Daily
Ocala
Friday, August 29th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Dennis Eugene Lawson claimed $47,027.15 from the Florida Lottery’s Fantasy 5 game after he selected all five winning numbers for the August 24 evening draw. He purchased his ticket at the Publix—Churchill Square in Ocala and split the prize with another winner whose ticket was bought in Miami. Ocala-News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 76-year-old woman from Summerfield died after being struck by a golf cart driven by a 76-year-old from Orange Springs in a Marion County backyard on Wednesday — this fatality marks the 13th pedestrian death in the area this year. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Three Claire’s stores in North Central Florida will remain open even as 290 Claire’s locations are set to close nationwide—based on a recent court filing. The company is being sold to a private equity firm for over $100 million—keeping the Paddock Mall store in Ocala open. WCJB
- ➤ This month, the Ocala Chamber and Economic Partnership held a Black Business Month workshop that helped over 60 business owners improve their financial and tax planning & focus on growing their businesses. Organizer Freddie Morris said the workshop shows local entrepreneurs that they have real support available to succeed. WCJB
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Marion County sheriff's deputies arrested Brent Hackworth, 77, after he pushed a TruGreen employee to the ground — then pointed a gun at her head when she arrived for a lawn treatment; he was released on a $6000 bond on Thursday. WCJB
- ➤ An Ocala man aged 40 who fell asleep behind the wheel near Sunshine Food Mart on August 25 at 11:20 p.m. was arrested for felony charges after officers found large amounts of narcotics, a stolen firearm, and over $3,100 in cash, and he remains in Marion County Jail without bond. Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Florida’s tax holiday for school supplies ends Sunday, Aug. 31—eligible purchases include items like computers and supplies priced under state limits. Buyers ordering online during the holiday may get a refund for any mistakenly charged tax if they follow the Florida Department of Revenue guidelines. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Beginning October 1, Florida will enforce Trenton’s Law—which doubles maximum sentences for repeat DUI offenders from 15 to 30 years—after the family of Stetson University football player Trenton Stewart requested tougher penalties following his 2023 death in a Jacksonville crash. WCJB
- ➤ Navy officers will drop bombs for training exercises at the Pinecastle Ridge Complex from Tuesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 4—drivers are asked to watch for startled wildlife. WCJB
- ➤ Sample ballots are ready for the upcoming Ocala City Council special election; early voting will begin on September 11 at 10 a.m. and run until September 13—staging the vote for mayor and the third district representative—while the election is set for September 16. Ocala-News
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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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MCA Annual Auction & Closing Party
5-7 p.m. — Marion Cultural Alliance at Brick City Center for the Arts — Supports local arts — Experience a festive evening with art and community spirit while bidding on unique auction items.
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2025 Ocala Comic Con Weekend Pass
8:00 PM – 10:29 AM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Kids 10 and under are FREE — Experience Florida's largest comic convention packed with comic books, video games, and cosplay.
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Marion Oaks Hispanic Heritage Celebration
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Marion Oaks Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate Hispanic heritage with art activities for kids and live entertainment.
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2025 Adult Spelling Bee
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Marion Theatre — Participant: $25, General Admission: FREE — Compete to be Ocala’s Smartest Speller and support local causes.
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The Grass Roots Concert
5-8:30 p.m. — Circle Square Cultural Center — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a lively performance with classic hits from the renowned Rock and Roll era.
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Absolute Queen - A Tribute to Queen
7:30-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a live Queen concert with mind-blowing costume changes and all the classic hits.
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Threads of Light - A New Requiem
3:00 – 4:30 PM — Reilly Arts Center — Ticket information not provided — Experience a world premiere by local composer Joshua L. Mazur with the Ocala Symphony and Chorus.
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