Good morning, Ocala.

John Travolta’s historic Boeing 707 is leaving Brunswick Golden Isles Airport after a 10-year pause; it is being trucked to the Port of Brunswick for a 35-day sea voyage via the Panama Canal with stops in New Zealand and Brisbane before arriving at an Australian aviation museum in May.

A Consumer Reports study from Friday, Apr.

10 compared late summer 2025 grocery baskets and found six retailers nationwide offered lower prices than Walmart while Florida chains like Publix charged about 20% more; local outlets such as Save A Lot and Piggly Wiggly posted higher prices (including loyalty discounts).

Joy Hazell was named director of the UF/IFAS Natural Resources Leadership Institute on Apr.

10, retaining the same leadership structure + updating her title. This change marks a steady transition at the institute.

Florida law prohibits bat removal from buildings during the protected maternity season from April 16 to August 14.

Homeowners with bats should plan to monitor infestations and schedule safe removal using one-way exclusion devices after this period—experts urge compliance to protect bats and avoid fines.

HCA Florida Healthcare announced a $200M expansion at its Ocala hospital on Friday by building a multi-story patient tower to add over 470,000 sqft, 62 care rooms and new operating rooms.

A new parking garage with 800+ spaces is also planned.

A 24 acre horse farm in northeast Marion County sold for $1,450,000 on Monday, April 6 at 11553 NE Hwy 315 in Fort McCoy — the property features a custom barndominium and equestrian facilities with energy efficient design, and its deed was filed with the county clerk on Thursday.

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.