Ocala News
The Ocala International Horse Trials will be taking place April 16-19th; truly one of the best times of the year at the Park. This is one of our largest, if not the largest of our Horse Trial events, bringing Three-Day Eventers from around the world together to compete at an FEI level of competition. Last year’s International Horse Trials was the third time in the Florida Horse Park’s history to offer a CCI4*-S level of competition, and we look forward to being able to offer such an advanced level of competition again. If you’re interested in volunteering for this special event, go to https://www.eventingvolunteers.com/.
The Annual Senior Fishing Derby was held and Lake Tuscawilla by the Ocala Recreation & Parks. Hundred thirty five were fishing it was catch and release fishing derby. The weather was great, the fish were biting. Door prizes galore, trophy’s were won! Everyone enjoyed lunch and a great time was had by all. The three top trophies were Won by
Oldest Fisherman Mary Reynolds 98 yrs young
Most Fish Willie Washington
Largest Fish Willie Washington
(Photos by CK Johnson)
DOH-Marion Cautions About Blue Green Algae at Lake Bryant – Resort Dock
Marion County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Bryant – Resort Dock on April 21, 2026. Water sample testing is underway. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
- Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, or discolored or water that smells unpleasant.
- Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative source of water when algae blooms are present.
- Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.
- Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly.
- Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
Ocala Fire Rescue Hosts Ceremony and Receives Cancer Prevention Grant Funding
(OCALA, FL.)– In a significant step towards enhancing firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities, Ocala Fire Rescue proudly served as the host site for the presentation of cancer prevention and firefighter assistance grants awarded by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal, Blaise Ingoglia.
The grants, aimed at strengthening firefighters’ protection against harmful chemicals encountered during fires, are part of Florida’s commitment to equipping firefighters with the tools and infrastructure that support their critical role in public safety. The funding is provided through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant and the Firefighter Assistance Grant. These programs are designed to improve the health and safety of firefighters by ensuring they have access to essential equipment and educational training.
During the event, Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grants were awarded to:
Ocala Fire Rescue ($6,372.75), and
High Springs Fire Department ($4,793.44).
A third $500,000.00 award was presented to the City of Newberry Fire Department for a training facility.
Ocala Fire Chief Clint Welborn expressed gratitude for the support provided through these grants, stating, “This investment directly enhances the safety and well-being of our firefighters and reinforces our ongoing mission to protect them as diligently as they protect others.”
Contact: Ashley Lopez, Public Information Officer
Telephone: (352) 629-8306
Mobile: (352) 817-5914
May 3
6:00 PM
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Square
6:30 PM
Sunset Songs Series: Perpetual Groove
Citizens’ Circle
May 10
7:00 PM
After Dark in the Park –Despicable Me 2
Tuscawilla
May 11
10:00 AM
Art Park Literary & Poetry Festival
Tuscawilla Art Park Continue reading
The Parade of Senior Services was an over whelming success. Hundreds of seniors attended. The annual information fair hosted by Ocala Recreation and Parks, was held March 20th for adults aged 50+. It connects local seniors with over 45+ agencies offering health, social, and support services, featuring vendors, refreshments and
resources. There were free gifts from 49 vendors with information to take home with you. You learn something new every year. One of the things Ocala Recreation and Parks offer is line dancing, Chair exercises they were on display and entertaining. Keep and eye on this digital paper for the date next March. NEXT EVENT!
Senior Fishing Derby Monday 9 AM till noon April 27, 2026 Senior Fishing Derby at Tuscawilla Park. Catch and release for those who are 50 years and older.For those that are registered Lunch will one provided, prizes, bait and limited tackle. Look for the ad in this paper. Pictures will April in this paper next month.
Photos by CK Johnson.
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.
