Good morning, Ocala.

A 50-year-old motorcyclist from Coral Cables died Thursday, May 15, around 11:40 a.m. when his bike struck a tree along SE 183rd Avenue Road in Marion County—marking the second fatal crash less than 18 hours after another rider died.

Buc-ee's broke ground in Ocala in February and expects to open its new store in 2026 as part of a national expansion.

The store will join other new locations across states like Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas.

On May 10, Ocala police responded to a call from Wendy’s on East Silver Springs Boulevard and chased 25-year-old Voshon Brown whose white car crashed into an apartment complex when he drove the wrong way and hit a fence while holding a rifle — officers later arrested him on charges of aggravated assault, aggravated fleeing, and tampering with evidence.

At 2:45 a.m. on Monday, May 12, masked suspects broke into a home on Mooney Road in Okaloosa County and pepper sprayed a man who later escaped before Ocala residents Joe Trejo — 27 and Lennys Cotto — 30 and a 17-year-old were arrested, with all facing charges of armed burglary and kidnapping.

Firefighters battled a 100-acre wildfire in Ocala National Forest near U.S. Highway 19 and County Road 314 in Marion County on May 15—smoke from the blaze reduced visibility for drivers.

Florida Highway Patrol urged motorists to use caution as crews worked through the night to contain the fire.

Florida Highway Patrol advises drivers to use caution along U.S. Highway 27 as a 159-acre prescribed burn is underway in River Rise Preserve (near the county line).

On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that stops local governments from adding fluoride to water supplies & changes rules at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The law, part of the Florida Farm Bill, could limit local water treatment efforts in the future.

Trinity Catholic softball upset nationally ranked Montverde Academy 3-0 to win its first regional title and secure a spot in the state Final Four—pitcher Caylee Barbe recorded nine strikeouts without an error.

The state semifinal game will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 20th at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood.

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.

All About Joel - Billy Joel Tribute

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Ticket costs vary — Relive the classic hits of Billy Joel through an energetic tribute performance.

Ocala Toddler Time Multi-Sport Program

9-10:50 a.m. — McCall Ballfield — $85 — A fun summer multisport program for toddlers aged 18 months to 5 years.