Ocala News
At the fifth annual Billy Berg Mac & Cheese Festival and business showcase.
Staff writer
What is the difference between a Good Ole Boy and a Hometown Boy!
Good ole Boys have tendency to group up have a popular head and be extremely kind to each other!.
The Home Town Boys will struggle finding something that will work in their town and try it!. They are extremely loyal to the young people they grew up with and will help them if they can.
They will support the town when they have events. They make money for their clubs and such. The Good Ole Boys will have planning meetings in the back room some where, only their group will be welcome and there always seems to be beer involved. Nothing seems to bother them outside of town. But don’t get in their way if it says their town on it. The Southeastern Youth Fair is a good example they really endorse that with their money. They support sports especially football they don’t usually care about sharing money with the band. If you are not part of their group when you move into town it will take 20 years to get excepted! Continue reading
Ocala, FL (March 2, 2026) – Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) invites the community to celebrate Mother’s Day at the annual Symphony Under the Stars on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd. This beloved outdoor concert and community fundraiser promises an unforgettable evening of live music, food, and fireworks under the open sky.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Ocala Golf Club, guests will enjoy a spectacular performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Matthew Wardell, along with pre-concert entertainment, local food trucks, and a dazzling fireworks finale. Proceeds from the event support FAFO and its mission to present the Ocala Arts Festival and enrich the cultural life of Marion County.
Event Schedule
- Gates Open: 3:00 PM
- Opening Act: 5:00 PM
- Ocala Symphony Orchestra: 7:15 PM
- Fireworks Finale: 9:00 PM
Ticket Information Continue reading
Wendy Netherclift, a long time employee of TomL publishing and Bob Irwin, Owner of Bobs Coins and Jewelry, after 14 years has finally made it official!
A medieval wedding, complete with jousting, ax throwing, archery and ring toss was held on their 10 acre farm February 28, 2026.
The “King And Queen” Out riders were none other than Kailah and Skyler Netherclift. Wendy’s children of whom both also worked for TomL Publishing for a number of years.
It was an amazing fun filled event for all that attended and will be remembered for many as a “first time I’ve EVER been to a wedding like that!!”
Bob and Wendy thoroughly enjoyed a cruise to 9 different Caribbean islands on their honeymoon.
(OCALA, FL.) Feb. 19, 2026 – This morning, Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) held the official groundbreaking ceremony for Station #8, a new facility designed to enhance emergency response in Ocala’s growing northwest corridor. City leaders, council members, CEP representatives, and senatorial aides joined the celebration.
The station’s location was strategically chosen for its accessibility to I-75 via US 27 and SR 40 via NW 44th Avenue, ensuring faster response times for residents and businesses in the area. City Manager Pete Lee highlighted the significance of the project, noting that the groundbreaking “represents our continued commitment to public safety and responsible growth. As Ocala expands, emergency services must expand with it. Seconds matter.”
Council President Ire Bethea emphasized the community impact, stating that “growth is a sign of a thriving community, but it comes with responsibility. Station 8 ensures residents have the protection and rapid response they deserve. Public safety is foundational.”
Station #8 will strengthen OFR’s emergency network with three apparatus bays, an engine and rescue unit, and 15 additional personnel. The project is expected to be completed by late 2026.
This groundbreaking is more than turning dirt—it is a promise to protect Ocala today and prepare for tomorrow. As Chief Welborn noted, “We’re not just building a fire station; we’re building a stronger, safer Ocala for generations to come.”
By Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
At Stirrups ‘n Strides, we see something truly special happen every day — moments of courage, joy, and transformation that begin the moment a rider meets a horse. But what exactly is therapeutic riding, and how do horses help people heal?
What Is Therapeutic Riding?
Therapeutic riding is a program that uses horseback riding to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Under the guidance of certified instructors and trained volunteers, riders with a wide range of abilities and challenges learn to ride, build strength, and gain confidence — all while forming a unique bond with their horse.
