Florida Lottery warns players about rising phone scams demanding payment for fake prizes
Officials urge Floridians to hang up, report suspicious calls, and never share personal information.
News
Marion County Acceleration Academy celebrates 34 graduates with second chances and bright futures
From adversity to achievement, these students proved that with support and flexibility, earning a diploma is possible at any stage of life.
Bull riding, big bites, and best concerts: What’s happening this weekend around Ocala
Get ready for a weekend packed with live music, mouthwatering food, and thrilling bull riding in Ocala and Belleview. From the Bull Bash & Country Music Festival to the Friday Foodie Fest and a Foreigner tribute concert, there’s something for everyone June 20–21.
Juneteenth: America’s latest federal holiday rooted in Black history
Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States and the nationwide implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation
Get Festive at Ocala’s Christmas in July: Indoor shopping extravaganza at World Equestrian Center
Shop 175+ local vendors, meet Santa, win prizes, and enjoy family-friendly fun July 19-20 in Ocala — with free parking, $5 entry, and exclusive early bird giveaways.
Willie Nelson keeps living the life he loves at 92. ‘I’m not through with it yet’
Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl could have been mistaken for a retirement party.
But two years later at 92, he’s working as much as ever. Not that retirement would look much different. The life he loves is making music with his friends, even after outliving so many dear ones.
Who will have the 2025 song of the summer? We offer some predictions
What makes a great song of the summer? Is it an up-tempo pop banger? Something with an earworm chorus? Does it need to feature the words “summer,” “sunshine,” or another synonym — “California” — in the title? How could anyone attempt a song of the summer after the late, great Beach Boy Brian Wilson composed them so expertly, anyway?
Iran’s leader rejects calls to surrender and warns that intervention would harm the US
Iran’s supreme leader rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of more Israeli strikes Wednesday and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause “irreparable damage to them.” European diplomats prepared to hold talks with Iran on Friday.
Karen Read found not guilty of second-degree murder, guilty of drunken driving in boyfriend’s death
A jury found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges Wednesday in the 2022 death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, a case that attracted legions of true crime followers who erupted in cheers when word of the acquittal spread outside court.
Erick makes landfall in southern Mexico as a Category 3 storm
Powerful Hurricane Erick made landfall in Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca early Thursday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.