The Ocala Insider
Latest News
|The Ocala Insider
Latest News

Subscribe

"Controversy in Ocala: Missing Teen Savannah Bass, New Business Tools, and Million-Dollar Lottery Winner!"

|
The Ocala Insider

The Ocala Insider

Archives

"Controversy in Ocala: Missing Teen Savannah Bass, New Business Tools, and Million-Dollar Lottery Winner!"

"Controversy in Ocala: Missing Teen Savannah Bass, New Business Tools, and Million-Dollar Lottery Winner!"
Ocala's latest innovation connects small business owners; Help needed to find missing teen Savannah Bass; Best restaurants for a memorable dining experience; FedEx expands in Ocala; World Equestrian Center prize list revealed; Marion County woman wins $1 million lottery prize!

Lisa Seigler

Jun 4, 2026

Trivia Question❓

In what year was the city of Ocala, Florida officially incorporated?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Two innovative business tools are emerging from Ocala to help small business owners connect with potential partners.

Workspace Collective

 

Columbia County deputies are seeking assistance in locating a missing teenage girl named Savannah Bass.

She is described as 5'4" with dark brown curly hair, last seen wearing a pink shirt and black shorts.

The direction she was heading is unknown.

If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact Columbia County Sheriff's Office Dispatch at (386)-719-2005.

Ocala’s dining scene is thriving, welcoming a fresh wave of vibrant eateries that have quickly become local favorites. The Brunch House on SE 5th Street stands out for its generous portions, friendly vibes, and standout dishes like Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes and Strawberry Nutella Crepes.

 

At the World Equestrian Center, The Equestrian Manor dazzles guests with luxurious ambiance, offering a range of culinary adventures—including Italian at Genievieve’s and Pan-Asian fare at The White Willow, both featuring rooftop views.

 

Locals seeking inventive, fresh cuisine flock to Three Six Bistro on SE 36th Avenue. Opened by Sean Langan, this spot thrives on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a modern flair.

 

For outdoor lovers,  The Crazy Cucumber 352 Eatery & Bar shines with the city’s largest patio, pet-friendly features, and weekend live music.

 

Nearby, El Patron Mexican Grill and Bar infuses traditional flavors, rounding out a truly dynamic culinary landscape in Ocala.


Read More...

FedEx has expanded its footprint in Ocala by acquiring a major freight distribution facility at 1702 SW 42nd Court, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing logistics in southwest Marion County.

 

The new facility spans almost 10 acres and features a 17,550-square-foot building, including a cross-dock platform with 41 loading doors and a secure yard designed for heavy truck operations.

 

With access to Interstate 75 and State Road 40 just a mile away, the site offers strategic convenience for regional freight movement.

 

This move supports FedEx’s corporate restructuring to create a more unified, efficient operation and mirrors broader industrial growth in Ocala.

 

Recent projects, such as Cordell Doors’ record-setting lease at Airport Logistics Park, underscore Ocala’s role as a manufacturing and logistics hub in Central Florida.

 

Community feedback is encouraged as industrial expansion continues to shape the local economic landscape.


Read More...

The 2026 Summer Series Prize List is now available for the upcoming 10-week circuit at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC), running from June 3 to August 9, 2026.

Competitors can enjoy showing in six air-conditioned indoor arenas with competition for all levels in hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions.

The circuit includes Regional Hunter/Level 3 Jumper, National Hunter/Level 6 Jumper, and Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competitions.

International competition at WEC – Ocala will feature over $3 million in FEI prize money and 39 FEI ranking classes.

There will also be opportunities for U25 athletes with three weeks of CSI-U25 competitions offering $100,000 in prize money each week.

Hunter events include the South Standlee/USHJA National Hunter Derby Regional Championship in Week II and the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition in Week III.

Additionally, the Young Jumper Championship Final presented by Karlswood will take place during Week V.

A Marion County woman, Angelique Hernandez, won a $1 million prize from a $20 Scratch-Off ticket.

She claimed her prize at the Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee and opted for a $640,000 lump-sum payment.

The winning ticket was purchased at a Publix in Belleview.

The GOLD RUSH LEGACY Scratch-Off game, launched in April 2024, offers four top prizes of $10 million and 20 prizes of $1 million.

Overall, the game provides more than $894 million in total cash prizes with odds of winning at 1-in-2.97.


This newsletter sponsored by
Sponsor Spot

Your Business feature Here!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Ocala, Florida was officially incorporated as a city in January 28,1885.

The Ocala Insider

© 2026 The Ocala Insider.

The Ocala Insider is a free weekly newsletter that helps you find fun things to do in Ocala. We share local events, great places to eat, and cool spots around town so you don’t miss out.

© 2026 The Ocala Insider.