Good morning, Ocala.

Ocala’s Programs in the Parks is hosting a free session on owls and bats today from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Nature Conservancy at 2005 NE 3rd Street—visitors of all ages are welcome to attend and should bring their own blankets or chairs.

On March 18th, Jacob Paul Hartzell was arrested on Maricamp Road in Ocala after several calls reported he blocked traffic, stripped off his clothes, and threw rocks at cars while appearing under the influence of meth—he damaged a vehicle’s mirror and faces charges of criminal mischief and disturbing the peace—and his bond was set at $1,500.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on multiple felony charges for allegedly firing several shots from his car at a home in Silver Springs Shores on February 16th—video evidence and damage estimated at $7,500 have linked him to the drive-by shooting.

On Monday, March 24th, noted local historian Annabelle Leitner will give a free Talking History presentation about four pioneering family lines that settled in Marion County from the 1820s to the 1920s at the Reddick Public Library (15150 NW Gainesville Road).

The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. and include tips for genealogical research.

A U.S. Census Bureau report showed that Ocala is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation as its population grew by over 50,000 people from the spring of 2020 to July 2024 and by 16,567 residents from July 2023 to July 2024, making it the only MSA to register at least a 4% gain.

Since the school year started on August 12, about 170 students were expelled from Marion County schools through February 28 (107 high school students, 60 middle school students and 3 elementary students).

The updated discipline report, which also shows 296 alternative placements, will be presented to the school board on March 25.

Marion County firefighters union and state representatives Judson Sapp and Richard Gentry are backing a new bill so that firefighters injured in training will get full insurance coverage.

The proposed change, introduced last week at a legislative convention in Tallahassee, will help cover firefighters and their families if injuries force early retirement.

Bomb training will resume the week of March 24-30 at the Pinecastle Range Complex in Ocala National Forest, where live and inert bombs will be dropped on March 24 from 1 to 5 p.m., on March 25 from 1:30 to 10 p.m., and from March 26–30 from 1 to 10 p.m. Ocala is the only east coast site where the Navy is allowed to use live explosives—training that follows a Feb. 12 incident where a dropped bomb started a 20-acre wildfire.

Marion County officials approved the final plat for Aurora Oaks’ phase one at 6280 SW 59th Street in Ocala on March 18, allowing construction to begin on 277 new homes and townhomes; the project will include amenities (a dog park, pool, pickleball courts, playground and gym) and is led by Calibrex Developments (a Canadian company).

Knightsnake: A Tribute to Whitesnake

Knightsnake, a five-piece tribute band, recreates the iconic music of Whitesnake with classic hits performed live.

Hammer Head: Florida Endurance Mountain Bike Series Race #6

The Hammer Head race is part of the 9th Annual Florida Endurance Mountain Bike series, featuring various race classes for all ages and skill levels at the Cross Florida Greenway Trails in Ocala.

Meeple Movers Board Game Night

5-9 p.m. | Meeple Movers Board Game Cafe | Free entry | Enjoy an evening of gaming with a library of over 300 games and friendly experts to guide you.

Ocala KidFest & Camp Fair

10 AM – 3 PM — Paddock Mall — Free entry — Explore family-friendly resources, fun activities, and summer camp giveaways.

On-Site Tour at Hampton Manor Deerwood

Explore the comprehensive care and vibrant community at Hampton Manor Deerwood, featuring nutritious meals and a variety of engaging activities for residents.

Indian Motorcycle Demo Event

— 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Indian Motorcycle Ocala — Free demo rides — Experience the all-new 2025 Scout lineup on a thrilling motorcycle adventure.

6th Annual Golf Extravaganza

12-5 p.m. — Ocala Golf Club — Enjoy a day of golfing fun for a good cause with fellow enthusiasts.

Makers Market

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop — Free admission — Discover unique handmade arts and crafts from local artisans while enjoying live music and good food.

Candlelight: The Best of The Beatles

8:30-9:30 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of The Beatles' music performed by an intimate string quartet under candlelight.

Ocala Oddities Market April Edition

6-10 p.m. — Florida Oddities Markets LLC — Free entry — Explore a uniquely quirky market with over 70 vendors showcasing oddities from taxidermy to handmade jewelry.