Ocala Morning News — Friday, October 23, 2026
One Dead Following Shooting and Vehicle Crash Near Liberty Middle School
The Marion County Sheriff's Office is investigating a homicide following a shooting and vehicle crash near Liberty Middle School in southwest Marion County.
Deputies say two people suffering from gunshot wounds arrived at area hospitals following an incident late Wednesday night, October 21.
One of the victims died Thursday morning.
Investigators subsequently connected the shooting to a vehicle crash in the 4900 block of Southwest 95th Street, near the entrance to Liberty Middle School.
The investigation caused traffic delays during Thursday morning's school drop-off period.
Authorities say the incident appears isolated and does not pose an ongoing threat to students, school employees or the public.
Detectives are asking residents near Southwest 95th Street to review security-camera footage recorded between 11 p.m. Wednesday and midnight.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 352-732-9111.
The deceased victim's identity, the condition of the surviving victim and the circumstances surrounding the shooting had not been released in the latest reports available for this edition.
Ocala Approves Additional $190,936 for Fire-Rescue Vehicles After Missed Discount
Ocala City Council has approved an additional $190,936 for four fire-rescue vehicles after the city failed to take advantage of an available prepayment discount.
The vehicles were originally ordered in December 2024 from Matheny Motor Truck Company.
The purchase included three E-ONE light rescue vehicles and one E-ONE Typhoon rescue pumper.
The original authorization of approximately $1.96 million reflected discounts that required advance payment.
However, the city did not make those payments, resulting in additional costs when the vehicles were delivered.
City Facilities and Fleet Director John King accepted responsibility for the oversight.
King told council members that the city earned more than $135,000 in interest by retaining the money and secured approximately $56,000 in future vendor credits.
He said those benefits offset the missed discount.
Councilman Jim Hilty questioned the city's financial procedures and whether officials were promptly informed about the problem.
City Manager Pete Lee acknowledged responsibility for ensuring that city operations are properly managed.
The additional expenditure was approved unanimously.
Ocala Rejects Another Spot On Liquors Permit Application
Ocala City Council has denied an application for a proposed Spot On Liquors store.
The application was submitted by Mikael 25 Inc.
Council members cited concerns about the proposed location's proximity to a daycare facility and the number of existing alcohol retailers in the surrounding area.
The decision marks the second rejection involving the business owners.
A previous proposal for a package store on West Silver Springs Boulevard was unanimously denied last year.
The latest decision prevents the proposed location from moving forward under the requested permit.
Ocala City Manager Outlines Growth and Development Priorities
Ocala City Manager Pete Lee addressed more than 300 business leaders Wednesday during the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership's State of the City event.
The presentation focused on major projects and the city's plans for accommodating continued growth.
Lee discussed development and infrastructure priorities as Ocala experiences additional residential and commercial investment.
The event provided business owners and community leaders with an overview of the city's current direction and future planning priorities.
Free Safe and Spooktacular Halloween Party Tonight
Families are invited to a free Halloween celebration tonight at the McPherson Governmental Campus.
The Safe and Spooktacular Halloween Party takes place Friday, October 23, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The event includes trick-or-treating, candy, fire trucks, patrol cars and other family activities.
The celebration is designed to provide a safe, community-oriented Halloween experience for children and parents.
Location: McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 Southeast 25th Avenue, Ocala.
Admission: Free.
College of Central Florida Presents The Illusion This Weekend
The College of Central Florida's theater department is presenting The Illusion, a play by Tony Kushner inspired by a 17th-century French comedy.
The production features romance, mystery, humor and theatrical surprises.
Students have contributed to the production through set construction and technical operations.
Performances continue through Sunday, October 25, at the Dassance Fine Arts Center on the college's Ocala campus.
Performance times: Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students. Eligible CF students, alumni, faculty and staff receive free admission with valid identification.
For ticket information, call 352-873-5810.
Weekend Preview: Fine Arts Festival Returns to Downtown Ocala
The 59th annual Fine Arts for Ocala festival returns to downtown Ocala Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25.
The event features more than 100 outdoor artist galleries, original artwork, live music and food vendors.
Visitors can browse paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry and other handmade works.
The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Admission is free.
