Good morning, Ocala.

On May 17, Nicholas Eggers, a student from Forest High School, earned his Eagle Scout rank by completing a project that redesigned the Military Service Flag Display Plaza at Marion County Veterans Park to honor local veterans.

He raised tens of thousands of dollars from local businesses and neighbors—supporting those who served.

The Mary Sue Rich Community Center will offer free games and activities for families every day this summer starting Friday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and each week will feature a new theme—beginning with Cinema Week and followed by International, Cultural, LED, Animal Kingdom, Challenge, Science, Sports, Nature and H2O Weeks.

A Florida landscaper working for Grandview Landscaping Services died on May 30 when a large oak tree fell on him amid severe storms at 725 SW 46th Avenue in Ocala—first responders reported his coworker ran in the opposite direction.

A new Waffle House opened at 7660 SW State Road 200 in southwest Ocala and runs limited hours from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.—online ordering is not yet available.

The restaurant marks a change in the local lineup, as an older Waffle House location closed to make way for a medical marijuana dispensary.

Deputies investigated a shooting at the Petro gas station on Highway 318 and Interstate 75 in Marion County on May 30th around 2:34 p.m.—the injured man was taken to a hospital and no suspects are in custody.

A lightning strike ignited the Perchman Fire on May 27 in a swampy part of Ocala National Forest, and while rain slowed its spread, firefighters continue to patrol for hidden heat after strategic burns on May 29 forced a two-hour closure of U.S. 19 — crews will keep working until they are sure no hot spots remain.

Marion County named retired Chief Petty Officer Daisy Diaz as its new Veterans Services Director—she aims to improve access to benefits for military veterans using her four decades of experience.

The Ocala City Council will repeal the fluoridation ordinance at its meeting on Tuesday, June 3 at 4 p.m. to align with a state law that bans fluoride in public water systems—a final vote on this change is set for June 17.

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.