The natural movement of a horse closely mirrors the human walking gait. As a horse walks, the rider’s body moves in a rhythmic, three-dimensional pattern that improves balance, posture, coordination, and muscle tone. For many riders, this is more than just exercise — it’s the first time their body moves with such symmetry and freedom. Continue reading
Sent on Behalf of the Marion County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC)
Dear Board Member
Subject: Promises Made / Promises Broken
The school board made a commitment to the Marion County citizens that it would conduct a national search to fill the leadership role of School Superintendent. This commitment was discarded, as honestly noted with concern by Board member Cummings during the Dec 18th Board meeting.
First – We have no malice or adverse position against Dr Brewer; however, we do object to circumventing the promised process to nationally seek and evaluate all qualified candidates. The MCREC supports selecting the best leader to improve the lagging academic performance of this school district. We request the continued evaluation of the current leadership while conducting the national search process. This approach accomplishes two complementary goals;
- a) assessing on-going student performance / improvement, and
- b) completing a competitive leadership search to sustain long-term improvement.
By Tom James
‘We All Have Hidden Potential’
Mireyli Hernandez, Ameris Bank
Merriam-Webster describes art as “a personal, unanalyzable creative power” and “the faculty of executing well what one has devised.”
Art comes in an infinite number of forms, as Mireyli Hernandez proves.
“My artistic inspiration,” she says. “comes to life through welded metal art.”
A vice president and business banker with Ameris Bank, Mireyli describes using Fluxcore welding—a welding process using a continuously fed tubular electrode popular for its simplicity—to transform scrap metal into unique sculptures, most often working with stainless steel.
“I love incorporating materials like bearings, sprockets, bicycle chains, and everyday utensils—forks, spoons, and butter knives. Most of these pieces come from friends and others who pass along their leftover metal because they know I enjoy creating with it.” Continue reading
OCALA, Fla. (January 15, 2026) – The Reilly Arts Center welcomes a variety of national and local artists for performances of rock, jazz, classical and more. Unless otherwise indicated, events are held at the Reilly Arts Center located at 500 NE 9th St. Ocala, FL 34470. Tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or by contacting the Reilly Arts Center box office at (352) 351-1606. Box office hours are 10 AM – 2 PM, Tuesday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Reilly Arts Center during box office hours.
As the Reilly Arts Center celebrates its 10th anniversary, we’re proud to continue our Celebration Series! A special lineup featuring performances from six nationally acclaimed artists and bands – leading up to our 10th birthday party on February 28, 2026. This series leads our community into a milestone year, honoring a decade of growth, creativity, and unforgettable performances at the Reilly. The Celebration Series is sponsored by Angie Lewis State Farm.
Yellow Brick Road – A Tribute to Elton John Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM | AdventHealth Mainstage
Tickets from $23
Experience an unforgettable evening as Brann, the incredible Elton John tribute artist, takes the stage with his talented five-piece band! From his spot-on vocals and piano playing to the iconic costumes and signature glasses, Brann brings Elton’s music to life, performing hit after hit. Sing along to ‘Rocket Man’ and ‘Your Song,’ sway to ‘Candle in the Wind,’ and dance to ‘Crocodile Rock’ in a high-energy show that captures the magic of the Piano Man himself! Continue reading
Fundraising Gala
The College of Central Florida Foundation will host its annual Night at the Farm fundraising gala on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the CF Vintage Barn, 4020 … Continue reading “CF Foundation invites community to Night at the Farm fundraising gala”
AdventHealth cuts ribbon on new freestanding emergency department meant to bring faster, expert emergency care to Ocala
Access to emergency care is about to get easier for families in Ocala. AdventHealth leaders, local government officials and community members joined together to officially cut the ribbon on the new AdventHealth Heathbrook ER, designed to provide quick, compassionate care when every second counts.
Marion Graduation Rate Continues Climbing
Marion County’s high school graduation rate continues climbing and is now at 85%, a four-year high. The graduation rate is based on a cohort, defined as a group of students on the same schedule to graduate together.
