As Marion County prepares to celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded of the values that have long defined our nation: service, sacrifice, resilience, and opportunity.
The Fourth of July is a time for gathering with family and friends, enjoying community traditions, and reflecting on the freedoms we often take for granted. It is also an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served our country and continue to make a lasting impact right here in the Ocala Metro.
Veterans are an important part of our community and economy. They serve as business owners, employers, educators, public servants, nonprofit leaders, and community volunteers. The leadership, discipline, and commitment they developed through military service often translate into successful careers and thriving businesses that strengthen Marion County.
At the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, we have the privilege of working alongside veteran-owned businesses and organizations that contribute to the growth and vitality of our region. Their entrepreneurial spirit reflects a belief in hard work, innovation, and service—qualities that are essential to building a strong local economy. Continue reading
Where did this picture come from? I don’t know where it came from but it is a sign! It a beautiful picture to display this time and date.
OCALA, Fla. – The O
cala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) has been recognized nationally by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), receiving an Award of Excellence in the 2026 Awards for Communications Excellence competition for its Weekly Buzz video series.
The Award of Excellence represents one of only 12 top honors presented nationwide in this year’s competition, recognizing outstanding communications and marketing efforts among chambers of commerce and economic development organizations across the country.
The Weekly Buzz serves as CEP’s signature weekly video update, delivering chamber news, event information, economic development updates, and partner spotlights in a concise, engaging format. Produced entirely in-house, the series has become a cornerstone of CEP’s communications strategy, reaching business leaders and community stakeholders through social media, email newsletters, and partner communications. Continue reading
The Star-Spangled Banner
O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Most people in Marion County already know Nick and Diana Navetta. Nick is an established business leader in our Community, serving as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments for the past twelve years and currently serves as the President of the Marion County Estate Planning Council. He also has an extensive military career — so I started asking Nick some questions. He agreed to a bio on what he is doing today and a little about his military experiences. Here is what we came up with:
Colonel Nick Navetta served thirty years in the U.S. Army, with his last duty position as the J7 Training Division Chief for U.S Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He is branch qualified in Field Artillery; Military Police; and Civil Affairs and is a Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation Enduring Freedom. Nick has commanded several units and has served in a variety of key staff positions. His awards include The Army Achievement and Army Commendation Medals; The Meritorious Service Medal; The Bronze Star Medal; and The Legion of Merit Medal. Continue reading
Lori Gonzalez was arrested yesterday on a warrant for 31 counts of Animal Cruelty. This is regarding an investigation that was opened on April 13th at 28304 Atlantis Rd. in Tavares. Thirty-one cows were found to be it what appeared to be emaciated condition on Ms. Gonzalez’s property. Further investigation including evaluation by a veterinarian concluded that the cattle were severely neglected. A warrant for 31 counts of animal cruelty was obtained, and Ms. Gonzalez was booked in to the Lake County Jail on a total of $77,500 bond. She posted bond early on the morning of May 7th and was released pending her court appearance.
Whole Foods Market Kitchen Minestrone Soup was pulled from shelves in 17 states because it may contain undeclared shrimp, a top-tier allergen.
The recall shows how a simple labeling or production slip can become a life-or-death issue for shellfish-allergic shoppers.
No illnesses were reported in the material reviewed, suggesting a precautionary recall that worked as intended.
The incident highlights how large retailers, regulators, and suppliers juggle risk, transparency, and responsibility in a complex food chain.
By TomL
Many years ago there a water study done by a hydrologist out of Orlando. He had a one of a kind machine he had personally invented, that could tell you what was going on down in then aquifers. He studied the whole area. I Florida water run south under ground. It has three aquifers upper middle and deep one. The hydrologist conclude there was no middle Aquifer in Sumter County, which is not good for normal water storage and could not supplying a large Development. He explain that is why there are so many sinkholes in the area. The water when it tries to regenerate itself with a good rain the water rush from the upper straight to the deep aquifer taking ground and rocks and what6 ever is in the way. Wala sinkhole!
The claim got disputed and the hydrologist left the area, I heard he left the business and sold his Hydrology machine to some big company. The development continued sprawling across the counties at a rapid rate. Continue reading
On 5/19/2026 at approximately 5:14 p.m., a maroon Nissan SUV (possibly a Murano) entered the parking lot of Affordable Lock, located at 356 S US Hwy 441, Lady Lake, FL. An unknown Black male exited the SUV, ran to the roadside, and discharged approximately seven rounds from a handgun toward a silver sedan believed to be a Hyundai Elantra.
Immediately after the shooting, the suspect returned to the maroon SUV, and the vehicle fled the area. The license plates on both vehicles are unknown at this time. No victims or injuries have been reported. Use caution if encountering vehicles or individuals matching this description.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Ronnie Williams at (352)636-5687 or by email at rwilliams@ladylake.org.
LLPD Investigates Shooting: Identify of car being shot at
LLPD Investigates Shooting: Identify of Shooter’s Car
