Police Say Deadly Ocala Shooting Was Connected to Attempted Drug Robbery
Ocala Police have released new information about Sunday's fatal shooting in northwest Ocala.
Police Chief Mike Balken says investigators believe the shooting was connected to an attempted drug robbery.
The shooting occurred Sunday afternoon in the 1100 block of Northwest 12th Avenue.
One person was killed and two others were hospitalized.
Police now say detectives have identified everyone involved in the incident and that the individuals knew one another.
The investigation remains active.
Mother and 5-Year-Old Child Shot in Ocala
Ocala Police are asking the public for help following another shooting that wounded a woman and her five-year-old child.
Investigators say a family of three was traveling near the 1200 block of Southeast 11th Avenue at about 9:45 Monday night when a vehicle behind them opened fire.
The family's vehicle was struck multiple times.
The mother and child were both hit by gunfire and transported to a hospital, where police say they are in stable condition.
Police believe the shooting was an isolated incident and say it is not connected to Sunday's homicide.
Anyone with information or surveillance or doorbell-camera video from the area is being asked to contact Ocala Police.
Ocala Approves $1.27 Billion Budget
Ocala City Council has given final approval to the city's fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
The spending plan totals approximately $1.27 billion.
Council members approved an operating millage rate of 6.6177 mills, the same nominal rate currently in effect. Because property values have increased, the rate is about 3.84 percent above the rolled-back rate.
The council also approved an approximately $18.2 million fire assessment.
The new fiscal year begins October 1.
Give4Marion Wraps Up Tonight
Marion County's annual Give4Marion fundraising campaign enters its final day today.
The seventh annual event began Tuesday morning and runs for a total of 33 hours.
Since Give4Marion began, organizers say the campaign has generated more than $8.5 million for nonprofit organizations serving Marion County.
The campaign concludes tonight with a celebration at the Reilly Arts Center from 5 until 7 p.m., where participants can watch the final donations come in and learn more about participating nonprofits.
Concerns Raised About Marion County Horse Facility
Several residents raised concerns Tuesday before the Marion County Commission about conditions at a local horse embryo-transfer facility.
Speakers questioned the cleanliness of areas where horses are kept and raised concerns about animal welfare and possible disease.
Embryo Transfer Specialists said it is addressing conditions caused by recent heavy rain and takes concerns about the care of its horses seriously.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office told WCJB that it had found nothing illegal about the situation.
Marion County Approves New Smoke, Vape and Kratom Shop Restrictions
New zoning restrictions are now in place for standalone smoke, vape and kratom businesses in unincorporated Marion County.
County commissioners unanimously approved rules Monday requiring new shops to remain at least 1,500 feet from schools, licensed daycare centers, churches, places of worship and public parks.
New shops also must remain at least 2,500 feet from another smoke shop.
New Coffee Shop Opens on South Pine Avenue
A new Ellianos Coffee drive-thru opens today at 2259 South Pine Avenue in Ocala.
The new location was first announced earlier this year and opens following the closure of the company's two previous Ocala-area locations.
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