Good morning, Ocala.

Several Ocala residents have mixed feelings about the planned BJ's Wholesale Club, with some happy for more local shopping and others worried about increased traffic as new homes and businesses boost local demand.

Their letters urge road and infrastructure improvements before further growth.

Raney’s Truck Parts will host its second big-rig showcase and fundraiser on Feb.

6 and 7 at Raney’s Chrome Shop (3030 W. Silver Springs Blvd.) with food trucks, live music and a Friday night light show from 3 to 8 p.m. to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

United Way of Marion County is hosting the second annual Children’s Charity Classic on Feb.

20 at HITS Post Time Farm near Ocala. Nonprofits will be paired with equine teams under a board game theme to support programs for children and families.

Volunteers with the Joint Office on Homelessness Prevention conducted HUD’s annual PIT count on Jan.

21-22 to ask where residents slept and to identify unsheltered individuals. Officials will use the data to help local agencies plan housing and outreach services.

A family of four and six dogs escaped injury Monday after a fire spread quickly through a double-wide mobile home at 6600 NE 2nd Place in Ocala; local firefighters brought the blaze under control by 12:45 p.m. and the American Red Cross has been called to assist the displaced family.

Spokes European Circus is coming to VFW Post 4209 (4805 NE 36th Avenue), with its first show set for Friday, Jan.

30 at 7 p.m. The traveling act will feature horse performances, live music and a fun Midway with pony rides and games.

The OBS Winter Mixed live sale today sold 186 thoroughbreds for over $3.5 million & outperformed last year's totals.

Marion County high schools will get 19 Opengate Weapons Detection Systems after school board members voted Tuesday evening to allocate ($400,000) for the purchase.

Over 500 conservation easement applications were submitted by farmers and ranchers by Jan.

26 to help keep rural property undeveloped, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program supports these efforts.

Members of the House Budget Committee hosted a reading of House Bill 981 Tuesday to advance efforts to restore the Ocklawaha River + committee members gave the measure overwhelming support.

Thirty-two local athletes earned Athlete of the Week nominations from standout performances in soccer, basketball and other sports during Jan.

19-24—community members may vote until Friday at noon to select their top performer.

Dory Funk Jr., a local wrestling icon who will turn 85 on Feb.

3, remains a celebrated figure in Ocala — known for his storied career that captivates fans — as his wife Marti marks 40 years of marriage on Feb. 21.

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.

Ocala Anime-Fest

10 AM – 5 PM — Hilton Ocala — Ticket prices vary — Experience a vibrant gathering for anime enthusiasts in a welcoming community setting.

2026 All for the Horses Expo

9 AM - 2 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free admission — Experience an expansive equine expo featuring elite brands, live demonstrations, and interactive showcases.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele

8:30-9:29 PM — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — $31.44 — Experience the soulful music of Adele illuminated by candlelight in a unique atmosphere.

10th Annual VOCAL Furball: A Western Extravaganza

6-10 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Ticket required — A whimsical night of Western style and heartfelt giving for Marion County's cats and dogs.