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Ocala Star Banner

partner publisher · 20.6K followers
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8 Marion County restaurants cited for high-priority violations

You can use the database to search by county or by restaurant name . Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Marion County restaurant inspections site . Here's the breakdown for recent health inspections in Marion County, Florida, for the week of Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2026. Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here. Disclaimer: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as a 'snapshot' of conditions present at the time of the inspection. On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. For full restaurant inspection details, visit our Marion County restaurant inspection site . Which Marion County restaurants got perfect scores on their health inspections? These restaurants met all standards during their Oct. 26-Nov. 1 inspections and no violations were found. Champions Restaurant

Marion County, FL · 7d

gazettenewsthevillages.com

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Four Villages residents booked into Sumter County jail on Halloween

Four people who gave The Villages as their address were booked into the Sumter County jail on Halloween afternoon and evening, Oct. 31, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office jail roster. The bookings include a misdemeanor DUI charge, two probation violations and sex offender registration charges. All four...

Sumter County, FL · 9d
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villages-news.com

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New Walmart in The Villages nearly complete

Construction is nearing completion on the newest Walmart Neighborhood Market in The Villages, which will be the third local store addition by the big-box retailer this year. The new Walmart is situated on a 9.26-acre parcel at 16625 SE 91st Phillips Court, behind the Mulberry Grove Plaza and in front of the Phillips Villas.

The Villages, FL · 5d
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ocala-news.com

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Dog the Bounty Hunter has made Ocala his new home

Duane Chapman, who is best known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” has officially relocated to Ocala, becoming the city’s newest celebrity resident. Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano confirmed Chapman’s residency on Monday, Nov. 9, after hosting the television personality and his wife, Francie Chapman, at his office.

Ocala, FL · 19h
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Gary Smith

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Marion County, FL, Restaurants with the Most Violations in October 2026

If you ate out in Marion County, Florida, this past October, you will want to know which kitchens had the most trouble during their recent restaurant inspection. State records showed that the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation conducted inspections at 105 restaurants in Marion County in the last 30 days. The good news is that 64 establishments passed on their first visit. The bad news is that 41 restaurants failed to meet standards initially, with some requiring follow-up inspections before meeting food-serving standards.

Marion County, FL · 9d

villages-news.com

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We are supposed to be ‘Florida’s Friendliest Hometown’

I continue to read multiple letters that only ignite political division throughout The Villages. I understand everyone has a right to their own opinion! That being said, can’t that be communicated in a respectful way on this platform? The name-calling and complete disrespect for others who don’t belong to one party or another are out of control. One individual here, who seems to get his letters posted regularly, calls fellow Villagers traitors and questions their intelligence. Also, using terms like “filthy pig” is, to me (my opinion, of course), completely unnecessary. I don’t even have to say his name because I’m betting if this gets posted, anyone who reads this will know; he’s not the only one, but he sure seems to get and enjoy the spotlight. All I’m asking for is some type of standard for these letters getting posted and for people to show respect to their fellow Villagers! I am not trying to stop anyone from stating his or her opinion, but please, editor, use better judgment by only posting letters that convey these opinions in a respectful way. We are supposed to be “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown,” so how about maybe starting there and creating a better, more respectful forum for opinions to be shared. Again, some of my fellow Villagers might not agree with my post and maybe some will, but I feel I’ve stated my opinion respectfully and stand by my words.

The Villages, FL · 13h

Daily Commercial

partner publisher · 10.0K followers

Lake County restaurant first to fetch Michelin Guide recognition

Did you know that 1921 Mount Dora, beloved for its "modern Florida cuisine," is an official Michelin Guide-recommended and selected restaurant ? It's a first for Lake County cuisine. The downtown Mount Dora hub for contemporary cuisine has been recognized for quality cooking and a farm-to-table focus. Celebrity Chef Norman Van Aken helped launch 1921 Mount Dora — named after the year the historic home housing the restaurant was built — about a decade ago and set a high bar for the future success before his 2018 departure. The restaurant's staff and culinary team played major roles in its recent recognition. Longtime manager Adam Crane's career in hospitality started early and has taken him to some of Central Florida’s most acclaimed dining rooms before joining 1921 Mount Dora — including The Ravenous Pig, Prato and Luma on Park. He's a UCF Rosen College alumnus and Certified Sommelier. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu Orlando, Executive Chef Brenton Hillman , builds menus around the freshest local ingredients — working hand-in-hand with regional farmers such as Sugar Top Farms in Clermont and Far Reach Ranch in Tavares and many others to curate what he deems the best seafood, produce and meats and proteins

Lake County, FL · 12d

WFTV Channel 9 Orlando

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330-unit rental community near The Villages sold to new owner

Centennial Holding Company acquired The Juliette, a 330-unit rental community near The Villages, according to JLL.

