Good morning, Ocala.

A local parent's petition to build a safe playground for children with special needs has gathered nearly 1,000 signatures.

Ceidrie Rodriguez started the petition on Change.org and urges the Parks and Recreation Department to create an inclusive play space in the city.

The only pOpshelf in Ocala and Marion County (located at Six Gun Plaza) is holding a clearance sale with discounts of at least 50% on all items as it will permanently close on July 14 next month, following Bealls' recent departure from the plaza.

The sixth annual Bigfoot Conference will take place Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala — the event will feature researchers, investigators and authors discussing the Bigfoot legend.

Author J.E. Leak held a book signing event on Saturday, June 6 at Koontz Furniture and Design in Ocala.

He presented his book series (In The Shadow of Love, In The Shadow of The Past, In The Shadow of Truth, and In The Shadow of Victory) to a local audience.

On June 7, local youth were honored at the War Cry 4 Peace Awards and Scholarship Reveal and Mayor’s Olympic Games Challenge event at Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, with Camiah Roberts (18) receiving a $20,000 scholarship and over 40 students recognized for their resilience.

City officials advanced a zoning resolution Monday to repurpose two municipal-owned parcels for recycling drop-off sites when curbside recycling ends July 6; the change, part of a plan to curb rising sanitation costs and contamination, will form part of an eight-site network pending final council approval.

Florida health officials reported six cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year, including a new case in Marion County.

They advised residents to cook oysters properly and cover open wounds when in warm, brackish water — steps that may help reduce infection risks.

Zumper data shows that since last May, median Ocala apartment rents fell from $1,740 to $1,701 while one-bedroom rates edged up to $1,190 and two-bedroom to $1,390. (Excluding subsidized units, the median rent rises to $1,718.)

The Florida High School Athletic Association approved an Open Division featuring eight teams for fall high school sports such as football, soccer & basketball.

Teams will be selected by MaxPreps rankings and grouped for round-robin play before advancing to state finals.

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.