Wednesday, August 6th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 6th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala/Marion County Mobile Integrated Senior Crisis Response Team earned high praise from Senator Darryl Rouson on July 31 for supporting seniors in distress—using a slide presentation and roundtable discussion at Marion Senior Services to explain its coordinated efforts. The team, a collaboration of over 20 local agencies, has helped reduce duplicate 911 calls and improve care for elder citizens. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ For the third consecutive year, the Ocala Gazette received the Florida Press Association’s top honor for First Amendment Defense and investigative reporting at the 2025 Florida Media Conference—earning 11 awards including seven first places in Division B. Ocala Gazette
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ In Marion County Jail, inmate Maniesa Fletcher was repeatedly pepper sprayed during conflicts with officers after her $13.95 shoplifting arrest, and she died at AdventHealth Ocala on March 14, 2024, from complications of epilepsy while her family claims she did not receive proper care. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ On August 2, 2025, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested Adam Santiago-Lugo, 41—who pointed a green laser at a security helicopter during a security check—and charged him with pointing a laser at a pilot and resisting arrest; he is now held in jail. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ An African American mother in Ocala, Kayondra Smith, claims her landlord retaliated against her after she filed a federal housing discrimination complaint for invasive treatment and unwritten guest rules. The Florida Commission on Human Relations filed a lawsuit on her behalf against the landlord and related parties—seeking over $50,000 in damages for alleged intimidation and discriminatory actions. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ An Ocala teen advanced to the final 32 on American Ninja Warrior after a surprising fall and a strong finish—he clocked one of the fastest times and will race next Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC for a chance to win $250,000. Ocala-News
- ➤ The week-long Babe Ruth World Series for 16 to 18-year-olds kicked off on Sunday at the Rotary Sportsplex in Ocala with a downtown parade—teams from the Philippines, Nigeria, Mexico, Australia and Guam will compete until Friday. WCJB
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Don't mistake motion for progress.
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