Daily
Ocala
Monday, May 5th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 5th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Mary Sue Rick Community Center will host a free yoga class every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.—residents of Marion County can build strength, balance, and flexibility while practicing Hatha style yoga at 1821 NW 21st Ave. Bring your own yoga mat and water to stay hydrated. Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Friday morning, an Ocala woman, identified as 40-year-old Christina Gates Thagard and a former law enforcement officer, robbed a TD Bank branch at gunpoint, stole over $5,000, and was caught within 11 minutes—police said her vehicle was stopped on SW College Road near the College of Central Florida—and the stolen money and items were recovered. FOX 35 Orlando
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A wildfire in Ocala National Forest that began on May 3 near SE 1st Street and NFS 60 grew to 256 acres and was 80% contained by Saturday evening—firefighters warn dry conditions and forecast thunderstorms could spark new fires. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Jail recorded its highest daily inmate average in 18 years in 2024 with 1,822 inmates a day, as noted in its annual report at a Public Safety Coordinating Council meeting on April 28. The report showed that only 2005, 2006, and 2007 had higher counts in the past 20 years — making 2024 the fourth highest average in that time. WCJB
- ➤ City officials are set to review a $60,000 settlement for Gregory Baker, who was injured when an Ocala Police officer struck his vehicle at the Pine Avenue and State Road 40 intersection on December 1, 2022—the decision will be made at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 4 p.m. Ocala-News
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A horse that trained in Ocala won the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3. Sovereignty, trained by William Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, edged out Journalism and both horses received their early training at Bridlewood Farm. Ocala-News
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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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