FOR INCLUSION IN COMMUNITY CALENDARS AND LOCAL EVENTS:

Friends of the Ocala Public Library is holding its next clearance book sale beginning on Friday, September 11, for Friends members only (memberships are available at the door) from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm, and then opens to the general public on Saturday, September 12, 10 am-2 pm. Sale is held in the Ocala Public Library headquarters meeting rooms, 2720 Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.

Proceeds of the sale benefit children and adult programs, materials, audio and ebooks, and staff development at Ocala headquarters, Reddick, Ft. McCoy, Sankofa, and Silver Spring Shores branches of the Marion County Public Library system.

All childrens books and all paperback books are 25 cents each, and hardbacks are 50 cents each. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.

(OCALA, FL.) Aug. 8, 2026 – Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a serious vehicle collision involving a pickup truck and a tree on SW 51st Terrace and SW 38th Street, at approximately 4:44 a.m.

Upon arrival, Rescue 4 found a white pickup truck wedged between a tree and a fence line, showing significant damage. Due to the positioning of the vehicle, one of the two occupants would need to be extricated.

Rescue 4 and Engine 4 requested additional resources, including a second transport unit, Battalion Chief 11, and Squad 7. Crews used hydraulic cutters and spreaders to safely remove the top of the vehicle’s cab and perform a dash lift to gain access to the passenger.

Both occupants were transported to the hospital – one as a precaution for further evaluation, and the other as a trauma alert.

Marion County Fire Rescue and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded.

Ocala Fire Rescue urges all residents to practice safe driving habits, especially during early morning hours when visibility may be compromised.

(OCALA, FL.) Aug. 18, 2026 – Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) has taken an emphatic step forward with the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement at the city council meeting on August 18. The agreement sets the stage for enhancing recruitment and retention of high-quality personnel.

Beginning October 1, 2026, the department will implement competitive starting pay rates that will position OFR as a top choice for firefighters in North Central Florida. Firefighter/Paramedics will start at $77,890.67, and Firefighter/EMTs at $66,270.27 – competitive compensation aimed at attracting the finest talent in the field.

The agreement also includes a groundbreaking transition to a D-shift schedule, evolving to a 24 hours on, 72 hours off work model by September 30, 2029. This change demonstrates OFR’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our firefighters and to preventing the physical exhaustion and stress imposed by demanding professions like ours.

Additional contractual highlights include an annual 3% COLA for the duration of the bargaining agreement, 88 paid holiday hours, and vacation buyback availability.

“We are eager to begin recruitment of the next generation of public servants that will guard our community,” said Fire Chief Clint Welborn. “Investing in our present and emerging workforce reinforces our commitment to public safety, ensuring both those receiving services and those providing them are well-supported.”

As Ocala Fire Rescue continues to adapt to the community’s evolving needs, this ratified agreement marks a crucial step in building a resilient, well-compensated team dedicated to excellence in fire service.

For more information about Ocala Fire Rescue’s upcoming recruitment opportunities, please visit www.ocalafl.gov/employment.

Beginning on Aug. 19, 2026, the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will begin implementing surcharges of 3.5% on electronic payments made to the City.

Cash and non-electronic payments made in person at any recreation center will not incur the surcharge. *

If you have additional questions or need more information, please reach out to us at: 352-368-5517 or recpark@ocalafl.gov or check out our FAQ page.

*Please note that cash payments are limited to $100 or less.

Ocala Recreation and Parks

The Ocala Recreation and Parks Department has a variety of programs, activities and events to meet your leisure service needs. Check our main navigation for more information about our recreation programs, parks, events and much more!

(OCALA, FL.) Aug. 6, 2026 – At approximately 1:05 a.m., Ocala Fire Rescue responded to reports of a structure fire at Signature Brands, located at 1900 SW 38th Ave. The response was triggered by two alarms: an automated monitoring system and a pull station alarm, both indicating a potential fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters did not find visible flames; however, staff on site had evacuated and were able to inform responders about the source of the smoke filling the building. The fire originated from a commercial popcorn maker, where a pipe had overheated and ignited the ceiling area.

To extinguish the fire, firefighters removed ceiling tiles to access the affected space and used approximately 750 gallons of water.

After the fire was extinguished, teams inspected the area for any remaining hot spots to ensure safety. It was confirmed that the fire had not spread beyond its initial source.

There were no reported injuries.

Responding units included Engines 1, 4, and 6, Tower 1, Squad 7, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer.

Effective alarm systems and vigilant employees played a key role in minimizing damage during this incident, highlighting the importance of operational fire detection systems and alertness in both commercial and residential spaces.

OCALA, Fla. (August 11, 2026) – The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s 2026-2027 season concerts are on sale now to the general public. The season is complete with six subscription concerts, six special events, three choral concerts and a chamber music series. Under the baton of Maestro Matthew Wardell, the season will feature extraordinary musicians, remarkable soloists, beloved masterworks, and bold new voices. Tickets are on sale now at ocalasymphony.com, with prices starting at $15 for adults and $10 for students.

This season begins with the spectacular Pictures at an Exhibition: From Dalí to Mussorgsky, where iconic works of art are transformed into breathtaking orchestral music. Highlights also include the North Central Florida premiere of Disney’s Aladdin in Concert (live with full orchestra), the thought-provoking The Long Arc, featuring Philip Glass’s The American Four Seasons and a world premiere by Gala Flagello, and the powerful season finale, Famous Last Words, pairing Strauss’s radiant Four Last Songs with Tchaikovsky’s deeply moving Pathétique Symphony.  Continue reading →