Good morning, Ocala.

The ninth annual High Tea at the UF/IFAS Extension Auditorium in Ocala on May 17 surpassed expectations—table hostesses raised over $80,000 for the Interfaith Emergency Services shelter program—highlighting record efforts by one table that raised more than $20,000.

Marion County Fire Rescue responded to a reported kitchen fire at a mobile home on the 5600 Block of Northeast 165th Terrace Road in Silver Springs just after 1 a.m. Monday + firefighters quickly extinguished most of the blaze with no injuries reported.

On Saturday, May 17, a 26-year-old man from Reddick died in a vehicle accident on NW 219th Street Road in Marion County when his sedan left its lane around 5:38 p.m.—it hit a tree and he was pronounced dead at UF Health Shands Hospital near 6:18 p.m., occurring just hours before two others died in a separate I-75 collision.

Marion County firefighters responded around 1 a.m. Monday when a fire broke out at a mobile home on NE 165th Terrace Road in Silver Springs—the home was 75% engulfed but residents escaped safely.

Stephanie M. Meter, a certified nursing assistant in Ocala, had her license revoked on May 13 after she allegedly used a patient’s debit card to make unauthorized purchases — her case is now moving through the Marion County court system.

Adrian Cervantes, a senior at North Marion High School in Citra, earned a full ride scholarship to attend Santa Fe College in Gainesville this fall—he received multiple grants including a major award from the Southern Scholarship Foundation that offers rent-free housing.

The US Forest Service closed a waterway for kayaks and canoes at Juniper Springs Recreation Area because a large male alligator has been actively contacting vessels—officials say the closure, covering the put-in, waterway and take-out on U.S. Highway 19, comes as mating season drives the animal's behavior.

Firefighters are working to contain the multi-acre Shanty 2 Fire in the Ocala National Forest near Salt Springs as over four dozen emergency personnel use controlled burns to reduce hazardous fuel while smoke affects parts of Marion County.

Motorists are asked to drive with extra caution on CR 314 and FL-19—smoke may lower visibility and detours are set up.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold public meetings in Ocala on Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22 at the College of Central Florida to discuss options for a sustainable black bear hunt and new rules for selling live green iguanas—attendees can offer up to two hours of comments.

Ocala stopped adding fluoride to its drinking water on April 30 — before Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law on May 15 that now bans the additive from local systems.

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.