Two Killed in Southeast Ocala Crash
Two people were killed and two others injured in a two-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning at Southeast Maricamp Road and Southeast 36th Avenue.
Ocala Police say officers responded at approximately 2:45 a.m. The crash involved a black Mazda SUV and a red Dodge minivan.
A man and woman inside the SUV were pronounced dead at the scene. Two men in the minivan were transported to hospitals, including one patient transported as a trauma alert.
The crash resulted in extensive road closures Tuesday morning, but all lanes reopened at approximately 9 a.m.
Ocala Police continue to investigate the cause of the collision.
Planning Board Backs Major Development Near Future I-75 Interchange
A proposed mixed-use development near the future Interstate 75 interchange at Northwest 49th Street has moved another step forward.
The Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend approval despite concerns raised by neighboring residents.
The proposal includes up to 535 residential units, a 500-room hotel and extensive commercial development near the unfinished I-75 interchange. The future Buc-ee’s site is located across the interstate.
The new interchange is currently expected to be completed in 2028.
The proposal still requires consideration by the Marion County Commission.
Public Meeting Tonight on Middle-School Rezoning
Marion County Public Schools will hold a community meeting tonight concerning a proposed change to middle-school attendance boundaries.
The district is considering moving the portion of the Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks attendance area east of Interstate 75 into the Liberty Middle School attendance zone.
According to the district, the proposal is intended to balance enrollment, make better use of existing school facilities and reduce operating costs.
Parents, employees and other residents can review maps, ask questions and provide feedback tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. at Liberty Middle School, 4773 Southwest 95th Street in Ocala.
Florida Minimum Wage Reaches $15 Today
Florida’s minimum wage increases to $15 per hour today, September 30.
The one-dollar increase is the final scheduled annual step required under the constitutional amendment Florida voters approved in 2020.
The minimum cash wage for tipped employees also increases, with employers permitted to apply the state-authorized tip credit.
Future of Former Marion County School District Office Up for Discussion
Marion County Public Schools has announced two public meetings to gather community input about the future of its former district headquarters at 512 Southeast Third Street in Ocala.
The property is also the former Central Elementary School.
The building has been closed since December 2022 because of facility and environmental concerns. The School Board is considering selling the building and property.
Two public meetings will be held Tuesday, October 6, at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium on East Fort King Street.
Ocala Entrepreneurs Appear on Shark Tank Tonight
Two Ocala business owners will be in the national spotlight tonight.
Rebecca Dallman and Jena Butler, co-founders of Ocala-based FUNDELIVERED, will pitch their mystery-box business on the Season 18 premiere of ABC’s Shark Tank.
The company sells mystery boxes containing unclaimed merchandise.
The episode airs tonight at 9 p.m., with YouTube creator MrBeast joining the investor panel for the premiere.
Ocala Film Derby Awards Record $22,500 in Scholarships
The fourth annual Ocala Film Derby concluded Sunday with a record $22,500 in scholarships awarded to seven local student filmmakers.
The five-day event included workshops, an intensive filmmaking competition and a College and Career Expo before culminating with an awards ceremony at the Marion Theatre.
Chance Johnson received the event’s largest individual scholarship at $6,000. The Audience Choice Award went to Out of Reach, while The Barber received the Judges Choice Award.
