In this week's episode, we examine the Ocala City Council's vote to approve a $1.1 million for new trash compactors, although facing opposition from private sector businesses. We also look back at the Jeeptoberfest event from the Ocala Jeep Club, which raises money for charity, and take a look inside Grace Marketplace, a low-barrier shelter in Alachua County.

In this week’s episode, we'll breakdown the proposed budget for the new high school in southwest Marion County, which came in $29 million over the plan's original estimate. We'll also take a look at the new exhibit at the Brick City Center for the Arts, and recap the Ocala City Council's plan to build a new parking garage on the site of the old Mount Moriah Missionary Church.

In this week’s episode, we examine the sentencing of Susan Lorincz for the manslaughter of AJ Owens, a 34-year-old mother of four. Lorincz, 60, received a 25-year sentence from Judge Robert Hodges on Monday.

Also in this episode, we talk to photographer and avid “birder” Michael Warren, whose photos appear weekly in the Ocala Gazette’s Bird of the Week series.

And finally, nominations are currently open for the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County’s Inspire Gala.

Ocala Gazette Podcast episode for the week of November 22, 2024. 

In this week's episode, we examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of inmates at the Marion County Jail. It's part of an on-going investigation into the death of Scott Whitley, who died in custody two years ago on November 25, 2022, and the legal battle to make the security footage public.

Also in the news, hear more about Marion County nonprofits CASA Marion and Interfaith Emergency Services, which provide life saving services to vulnerable members of our community. 

In sports, Trinity Catholic HS head coach John Brantley is stepping down after a successful career which saw the team win 10 district championships and 1 FHSAA state championship. 

And finally, Light Up Ocala returns to the downtown square this weekend.

Ocala Gazette Podcast episode for the week of November 15, 2024. 

In this week's episode, we take a look back at the life of James Melton, a recording artist and American icon who grew up in Citra. Melton was honored this week with a plaque outside of the historic Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala. 

Also in the news, the appointments of the Trump administration's cabinet positions have several Florida ties. Senator Marco Rubio and Representatives Matt Gaetz and Michael Waltz, respectively, have been nominated for positions, pending confirmations.

The Bring Home the Harvest Holiday Food Drive is currently underway in Marion County, now through December 6. The food drive goes to support several food pantries that help needy families and veterans during the holiday season. 

And finally, an original play, titled "The Impresario" from Ocala Civic Theatre debuts this weekend.

Podcast episode for the week of November 8th.

In this week's episode, we'll go over the local referendums to extend two county sales tax measures for infrastructure and schools, respectively. These referendums passed with majority support from voters, thanks in part to a successful campaigns spearheaded by independent committees.

We'll also discuss the upcoming Ocali County Days and the incredible kiln skills of Deb Sands, as well as the historic Holiday Bazaar festival at Grace Episcopal Church.

Podcast episode for the week of November 1st. 

In this week's episode, we'll go over the County's decision to issue a special-use permit to create a plastic pipe manufacturing plant, which will result in the increased use of a decrepit railroad line near downtown Ocala. 

We'll also discuss the school district amending its contract with local law enforcement agencies to add additional school resource officers, and the Ocala Film Derby gives students a chance for hands-on learning of filmmaking.