Good morning, Ocala.

The Ocala Housing Authority hosted its Spring Break Community Outreach Week from March 13 to 19 with events at Shady Hollow and Pine Gardens and wrapped up with a block party at Deer Run on March 19 attended by over 150 residents + community partners.

On May 2, the second annual Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl will run from 2 to 6 p.m. downtown.

Participants will pick up derby koozies and tickets at Bank Street Patio Bar, then visit eight local bars for featured cocktails + 20% of sales will support the Marion County Literacy Council.

A local winner claimed $100,000 from the Fantasy 5 drawing on March 26 after purchasing a QuickPick ticket at Publix in the Canopy Oak Center + near the On Top of the World retirement community.

The Florida Lottery announced the win on March 27.

Thousands celebrated Ocala Skate Park's expansion at 517 NE 9th Street on Saturday, March 28.

Legendary skateboarder Rodney Mullen cut the ribbon, received a Key to the City, and signed autographs as local officials and fans enjoyed competitions, food trucks + live art installations.

The former Harveys Supermarket at 3435 N.

Pine Ave. — a familiar local site — reopened as a Winn-Dixie yesterday with a grand opening celebration. Photos from the event show the updated store and retail offerings.

On Saturday, March 28, reenactors at Fort King National Historic Landmark fired an 1842 12-pound Mountain Howitzer to recreate Captain Rains’ desperate clash with Seminole warriors — a nod to a pivotal moment in local history.

Ocala is set to host its first Art Park Literary and Poetry Festival on April 11 at Tuscawilla Art Park (213 NE Fifth St.), a free, family-friendly event that invites locals to enjoy readings and creative displays as part of a new event series.

Ocala Civic Theatre announced its new season lineup + held a reveal party Monday night to give residents a first look at upcoming performances.

Hummingbirds have begun their spring migration in Florida, with ruby-throated birds seen across the state.

Experts advise residents to plant brightly colored, tubular flowers and set out feeders as the migration continues.

A recent study by the Florida Department of Health found arsenic in 28 Easter candy products, with Tootsie Fruit Chew Lime at 570 ppb, raising concerns about safe treats.

The state will ban SNAP benefits from being used for candy and soda beginning April 20 to promote healthier eating.

In February, the Ocala/Marion County housing market posted steady activity as 589 single family homes closed—a 3.3% increase over last February—while improving inventory levels offered buyers + sellers fresh opportunities locally.

The former OLA Coffee Drive-Thru at 920 N Pine Avenue sold for $1.8 million to Meraki Properties, clearing the way for Swig to launch a dirty soda drive-thru.

The remodeled 1,709 sqft building on a .54-acre lot in northwest Ocala is coming soon + ready for Swig's new menu.

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.