Good morning, Ocala.

The Beyond Us Community Development Corporation and Farm Share held a drive-thru food event on April 26 that provided fresh food to 141 families — the event began at 10 a.m. at the Revealing Truth Ministries Outreach Christian Center on SW 62nd Court in Ocala.

A new Culver’s restaurant opened in west Ocala at 3637 W Silver Springs on May 19.

Owner Manny Montañez — who started building the site last October — said the restaurant serves butterburgers, chicken, seafood, sandwiches, and value baskets and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sprouts Farmers Market will open its first North Central Florida store in Ocala on July 11 at 8430 S.W.

Hwy 200—hosting a ribbon cutting at 6:45 a.m. where the first 200 shoppers will receive a reusable bag filled with samples, with extra prizes and gifts available over the weekend.

Marion County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer said in an interview that she was excited to lead changes by improving communications, building trust, and placing the right people in key roles (steps aimed at creating a student-first environment).

Wildlife officials at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Ocala are discussing a proposal to reinstate a regulated bear hunt—the first in a decade—to control Florida's growing bear population.

If approved, the hunt will last nearly three weeks in December and later occur annually from October to December with a limit of about 187 bears, and a final vote is expected in August.

Ocala City Council will vote Tuesday at 4 p.m. on a settlement to end a decade-long legal battle over a city-led prayer vigil after a circuit court ruled in favor of two residents.

The agreement will let the city drop its appeal without paying legal fees, bringing the case to a close.

The U.S. Navy will conduct 1.5 hours of bomb testing tomorrow at the Ocala National Forest’s Pinecastle Range Complex from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., and officials warn that wildlife may be displaced—residents should secure loose items at home.

This test follows recent wildfires in the area.

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.