Good morning, Ocala.

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Rolling for the Rock Program car show took place at ARC Marion on Southeast Maricamp Road.

Attendees admired classic cars including a 1971 Chevy K5 Blazer as Ron Rondo Fernandez, Wayne Parks and Troy Weaver celebrated local community spirit.

The annual Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen service members.

Held at 9 a.m. May 25 at Veterans Memorial Park, the event features remarks by Veterans Services director Daisy Diaz and Commissioner Carl Zalak and includes a rifle salute.

St. Paul AME Church was condemned after a Saturday electrical fire caused extensive interior damage; no one was hurt and church leaders are working with insurance and local officials to plan future worship services (pending safety and air quality reviews).

John Travolta piloted his jet from his local air community (Jumbolair Aviation Estates) to France for the Cannes Film Festival, where his film, Propeller One-Way Night Coach, premiered on May 15 and earned him a lifetime achievement award.

The family-friendly film will stream globally on Apple TV on Friday, May 29.

The Marion Theatre is hosting its annual Summer Kids Film Series starting June 3 at its Ocala venue, showing movies every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with tickets at $5 (for both adults and kids) while officials collect book donations for the Early Learning Coalition.

El Niño is expected to raise wind shear in the Atlantic that may reduce overall hurricanes this season though it will not eliminate risks; NOAA will release its official forecast on Thursday, May 21.

Florida residents are encouraged to prepare and monitor updates (storms can still hit).

Rainbow River Conservation held its annual Clean Up Day on May 16 near Dunnellon, where about 100 volunteers removed trash including a Woody figurine missing its cowboy hat and an underwater scooter.

Organizers noted that the smaller haul signals an improvement in the river’s cleanliness.

The National Hurricane Center is issuing tropical outlooks four times a day ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season that starts June 1.

No tropical disturbances show potential for development, so updates occur every six hours as residents in Ocala stay informed.

Today, the US Navy is conducting training exercises in Ocala National Forest using helicopters and ordnance — drills that could startle local wildlife.

The CDC warns that tick season is on track to be one of the worst in decades as emergency room visits for tick bites remain high (record counts since 2017 were reported).

Residents are advised to remove ticks within 24 hours to help prevent Lyme disease for themselves and their pets.

Hear Us Roar III Fundraiser

7 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre — VIP tickets $50 — A vibrant fundraiser supporting Arts in Health and The Arc Marion in Ocala.

Ocala Toddler Time Multi-Sport Program

9:00-11:00 a.m. — McCall Ballfield — $90 — Engage toddlers in a fun, multi-sport program designed for early development.

Ocala Toddler Soccer Summer Camp

9 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. — McCall Ballfield — $135 — Fun-filled toddler soccer camp featuring bubbles, ice cream, and exciting activities.

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Three

6-7:30 p.m. — Marion Theatre — $55 per person — Experience an immersive theatrical journey through Poe's macabre tales with original music by Danny Elfman and themed cocktails.