Good morning, Ocala.

The Humane Society dedicated its new Memorial Garden on Wednesday, March 25 with a remodeled space featuring a gazebo and updated hardscapes.

Future plans include a columbarium and memorial walls to honor local pets.

ULA's Atlas V rocket will launch at 3:53 a.m. ET Sunday, March 29 from Cape Canaveral, and Ocala residents may see it light up the early sky if weather permits.

The mission will send the fifth Amazon Leo satellite into orbit.

A reenactment of Fort King's most significant battle, The Rains Battle, will take place Saturday, March 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fort King National Historic Landmark (3925 E Fort King Street, Ocala) with blacksmithing and historical demonstrations.

Florida gas prices have barely dropped this week and local drivers still pay around $3.88 per gallon.

The USPS announced an 8% fuel surcharge beginning midnight April 26 if approved, which may raise travel and shipping costs.

The renovated library at 5870 SW 95th Street — now nearly 32,000 sqft with a new 5,000 sqft children’s area — will reopen Monday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. in southwest Ocala with upgraded study rooms, community space, and a new bookstore.

The U.S. Census Bureau data showed that the Ocala metro experienced a 3.4% growth rate between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025 — its population climbed to 442,660, with gains of 14,600 from last year and 66,700 since 2020.

Ocala-area high school flag football teams updated their FHSAA rankings as Belleview and Forest rank highest in Marion County before the regular season ends; district tournaments begin April 20 and regionals start April 28 ahead of state championships in Tampa mid-May.

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.

Orange Blossom Classic

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Varies — Experience top-level Quarter Horse competition with significant prize money on the line.

Art Park Literary and Poetry Festival

10 AM - 5 PM — Tuscawilla Art Park — Free entry — Celebrate the power of language with live poetry, author showcases, and musical performances.

A Sudden Impulse Quarter Horse Show

8 AM – 8 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $735,000 in guaranteed prize money — Experience thrilling competition with AQHA and NSBA classes at this premier equestrian event.

Hot Cars and Cool Cats Car Show

10 AM — The Hot Cars and Cool Cats Car Show at The Nassiveras — $10 entry for vehicles — Experience custom trophies, great food, music, and support a good cause at this fun-filled car show.

Ocala Big Bloom Home & Garden Show

12-6 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free admission — Discover a vibrant showcase of flowers and hands-on gardening activities for all ages.

International Jazz, Art & Poetry Festival Ocala

6-8 PM — Appleton Museum of Art — Fundraising event — Immerse yourself in jazz, vibrant art, and soulful poetry while honoring jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Alice Coltrane.