Good morning, Ocala.

CASA Marion, the domestic violence center established in January 2024, has provided over 13,000 services to nearly 1,000 local survivors—including emergency shelter, hotline support and legal advocacy—and received the Purple Ribbon Award for Organizational Hope Story of the Year in April. The center continues to assist those in need at its Ocala office at 717 SW MLK Jr Avenue.

On Sunday, a 24-year-old Ocala woman driving a Hyundai struck an elderly pedestrian on U.S. Highway 301 near SE 169th Street at 1:30 a.m., marking Marion County’s tenth pedestrian fatality of the year—one of at least 30 deaths from vehicular accidents in the county so far.

Ocala police arrested 20 men—including local horse trainer Joshua Faulkner—after an undercover sting called Operation Parental Advisory showed they allegedly tried to lure children online from May 21 to May 24, and the arrests led to 80 charges for crimes such as traveling to meet a minor and other offenses.

The second season of Backstreet, the Ocala-based series run by local creators and actors, has just premiered on Amazon Prime.

All seven episodes are streaming now — the team led by Tekulve Jackson spent months writing scripts, planning scenes, and editing to complete the season.

The Marion County School Board approved the 2025-26 Central Office Staffing Plan and five cost-saving recommendations to close an expected staffing budget gap—an updated plan adjusted after a May 22 work session and presented on June 5 at Marion Technical Institute in Ocala.

The Juniper Run paddling site in Ocala National Forest will reopen tomorrow at 8 a.m.—resuming private launches, rentals, and shuttle service after its May closure due to an aggressive alligator.

Paddlers are advised to remain alert for wildlife as the river flows through a designated wilderness area.

Governor DeSantis approved the protection of 78,000 acres along a wildlife corridor from Ocala to Osceola today—this effort is part of nearly $1.5 billion invested in conservation through Florida Forever since 2019.

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.