Good morning, Ocala.

Andrea Smith of Pounds for Pounds Animal Charities held a fundraiser 'pawty' at Rainbow Springs Art on Feb.

7, setting a record with 4,252 lb collected. The gallery hosts a pet art exhibit until March 5 and will hold a reception on Feb. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Alachua County commissioners spent hours reviewing public comments on a proposal to launch the Wildflowers festival—a five-day music event expected to draw 5,000 people to rural Melrose.

Marion County officials set a mandatory burn ban at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday because dry conditions and strong winds increased wildfire risks near Weirsdale and Ocklawaha — residents should follow guidelines for safe cooking.

Experts advise that adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly and offer many alternatives to the gym—such as working out at home, joining clubs, or streaming classes—to help residents stay healthy in Marion County.

Yang McClure filed a complaint in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court on Jan.

29 alleging that Ocala Dental Care botched her implant procedure on Jan. 17 at its Shady Oaks Shopping Center, resulting in permanent injury requiring corrective surgery and prompting her to seek over $50,000 in damages.

After a strong week in sports, 21 Ocala-area athletes, including top basketball & soccer players, have been nominated for Marion County Athlete of the Week; readers can vote for their top performer until Friday at noon.

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.

The Ocala Boat Show

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Exclusive boat show savings — Discover the latest models from MasterCraft, Barletta, and Tidewater with expert guidance for your next adventure.