Good morning, Ocala.

The $4.6 million OCALA Gateway Project on Interstate 75, funded by tourist development tax revenue, is set to be substantially complete by early March 2025, enhancing Marion County's welcome for northbound visitors.

A Pep Boys manager in Ocala was arrested for allegedly embezzling nearly $50,000 from the store over eight months.

Barons Creek Vineyards, a Texas-based winery, is set to open a new location in downtown Ocala, aiming for a May/June launch.

A horse farm in northwest Ocala with two parcels totaling over 35 acres was sold for $3.6 million to Ashley Maul and Errol Maul.

Ava Mai, an eighth grader at Liberty Middle School, won the Marion County 2025 Spelling Bee, spelling 'derivative' to clinch the title among 22 participants from 11 schools.

Central Florida school districts face significant budget adjustments due to a 52% increase in school bus costs since 2020, amidst inflation and rising manufacturing expenses.

The Ocala City Council greenlit the rezoning for the last phase of the Emerson Pointe development, paving the way for an additional 72 homes out of a total 323.

Marion County officials are considering adjustments to impact fees on developers to cover the costs of transportation and fire services due to growth.

Country Club of Ocala Invitational Golf Tournament

The Country Club of Ocala Invitational is a two-day, 36-hole stroke play event featuring Championship, Legends, and Hall of Fame flights for male golfers.

Ocala Metro Chamber of Commerce Annual Lunch 2025

The Annual Luncheon, focused on the theme 'The Power of Partnership', will bring together over 1,200 partners from the Ocala region for networking and discussion.

Ballet Magnificat! presents 'Deliver Us!'

Experience Ballet Magnificat!’s acclaimed ballet 'Deliver Us!', telling the story of Moses and the Exodus set to the music of 'The Prince of Egypt'.

38th Annual Car Show and Swap Meet

The 38th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet at Florida Horse Park features a variety of car shows and community activities.

11th Annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival

The festival features over 230 vendors, kid-friendly activities, a car show, and fresh strawberries, all while supporting Habitat for Humanity's mission.

FACAP's 47th Annual Seminar: Blazing a Trail in Fire Investigation

The seminar focuses on advancing fire investigation training and enhancing arson awareness at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.

Santos Fat Tire Festival 2025

This annual festival in Ocala celebrates mountain biking and features various activities related to the sport, drawing enthusiasts from across the Southeast.

Master Gardener Spring Festival 2025

The UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners host the largest plant sale in the region during their annual Spring Festival.

Moot Thomas Invitational Golf Championship

The Moot Thomas Invitational is a 54-hole stroke play championship for men aged 55 and older, held at the Ocala Golf Club, featuring various age divisions for competitors.

Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping Tournament

The Live Oak International features America's largest combined driving and show jumping tournament, benefiting local charities, with general admission and various food vendors available.