Good morning, Ocala.

Mary Sue Rich was honored during a Jan.

3 celebration at Central Christian Church (her 24 years as the city's first Black female councilwoman made her a trailblazer) with music and eulogies uniting local leaders and family to remember her legacy.

Thousands of locals visit the Ocala Downtown Market on weekends as artists, chefs + farmers set up at the Weekly Buzz to offer fresh food and creative displays.

The National Weather Service update from Jan.

1 shows that North Central Florida is in severe drought as dry skies and high heat persist; forecasts for rain on Saturday may help ease the conditions, officials said.

Ocala skaters Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe qualified for the 1,000-meter races at the XXV Winter Olympics in Italy from Feb.

6 to 22. They earned top finishes at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Milwaukee — Jackson aims to defend her 500-meter title while Bowe will retire after a storied career.

Young Artist Competition - Honors Recital

3-5 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Complimentary tickets for subscribers — Experience the inspiring performances of young musicians competing for soloist opportunities with the Ocala Symphony.

Cherokee Jazz and Rock Night

6-9 p.m. — The Pavilion at Green Gaits — Free entry — Enjoy smooth saxophone melodies and keyboard classics in a lively jazz and rock performance.

Free Movie: Rocky

12-2 p.m. — Epic Theatres of Ocala — Free entry — Experience the inspiring classic 'Rocky' and witness the power of perseverance and self-belief.

Mid Florida Truck and Tractor Pull

12:00 AM — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion — Adults $20, Kids $10, 6 & under free — Experience the thrill of roaring engines and powerful machines in a local favorite event.

Car & Craft Show

10 AM – 2 PM — The Arc of Marion — $15 cars, $10 crafts — Celebrate creativity and vehicles while supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Little Shop of Horrors Opening Night

5:30-7 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Drinks available — Enjoy a pre-show gathering with the director on opening night of a beloved musical.

JUCO Baseball Showcase 2026

9 AM - 3 PM — College of Central Florida Ocala Campus — Registration fee required — A one-day event for high school players to showcase their skills to JUCO coaches.