Good morning, Ocala.

Carrie Jo Palmeter and her two sons will travel from Ocala to Washington, D.C. this Father's Day weekend to honor her late Vietnam War veteran father, David Palmeter, during the In Memory Weekend event hosted by the Veterans Memorial Fund.

Marion County Fire Rescue’s Special Operations team responded Tuesday night to a sinking boat at Ray Wayside Park along the Silver River—rescuing four people who were returned to shore safely after evaluation.

Stella's Modern Pantry will relocate to 6998 N.

US Hwy 27 at the Golden Hills Center after closing its downtown store at 20 SW Broadway Street following an 18-year run. Co-owners Staci Atsides and Albert Barrett will continue offering its fresh menu, bakery items and retail wine + artisanal goods.

The Marion Cultural Alliance invites local artists to join Horse Fever Celebration: Community Paint Days from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. today at Brick City Center for the Arts, where residents will add their brushstrokes to transform a large horse sculpture into a lasting public artwork.

Environmental scientists warn that continuing drought conditions and heavy groundwater pumping may set off sinkhole collapses if summer rains arrive later, particularly in Marion County.

The St. Johns River Water Management District declared a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage to enforce water conservation and protect structures.

In June, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office encourages parents and teens to use the free resources on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s NetSmartz program to learn about online risks such as cyberbullying and privacy issues.

The office stresses the need for ongoing safety conversations at home.

U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack introduced a bill to support first responders' mental health + detailed a new 988 service during a press conference in Ocala.

Congresswoman Kat Cammack introduced legislation (Answering the Call Act) Tuesday, June 16 to extend the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to first responders at Marion County Fire Rescue Station 28 in Ocala after several suicides; her proposal aims to boost mental health support for emergency workers.

A veteran construction firm and an elite equine breeding company acquired nearly 600 acres in west Marion County for $6 million on Friday, June 12.

The developer plans to create six exclusive 10-acre equestrian estates near SW 220th Avenue and SW Timberlake Road.

A filly bred from Triple Crown winner Justify sold for $1.4 million on Wednesday at Ocala Breeder Sales June Sale, where 173 horses fetched over $9 million with an average price of about $54,000.

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.

Jake Hoot Live Concert

7:30 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the heartfelt storytelling of country music star Jake Hoot, winner of The Voice.

Live Music with Jeff Jarrett at The Riding Academy Pool

12-4 p.m. — The Riding Academy Hotel Pool — Free entry — Experience award-winning live music with an eclectic mix from Jeff Jarrett by the poolside.

Ocala Speed Dating for Singles Ages 45-62

4-6 p.m. — Midtown Station — Ticket required — Meet potential matches through a fun and efficient speed dating experience.

WSET Level 1 in Wines

9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $429 — Dive into a day of wine discovery, tasting, and education with expert instructors.