Good morning, Ocala.

Publix will be open on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 10) so residents can shop for last-minute cards, flowers, and meal ingredients even though the grocery store closes on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Plumes of Saharan dust are forecast to begin arriving from the Sahara in mid-June, potentially reducing air quality and limiting tropical storm development.

Dust may affect residents with respiratory conditions as it crosses the Atlantic.

On May 8, Florida law allowed passing on the right only when the car ahead is turning left or when on a multi-lane one-way road with no parked cars - drivers risk fines, license points, and higher insurance if they fail to follow these rules.

FDOT announced that the northbound I-75 off-ramp on U.S. 27 in Marion County will be closed from 9 p.m. May 11 to 6 a.m. May 12 for milling and re-surfacing as part of the I-75 improvement project (drivers should use SR 40 to exit).

During Hurricane Preparedness Week, experts advise residents to wait until local officials say it is safe to return home by checking for hazards like loose power lines and gas leaks — and to use generators only outside, more than 20 feet from their homes.

Restaurants and fast-food chains in town offer Mother’s Day food deals on Sunday, May 10, with free items, buy-one-get-one offers & special menu discounts to help families celebrate moms.

Check with local venues for details on promotions running through the weekend.

Ocala City Council approved plans Tuesday to build the final 592 homes for Heath Brook on 283.55 acres west of I-75, using a revised open space requirement and improved access via SW 40th Avenue & Tartan Road.

This marks the last phase of a 25-year neighborhood development.

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.