Austin L. Miller

2 weeks ago | ocala.com | Austin L. Miller

The Kentucky Derby will be held May 3 at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. As usual, multiple horses in the field have Ocala or Marion County connections. Has any horse with Marion County ties won the Kentucky Derby? Yes. To name two: In 2024, Mystik Dan which was trained at Silverleaf Hills Training Center, won the Run For the Roses. In 2022, Rich Strike, a late entrant to the derby field, won the race. He had his early training at Mayberry Farm in Ocala.

2 weeks ago | ocala.com | Austin L. Miller

Daniel Raatz pleaded no contest to charges of stalking with prejudice, harassing phone calls, and child abuse. He received five years of probation and must undergo mental health evaluation and anger management courses. Raatz is prohibited from contacting the victim or their family. The charges stem from a 2024 incident where Raatz and his wife allegedly harassed and racially abused a Black child and their family. His wife, Kyndall Raatz, faces similar charges in a separate ongoing case.

2 weeks ago | ocala.com | Austin L. Miller

Danielle Brewer was appointed interim superintendent of Marion County Public Schools. Brewer's contract is for $169,333 annually and runs through April 29, 2026, unless a permanent superintendent is hired sooner. Brewer will work alongside outgoing Superintendent Diane Gullett until July 11. The school board is considering a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent.

2 weeks ago | ocala.com | Austin L. Miller

The shooting occurred near Southeast 128th Street and 107th Court. Hargrove's death is being investigated as a homicide. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers. Sheriff's officials have released the name of the person who died April 29. Authorities said the victim is Tevin Hargrove, 33. Deputies said they were called to Southeast 128th Street and 107th Court in reference to a shooting.

2 weeks ago | ocala.com | Austin L. Miller

A 74-year-old motorcyclist died after colliding with an SUV in Weirsdale, Florida. The accident occurred at the intersection of Southeast Sunset Harbor Road and County Road 25. An 80-year-old woman driving the SUV reportedly failed to yield to the motorcycle. WEIRSDALE — A motorcycle rider died the afternoon of April 26 when he was involved in a two-vehicle wreck in southeast Marion County. Here's what we know:Which agency is investigating the crash? Florida Highway Patrol. Where was the crash?