Mike Mills and Sarah James Win Marion County School Board Elections

Marion County voters have decided two closely watched School Board races following Tuesday's general election.

In District 4, Mike Mills defeated Brigitte Smith, receiving 56.76% of the vote compared with Smith's 43.24%.

Mills, a local business owner associated with Symmetry Coffee Company, will fill the seat being vacated by Nancy Thrower, who did not seek reelection.

Mills says his priorities include improving school transportation, addressing student hunger, and expanding career and technical education.

In District 5, incumbent Sarah James won reelection, defeating Donald "Donny" Barber with 55.27% of the vote compared with Barber's 44.73%.

James says she intends to continue focusing on employee retention, career education, chronic absenteeism, and transportation access for students.

Both contests were nonpartisan runoff elections following August's primary.

Marion County Voters Approve School Property Tax Renewal

Marion County voters have approved continuing the school district's optional one-mill operating property tax.

Approximately 68% of voters supported the measure in Tuesday's election.

The renewal extends the tax through June 2031.

Revenue from the measure supports educational programs and operating expenses, including:

• Art and music education.

• School safety and security.

• Certified teachers and instructional staffing.

• Reading programs.

• Vocational and career education.

The measure continues an existing property tax rather than establishing a new one.

School officials say the funding is important to maintaining programs beyond those supported by regular state education allocations.

Voters Authorize $140 Million Conservation Bond Program

Marion County residents have approved a referendum authorizing up to $140 million in general-obligation bonds over 20 years.

The funding will support acquisition, preservation, and protection of environmentally significant land throughout the county.

Projects may include protection of forests, springs, drinking-water resources, agricultural land, parks, and trails.

Supporters say the program will help preserve natural resources as Marion County continues experiencing residential and commercial growth.

The referendum authorizes the county to issue bonds but does not mean all $140 million will be borrowed immediately.

Individual projects, financing decisions, and implementation plans will still require county action.

Byron Donalds Wins Florida Governor's Race; Ashley Moody Wins U.S. Senate Election

Florida voters have elected Republican Byron Donalds as the state's next governor.

Donalds defeated Democratic candidate David Jolly in Tuesday's general election.

In the U.S. Senate race, Republican Ashley Moody won election to the seat she has held since her appointment.

Marion County voters supported Republican candidates throughout the major statewide and congressional races.

Locally, Republican Jeff Bairstow also won the Marion County Commission District 4 election.

Election-night results remain unofficial until the required canvassing and certification procedures are completed.

Florida Voters Approve Amendment 3 Property Tax Changes

Florida voters have approved Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment expanding homestead property-tax exemptions.

The measure exceeded the 60% statewide approval threshold required for amendments to Florida's Constitution.

The changes are intended to provide additional property-tax relief for qualifying homeowners.

Supporters argue that the expanded exemption will reduce housing-related expenses.

Local governments will need to account for the changes when preparing future budgets.

Two other proposed constitutional amendments, involving the state's budget stabilization fund and agricultural equipment tax exemptions, did not reach the required approval threshold in election-night reporting.

Marion County Man Arrested Following Drug Trafficking Investigation

A Marion County man is facing drug-trafficking charges after deputies discovered suspected illegal drugs during a traffic stop.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, deputies located fentanyl, cocaine, and prescription pills during a vehicle search.

The arrest was reported Tuesday, November 3.

Investigators say the discovery resulted in trafficking-related charges.

The allegations remain subject to court proceedings, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Ocali Country Days Festival Returns This Weekend

The annual Ocali Country Days Festival returns to the Silver River Museum this weekend.

The event features living-history demonstrations, pioneer cabins, traditional crafts, and live entertainment.

Visitors can explore exhibits illustrating how people lived and worked in Florida during earlier generations.

The festival is a popular educational event for families and offers an opportunity to learn about Marion County's history.

The event takes place at the Silver River Museum in the Silver Springs State Park area.

Visitors should check the museum's published schedule for admission information and event hours.

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Saddlewood Elementary Teacher Arrested; Detectives Seek Additional Victims

The Marion County Sheriff's Office has arrested a physical education teacher at Saddlewood Elementary School following allegations involving a former student.

