Daily
Ocala
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of August.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Monday morning, Marion County firefighters fought a mobile home fire on Southeast 99th Terrace in Belleview at 11 a.m.—the blaze threatened nearby homes and trees and resulted in the death of a dog with the cause under investigation. WCJB
- ➤ A surveillance video shows a curious bear getting a face full of paint when a can of paint exploded at Fort McCoy in Marion County on Saturday—local viewers now watch the unusual incident. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new Wawa at 5200 S Pine Avenue in south Ocala will open on Thursday, August 21 — the city's eighth location — with a 7:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting event that offers free t-shirts to the first 100 customers and free hot coffee through August 24. Ocala-News
- ➤ The Claire’s store at the Paddock Mall may close soon if its owner does not find a buyer, as the company filed for bankruptcy and plans to close 1,119 locations nationwide amid rising costs and stiff competition—although no Florida store is set for immediate closure. The decision follows economic pressures including decreased foot traffic, high rent, tariffs, and stronger competitors. Ocala StarBanner
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Winding Oaks Elementary School opened August 11 in Marion County to ease overcrowding at nearby schools. Principal Traci Crawford and other officials welcomed about 585 students and answered questions as families began the new school year—students will fill a campus built for 868 children. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ School buses returned to the roads today as children headed to classrooms and drivers experienced delays near school zones (46,000 students and 250 buses in Marion County). In Alachua County, local officials introduced a new website and mobile app to improve communication among parents, teachers, and school staff. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The NAACP of Marion County will host a candidate forum at CF Webber Center on August 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. — the event lets voters ask questions to candidates running for mayor and Districts 1, 3, and 5, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. Ocala-News
SHOP NEWS
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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 — Book tickets now — Experience the energetic blend of classic tunes and Broadway hits with The Jersey Tenors.
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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
1:30-11:59 p.m. — Ocala Downtown Market — $10; Kids under 12 free — Exciting roller derby action as Mermaids clash with Pirates in a thrilling skirmish.
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Ocala Shrine Rodeo
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Ticket info varies — Experience the thrill of rodeo events and local culture under the stars.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.
~ Stephen McCranie
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