Good morning, Ocala.

Florida's average gas price reached $3.453 on March 8, up 11 cents from earlier, and recent data show a steady rise across the state.

Local drivers are encouraged to use gas apps to compare prices for better savings.

Volunteers cleaned 30 miles of shoreline along the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers on Sunday; organized teams led by Rum 138 and Our Santa Fe River pulled trash and mapped hotspots.

The effort later turned into a Clean Up After Party at Rum 138 in Fort White — featuring live music, food, and prizes.

A Tampa Bay Buccaneer legend is raising awareness for early cancer detection at ClearView Imaging Center, which he helped start in The Villages.

The center offers screening services that may help residents catch cancer sooner+details are available for inquiries.

Marion County health officials will offer free or low-cost breast cancer screenings for eligible women at the DOH-Marion Ocala Facility on Wednesday, March 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eligible women (aged 40–64 with incomes at or below 200% of the poverty level and no insurance) can take advantage of this early detection opportunity.

A mixed-use development on a 251-acre site in southwest is set for review today at 5:30 p.m. at city hall, proposing over 2,000 new homes plus nearly one million sqft of commercial space potentially including a sportsplex.

Local officials and residents note potential traffic challenges and impact on community character.

Ocala's Josh Hart set a new speed record at Gainesville Raceway and won the NHRA Gatornationals Top Fuel title on Sunday, March 8.

The driver, racing for John Force Racing — his first win with the team — achieved a key milestone in a memorable weekend.

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.

Irish Eyes are Mile'ing 5K

8 a.m. — Ocala Citizens' Circle — $30 early entry fee — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a 5K run supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Live On Stage: Steel Magnolias

2-4 PM — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Price info not provided — Experience heartfelt laughter in a vibrant Louisiana beauty salon.

Marion County Fair at I-75 Flea Market

4-11 p.m. — i-75 Flea Market-Vallejo Eventos — $5 admission — Experience family-friendly rides, games, live music, and thrilling circus acts at this annual community fair.

Park After Dark: Musical Mosaic Featuring Gypsy Sparrow

5:15-6:15 p.m. — Sholom Park — $20 per person — Experience a dynamic concert with Gypsy Sparrow performing classic hits across the decades.

Tara Cannistraci Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Marion Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of Bronx-born humor from Italian-American comedian Tara Cannistraci.

3rd Annual Ocala Spring Craft Fair

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free entry — Discover over 200 artisans showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship at this vibrant craft fair.

Tailgate at For Love of the Horse Polo Classic

12-6 p.m. — Florida Horse Park — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a thrilling afternoon of competitive polo in Ocala's scenic horse capital.

Ocala Arabian Spring Qualifier

8 AM – 9 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free admission — Celebrate the beauty and versatility of the Arabian horse across various disciplines.

Southern Easter Prix-Fixe

12-5 p.m. — Stirrups Restaurant — Reservations required — Celebrate Easter with a Southern-inspired four-course menu and unlimited mimosas.