Good morning, Ocala.

Data from FLHSMV show that nearly 2,000 crashes through May 3 have caused about 1,636 injuries and at least 20 deaths in Marion County this year—killing nine pedestrians and seven motorcyclists, with some fatalities linked to alcohol and drugs.

Tina Brown—Florida’s only woman on death row—is held at Lowell Annex Correctional Institution in Ocala after being convicted in March 2010 for the murder of 19-year-old Audreanna Zimmerman who was hit with a taser, beaten and set on fire, and her execution date remains unknown.

Marcus Mathias Roper, a 24-year-old Gainesville man, was arrested on May 4 by a Marion County deputy for entering a stranger’s home naked while carrying a blue backpack with sex toys and suspected methamphetamine — he admitted he went to the area to be nude in the woods and mistakenly visited the home — and he now faces charges of indecent exposure, unarmed burglary, and drug possession.

An administrative law judge ruled on May 5 in favor of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection after a challenge to proposed water withdrawal rules for Outstanding Florida Springs — a decision that covers systems such as Silver Springs and Wakulla Spring.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will sign a bill that protects Florida’s 175 state parks from development—such as golf courses, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and luxury lodges—after lawmakers reversed an earlier plan for recreational facilities.

Horse Capital TV will feature Roy Lerman’s Lambholm South and show the farm where another Kentucky Derby thoroughbred calls home—highlighting Ocala’s deep ties to horse racing.

The segment airs this week and offers viewers a look at a cherished local property.

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.