Good morning, Ocala.

Marion Senior Services says 900 local seniors must choose between paying bills and eating due to low funding.

Community members can help by joining The Supper Club & donating meals starting at $10.

Wear Gloves opened Dignity House (a 60-bed shelter) at 2001 SW 3rd Avenue on May 2 to offer emergency housing and services like mental health coaching, addiction recovery, and job training that help residents gain independence.

On May 4th at 8:30 p.m., Ocala Fire Rescue freed a young owl trapped in an Electric Utility transformer station next to a fire station + the unharmed bird was assessed and released into nearby woods.

Officers arrested the former Marion County Sheriff's Office deputy Christina Gates Thagard on May 3 after she allegedly robbed a bank at 2437 SE 17th Street in Ocala—local police stopped her vehicle on SW College Road and she is now held without bond.

County government announced that Rock the Country Ocala 2025 will bring traffic changes to the Florida Horse Park, where the two-day concert is held May 9-10.

Drivers should expect a closure of County Road 475A north of CR 484 and delays along other roads—using alternate routes is advised.

Redfin ranked Ocala as the fifth most affordable city in Florida when it released its list on May 2.

The ranking was based on a median home price of $289,990 and an average one-bedroom rent of $1,344, with only Gainesville ranking higher.

Marion County has opened voting for the Star-Banner Athlete of the Week contest—19 top athletes from track and softball performances are competing, and residents can vote once per hour until Friday at 4:59 p.m.

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.