Good morning, Ocala.

Fabian Rivera, 24, of Ocala, pled guilty to attempted murder for firing his gun in a 2024 off-campus shooting near Fletcher Drive (he said the shot was an accident) and now faces up to 15 years in prison (police said evidence showed his act was intentional).

Fidelity Manufacturing in Ocala completed a plant expansion and a new parking lot, growing from 28 employees to over 400 and planning to exceed 500 by year's end.

The new facilities will boost production and strengthen the company's role in local economic success — a feat praised by Mayor Ben Marciano.

Marion County School officials announced new school times for the upcoming year beginning in August—Madison Street Elementary now ends at 2:30 p.m., two new schools run from 7:35 a.m. to 2:10 p.m., Howard and North Marion Middle Schools finish at 3:55 p.m. while Osceola Middle shifts to 4:11 p.m., and Lake Weir High starts at 8:30 a.m.—to align with a three-tier bus system.

Marion County Public Schools is interviewing seven candidates for the interim superintendent role left by Diane Gullett—each with different experience—and plans a nationwide search to be complete by Feb.

2026. Board members will interview the candidates over the next week and select the final candidate at a work session on April 17 then vote at a meeting on April 29 at 5:30 p.m.

Florida law allows landowners to humanely kill green iguanas on private property with permission or on FWC-managed public lands—making it legal to eat these invasive lizards while following proper disposal rules to avoid fines.

The owner of a property in northwest Ocala approved for 54 age-restricted homes is seeking permission to switch from county to city water and sewer services.

The request will be reviewed at a Marion County Board of County Commissioners planning and zoning meeting on Monday, April 14 at 1 p.m.—county staff oppose the change as it conflicts with the county’s comprehensive plan.

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.

Pattern of Transformation Workshop

5:30-7 p.m. — Marion Cultural Alliance at Brick City Center for the Arts — Free entry with a suggested donation — Immerse in African dance and painting in a vibrant interactive workshop featuring live drumming.