Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County Fire Rescue crews used thermal imaging cameras to rescue four dogs and recover family heirlooms—including an American flag—from a home in Summerfield that caught fire Monday morning at 10 a.m.

A commercial vehicle crashed into utility infrastructure (NE 43rd Place and NE 36th Avenue) Monday morning in Ocala, damaging three power poles and causing a brief power outage that crews fixed later that day.

The Ocala City Council is considering a contract with Creative Outdoor Advertising of America, Inc. that would give the Tampa-based company exclusive rights to nearly 100 bus stop benches with the city earning 18% of net ad revenue; council members will review the proposal today at 4 p.m. at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Avenue).

A property owner asked to rezone a 27.12-acre site near Ocala International Airport for a 73-home development called Castlerock and the request comes up for a final vote today at 9 a.m. at the McPherson Governmental Complex — after the airport director warned of noise, dust, and fumes from aircraft operations.

The Florida Department of Transportation announced that alternating lane closures on I-75 in Marion County will affect northbound and southbound lanes each night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. until Saturday, April 19th—road crews will apply new thermoplastic striping as part of an I-75 resurfacing project.

Florida lawmakers are considering bills to change the state bird from the mockingbird to a pink flamingo—making the Florida scrub-jay the state songbird; if passed and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the new designations will start on July 1.

A vote is underway for the Ocala Star-Banner Athlete of the Week as 35 athletes have been nominated this week.

Voters can cast one vote per hour and share the poll until Thursday at 4:59 p.m.—with athletes gearing up for district tournaments later this week.

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.