Good morning, Ocala.

A poker run fundraiser will be held Saturday, June 7 to honor Angel Sanchez, a father of four who was killed in a motorcycle accident along County Road 42 on April 30; proceeds will benefit his family.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. at DJ & Gina’s Lounge at 16535 SW 99th Avenue and the ride will start at 11 a.m. with stops at local venues to raise awareness of rising motorcycle fatalities in Marion County.

Yesterday marked two years since Ajike Owens was fatally shot when she confronted neighbor Susan Lorincz — her death after a dispute led to Lorincz’s manslaughter conviction with a 25-year sentence in August and a planned Netflix documentary called The Perfect Couple is set to retell the case.

Ocala Police are investigating a reported shooting that happened over the weekend near West Silver Springs Boulevard and Southwest 13th Avenue across from the E.D.

Croskey Recreation Center — no victims have been found, and the investigation remains open.

Residents are advised to update their hurricane readiness kits and family emergency plans (listing essential supplies) as forecasters warn that storms may intensify quickly.

The guide provides extra tips for securing homes (including clearing debris and reinforcing doors) and preparing pets for evacuation.

Experts say the nearly 60-year-old Rodman Dam is in disrepair and could risk a dangerous water release during a hurricane while some locals praise the reservoir for filtering pollutants and supporting bass fishing.

Lawmakers will resume budget talks early this week to debate if they should spend $1.34 million on urgent repairs or invest $25 million to remove the dam — a decision that could restore the natural flow of the Ocklawaha.

Marion County officials will consider a proposal today to provide $18,300 in funding to help Ocala hold its Patriotic Skies Fourth of July event at Tuscawilla Park—where fireworks will replace a canceled drone show— with the celebration set for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4.

The Florida Department of Transportation said parts of SR 200 will be closed this week as workers add poles and landscape the medians—daytime lanes will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and lanes will be shut from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., and a 10-15 minute full closure happened Monday near Marion Technical College and between SW 32nd and SW 26th Streets.

Food inspectors reviewed Marion County restaurants from May 26–June 1, 2025 and found that while some establishments received perfect inspection scores, others—including Broad Stripes Golf and Social Club, Goldens Spoon Diner, J&J Bar-B-Que & Soul Food, Katya Vineyards, Moe's Southwest Grill, Say Taco, and Texas Roadhouse—recorded high-priority violations (such as roach activity and improper temperature control) that now require further action.

At the Forest high school basketball shootout in Ocala, top players from Forest, North Marion, Meadowbrook, Eustis, Gainesville, and New Smyrna Beach played after three months without organized games.

Standouts Trey Chisolm, John Miller, Justice Phillips, Cordarius White, and Tyler McKnight showed skills that may boost their college recruiting chances — coaches plan to watch their progress in two live periods this month.

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.