Jeffery Thomas Farris, 54, was arrested Friday, October 30, and charged with one felony count of lewd and lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12.

Authorities announced details of the investigation Monday.

According to detectives, the investigation began in September after allegations surfaced that Farris had inappropriately touched an eight-year-old student several years earlier.

Investigators also reviewed Farris's previous disciplinary history, including a 2017 suspension involving an unrelated incident during a school wrestling trip.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Farris was being held without bond according to the latest available jail information. His next scheduled court appearance is December 1.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Anyone with information may contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 352-732-9111.

Election Day Arrives With More Than 91,000 Marion County Ballots Already Cast

Today is Election Day across Florida, and Marion County is reporting substantial participation before polls even open.

According to figures published Monday, approximately 91,586 Marion County residents had already voted.

That represents 33.76 percent of the county's 271,268 active eligible voters.

Of those ballots, 62,143 were cast during the early voting period, while 29,443 were returned by mail.

Polling places are open today from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Voters must report to their assigned Election Day precincts rather than using any early voting location.

Marion County voters will decide several important local issues, including:

• Renewal of the school district's optional one-mill operating property tax through June 2031.

• Authorization of up to $140 million in general-obligation bonds for conservation lands, water resources, parks and trails.

• Marion County School Board District 4 and District 5 elections.

Statewide races include governor, U.S. Senate and congressional seats.

Voters can find their assigned precincts and official election information at VoteMarion.gov.

Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli Closes After 12 Years

A longtime downtown Ocala business has permanently closed.

Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli, located at 1010 Southwest First Avenue, announced Sunday, November 1, that it was ending operations after twelve years.

The business cited increasing operating expenses, higher product prices and changes in the business environment.

The owners thanked customers for their years of support and said another business is expected to occupy the location.

Customers who enjoyed the deli's soups and sandwiches can still find those menu items at the nearby Ocala Downtown Diner, located at 816 South Magnolia Avenue.

The closure adds to concerns among local small-business owners about operating costs and changing consumer conditions.

Ocala City Council to Consider $13.4 Million in Vehicle and Equipment Purchases

Ocala City Council is scheduled to meet today, November 3, with several major expenditures and development proposals on the agenda.

The largest proposed expenditure involves $13,378,535 for 85 vehicles and pieces of equipment for city departments.

Council members will also consider approximately $252,360 for resurfacing the pool deck at the Hampton Aquatic Center.

Three rezoning ordinances are scheduled for second and final readings.

Other agenda items include a liquor license request involving the AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Ocala and a proposal concerning the city's Christmas on Broadway event.

The Christmas proposal would establish December 13 as the event date.

The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in the second-floor City Council chambers at Ocala City Hall, 110 Southeast Watula Avenue.

All items remain proposals until acted upon by the council.

Parents Demand Answers Following Ocala Christian Academy Teacher Arrest

Parents of students at Ocala Christian Academy are raising concerns about the school's response to allegations against a fifth-grade teacher arrested last week.

Several parents protested outside the school, questioning why teacher Joel Gould was permitted to return to the classroom after administrators initially received a complaint.

According to reporting by News 6, parents also want changes to the school's uniform policy to allow girls to wear pants instead of skirts.

The school has informed parents that girls may wear skorts or leggings underneath skirts, but pants remain prohibited under the reported policy.

Gould has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from allegations that he took inappropriate photographs of a student.

His next court appearance is scheduled for December 1.

Parents are calling for greater transparency and stronger procedures for responding to complaints involving student safety.

Interstate 75 and Other Marion County Roads Face Construction Delays

Motorists traveling through Marion County should prepare for additional construction-related traffic restrictions this week.

The Florida Department of Transportation has scheduled overnight lane closures on Interstate 75 in both directions through Thursday, November 5.

Additional work is planned along U.S. Highway 441 between Summerfield and Belleview, as well as near State Road 200 and Southwest 60th Avenue.

The Southwest 66th Street bridge over Interstate 75 remains closed as part of its reconstruction project.

Drivers should allow additional travel time and follow posted construction signs.

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Elderly Ocala Pedestrian Killed on U.S. Highway 441

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Friday night, October 30, in Ocala.

