Good morning, Ocala.

Angelique Hernandez from Ocala turned a $20 scratch-off from Publix in Belleview into a $1 million win when she claimed her prize at the Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee on February 5; she opted for a lump-sum payout of $640,000 and her identity will remain private for 90 days.

Ocala native Allean Francis Burton-Cunningham turns 101 today at her southeast home near East Maricamp Road with family gathered for weekly services at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church - her daughter Evelyn Chisholm credits her long life to faith and says Jesus is her doctor.

Raising Cane's is expanding in Florida.

After recent openings including one in Ocala, the chain will launch new locations in Pensacola on June 16 & Kissimmee on June 29, offering its signature chicken finger meals.

Local celebrations in Ocala and Marion County honor America's 250th birthday with events including patriotic concerts at Reilly Arts Center (June 27 and 28), an American Independence exhibit at 701 NE Sanchez Ave., and family-friendly July 4 festivities with fireworks at four locations.

Marion Cultural Alliance will host its free 'Cats and Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion' exhibit tomorrow from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brick City Center for the Arts, supporting rescue pet outreach — live music by Heather Lynne and Friends and artwork sales aid local rescue efforts.

Marion County teachers finished a three-day Classroom to Careers program Wednesday at Stonestreet Training and Rehabilitation Center (sponsored by Ocala CEP) where they learned about agriculture, equine care, and advanced manufacturing to bring local career lessons back to their classrooms.

On June 2, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 to deny a special permit for processing grocery store food waste at the Gaston’s Tree & Debris Recycling facility on NW Gainesville Road in Ocala after neighborhood opposition emerged.

Marion County will host a 2.2-mile PTSD awareness walk Saturday, June 27 at Tuscawilla Park (829 Sanchez Avenue) at 8:00 a.m. The event offers mental health resources and quality dry-fit t-shirts with proceeds benefiting local groups supporting veterans and first responders.

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.

Elvis The Summer Festival 2026

June 25-27 — Circle Square Cultural Center — $15-$400 — Celebrate Elvis through the greatest hits and tribute performances by top artists.

South Florida Soul Rodeo Kick-Off Field Party

5-10 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium — Family-friendly event — Experience thrilling rodeo action and soulful music in the heart of Ocala.

Ravenfest 2026

5-9 p.m. — Mutiny Bar Ocala — Donation-based entry — Celebrate mental health awareness and enjoy live music for a good cause.

Fourth in the Park

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Tuscawilla Park — Free entry — Celebrate July 4 with family-friendly activities including food trucks, live music, and splash pad fun.