Good morning, Ocala.

A church in Ocala is holding its service virtually this Sunday (after being vandalized following an accidental fire) instead of meeting in person.

Marion County Animal Services opened its new animal shelter on Thursday, May 21 at 6405 W.

Highway 40 near the airport. The $22 million facility, with modern kennels, a larger medical area & room for more pets, welcomes locals to visit and consider fostering or adopting their new furry friend.

Community members gathered Friday night at Fort King National Historic Landmark to mark Florida’s Emancipation Day by exploring Black Seminole history — historian Matt Griffin and artist Charles Eady led discussions and unveiled a painting honoring a key Black Seminole leader.

On Wednesday, May 20, at the Circle Square Cultural Center, National Geographic Explorer Ben Masters led a conservation expo hosted by Horse Farms Forever (in partnership with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation) that featured a panel discussion and landowners expo involving over a dozen statewide groups. Over 300 people attended to learn about protecting local wildlife habitats.

An Ocala woman won $1 million on a Florida Lottery Gold Rush Legacy scratch-off ticket purchased at Publix in Belleview and claimed her prize on Feb.

5. She chose a lump-sum cash payout of $640,000, adding to several recent lottery wins near Marion County.

Federal officials warned that visitors in the Ocala National Forest risk fines up to $5,000 — and vehicle confiscation — for driving off designated trails after recent vehicle-caused wildfires.

They stressed that following trail rules and parking on paved surfaces can help keep the forest safe.

Marion County’s Tourism Development Tax brought in over $3.6 million from Oct.

2025 through April, setting a record detailed at the Tourist Development Council meeting on Thursday, May 21 + April collections totaled $704,737.16.

Since May 19, NAACP officials have urged athletes, recruits, and fans to boycott Florida's college football programs over voting rights, but athletic conferences and local universities have so far remained silent, leaving questions about the impact on the sport's economic and cultural role.

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.

Father's Day Celebration with Live Orchestra

8:00 p.m. — Fonda Dulce Jesus Mio Ocala — Ticketed event — Celebrate Father's Day with live Latin music from The Koko Band and DJ Jota.

WEC Premier FC Summer Soccer Camps for Ages 9-14

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Cost varies — Engage in immersive soccer training to enhance skills and tactical awareness in a supportive environment.