Good morning, Ocala.

The Dandelion Project will host a butterfly release tomorrow (from 1-3 p.m.) at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens (5050 SW 20th St.) to honor International Bereaved Mother's Day and support mothers who lost a child.

Residents in Marion County evacuated Friday after a 150-acre wildfire ignited near the Ocala National Forest — the evacuation order was later lifted while firefighters stayed overnight to monitor heavy smoke and advised drivers to avoid Highway 314 for safety.

MCSO deputies chased and arrested convicted felon Charlie Daniels Jr.—who sped along I-75 and tried to carjack a vehicle—and he now faces charges for fleeing, assault with a deadly weapon and firearms offenses with a court date set for June 3 at 9 a.m.

Charlie Daniels Jr., 25, was arrested Wednesday after he fled on foot across I-75 following a road-rage incident in Ocala in which he allegedly shot at a Nissan Altima and threatened a bystander—Marion County deputies said.

The Appleton Museum of Art offers free admission for its Free First Saturday event today—letting visitors explore its permanent collection and special exhibitions along with interactive art stations.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4333 E Silver Springs Boulevard.

Marion County Jail held an average of 1,822 inmates daily in 2024— the highest since 2007 and fourth-highest in 20 years— compared to 1,719 inmates daily in 2023.

The report was shared on the Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council agenda to help local officials plan for changes.

David Weber of Marion County filed a lawsuit against Ocala and Blessed Trinity Catholic Church after he partly fell into a manhole cover that had been replaced by city workers on March 2—his lawyers say he suffered severe injuries and is seeking over $50,000 in damages.

The suit was filed on April 25 in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Orange County, and his attorneys say the incident shows the cover was not kept safe.

Marion County officials voted last month on a resolution to work with the state's Department of Government Efficiency next week—this effort will support fiscal responsibility and transparency in line with Governor DeSantis’s Executive Order.

The resolution names Mike McCain as the primary contact and grants access to records, facilities, and data for the review.

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.