Good morning, Ocala.

Forest Community Center in Ocklawaha will host a masquerade ball for mothers and children on Friday, May 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 777 S County Road 314A, offering a prom-style dance and live music with a $10 admission fee.

Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida leaders will host the region's first fundraising event at the WishMakers Brunch Gainesville on Thursday, May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Best Western Gateway Grand, where supporters and local wish families will be honored.

College of Central Florida launched Gator Tracks on May 4 to offer an expedited admission option to UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Students earning an Associate in Arts degree can transition smoothly to a UF bachelor’s program.

A wildfire near Lochloosa Lake has grown to 100 acres and crews are working overnight to control it.

Smoky conditions have prompted warnings on U.S. 441 and I-75 + local drivers are advised to follow safety measures.

During Hurricane Preparedness Week that ran May 3-9, officials on Monday, May 4, urged residents to secure emergency supplies, review flood insurance, and plan evacuation routes ahead of the hurricane season.

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 10, and Publix will be open for shoppers looking for last-minute gifts while shipping deadlines for online orders approach (USPS Priority Mail May 6, FedEx 2-Day May 7, Overnight May 8).

The property where Ocala’s first Wawa opened in 2019 at 3601 East Silver Springs Blvd sold for $5 million on Tuesday, April 28—acquired by AAA Euro Group Investment, LLC from GH and G/ALL Dreams Silver Springs LLC.

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.