Marion County Evictions Rise 18 Percent as Foreclosure Filings Increase

A new report shows that housing instability is becoming a growing concern in Marion County.

According to the Ocala Gazette, landlords filed 839 eviction cases during the first six months of 2026, representing an 18-percent increase compared with the same period last year.

The figures, compiled using court data from the University of Florida's Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, represent the highest first-half eviction total since at least 2019.

Foreclosure filings are also increasing.

Marion County recorded 458 foreclosure filings during the first half of 2026, compared with 411 during the same period in 2025 — an increase of approximately 11 percent.

The report also found that the county's annual count of people experiencing homelessness increased from 391 in January 2025 to 454 in January 2026.

Local housing organizations say insufficient income, limited affordable housing, and difficulty obtaining rental assistance are among the obstacles facing residents.

The figures underscore growing financial pressures on renters and homeowners throughout Ocala and Marion County.

Longtime Ocala Fitness Center Sold to Make Way for Private High School

A longtime Ocala fitness center will close one of its locations after the property was sold to a private school.

Too Your Health Spa Fitness Centers announced that its location at 2841 Southwest 20th Street, near the College of Central Florida, is expected to close around the end of 2026.

The property has been acquired for use by Capstone Academy, which plans to convert the existing facility into a new private high school campus.

County property records show that the 1.54-acre property sold for $1,511,250 on September 9.

The fitness center's owner, Fred Schweitz, said the transaction represents a transition for a company that began operating in Ocala in 1978.

Too Your Health Spa has expanded over the decades to multiple facilities throughout the region.

The new campus will allow Capstone Academy to expand its educational offerings in Marion County.

Ocala's Fidelity Manufacturing Becomes 100 Percent Employee-Owned

An Ocala-based manufacturing company has completed a significant ownership transition.

Fidelity Manufacturing, a company specializing in backup power equipment and related infrastructure, is now 100 percent employee-owned.

Founders Brad and Wendy Dinkins announced the change during a companywide meeting October 5.

Ownership has been transferred through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, commonly called an ESOP.

Under the arrangement, eligible employees receive company shares through a retirement-benefit trust.

The company says the transition is designed to preserve its independence, maintain its existing culture, and give employees a financial stake in its future.

Fidelity Manufacturing produces generator enclosures, fuel tanks, and standby power equipment used by hospitals and other critical facilities.

The company is also preparing to expand into a second manufacturing facility in McGregor, Texas.

Ocala Renews $190,000 Economic Development Agreement

The City of Ocala has renewed its agreement with the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership.

The $190,000 agreement covers economic-development services for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027.

The funding includes $90,000 for business-development services and $100,000 in sponsorship support.

The money will come from the city's Economic Improvement Program Fund.

The agreement supports efforts to attract new businesses, retain existing employers, and encourage additional investment in the Ocala area.

The renewed contract also establishes updated performance expectations for the partnership.

City Council approved the agreement October 6, with additional details reported Wednesday.

Missing 86-Year-Old Woman Located Safely Following Silver Alert

The Marion County Sheriff's Office says an elderly woman reported missing after leaving an Ocala hotel has been located safely.

Mary Elizabeth Wallace, 86, was reported missing after leaving Ocala Tuesday afternoon in a white Ford F-150 pickup truck.

Authorities issued a Silver Alert because of concerns about her cognitive condition.

Investigators reported that Wallace had been seen in Titusville early Wednesday morning and might have been traveling toward Orlando.

The Sheriff's Office confirmed Wednesday night that Wallace had returned to Marion County and was found safe.

The update was announced at approximately 9:40 p.m.

Veterans Job Fair Announced for November 10 in Ocala

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion has announced its annual Paychecks for Patriots job fair.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala.

The first hour will be reserved for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families.

The event will then open to all job seekers.

Participating employers are expected to include Marion County Public Schools, SunTran, Fidelity, McLane, Colen Built Development, and several state agencies.

Admission is free, and advance registration is encouraged.

Additional information is available from CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion at 800-434-JOBS.