Good morning, Ocala.

MCSO and LCSO detectives captured 26-year-old Brandon Partain in Marion County Thursday morning—he had been wanted in Levy County for property crimes with existing warrants from Flagler County—and he now faces additional felony charges after he attacked officers during his arrest.

A 31-year-old man from Dunnellon was arrested after burglarizing an unlocked vehicle outside a laundromat on E Pennsylvania Avenue on April 9 at 5:50 p.m.—he later confessed on April 22 and cited financial hardship.

Florida Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a Ford pickup truck that struck a Nissan Sentra and hit a parked vehicle on April 18 near County Road 326 and Northeast Jacksonville Road, injuring a 59-year-old man with minor injuries—troopers urge anyone with information to help locate the vehicle.

Florida lawmakers are extending the legislative session as the House and Senate continue to disagree over tax cuts and spending for schools and healthcare, forcing a deadline on passing a budget by April 29.

The House proposes cutting $5.5 billion in taxes while the Senate suggests about $2.8 billion in cuts—differences that may affect vital services—leaving final approval uncertain.

A Marion County man named Randy Lee Dabrowski sued the sheriff's office after an employee collided with his vehicle at a red light on State Road 200 on January 8, 2024 & his attorneys filed the suit on April 15 seeking over $50,000 in damages for his injuries.

Officials from Washington Prime Group said Thursday that Marion County’s Paddock Mall and Gaitway Plaza will be sold, though a buyer and closing date have not been announced yet — some shoppers have reported frustration over the uncertainty.

The malls, which attract thousands daily, face an unknown future as these sales plans develop.

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.

Open House in Ocala

12-3 p.m. — 8205 SW 78th Terrace Rd — Free entry — Discover a charming home in a vibrant 55+ community with fantastic amenities.

Geek Fest May Edition

12:00 – 11:59 PM — Ocala Downtown Market — Free entry — Dive into a wonderland of over 60 vendors specializing in video games, vintage toys, comic books, and more.