Fleeing Suspect Involved in Ocala Crash With Injuries

Authorities reported Thursday that a suspect wanted on an active Lake County warrant for aggravated battery with a firearm was involved in a crash with injuries in Ocala.

According to local reporting, the suspect was fleeing when the collision occurred.

The incident remains under investigation. Additional details about the people injured and the circumstances surrounding the pursuit were not independently confirmed in the reporting available for this edition.

352today

Ocala Entrepreneurs Secure $600,000 Shark Tank Deal

Two Ocala businesswomen are receiving national attention after appearing on ABC's Shark Tank.

Rebecca Dallman and Jena Butler, founders of FUNDELIVERED, appeared on the program to present their mystery-box business, which sells boxes containing unclaimed merchandise.

Local reporting says the entrepreneurs secured a $600,000 deal involving guest investor MrBeast and another investor known as the QVC Queen.

As with other televised investment agreements, the announcement does not necessarily establish that the transaction has completed its post-show due diligence and closing process.

Ocala-News.com

LEGO Resale Business Planning First Ocala Store

A specialty retailer serving LEGO enthusiasts is working toward opening its first Ocala location.

Bricks & Minifigs operates stores specializing in buying, selling and trading new and previously owned LEGO products.

The planned Ocala location would give collectors and families another option for finding building sets, loose bricks and collectible minifigures.

Ocala-News.com

First Friday Art Walk Returns to Downtown Ocala Tonight

The City of Ocala's First Friday Art Walk returns tonight, October 2, launching the 2026–27 season.

The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. around the Historic Downtown Square.

More than 40 artists are expected to display and sell their work. Visitors can also enjoy live music, dance performances, demonstrations and hands-on art activities.

Downtown businesses will offer extended evening hours.

Admission is free, and the monthly event continues through May 2027.

Ocala-News.com+1

Marion County Fall Carnival Set for Saturday

Marion County Parks and Recreation will host its eighth annual Fall Carnival tomorrow, October 3.

The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 Northeast Jacksonville Road in Ocala.

Activities include fall-themed games, a trick-or-treat trail, hayrides, a petting zoo, live entertainment and food trucks.

Admission is free. Youth activity wristbands cost $5 or can be obtained with five nonperishable food donations supporting Bring the Harvest Home.

352today

Walk to End Alzheimer's Takes Place Saturday

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer's takes place Saturday morning at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala.

Registration opens at 9 a.m., followed by the Promise Garden ceremony at 10 and the walk immediately afterward.

The event raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research and support services. Participation is free, with fundraising encouraged.

352today

Additional Weekend Events

Ocala residents have several other entertainment options this weekend. The Marion Theatre will screen the 1973 horror film The Exorcist on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with $5 admission.

On Sunday, October 4, the Ocala Downtown Market hosts Woof-O-Ween from noon until 4 p.m., featuring pet-related vendors and opportunities for owners to bring their dogs in Halloween costumes. Admission is free.

352today

Ocala Police Launch Internal Investigation Following Fatal Crash

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken announced Wednesday that the department has launched an internal investigation into officers' actions before Tuesday morning's deadly collision at Southeast Maricamp Road and Southeast 36th Avenue.

The crash killed two people, identified in subsequent reporting as a mother and her adult son.

Investigators discovered that officers had interacted with people involved in the incident shortly before the crash. According to the department, officers failed to adequately investigate indications of possible driver impairment.

One officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the department reviews the incident, including body-camera footage.

The internal investigation is separate from the ongoing investigation into the collision itself.

352 Today+2

Marion County Teenager Recovering Following Attack by Five Dogs

A 17-year-old Marion County teenager is recovering after an attack involving five dogs Monday evening.

According to local reporting, the teenager was walking with his father when the animals attacked. His father helped rescue him.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office confirmed it is investigating the incident, which was reported around 6 p.m. Monday in the South Ocala area.

Marion County Animal Services has taken custody of the dogs involved.

Investigators have not released a final determination concerning the circumstances of the attack.

FOX 35 Orlando+1

Federal Contract Support Announced for Ritz Veterans Village

New federal contract support has been announced for the Ritz Veterans Village in Ocala, a housing program serving veterans who have experienced homelessness.

U.S. Representative Kat Cammack announced Wednesday that her office had helped secure a Department of Veterans Affairs contract after concerns arose about the continuation of housing services.

The announcement addresses a potential disruption to the program, which provides residential support for veterans in the Ocala area.

Florida’s Voice

City of Ocala Celebrates Customer Appreciation Day Today

The City of Ocala is hosting its annual Customer Appreciation Day today, Thursday, October 1, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The event takes place at Citizens' Circle, 151 Southeast Osceola Avenue, behind City Hall.

Activities include food, music, bucket truck rides, face painting and opportunities to meet city employees.

Eligible city utility customers may receive bill-credit vouchers for qualifying services, including Ocala Electric Utility, Ocala Fiber Network, sanitation and water services. City employees will verify customer accounts at the event.

Admission is free. For additional information, call Ocala Electric Utility at 352-629-2489.

Ocala-News.com

School Superintendent Holds Public Town Hall Tonight

Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer will hold another community town hall tonight at Vanguard High School.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria at 7 Northwest 28th Street in Ocala.

The discussion will cover school referendum funding, district priorities, opportunities for improvement and ideas from parents and residents.

The meeting is open to the public. Another town hall is scheduled for October 15 at Lake Weir High School.

Marion County Public Schools

Ocala's First Pumpkin Patch Opens for October

Ocala First United Methodist Church opens its annual pumpkin patch today at 1126 East Silver Springs Boulevard.

The pumpkin patch operates throughout October, with weekday and weekend hours. Purchases help support the church's ministries and community activities.

Thursday hours are 4 to 7 p.m.

Ocala / Marion County Florida

Looking Ahead: First Friday and Weekend Entertainment

The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala tomorrow, October 2, beginning a new season of art and community activities.

On Saturday, October 3, the Ocala Civic Theatre hosts Fear Circus, an acrobatic production scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at 4337 East Silver Springs Boulevard.

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