Ocala Police Department Welcomes 11 New Officers, Announces Key Promotions
Eleven officers and a new police chaplain were sworn in this week by Mayor Ben Marciano, while three longtime members of Ocala PD earned well-deserved promotions.
News
City of Ocala to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony for Skate Park Expansion
The City of Ocala will soon expand its popular skate park with more than 6,000 square feet of new space, including a competition bowl, beginner and intermediate areas, and a snake run. A groundbreaking ceremony is set for Thursday, Aug. 28, at 9:15 a.m. at the Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St. The project, managed by Platform Group, LLC, is expected to be completed by February 2026.
Second trial in killing of rapper Young Dolph starts in Memphis
The trial of a man charged with organizing the daytime ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph at a Memphis bakery in November 2021 began on Monday.
Veteran Joe Flacco selected as Browns starting QB for season opener against Bengals on Sept. 7
After four weeks, Joe Flacco has emerged as the winner of the Cleveland Browns’ four-way quarterback competition. The 40-year-old Flacco beat out Kenny Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Deshaun Watson is on the roster, but is expected to miss the season because of injuries.
Busta Rhymes and Ricky Martin will make history at 2025 MTV VMAs. Here’s who is taking the stage
Rapper Busta Rhymes will receive the first ever MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award and Ricky Martin will be honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, the VMAs announced Monday.
Cambridge Dictionary adds ‘skibidi’ and ‘tradwife’ among 6,000 new words
What the skibidi is happening to the English language? “Skibidi,” pronounced SKIH-bih-dee, is one of the slang terms popularized by social media that are among more than 6,000 additions this year to the Cambridge Dictionary.
‘Ketamine Queen’ accused of selling fatal dose to Matthew Perry agrees to plead guilty
Jasveen Sangha becomes the fifth and final defendant charged in the overdose death of the “Friends” star to strike a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, avoiding a trial that had been planned for September.
CF Foundation receives grant to support students and families through scholarships
The College of Central Florida received a $70,000 grant to assist students who may not qualify for financial aid.
Ocala’s Most Wanted: Six Fugitives Added to Crime Stoppers List on August 14
Ocala’s Crime Stoppers has identified six new fugitives, all wanted on felony charges ranging from grand theft to drug trafficking. Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating them.
Outdoor Expo Returns to Ocala for a Family-Friendly Weekend of Outdoor Adventure
The North Central Florida Outdoor Expo packed the World Equestrian Center with thousands of attendees, 150+ vendors, hands-on activities and family-friendly fun celebrating the region’s outdoor lifestyle.