Good morning, Ocala.

Construction has nearly finished on The Forge, a new dining venue in Midtown that will feature restaurants, a brewery, a nightclub, and event space at 343 NE 1st Avenue — owned by Joel and Sheila Gibson — and will offer over 650 seats with 300 parking spaces.

On March 31, Comcast removed Scripps channels in Florida after a fee dispute over NHL game rights led to the blackout of a live Florida Panthers game.

Scripps said it is ready to negotiate while Comcast aims to keep rates low+ talks continue.

The planned Buc-ee's on I-75 at Northwest 49th Street in Ocala has been delayed from its original 2028 opening to 2029 due to scheduling adjustments linked to the interstate improvements project.

The 74,000 sqft site will include 120 fueling stations.

Florida’s minimum wage will rise to $15 for non-tipped employees and $11.98 for tipped employees on Sept.

30 due to a constitutional amendment passed in 2020, and future increases will be tied to inflation.

Forest High School students swept top honors at the Marion County Youth Business Plan Competition on Apr.

8, winning $4,500 for SafePath, $2,500 for Snacks2Go, and $1,500 for Phoward Kitchen during a ceremony hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber + Economic Partnership.

Colorado State University meteorologists predicted the 2026 hurricane season will include 13 storms + a 74% chance that a named storm will pass within 50 miles of Florida; residents are urged to prepare as NOAA releases its full forecast in May.

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.

Extravaganza 2026

9 AM – 10 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free entry — Experience three days of premier paso fino horse competition at this prestigious event.

One time never before seeing Home

Don’t miss your chance to see this perfect 3/2/2 plan offered at $269,500. Hurry, It will not last!

Arnold Irchai and Dale Fedele Concert

3-4 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — $4 – $185 — Experience intimate chamber music with virtuosic musicians from the Ocala Symphony in a unique performance setting.

Mother's Day Brunch Celebration

11 AM - 2 PM — Miss Eloise’s Grand Ballroom — $110 per adult, $39 per child ages 6-12 — Enjoy an elegant buffet with live music for a memorable Mother's Day.