Good morning, Ocala.

On May 23, Ocala law enforcement is seeking a white woman in her 60s and a young girl after a red XL bully dog allegedly attacked a 9-month-old puppy and bit its owners at Letty Towles Dog Park.

A 9‑month‑old English Springer Spaniel puppy named Mae was critically hurt in a violent dog park attack on May 23 at Letty Towles Dog Park in Ocala while her owners received bite wounds trying to save her — authorities are now seeking the suspected pit bull or Cane Corso and its owner.

On Wednesday, Ocala Police honored former Assistant Police Chief Mahlon Otis Tuck and two deputies by marking 70 years since his death and recognizing their service to the community.

On May 28, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills addressing animal cruelty that will set up a statewide animal abuser registry and guide the Florida Department of Law Enforcement—Lilly Baron, a longtime advocate from Marion County, attended the ceremony in Loxahatchee.

This action builds on the existing local registry known as Molly’s Law.

On May 20, Ocala City Council settled an 11-year lawsuit over a 2014 prayer vigil by dropping its appeal of a 2024 judge’s decision that the event violated the Constitution—officials stressed the settlement admits nothing, pays nothing, and accepts no liability as the plaintiffs dropped their claim for attorney fees.

Marion County commissioners voted on May 23 to raise and reinstate impact fees effective Oct 1 to cover rising transportation and fire/EMS costs – the fire fees are set at 100% while road fees will start at 70% and increase over three years.

Developers threatened lawsuits if fees exceed 50% of the calculated rate, but the board defended the changes as necessary for growing infrastructure needs.

Medical records for Jacob Oakie, a 39-year-old Ocala man who died in Marion County Jail last year of pneumococcal meningitis, show delays in care—Oakie was restrained and pepper-sprayed before being rushed to AdventHealth.

The timeline has raised serious questions about the jail’s treatment protocols and use of force, and officials have not yet fully explained the medical response.

On May 27, community members gathered at AdventHealth hospital to celebrate a $4 million donation from the DeLuca Difference Foundation that upgraded the county’s long-standing maternity unit serving nearly 2,500 families each year—upgrades include new technology, private NICU spaces and improved equipment to better care for mothers and babies.

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.

Florida-Friendly Foodscaping Garden Tour Program

9:30 a.m. — 5151 SE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL — Free entry — Explore an edible ornamental landscape with hands-on experiences and take home plant cuttings.

Jason Ricci Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience the award-winning harmonica virtuoso Jason Ricci in concert, promising an unforgettable night of contemporary blues.