Daily
Ocala
Sunday, May 4th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 4th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today at 1 p.m., leaders of the Dandelion Project will release butterflies at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens to honor mothers who lost a child+ the event provides grieving parents a peaceful way to remember their infants. WCJB
- ➤ The Wear Gloves Dignity House opened on May 2 and housed up to 70 formerly homeless men in a 13,000 square foot building with a 12-month skills training program and on-site health services — a step toward independent living. Co-founders Wendy and Ken Kebrdle held a ribbon cutting that included facility tours and community volunteer support — with local officials praising the project. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Leaders of an Ocala nonprofit are setting butterflies free today—honoring mothers who lost a child. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, May 2, Marion County Fire Rescue and Florida Forest Service evacuated residents near CR 314 and State Road 40 in Ocala National Forest before firefighters confined a wildfire that burned until 10:30 p.m.—officials say smoke will continue to affect the area for several days. Ocala-News
- ➤ Crews across Florida are working to contain brush fires caused by the ongoing drought. Residents in Silver Springs were evacuated on Friday because of a 150-acre wildfire, and crews also battle a 116-acre fire in Holopaw—three additional fires burn in Volusia County. FOX 35 Orlando
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala City Council will vote on a contract to build two 3‑million gallon water storage tanks at the city's second water plant on Tuesday, May 6 at City Hall, with the project set for Water Treatment Plant No. 2 at 3744 South Pine Avenue. The contract is valued at just under $5.5 million and is partly funded by local and state agencies — the facility is expected to be fully operational by 2030. Ocala-News
- ➤ A decoupling bill that opponents said would hurt the local horse industry died in the legislature as lawmakers did not vote on one Senate + two House measure on the final day of the session. The bills would have allowed racetrack owners to run gambling operations separate from races, and critics warned that passing them could devastate the industry. WCJB
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty completed early training at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association said Journalism, which placed second, also trained there—strengthening local ties for both horses. Ocala StarBanner
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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.
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Mother's Day 5k
8-10 a.m. — Ocala City Hall — Registration fee applies — Celebrate mothers while enjoying a picturesque run through Ocala.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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