Good morning, Ocala.

Residents can help by leaving non-perishable food for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive when local letter carriers pick it up on Saturday, May 9 + donations will support area food pantries serving people facing hunger.

Floral Designs of Ocala, located at 1025 NE 14th St, offers custom flower arrangements, live plants and silk designs with decades of owner expertise — by Steven DeMonico and Jessica McCubbin.

The shop is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with delivery available upon request.

Golden Ocala Equestrian Land, LLC (tied to the Roberts family) bought a 14.99-acre horse farm at 2381 NW 100th Avenue for $4.5 million Tuesday, April 21, near the World Equestrian Center.

The property features a Mediterranean-style home and equestrian facilities for high-level athletes.

Blō Hair Lounge, a luxury spa and hair lounge owned by Brittney Polite, opened April 29 at 3900 NW Blitchton Road in Ocala and replaces Lotus Massage after license issues.

It offers modern services weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photographers Linda Wilinski and Jade Cave present exhibits on otters and the Everglades from May 4 through July at Silver Springs State Park, with Wilinski speaking at 3 p.m. on May 17 and a meet and greet (2 to 4 p.m.) on May 16.

Florida's hurricane season starts in one month on June 1.

Residents should check their hurricane kits and sign up for weather alerts, as experts note the region's long history of severe storms since 1851.

Florida Social Security will issue May payments on Wednesday, May 13, May 20 and May 27 (birthdays 1–10, 11–20 and 21–31) for most recipients while those who started before May 1997 receive payments on the 3rd each month.

South Marion High School named state championship-winning coach Pat Fox as its first football coach on May 1.

Fox joins after a successful run in Michigan and plans to hire local assistants for the team’s inaugural season in August.

Horses from Ocala are competing in the Kentucky Derby today at Churchill Downs after the Kentucky Oaks took place Friday.

Ocala Breeders Sales highlights the region’s horse racing ties as two fillies (Counting Stars and Dazzling Dame) raced Friday at the Kentucky Oaks and five horses run today in the Kentucky Derby.

Their participation continues a strong local tradition in top race events.

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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.