Florida Man Fatally Shot While Gardening In ‘Random’ Attack
A Florida man is facing charges for allegedly fatally shooting a stranger who was in his yard gardening on Wednesday, authorities said. The Ocala Police Department said that at around 3:34 p.m. Wednesday, a 911 caller reported that he was pulling out of his driveway when a suspicious man dressed in all black motioned...
Marion County Proclaims Jan. 10 Capt. Steve Petty Day, Honoring the Veteran for His...
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Capt. Stephen Petty is no stranger to leadership and service, having served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot. He was awarded a vast number of decorations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. His...
Ocala’s “Buc-ee’s Exit” Moves Forward with Utility Subordination Agreement
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners took another step forward on the I-75 and NW 49th Street Interchange project at its Jan. 6 meeting by approving a utility subordination agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation. A supporting resolution for project-related...
Ocala retains title as No. 1 growth city in U.S., per U-Haul report
For the second consecutive year, and the third time in the last four, Ocala has been named the No. 1 growth city by the largest DIY moving and rental company in North America. On Tuesday,U-Haul announced its 2025 Growth Index findings, revealing that Ocala retained the top spot it previously held in both 2024 and...
Trio of hunters shoot nine ring-neck ducks outside of legal hours on Emeralda Marsh
Three hunters will appear in court for killing nine ring-neck ducks outside of shooting hours on Emeralda Marsh. An officer patrolling Emeralda Marsh in Leesburg heard the sound of gunfire coming from an area southwest of the boat ramp at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, according to a resource citation from the Florida Fish...
New calendar pairs Marion County’s first responders with shelter pets to support lifesaving programs
Marion County Fire Rescue has teamed up with Marion County Animal Services to release a new calendar that pairs local first responders with shelter animals in need of a home. The “Rescuers & Rescues 2026 Pet Calendar” was officially announced on Monday, Jan. 5. The project features MCFR personnel posing alongside...
Villagers to demonstrate against ‘Gestapo-like tactics’ of ICE agents
Villagers for Democracy will be demonstrating against the “Gestapo-like tactics” of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Villager Casey Marr, is one of the organizers of the demonstration set for 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at the roundabout at the entrance to Lake Sumter Landing. “The purpose is to...
Mayor reassures residents that Ocala is safe
.oembed-frame { width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0; border: 0; } In the wake of a shooting death on Jan. 7, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano is reassuring residents that the city is safe and crime is down. In a video posted on the Ocala Police Department Facebook page , Marciano began by saying that many have reached out...
ICE protestors gather in Ocala to honor Minnesota woman who was fatally shot by...
Protestors gathered in downtown Ocala on Saturday morning to demonstrate their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in light of a fatal officer-involved shooting that claimed the life of a 37-year-old Minnesota woman. Multiple individuals lined the streets of East Silver Springs Boulevard in...
Free women’s self defense classes returning for Marion County residents
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is hosting free rape and aggression defense classes that will teach women and girls how to protect themselves against would-be attackers in real-world situations. The comprehensive 12-hour program is taught in four 3-hour sessions, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the MCSO Training...