The Villages, FL · 1d

937kcountry.com

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Thoroughbred racetrack developer announces it has found a location in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Gilligan Racing, LLC and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association announced last week that they have secured a new location for a new Thoroughbred racing facility in Marion County. Of course, they’re not saying exactly where just yet. In a...

Marion County, FL · 7d

villages-news.com

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Villagers need to know about what is being considered at landfill

People across The Villages should know what is being considered at Heart of Florida Landfill. Heart of Florida Landfill in Sumter County is pursuing deep-well disposal of leachate, the liquid collected from garbage. Its exploratory permit allows work to study the underground geology. That is different from permission to operate a leachate-disposal well.

Sumter County, FL · 7d

Ocala Star Banner

partner publisher · 20.6K followers

State inspectors temporarily closed two Ocala restaurants

You can use the database to search by county or by restaurant name . Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Marion County restaurant inspections site . Here's the breakdown for recent health inspections in Marion County, Florida, for the week of Nov. 2-8, 2026. Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here. Disclaimer: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as a 'snapshot' of conditions present at the time of the inspection. On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. For full restaurant inspection details, visit our Marion County restaurant inspection site . Which Marion County restaurants got perfect scores on their health inspections? These restaurants met all standards during their Nov. 2-8 inspections and no violations were found. Archie's , Mobile food

Ocala, FL · 18h

villages-news.com

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The Villages issues reminder about garbage pickup on Veterans Day

The Villages has announced that all sanitation schedules will remain entirely unchanged on Wednesday, Nov. 11. For residents expecting visitors who need Guest ID cards, services will be limited for the holiday. Guest ID card services, trail fee payments, and activity registration will only be available from 8:30 a.m. to noon at six specific recreation centers: La Hacienda, Lake Miona, Eisenhower, Rohan, Everglades, and Olympia.

The Villages, FL · 10h

leesburg-news.com

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Inspector finds live insects at seafood restaurant at Lake Harris Square

An inspector found numerous live insects during a visit to a seafood restaurant in Leesburg. Four to five small bugs flew by a three-compartment sink during an inspection at the Seafood Shack, located at 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27 Ste. 121, Leesburg, on Thursday, Oct. 15, according to a report on file with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Leesburg, FL · 12d

click orlando

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Lake County Schools goes to court after 47,000 student records ‘mistakenly released’ to parent

TAVARES, Fla. – The Lake County school district “mistakenly released” more student records than previously thought, and they are going to court to get them destroyed. A district attorney updated school board members on the debacle during a meeting Monday. Originally the school district said 1,800 student...

Lake County, FL · 13h

Uncovered Investigates

partner publisher · 44 followers

Opinion | Ocala doesn’t need a celebrity welcome committee

Duane Chapman’s move merits no civic celebration, and a famous name is no substitute for a public contribution.

Ocala, FL · 10h

ocala-news.com

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New 10-acre commercial center, Dollar Tree planned for Ocala intersection

Plans have been filed for a new commercial center spanning more than 10 acres in southwest Marion County, with a Dollar Tree discount store, retail outparcels, and future commercial pads slated for the site. The Freedom Park Commercial & Professional Center is a new, 10.31-acre commercial subdivision that is being...

Ocala, FL · 1d

villages-news.com

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PWAC agrees to spend $322,947 for major renovation of dog park in The Villages

The Project Wide Advisory Committee on Monday morning agreed to spend $322,947 on a major renovation of the Brinson-Perry Dog Park. The existing dog park features a steep grade that officials noted is not conducive to pedestrians or pets. To fix the issue, the newly designed park will feature a level slope intended to greatly enhance usability and safety for residents and their dogs.

The Villages, FL · 1d

gazettenewsthevillages.com

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Meggison Road intersection at CR 470 to close Nov. 30 through Dec. 18

Drivers who use Meggison Road to reach County Road 470 near Florida’s Turnpike will need another route for nearly three weeks, as the intersection is scheduled to close from Nov. 30 through Dec. 18 for road construction, the Village Community Development Districts announced Thursday. Why it’s closing. The...

Lake County, FL · 3d

352today.com

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Dreamland Amusements brings rides, games and cirque to Marion County

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Dreamland Amusements was host to the annual I-75 Flea Market Fair from Wednesday, Oct. 28-Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 4121 NW 44th Ave., Ocala. Dreamland Amusements visits multiple counties every year sporting vendors, food tricks, rides and live performances. Guests had the opportunity to explore...

Ocala, FL · 7d

extendedreachusa.com

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Publix Expands in Polk County: New Shopping Center Signals More Commercial Real Estate Opportunities in Central Florida

Publix Super Markets is making another move in Central Florida’s commercial real estate market, with the Lakeland-based grocery giant set to anchor a new shopping center in Polk County, Florida. The development, reported by the Tampa Bay Business Journal on November 9, 2026, adds to a growing list of grocery-anchored retail projects reshaping one of Florida’s important commercial growth corridors.

Polk County, FL · 1d