Daily
Ocala
Tuesday, August 5th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 5th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Cash Collins, an 18-year-old senior at Forest High, built three Free Little Library kiosks—his Eagle Scout project for community service—and works to earn the highest honor in Scouting America. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Ocala attorney Randy Briggs was honored at a Florida Bar convention for 50 years as a member—he graduated from the University of Florida in 1970 and spent two years in the U.S. Army. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala’s new Walmart under construction in southeast Ocala was purchased on July 24 as part of a six-store deal valued at over $51 million. The deal covered 149.7 acres including a 9.3-acre lot at 3535 SE Maricamp Road—set to house the Walmart Neighborhood Market, a gas station, and additional outparcels. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Marion County man, 29-year-old Austin Miller, was arrested on Friday on 47 charges including sexual assault of a minor, human trafficking, child cruelty, battery, and possession of child porn—charges that followed allegations by a 16-year-old worker who said he trafficked her after they met at the restaurant where they worked. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ellysa Resnick from Marion County won the National American Miss Florida Princess title for ages 4 to 6 in late July in Orlando — she also earned awards in Fun Fitness, Casual Wear, Dream Model, and Photogenic and will compete at the national pageant in Orlando during Thanksgiving Week. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ A new mini art gallery has opened outside the Art Approach Ocala Creativity Studio in Ocala — the Tiny Art Swap Shop lets visitors leave, take, or view small artworks. Artist Stacie Rae Pedrick started the shop to boost creativity and self-expression for all ages — offering a fun and open space for everyone. Ocala-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools will start classes on Aug. 11 for students in Ocala, and school orientations are planned for this week. The district said that elementary and middle school students cannot use phones during the school day while high school students may use them for learning only—new principals have been named. Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Publix recalled Cheddar & Herb Biscuits sold before Aug. 1 because the product did not list soy allergens. Shoppers with soy allergies should discard or return any recalled product for a refund to avoid potential health risks. Ocala StarBanner
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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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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.
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First Time Home Buyer Workshop
5-9 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Free entry — Get expert advice and resources to turn your homeownership dreams into reality.
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The Jersey Tenors Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Circle Square Cultural Center — Tickets $32-35 — Experience an explosive blend of opera and rock with iconic Jersey music.
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Titans of Rock
7:30-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the best anthems of Journey and Bon Jovi live in one electrifying performance.
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Mermaids vs. Pirates Roller Derby Scrimmage
1:30-4 p.m. — Ocala Downtown Market — $10 admission, kids under 12 free — Enjoy a thrilling roller derby scrimmage featuring an exciting showdown between mermaids and pirates.
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FL-Labor Day Barrel Blast
August 28th – September 1st — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $40,000 Added — Experience thrilling barrel racing competitions with significant prize money.
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Ocala Shrine Rodeo
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — $25 at the gate — Experience traditional rodeo fun featuring bronc riding, barrel racing, and more at the 40th Annual 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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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