Good morning, Ocala.

Libraries across North Central Florida will host the federally funded Summer BreakSpot program for children 18 and younger this summer—providing free meals and enrichment activities to help close the hunger gap.

The program will run from June 2nd through August 8th and is provided locally by the Shores Assembly of God.

The Rainbow River is a popular summer spot open from April to September where Marion County and Dunnellon officials enforce strict rules—such as no disposable containers or alcohol on the water and proper life jacket use—to keep visitors safe and avoid fines ranging from $50 to $140. Visitors are urged to check the weather, stay hydrated, and use approved safety gear to enjoy the river responsibly.

Ocala CEP highlighted a new women’s residential center on Monday to help women build a support system as they face recovery challenges in Marion County.

The center is featured in this week’s Weekly Buzz—an important resource for those taking steps toward recovery.

A woman was arrested Sunday for crashing into and killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child while driving drunk near I-75 exit 341 north of Ocala— the crash occurred in February last year.

A family argument over missing money led to the arrest of a 20-year-old Ocala man who fired one round from a loaded rifle (an AR15 style firearm) on May 14 after deputies responded to an aggravated assault call, and he is now held on a $20,000 bond for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will review a proposal to bring back an annual bear hunt with public hearings set for May 21-22 in Ocala and a final vote planned for August.

Wildlife advocates argue the plan relies on outdated data and permits methods like luring bears with food and hunting with dogs+ they call the proposal barbaric.

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.