Good morning, Ocala.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission will host a backpack and school supply drive on Friday, Jan.

16 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center — other MLK events are scheduled through Jan. 19.

A Dunnellon restaurant was misreported as closed for failing a health inspection, but state records now show it never closed due to a clerical error.

The update follows a January 6 report and a correction issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

The Rose Barn is opening its drive-thru flower shop this weekend on Saturday, Jan.

17 at 912 NE 14th Street, converting a former beverage stop into the city’s first such outlet with grab-and-go bouquets, a micro nursery, and an interactive Bouquet Bar.

The two-day Rock the Country festival will take place Aug.

28 and 29 at Florida Horse Park – Brooks and Dunn will headline on the first day and Blake Shelton on the second day.

Citizens Insurance will lower rates by an average of 8.7% for multiperil homeowners' policies statewide, with new rates set for spring renewals following legislative reforms that increased market competition — Gov. DeSantis called an earlier 2.6% cut 'milquetoast.'

A mobile food truck in Ocala was temporarily shut down after a Jan.

5 inspection found seven violations (including an expired license and improper wastewater disposal) that must be fixed before it can reopen.

Local high schools are holding an Athlete of the Week poll for Jan.

5-10 + readers can vote as often as they like until Friday at noon. Coaches and athletic directors compiled 19 standout nominees from soccer and basketball games across the county.

TV20 Sports invites local fans to vote for the High School Sports Play of the Week featuring plays from a soccer pitch to the hardwood.

Votes will be collected online and winners will be spotlighted during TV20 Sports segments at 6:00 p.m. + 11:00 p.m.

GHS girls basketball team earned its fourth win last Monday night—outlasting Fort White in a close game—and boosted its season record.

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.

Brick City Bluegrass Festival

7 p.m. — Ocala Citizens' Circle — Tickets available now — Enjoy live performances from your favorite bluegrass artists at this year's festival.

Special Olympics Florida

All day — Florida Horse Park — Free entry — Celebrate athleticism and inclusion at the Special Olympics in Ocala.

Little Shop of Horrors Live Performance

2:00 – 4:30 PM — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hilarious and thrilling story of Seymour and his eccentric plant in this beloved musical.

First Time Home Buyer Workshop

5-9 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Free entry — Gain expert insights and resources to make your home buying journey smooth and successful.