Good morning, Ocala.

Jim and Nancy Collins moved from Texas and now live in the Del Webb’s Stone Creek subdivision in Ocala after a photo session on April 3.

Jim, who was born in Spartanburg (and grew up in Greenwood), played high school sports before earning a degree from Clemson University.

TV20 won seven awards for reporting excellence at the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists banquet on Saturday night.

The honors included two first-place trophies and five finalist awards — the station thanked its loyal audience for trusting its news, weather and sports coverage.

Belleview High students won first place at the 11th Annual Youth Business Plan Competition held April 3 at the Power Plant Business Incubator—organized by the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership—and received a $4,500 prize after pitching their innovative business plan.

Owners of Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club and World Equestrian Center want to build a new sports and entertainment complex on 236 acres near W State Road 40 in northwest Ocala that will include an indoor arena, sports fields, a restaurant, food truck space, and an increase in hotel rooms. County staff said the extra traffic and hotel capacity are a problem, and the Marion County Development Review Committee will review the plan on Monday before it goes to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

An Ocala couple allegedly broke into a customer's truck at a local dealership on April 4 and stole over $1,500 in tools—Steven Eric Powell, arrested on April 7 on a $20,000 bond, and his girlfriend Kaylin Ashley Hewitt, detained on April 9, now face burglary and grand theft charges.

On April 12th, Dunnellon hosted Boomtown Days featuring local vendors and live events (including a nail care booth, a Tumble Wheel Wagon display, and various craft and food stands).

The photos show community members enjoying the festival and its attractions.

Students in Marion County received recognition for their work in audio and video production at the Student Media Fest—honoring their creative efforts.

Seven candidates including former deputy superintendent Dr. Robert Craig Ham and two current district employees Dr. Danielle Brewer and Melissa A.

Kinard have applied to replace Dr. Diane Gullett, who said she will leave this summer—Marion County School Board will review the applications at a briefing on April 17th.

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.