Good morning, Ocala.

Better Together is hosting a second chance job fair in Ocala to help former inmates find work — the organization said over 10,000 Americans are released from prison each week with no job prospects — and plans to link job seekers with local employers.

A teen cancer survivor won a new Honda Civic at last weekend's Bear-a-Thon gala where Stop Children’s Cancer raised $115,250—marking a milestone during its 26th annual event.

Florida Highway Patrol said a motorcycle crash — occurring around 3 p.m. at County Road 42 and Southeast 89th Terrace in Summerfield — killed an Ocala man.

Ocala felon Lewis Tinson, Jr. held a gun to his girlfriend's face and tried to hide loaded firearms in a hamper when deputies arrived, and on April 28 he was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months by a federal judge for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon—he pleaded guilty in January after an August 27, 2021 incident and had four previous felony convictions.

Downtown Ocala will host the First Friday Art Walk on Friday, May 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.—the free event will feature live music, local artists, buskers, and hands-on art activities, with local businesses extending their hours to welcome visitors.

Trainer Mark Casse from Ocala is getting his top horse Sandman ready for the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs — Sandman, which sold for $1.2 million and won the Arkansas Derby, may see its value rise even more if it wins.

American Promise will take center stage at the Kentucky Derby this Saturday—trainers Bryan and Holley Rice from Woodside Ranch in Ocala prepared the horse with over 30 years of experience.

Nine of the 21 Derby horses have ties to Marion County, highlighting the region’s role in thoroughbred racing.

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.

Twilight Trail Trot

11:10 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. — Santos Trailhead — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a thrilling twilight trail running event with local community support.

3rd Annual Children's Miracle Network 5K Walk/Run

8:00-9:30 a.m. — Baseline Road Trailhead — Entry fee applicable — Participate in a fundraising event supporting children in need through UF Health.