Good morning, Ocala.

The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will take place on May 9 in Ocala to collect nonperishable food for Interfaith Emergency Services’ Food4Kids Program & local pantries.

Residential mailboxes and post office drop boxes serve as collection points for donations.

A local family that lost three members in a crash caused by a drunk driver days before Thanksgiving urges residents to drive safely during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Nearly 3,700 seniors from public and private schools in Marion County will celebrate graduation ceremonies in May and early June.

Public schools will use weapons detection systems plus restrict items at events to ensure safety.

Today in Ocala, lovebugs are a seasonal nuisance during daylight hours, so UF experts advise driving at night or before 10 a.m. and cleaning your car promptly to avoid paint damage + ensure a smooth ride.

Deputies found an injured black bear cub nicknamed Grape on Forest Road 90 last Saturday in the Ocala National Forest, and the Florida Fish Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) took over to treat it before releasing it back into the wild.

Sierra Club officials confirmed that toxic railroad ties (burned on Feb.

1 in the Dunnellon fire) have been removed after months of cleanup.

Charlotte Weber, owner of Live Oak Stud, filed a suit to block the World Equestrian Center expansion, arguing the project violates a 2016 agreement that limited the property to equestrian estates—she fears the sports complex will harm her horse farm.

At least nine horses from Marion County will race at Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 1 and Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2 at Churchill Downs, with several graduating from Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company auctions and continuing a strong local tradition.

Extravaganza 2026

9 AM – 10 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free entry — Experience three days of premier paso fino horse competition at this prestigious event.

One time never before seeing Home

Don’t miss your chance to see this perfect 3/2/2 plan offered at $269,500. Hurry, It will not last!

Arnold Irchai and Dale Fedele Concert

3-4 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — $4 – $185 — Experience intimate chamber music with virtuosic musicians from the Ocala Symphony in a unique performance setting.

Mother's Day Brunch Celebration

11 AM - 2 PM — Miss Eloise’s Grand Ballroom — $110 per adult, $39 per child ages 6-12 — Enjoy an elegant buffet with live music for a memorable Mother's Day.

Grand Prix May Dressage Dining Experience

8-11 a.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $145 per person — Indulge in a buffet brunch while world-class dressage competitors showcase their skills in a stunning outdoor arena.

Grand Prix May Dressage Dining Experience

8-11 a.m. — The Equestrian Hotel Terrace — $145 per person — Delight in brunch while world-class dressage athletes compete in the Grand Outdoor Arena.

Grand Prix May Dressage Dining Experience

6:30-9:30 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $205 per person — Dine on exquisite buffet meals while world-class equestrians captivate with their grand prix freestyle performances.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Concert

7:30 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Ticket information TBA — Celebrate the 33rd anniversary of this iconic swing band with a night of vibrant music and high-energy performance.