Daily
Ocala
Saturday, July 12th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of July.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The northbound lanes of Interstate 75 closed on Friday morning when a semi-truck hauling an excavator hit the SW 66th Street overpass in Marion County—blocking traffic and forcing diversions—while the 71-year-old Ocala driver escaped injury. Ocala-News
- ➤ Northbound lanes of I-75 near County Road 484 remain closed after a 71-year-old Ocala man — driving a semi-truck hauling an excavator — hit the Southwest 66th Street overpass shortly after 10 a.m., and drivers must detour via Exit 341 onto U.S. 301/441 and State Road 40 until further notice. Ocala StarBanner
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Eighteen new restaurants, cafes, and eateries have opened in Marion County and Ocala through the first half of 2025, matching nearly 50 new openings last year. National chains such as Culver's, CAVA, and Waffle House have started operations, and several more restaurants are expected to open later this year. Ocala-News
- ➤ Sprouts Farmers Market opened its 56th location yesterday at 8430 SW State Road 200 in Corta Commons with over 650 people attending the 7 a.m. ribbon cutting and receiving special giveaways for early shoppers. Officials said celebrations will continue all weekend — including a pop-up party and contests as the store offers fresh foods, flowers and wellness products and will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ocala Gazette
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ An Ocala woman named Kristin Lee Jarvis was arrested after sending 109 threatening texts demanding money by warning to post negative reviews and destroy a business on June 24 — she faces charges for cyberstalking and extortion, was released on bond on July 9 and is set to appear in court on August 12. Ocala-News
- ➤ Derik Conrad Culp, a 55-year-old man, was arrested in a motel room on June 25 after his elderly mother said he took her SUV and bank cards—records show several early cash withdrawals—and he is held on a $12,000 bond with a court appearance set for Tuesday, July 29 at 9 a.m. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After Friday's end of the qualifying period, Ocala’s upcoming September municipal elections will have the mayor facing two challengers — and two candidates competing for a council seat. WCJB
- ➤ County officials announced that concrete has been poured at the new Marion County Animal Shelter site at 6405 West Highway 40 in Ocala—construction crews plan to raise panels by the end of this month and finish the facility by December. The new shelter will replace the old facility and offer expanded space for kennels and animal services. Ocala-News
- ➤ The Ocala City Council is expected to vote on a $5.9 million, three-year contract that will provide school resource officers from the Ocala Police to Marion County Public Schools—this deal will raise monthly payments from $140,611 to $165,188 and will be discussed at City Hall on Tuesday, July 15 at 4:00 p.m. The contract meets a state mandate for safe schools and covers officers at several elementary, middle, and high schools. Ocala-News
- ➤ On Friday, the qualifying period ended for Ocala’s municipal elections—incumbent mayor Ben Marciano will face challengers Zackray Feliciano and Neil Gillespie. Mark William Clark and Tamboura Jenkins are contesting the open city council seat left by Jay Musleh while council incumbents Barry Mansfield and Jim Hilty filed without opposition. WCJB
SHOP NEWS
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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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Terracotta Pot Paint Night
7-9 p.m. — The Pavilion at Green Gaits — $45 standard admission — Enjoy a creative evening painting terracotta pots with guidance from a talented instructor.
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