Daily
Ocala
Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On August 14th, 2025, nearly two dozen people gathered in downtown Ocala to take pictures with Molly's statue as they honored the dog who survived abuse and sparked an anti-animal abuse movement. Molly died in 2023 — her legacy continues to drive programs against animal abuse in the community. Ocala StarBanner
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A well being check at SE 50th Court on Tuesday, August 12 in Ocala led a corporal to arrest a 72 year old Edward Gene Morris+ he was wanted in Louisiana for violating probation on armed robbery and attempted first degree murder and is now held in Marion County Jail awaiting extradition. Ocala-News
- ➤ A Marion County man was found guilty of sexually abusing a minor—court proceedings concluded on August 15. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools formalized its longtime practice of raising first-semester failing grades to at least 55% for middle and high school students to allow them a chance to improve their academic standing — officials confirmed the change in an email sent on August 15th. Ocala-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The owner of a 42-unit apartment complex at 2275 SW 53rd Avenue in southwest Ocala has proposed a development to add over 400 new homes on a 39-acre site—The plan, which includes 459 units of single-family, townhome and multi-family options, will be reviewed by the Ocala City Council on Tuesday, August 19 at 4 p.m. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala Vipers from the Universal Football League Xtreme are hosting a gathering at Lillian Bryant Park on Sunday, August 17 at 3 p.m.—open to potential players and coaches—to showcase their skills before an official tryout event is set. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion County high school volleyball fans are invited to vote for the preseason player of the year among 10 athletes+voting closes Monday at 7:30 p.m. and the winner will be announced Tuesday morning as the season begins. Ocala StarBanner
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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.
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