Ocala Gazette Podcast

Podcast episode for the week of February 28, 2025.In this episode, you'll hear the comments made by Governor Ron DeSantis during the groundbreaking ceremony for the I-75 expansion project in Marion County. The Govenor speaks candidly about the approval process and plans to build the state's largest Buc-ee's location. You'll also hear from Ocala Gazette editor Susan Smiley-Height discussing the upcoming events for the month of March.Our guest is author Marian Rizzo, who wrote about education programs for deaf students in Marion County, which make use of ASL interpreters and modern technology to help the students learn.

In this week's episode, we hear comments from Commissioners Craig Curry and Michelle Stone regarding HB 105, a Florida legislative bill that would decouple horse racing and casinos.Also this week, we talk to Jennifer Hunt Murty and Caroline Brauchler, who tell us about the county's plan to implement new impact fees, and how the school district went about implementing impact fees after a similar struggle.Finally, Susan Smiley-Height shares info about a type of cancer screening that is available for free for Marion County veterans.

Ocala Gazette Podcast episode for the week of February 14-20, 2025.In this episode, we'll discuss the Gazette's on going investigation into the deaths at the Marion County jail.We also talk with the stars of the play Daddy Long Legs at OCT, along with the artistic director at OCT about the upcoming play SpongeBob The Musical.

Ocala Gazette Podcast episode for the week of January 27, 2025.In this episode, we take a look back at the Ma Barker shootout that took place in Ocklawaha in 1935, as it was recently the site of a historical commemoration in Marion County. We also examine the DCRA, or the Death in Custody Reporting Act, a federal law that requires local law enforcement to report instances of deaths that take place within police custody. And finally, we also discuss a $10,000 donation made to Interfaith Emergency Services as part of HCA's food drive initiative, and a former Marion County high school football coach who was arrested this month for underage sex crimes.

Ocala Gazette Podcast episode for the week of January 20, 2025. In this episode, we take a look back at the Martin Luther King Day march in Ocala, as well as the Duck Derby event from the Ocala Rotary Club. We also look ahead to the gala weekend from Pinnacle Cares, headlined by country artist Jay Allen.

Ocala Gazette Podcast episode for the week of January 13, 2025.This week, we take a look at some of the events scheduled to commemorate Martin Luther King Day in Ocala. We also celebrate some recent award winners who were honored for their achievements. And finally, we recap the recent debate within the Dunnellon city government as how they plan on filling the vacancy of Chief of Police.

Ocala Gazette Podcast episode for the week of January 6, 2025. In this edition, we recap some of the reporting from last year and the impact it had, and take a look at the work of beauty pageant contestant and nonprofit CEO Casana Fink, a graduate of Forest High School and Miss Florida winner who competed in the 2025 Miss America Pageant, We also remember the life of Buddy Mackay, a former U.S. representative and governor of Florida who lived in Ocala, who passed away on December 31. And finally, tell the story of Steven Cabrera, a paramedic whose off-duty heroism saved the life of a man in a burning car on I-75.

In this week's episode, we examine the different systems used by Marion County and City of Ocala emergency response, and the need for a unified response system.

In this week's episode, we look back at the adoption ceremony that took place in Ocala on December 13, 2024, where 18 children found their forever homes. We also get to know each of the finalists for this year's Golden Apple Teacher of the Year award.

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.