Troopers say a 78-year-old Ocala man was struck by a northbound sedan near the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Southeast 11th Avenue at approximately 9:20 p.m.

According to the preliminary investigation, the pedestrian was walking within the right northbound travel lane when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a 53-year-old Ocala man.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was not injured.

Northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 441 were temporarily closed while emergency crews investigated.

The death marks at least the ninth pedestrian fatality reported in Marion County during 2026.

Marion County Health Department Issues Rabies Alert Near Sparr

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has issued a rabies alert following confirmation of the disease in a raccoon found in the Sparr area.

Health officials say the infected animal was killed near 22nd Terrace on October 23.

The department warns that rabies may be present in the area's wildlife population.

Residents are encouraged to keep pets and livestock vaccinated, avoid handling wild or stray animals, and prevent wildlife from entering homes or other occupied buildings.

Anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially infected animal should seek immediate medical attention and contact the Marion County Health Department.

Health Department: 352-629-0137

Marion County Animal Services: 352-671-8727

Rabies is a serious viral disease, but prompt medical treatment following an exposure can prevent infection.

Ocala Man Charged with DUI Manslaughter in Crash That Killed Two

Ocala Police have arrested a man accused of driving under the influence and causing a September crash that killed two people.

Joel Gonzalo Zelaya, 33, was arrested Friday, October 30, and charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter.

The charges stem from a September 29 collision at Southeast Maricamp Road and Southeast 36th Avenue.

The victims were identified as De Lawn Marshall Duncan and Eric Maurice McGill.

According to investigators, Zelaya and his brother acknowledged drinking at a bar before the crash.

Police say blood-alcohol testing showed Zelaya's alcohol concentration exceeded the legal limit.

The case has also prompted an internal affairs investigation involving an Ocala police officer who reportedly stopped Zelaya shortly before the fatal crash but allowed him to continue driving without conducting a DUI investigation.

Zelaya was booked into the Marion County Jail.

The criminal charges remain allegations, and Zelaya is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

VOCAL Plans Major Veterinary Center Expansion in Southwest Ocala

A Marion County animal-welfare nonprofit is proposing a major expansion designed to address pet overpopulation and increase access to veterinary services.

Voices of Change Animal League, commonly known as VOCAL, has submitted plans to construct two new buildings totaling approximately 8,700 square feet at its campus at 6393 Southwest 52nd Street.

The proposed development includes a 6,187-square-foot Veterinary Clinic and Resource Center and a separate 2,507-square-foot Veterinary Quarantine and Isolation Building.

The new facilities would expand VOCAL's existing veterinary and animal-care operations.

The organization provides low-cost spay and neuter services, emergency veterinary assistance, pet food distribution, and rescue programs.

Its Project FEED initiative helps provide food to thousands of animals belonging to families experiencing financial hardship.

The proposed expansion is scheduled for review by the Marion County Development Review Committee today, November 2.

Construction has not yet been approved.

Early Voting Ends; Marion County Prepares for Tuesday's Election

Early voting has concluded in Marion County ahead of tomorrow's general election.

The county offered early voting at nine locations over a ten-day period ending Saturday, October 31.

Voters who did not cast ballots early may vote in person on Tuesday, November 3, at their assigned Election Day precinct.

Unlike early voting, Election Day voting requires residents to report to their designated polling location.

Voters should bring an accepted form of photo and signature identification.

Local ballot questions include the renewal of school funding and a proposed conservation bond.

Residents can confirm their assigned polling place and review election information through the Marion County Supervisor of Elections.

Animal Rights Protest Planned Outside Ocala Circus Today

Animal-rights organization PETA is planning a demonstration outside a Loomis Bros. Circus performance in Ocala today, November 2.

The group is calling for the retirement of a 56-year-old elephant that continues to travel and perform with the circus.

The demonstration is part of PETA's ongoing campaign against the use of elephants and other wild animals in traveling entertainment.

The organization has raised allegations about the treatment of circus elephants, including concerns involving the animal's trainer.

The allegations should not be treated as established findings without independent verification.

The planned protest is expected to draw attention to animal welfare and the use of performing animals.