Ocala’s Jose Juarez has been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the College of Central Florida District Board of Trustees. A longtime Marion County resident, Juarez is the CEO and founder of Victory Solutions, owner of BarbaCuban, and an active community leader involved in Leadership Florida and the Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Sheltering Hands Inc. hosted its 1st Annual Paddle Auction at Water Oak Country Club, drawing more than 125 attendees and raising nearly $6,000 to support its cat rescue programs. Proceeds will strengthen vital services, including Trap-Neuter-Return initiatives, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, and adoption programs like Love for a Lifetime, which pairs senior cats with senior companions. The success of the event highlights the community’s commitment to animal welfare and ensures more cats find care, treatment, and forever homes.
The Barbie movie receives live audience engagement during screening at Marion Theatre Girls Night Out: Barbie Movie event.
The Alzheimer’s Association is bringing the community together for Catch the Purple Wave, a pep rally set for Wednesday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Ocala. The event offers a first look at this year’s walk, opportunities to get involved, and a chance to connect with others dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and show their support in the fight against this devastating disease.
Marion County deputies made multiple arrests in separate cases last week involving drugs, suspended licenses, batteries and illegal weapons, according to the sheriff’s office.
Crime Stoppers of Marion County has released an updated list of fugitives wanted in connection with felony offenses across Ocala and surrounding areas. Six new individuals were added to the “Most Wanted” roster this week.
After surviving a catastrophic crash that left his vehicle crushed between two trees, Marion County resident Max Gagnon reunited this week with the emergency responders and hospital staff who saved his life.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia was detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Baltimore on Monday and faces possible efforts by the Trump administration to deport him immediately.
Ocala’s workweek (Aug 25–29) will be warm and humid, featuring repeated chances for afternoon thunderstorms. Prepare for highs near 90 °F each day, with frequent late-day wet weather.
A 35-year-old man died early Saturday following a collision between a motorcycle and a sedan near a busy Ocala intersection. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
