What's Happening in Ocala, Florida Today?
Only In Ocala publishes daily local news covering Marion County, Florida including community updates, business developments, sports, government meetings, and events. News articles are written by local journalists and updated multiple times daily serving Ocala and the Horse Capital of the World.
Where Will Ocala's Water Actually Come From? What the Growth, Drought, and Silver Springs Numbers Actually Say
Marion County is the fastest-growing metro in the U.S. for a second straight year, and it's under Phase III Extreme water restrictions in both water management districts at once. Here's what's driving the aquifer strain, what's actually causing Silver Springs' flow decline, and what the Live Local Act does and doesn't change.
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Marion County Eliminated Every "D" School This Year
Every public school that carried a "D" grade in Marion County last year improved in the state's 2025-26 school grades. Oakcrest Elementary jumped two full letter grades, straight to a "B."
Marion County's Charter Schools Had a Rougher Year Than the Rest of the District
Three of Marion County's five charter schools dropped a letter grade in the state's 2025-26 school grades, including the only school in the entire county to earn an F. Here's how each charter scored, and how that compares to the rest of the district.
Should Swimming Return to Silver Springs? Four Alligator Encounters in Five Weeks Are Reviving an Old Marion County Question
Four alligator encounters have hit Central Florida waterways since Memorial Day, including a fatal attack in Seminole County. Here's what's confirmed — and where Marion County's long-running push to reopen swimming at Silver Springs actually stands.
Retro Run 5K (5th Annual) 2026
5th Annual Retro Run 5K through downtown Ocala. Throwback-themed run/walk for all paces. Register on RunSignUp.... Learn more about this exciting community event.
4th Annual Ocala Pet Palooza 2026
Central Florida's premier pet-focused event returns to the World Equestrian Center for its 4th annual edition. Features ... Learn more about this exciting community event.
22nd Annual Symphony Under the Lights 2026
Annual free outdoor concert from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, presented in partnership with the [Reilly Arts Center](/r... Learn more about this exciting community event.
Free Meals All Summer: Marion County Schools Opens 55+ Summer Feeding Sites for Kids 18 and Under
Marion County Public Schools is offering free breakfasts and lunches to every child age 1–18 through late July 2026 — no registration, no paperwork, no income test. Meals are available at 31 school cafeterias, 14 community partner sites (YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, churches), and a network of weekly meal-kit pickup locations across the county. The district expects to serve about 142,000 meals this summer.
Marion County Approves $60 Million Firefighters' Contract, Strengthening Public Safety and Workforce Recruitment
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a new collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 3169 on June 2, 2026, representing approximately $60 million over the life of the contract. The deal raises starting pay for dual-certified firefighter/paramedics to $75,022, adds 3% annual cost-of-living increases, builds in 5% longevity raises every five years, and transitions Marion County Fire Rescue to a 24-on, 72-off schedule by October 2029.
Ocala-Built: E-ONE Lands 120-Vehicle, $100M+ Order from Chicago Fire Department
The Chicago Fire Department has placed one of the largest emergency apparatus orders in North America — 120 vehicles valued at more than $100 million — with Ocala-headquartered E-ONE and its sister brand Wheeled Coach. The order includes 42 E-ONE pumpers, 38 aerial ladder trucks, and 40 Wheeled Coach ambulances.
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