ocala native—and DL Caleb Banks to SEC Media Days in Atlanta next week from Tuesday, July 15 to Friday, July 18. The players and head coach Billy Napier will join other teams as they prepare for the 2025 season. Ocala StarBanner
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
~ Lao Tzu
About 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