Ocala News
Across downtown Ocala and throughout Marion County, there is a renewed sense of momentum and optimism surrounding the future of our community. From locally owned small businesses and restaurants to major employers and manufacturers continuing to invest in the region, growth is happening in ways that strengthen every part of our local economy.
The recent expansion of E-ONE is a strong example of that continued progress.
For decades, E-ONE has been a cornerstone employer in the Ocala Metro and a globally recognized manufacturer with deep roots in our community. Their decision to further invest and expand operations here speaks volumes about the confidence companies have in Ocala’s workforce, business environment, and long-term potential.
Economic development is often viewed through the lens of attracting new businesses, but some of the most meaningful growth comes from companies that already call our community home choosing to stay, expand and build their future here. E-ONE’s continued investment reflects the kind of sustainable growth that benefits the entire region: creating jobs, supporting families, and strengthening the local economy. Continue reading
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion has opened a new career center in Bronson, expanding access to workforce development services for businesses and job seekers across Levy County.
The center is located at 375 Garner St., Suite E in the Levy County Government Complex and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All services are offered at no charge. CareerSource CLM also operates a career center at the College of Central Florida Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The campus location follows a Monday–Thursday schedule from mid-May through early August.
Dale French, CSCLM’s executive vice president, said the two-site strategy strengthens access to workforce solutions. Continue reading
OCALA, Fla. (May 14, 2026) – The Reilly Arts Center welcomes a variety of national and local artists for performances of rock, jazz, classical and more this summer. 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 9 AM – 1 PM, Tuesday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Reilly Arts Center during box office hours.
June 2026
Reilly Noir: Longineu Parsons
Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM | in the NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center
Tickets from $33
Experience an unforgettable night with Dr. Longineu Parsons II, internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and Professor of Music at Florida A&M University. Having performed with legends like Cab Calloway and Herbie Mann, Dr. Parsons brings decades of jazz excellence to the stage. Don’t miss this extraordinary live performance celebrating a remarkable musical legacy.
Music of Mancini
Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3 PM | AdventHealth Mainstage
Tickets from $32
Join us for Music of Mancini, a captivating tribute celebrating the timeless music of Henry Mancini. From “Moon River” and “The Pink Panther Theme” to favorites from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Peter Gunn, this unforgettable performance brings Mancini’s iconic melodies to life. Presented by Glenn Miller Productions, the team behind the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, this spectacular evening is a must-see for music lovers of all ages! Continue reading
Todd Belknap
Executive Director of the
Veterans helping Veterans USA
Greetings! This is the maiden column designed to highlight Veterans’ events and activities taking place in Marion County, as well as to raise awareness of issues that concern the Veteran community at large. On behalf of the 46,000 Veterans calling Marion County home, I extend our deepest gratitude to TomL Publishing (Ocala DownTown) news for this opportunity.
The month of June brings a Summer break from organizational meetings and gatherings for many, while others continue to host activities. One such instance is the 5th Annual Marion County PTSD Awareness Day Walk. All are welcome to take part in this Community Event at Tuscawilla Park on Saturday, June 27 at 8 am for a 2.2 mile walk to help raise awareness about PTSD and the local resources available to help remedy/enhance the quality of life for anyone struggling with PTSD.
PTSD t-shirts are on sale to help fund 3 local non-profit resources – Veterans Helping Veterans USA, Marion County Fire Rescue Peer Support and Marion County Sheriff’s Office Peer Support. Shirts are available at www.mission1776.org/ptsd-shirts. Every penny from your purchase stays here in Marion County to help effectively address PTSD. We hope you join us June 27!
See you next month!
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.
