Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County Animal Services in Ocala offers three adoptable pets—Aspen, a five-year-old pup who loves belly rubs, Emily, a two-year-old cat who enjoys sunny windowsills, and Brindle, a three-year-old dog with a gentle nature.

Throughout April, adoptions cost $22 unless you donate kitten supplies or provide proof of volunteer work, and the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday.

An Ocala woman — Christina Anne Adams, 33 — was sentenced to two consecutive life terms after a Marion County jury found her guilty of fatally stabbing her father and attempting to stab her mother during a 2022 incident at her family home when she was asked to move out.

Matthew Keel, the Ocala man who skipped his April 9 sentencing on 42 animal cruelty charges, was found dead in his home and is believed to have died by suicide—authorities report a friend called 911 after noticing the door unlocked and a strange odor.

Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, a U.S. citizen born in Georgia, was held for over 30 hours after a traffic stop on April 16 despite a federal judge blocking Florida’s new immigration law, and he will return to the Leon County Courthouse on May 6.

Nearly two months after his arrest, Richard Hawkins—an Ocala skating coach accused of molesting multiple children—had his bond set at $75,000 with conditions that bar him from skating facilities, victims’ homes and schools, require him to wear a GPS monitor, and prohibit any contact with victims if released.

Preliminary employment data released today by Florida Commerce shows that in March the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region's jobless rate dropped to 4.4% as the labor force fell by 221 to 232,821 and the number of employed residents increased by 787—though more than 10,000 residents were still jobless.

Marion County School Board members selected Dr. Danielle Brewer as the new interim superintendent for Marion County Public Schools—Brewer currently serves as the senior executive director of high schools—and she will take office on July 12 after a transition with Dr. Diane Gullett, with contract negotiations set for April 29 at 5:30 p.m.

A recent report states that up to 80 percent of homes lost to wildfires could have been saved if owners had followed simple fire-safe practices, and it urges residents to clear brush, trim trees, and create defensible space around their homes.

Florida officials recommend these measures during the dry season (November through May) to reduce wildfire risks.

Easter Sunday and 4/20 fall on the same day this year, giving Floridians a unique weekend of family traditions and questions about marijuana laws.

Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Florida—residents must have a Medical Marijuana Card to use it, and penalties range from fines to jail time—while out-of-state cards are not accepted.

Florida lawmakers are planning a law called the Pam Rock Act to create a dangerous dog registry—owners must secure $100,000 in liability insurance for their dogs.

The bill aims to punish negligent owners with a serious crime charge and a $1,000 fine after a mail carrier was fatally attacked in 2022 and other dog attacks occurred.

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.

Mother's Day 5k

8-10 a.m. — Ocala City Hall — Registration fee applies — Celebrate mothers while enjoying a picturesque run through Ocala.

Fable Fest

10 AM – 5 PM — Brown & Brown Farms and Country Store — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience an immersive fantasy world with quests, mythical creatures, and diverse attractions.