Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County firefighters fought a structure fire near 5800 SE 127th Lane in Belleview on April 3 just before 8 p.m., which rapidly spread to nearby woods and caused concrete blocks to collapse due to stored construction materials — crews brought the blaze under control by 8:52 p.m. with no reported injuries while the cause remains under investigation.

On Tuesday, March 18, a 38-year-old man named Kurt Eric Kuegler, Jr. was arrested at the Howard Johnson by Wyndham on NW Blitchton Road for allegedly stealing pillows and a comforter from a hotel room and police recovered the items from a Toyota parked near Publix — he is set to appear in court at 9 a.m. on April 22 facing charges of burglary, theft, and driving with a suspended license.

A 64-year-old convicted felon from Silver Springs, identified as Richard Scott Yarbrough, was arrested on March 16 after Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers used a K—9 partner to track him in Ocala National Forest where he was caught hunting turkeys illegally during the closed season and he is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, April 15 facing charges of weapons possession and illegal hunting.

Natalie Nelson from West Port High School, who earned a 4.7 GPA and set several track records, accepted an offer to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and will compete in Division 1 track events for Team Army.

Her strong leadership on the track and in the classroom makes her a point of pride—Ocala celebrates her achievements.

Marion County Fire Rescue will host the grand opening of its new Citra Station #2 on Monday, April 7 at 10 a.m. at 2189 NE 180th Lane—this facility replaces the old station and offers 4,386 square feet of space with added living quarters and a Safe Haven Baby Box funded by the penny sales tax.

SEC analyst Ron Slay told TV20 that Florida's trajectory is up ahead of the Auburn game — he based his view on watching Gators practice and drawing on his experience as a former baseball player.

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.

Spring Strings Concert

4-7 p.m. — Sholom Park — Free entry — Experience the modern bluegrass sounds of Remedy Tree in a serene park setting.

Women Build 2025 Kickoff Party

5-8 p.m. — OHC Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the kick-off of a meaningful local initiative supporting women in building homes.

Brandon Dull Live Performance

3-5 p.m. — Tierra Del Sol Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy timeless tunes from a talented singing guitarist based in Ocala, Florida.

Ocala Home & Garden Show

12 PM – 5 PM — World Equestrian Center — Free entry — Explore gardening innovations and home improvement ideas at this vibrant expo.

Kids Day Celebration

4-6 PM — Graffiti Seafood & More — Free activities — Celebrate Kids Day with games, balloon art, and fun activities for the whole family.

Marion County Youth Job Fair 2025

3:30-6:00 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Free entry — Explore job opportunities tailored for young adults aged 16 to 24 in a supportive environment.

Extravaganza 2025

May 2-4 — World Equestrian Center — Entry fees apply — Witness the elegance and grace of the Paso Fino horse in action.

Sullivan Cadillac & Corvette Club Spring Cruise-In

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Sullivan Cadillac — Free entry — Enjoy an evening filled with beautiful cars, food, and the chance to win a trophy.