Good morning, Ocala.

The local NAACP branch will host its 43rd annual Freedom Fund Awards & Banquet on April 25 at 6 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place in Ocala.

U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost from Orlando will speak at the event, whose theme is 'Seeing Beyond Today.'

On Saturday, library staff opened a new Seed Library at Marion County Library Headquarters located at 2720 E Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala—this service offers free seeds and gardening information for residents.

The selection includes vegetable, fruit, flower, herb, and ornamental seeds that change with seasonal availability and donations.

On April 17, 2025, 55 volunteers from HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital served at Interfaith Emergency Services in Ocala during National Volunteer Month to meet local needs.

In addition, local leaders announced plans for a new Rotary chapter aimed at supporting community service — further details are pending.

The city of Ocala announced that rotating sections of Tuscawilla Playground will be closed for new equipment and painting over the coming weeks.

Visitors should stay clear of barricaded areas as large equipment is used and the rest of the park remains open.

Tamara Fleischhaker has been named interim CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership after Kevin Sheilley ended his 12-year tenure, and she previously helped oversee advocacy and education programs as CXO.

She will lead CEP as it moves forward.

Ocala deputies conducted Operation Best Foot Forward Tuesday morning near Cherry Estates Community Center to remind drivers to yield at crosswalks—those who fail to stop may get a $164 citation and three points added to their license.

The safety initiative by Bike/Walk Central Florida is part of a statewide effort that has already increased the driver yield rate from 40% to 56%.

On Saturday, April 19, Marion County deputies arrested 27-year-old Reddick resident Kasaan Kalik Patterson at the public library after a librarian reported he was masturbating — he is scheduled to appear in court on April 30 at 1 p.m.

The annual Symphony Under the Stars event will take place on May 11 with a live performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra – attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and plan their outfits as the day shifts from a hot afternoon to a mild evening if the weather holds.

Marion County reported $649,169.37 in tourism tax in March—the third highest monthly total in the past eight years—and the county is on pace to exceed $6,000,000 this fiscal year.

Updated tax figures and occupancy rates will be presented to the Marion County Tourist Development Council tomorrow at 9 a.m.

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.

Axe Throwing & Tiny Golf Event

11 AM – 4 PM — Homestead Park — Axe Throwing $15 for 30 min | Tiny Golf $5 per round — Enjoy fun-filled outdoor activities with friends and family at Homestead Park.