Good morning, Ocala.

The Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is hosting a free Tree-Mendous Trees class today at Scott Springs Park (2825 SW 24th Avenue) from 3 to 4 p.m. Local residents of all ages will learn to identify trees, help plant one, and may receive a tree or pollinator plant on a first-come, first-served basis.

Marion County woman Valerie Rijos filed a lawsuit on April 16, 2023, after she slipped on pudding at Publix on SE Maricamp Road in Ocala on August 29, 2023, and is seeking over $50,000 in damages—she is the fifth person to do so since March 10, 2023.

A 74-year-old Marion County man died when his vehicle crashed near Lake City early Saturday morning — officials are investigating the cause.

On Tuesday, April 22, a deputy responded to a domestic battery call at a local home after a woman reported that her husband, Luis Fernando Diaz, pushed her down and choked her when she threw holy water amid an argument over a missing Social Security card—he is currently held on a $2,500 bond without a scheduled court date.

Marion County deputies arrested Delvon Thornton, 32, Thursday at the Red Roof Inn on W Highway 40 after he allegedly used a go-kart to run over a 66-year-old woman during a dispute — he now faces charges including aggravated battery and drug paraphernalia offenses.

Residents and visitors in Ocala now have a list of top Airbnbs—from treehouses to waterfront homes—that offer an affordable alternative to hotels in Marion County, complete with guest capacity and amenity details for easy planning.

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.