Good morning, Ocala.

Ocala police reported that a vehicle hit a bicyclist at the intersection of State Road 200 and Southwest 27th Avenue, leaving the cyclist with life-threatening injuries and diverting traffic—he was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that Florida small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the March drought can apply for low-interest disaster loans to cover expenses like payroll and bills + the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available in 23 counties including Marion and Orange.

Koto Hibachi Express and Sushi is building a new restaurant near a busy interchange at 3811 SW College Road, taking over the space where Burger King once was.

Liang Chen, who owns the Gainesville location, bought the property in October 2024 and will bring his Japanese cuisine to local diners.

The Ocala-based series Backstreet returns for its second season with a private screening scheduled for tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the Ocala Marion Theatre+ the show follows Q as he seeks answers about his mother's murder.

Firefighters have largely contained the 298-acre wildfire in Ocala National Forest through days of ground and aerial firing operations—expanding the fire by 100 acres along County Road 314 and U.S. Highway 19 to secure containment lines.

Crews continue to mop up the edges—searching for hot spots and unburned fuel as smoke continues to affect nearby roadways.

At a May 21 council meeting, Ocala police said officers have made over 10,000 traffic stops this year — with 1,112 stops from May 5 to May 18 marking a 38% increase over last year, mainly on busy routes like State Road 200 and U.S. Highway 27.

On May 20th, a final order from the Board of Medicine fined an Ocala doctor $10,000, placed him on probation for six months, and required him to reimburse $3,500 after over two years of unnecessary prescriptions led a patient to develop opioid dependency — he must also complete education in risk management, drug prescribing, and recordkeeping by May 20th, 2026 — the board emphasized that the penalties do not imply an admission of guilt.

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.

Smokin' and Forever Foreigner Tribute Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Tickets vary — Rock out with iconic hits from the bands Boston and Foreigner performed by top-tier tribute bands.

On-Site Tour of AdviniaCare at Paddock Ridge

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — AdviniaCare at Paddock Ridge — Free entry — Explore the best of senior living with engaging activities and quality dining options.