Good morning, Ocala.

Ocala’s first cat cafe, Purrs and Pages at 1216 E Silver Springs Blvd, is open daily with varying hours.

The venue offers cat play sessions, a bookstore area, and rescued felines for adoption in partnership with local animal rescues; call (352) 581-5822 for more details.

The Marion County Veterans Council will host its annual Flag Day program on June 14 at 3 p.m. at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Park, featuring a flag retirement ceremony and fourth and fifth graders presenting essays on patriotism & civic respect.

An Ocala resident urged officials to bring more retail options to the growing southwest area.

The letter requests a Dunkin’ at Marion Oaks Boulevard near ALDI, extra stores to ease trips on SW Highway 484, and a mall near the new Publix and Walmart — meeting rising community needs.

Arts in Health Ocala Metro will open the Creative Voices: Celebrating AIHOM & The Arc of Marion Artists exhibit at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center on June 17, running through Dec.

17, where art by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be on display.

Today, stargazers in Ocala can see Venus and Jupiter closely aligned in the western sky as Mercury joins the view from June 11 to 15.

Residents should choose dark, unobstructed areas to enjoy this *rare planet parade*.

Firefighters quickly extinguished a large unattended campfire near the Farles Prairie Recreation Area & Florida Trail trailhead in eastern Marion County on Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m., prompting forest officials to remind visitors to drown, stir, and feel for any remaining embers to prevent wildfires.

Residents in Ocala felt shaking from a 6.1 earthquake near Cuba on Monday, June 8 that lasted about 8 to 10 seconds and caused items to fall in some homes.

No tsunami warning was issued as tremors were also felt in Marion County.

A new report warns that Social Security funds could run out by 2032, which may cut monthly benefits by about $500 for nearly 20% of residents.

Policymakers must act quickly & provide a safety net to protect retirement incomes.

During the week of June 1-7, state inspectors reported that restaurants including China Lee Buffet + Golden Spoon Diner in Ocala had high-priority violations for food storage and temperature control, while some establishments earned perfect scores.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is overseeing corrective actions.

Plans for Buc-ee's travel center in Ocala returned to the Marion County Development Review Committee agenda on June 8, and the project is set to tentatively open between 2029 & 2031.

The center will cover 80,000 sqft, include 120 fueling positions, and be built on a 33-acre site.

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.