Good morning, Ocala.

The national group Braver Angels will hold a community forum on the effects of kratom on Feb.

19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters in Ocala+ where residents can join discussions to build trust across political differences.

Hundreds of gymnasts will descend on WEC Expo Center 1 from Feb.

20—22 to compete in the Charity Challenge Cup and raise funds for Finding a Cure for ALG13-CDG. Balcony Gymnastics is one of the teams supporting the effort with money earned from athlete fees and awards.

Local artist Justin Alsedek completed a 100-foot mural on the facade of Neighborhood Storage at 1525 NE 8th Avenue last month, marking the first test project of the new redevelopment grant program for east Ocala.

The project began in January 2025.

Master the Possibilities will host two March presentations in Ocala—on March 12, historian Fredrik Logevall will discuss JFK's leadership from 6 to 7:15 p.m., and on March 20, NASA’s Greg Clements will outline America’s space program from 3 to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $8 for members and $13 for non-members.

Florida Forest Service officials said a fire near Malauka Loop grew more than 50 acres since Saturday and is now 90% contained.

State environmental officials approved CSX Rail's cleanup plan Monday & remediation will begin today in Dunnellon after a massive fire burned thousands of railroad ties & city officials plan to join Marion County’s legal action if cleanup efforts fall short.

An Ocala resident from SummerGlen urged Marion County to complete road construction at key intersections like SW CR 484 and I-75 — ahead of new openings for Publix and Walmart — and said the 49th Ave bypass project is expected to take three years as traffic problems persist.

State Rep. Wyman Duggan and Sen. Jason Brodeur introduced a bill to restore the Ocklawaha River by gradually draining Rodman Reservoir (across Putnam and Marion counties); the DEP plan is due by Jul.

1 with complete restoration by 2032. The measure passed key committees and awaits a full vote.

Inspectors temporarily closed China King in Ocala after a Feb.

4 inspection found 12 violations, including a live squirrel on an air duct above a dry storage closet and rodent droppings on the kitchen floor; the restaurant must fix the issues before reopening.

Residents are invited to vote for one of five nominees for the TV20 Play of the Week award.

WCJB notes that sports fans can watch Florida Gators highlights on TV20 Sports at 6:00 and 11:00 today.

Thirteen Marion County high school basketball teams earned playoff berths after FHSAA unveiled its brackets on Feb.

9, including district title winners like North Marion and Vanguard. Local teams now prepare for first-round matchups on the NFHS Network.

Ocala Olympic speedskaters Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe raced in the women’s 1,000m event on Monday, Feb.

9 in Italy—Bowe finished fourth at 1:14.55 while Jackson came in sixth. Bowe will compete in team pursuit on Feb. 17 and Jackson will race 500m on Feb. 15.

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.

Burnyzz Gatornationals FanFest 2026

6-9 p.m. — Burnyzz — Vehicle registration $10 early, $15 day of show — Celebrate the Gatornationals with live music, driver autographs, and family-friendly activities.

L.E.A.F. Series: Spring Gardens Workshop

10:30 a.m. — Sholom Park — Free — Get hands-on guidance for preparing and planting your spring garden in this interactive workshop.

Latino Festival

11 AM – 6 PM — Ocala Citizens' Circle — Free entry — Celebrate Latin American culture with music, food, and handicrafts.

Candlelight Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

4-7 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical candlelight concert showcasing the legendary music of Queen and The Beatles.