Daily
Ocala
Saturday, July 19th, 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 Saturday, the 19th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Animal Services features adoptable pets including one-year-old Harley, four-month-old Penne, and three-year-old Skittles who await new homes. This month the shelter will waive the $50 adoption fee for anyone with a park pass — or for those who donate school supplies for the Bus Brigade Campaign, and the shelter welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday. WCJB
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 70-year-old Ocala passenger died and a driver sustained serious injuries when a pickup truck ran a red light and struck a sedan turning at the intersection of SR 200 and SW 103rd Street Road on July 17 at about 7:24 p.m.—the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the collision left both vehicles at the corner. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Parents protested outside All Star Learning Academy on Friday after allegations of abuse involving six infants aged 4 to 9 months led to state-ordered staff retraining — Ocala Police arrested Karla L. Penalverty-Gonzalez, 33, in connection with the case. FOX 35 Orlando
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Melinda Brooks sued the Marion County School Board after she fell down bleachers at Liberty Middle School on January 29 due to an exposed rail holder during a school basketball game—her attorneys filed the case in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court seeking more than $50,000 in damages, arguing the board neglected safety measures. Ocala-News
- ➤ After all candidates were disqualified last week, a new round of qualifying ended Friday to set up the special election. Mayor Ben Marciano now faces challenger Zachary Feliciano and in District Three, Jay Musleh will run against Mark Clark and Toumboura Jenkins while incumbents Barry Mansfield and Jim Hilty remain unopposed as the election will be held Sept. 16. WCJB
- ➤ On Friday, July 18, Ocala qualified seven candidates for a special election as Benjamin Marciano and Zackary Feliciano run for mayor while council incumbents Barry M. Mansfield and James P. Hilty won district 1 and 5 seats unopposed—incumbent Jay A. Musleh will face challengers Mark W. Clark and TamBoura Jenkins for district 3, and the nonpartisan election is set for Sept. 13. This election marks a key step in shaping the local government ahead of the vote. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Marion County Fire Rescue is boosting recruitment for its 51 open firefighter, EMT, and paramedic positions after a July 12 event at Brick City Park drew 97 candidates and led to 40 offers—training costs of $6,700 per candidate will be covered by the county. The department is using its partnership with the State Fire College to save about $2,200 per trainee while union negotiations and new safety standards address staffing concerns. Ocala Gazette
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
DCCW: HEATWAVE
7-10 p.m. — Silver Springs Shores Community Center — $20 adults, $12 kids — Experience intense wrestling action as Jake Logan defends his title against Romeo Quevedo.
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
Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout 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