Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County Animal Services is waiving all June adoption fees for three adoptable dogs—Archer, a 5-year-old beagle who knows basic commands; Vernon, an 11-year-old who loves to cuddle with his brother; and Oakley, a 2-year-old eager to leave shelter living.

The shelter welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday for more information.

Marion County Veterans Council President Charles Calhoun led volunteers from On Top of the World Woodshop to create wooden urns for unclaimed veterans after a poorly made cardboard box broke his heart— the urns, designed for each military branch with a blank golden plate, are now on display at Veterans Helping Veterans facility along East Silver Springs Boulevard.

Grocery store Aldi opened its new Ocala location at 184 Marion Oaks Blvd on June 5 after a soft opening on June 4 — hundreds of local shoppers attended the ribbon cutting where the first 100 customers received a gift.

Marion County sheriff’s deputies reported that a man from Ocala wanted for battery by strangulation and false imprisonment is now behind bars.

A former deputy, 40-year-old Christina Gates Thagard, was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly robbing a TD Bank on May 3 at about 9:30 a.m.—she was arrested on SW College Road near the College of Central Florida and is now held in Marion County Jail with up to 20 years at stake.

Four Ocala high school graduates, including Gianna Manuela Bejarano, Cody Lu, Sanjay Karthik and Rachel L.

Milbrandt, have been awarded National Merit Scholarships and will attend the University of Florida this fall. The awards range from $500 to $2,000 per year for up to four years to support their college studies.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed three bills in Port Charlotte to expand mental health support, protect veterans from fraud, and streamline long-term care access for nearly 1.5 million veterans.

The bills—House Bill 797, Senate Bill 910, and Senate Bill 116—are expected to improve veteran services statewide.

Ocala residents may pay higher water bills if the city council approves a $116M plan to upgrade the water and wastewater systems, a measure that will raise rates 5% each year from 2026 to 2029 — extra funds are needed to cover the project costs.

An Apopka family faced possible deportation after father Esvin Juarez was detained by ICE in Texas while his wife Rosmeri Miranda was monitored in Florida— the family, who has lived here for 20 years and runs a local concrete business, is working with an attorney to fight the deportation order in federal court.

On May 9, the Florida Department of Health filed an administrative complaint against Dr. John Socrates Scales of Radiology Associates of Ocala for misreading a CT scan and misdiagnosing a patient who visited AdventHealth Ocala on July 24 for eight days of headache and nausea with severe brain swelling. The complaint claims he fell below the required standard of care and could face license revocation, suspension, fines, or other penalties + he has 21 days to request a hearing.

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.