Good morning, Ocala.

On Sunday, June 22, a snorkeler was bitten by an alligator on the Rainbow River, prompting Marion County officials to close the waterway until the reptile was safely removed and the river reopened today.

The Silver River Museum will host a talk at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27 on the Ma Barker House shootout in Silver Springs State Park (1445 NE 58th Avenue).

Tour guide Terry Turner will share details of the 1935 shootout; seating is first-come and free with park admission rates.

Couch Sessions Ocala Season Nine will launch on Jul.

3 at Weide Automotive — where local musicians and visual artists create immersive live performances. Additional sessions are set for Aug. 7 at Muddy Lotus Kava Bar and Sept. 4 at The Heart of the Park.

On Saturday, June 20, the Ocala Juneteenth Celebration Commission hosted an event at Mary Sue Rich Community Center that blended health, fitness, and fashion; licensed dietician Latoria Bryant led a seminar + ex-NFL player Clint Hart directed a workout.

The commission also awarded a scholarship in memory of TiAnna Harris.

Marion County Public Schools will open the new Lake Weir Middle School campus in Silver Springs Shores in August 2027 at 685 Oak Road.

The 30-acre site features a three-story, 141,000 sqft building designed to serve 1,400 students—set to change several East Marion County neighborhoods.

During June 15-21 inspections, Marion County restaurants in Ocala showed mixed results as some establishments like KFC and Wolfy's earned perfect scores while Chili's, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's and Subway needed follow-up reviews for high-priority violations.

Inspectors noted issues with hygiene and temperature control now corrected on site.

John and David Camp purchased the Bel-Lago development and plan to maintain its Old-Florida, low-density equestrian and lakefront character.

Bel-Lago, an upscale equestrian and lakefront community off Southwest SR 200, is under new ownership that will add more homes and amenities while preserving its Old Florida vibe.

Developers from Camp Construction and Development in Ocala announced plans to begin the new build-out soon.

Anthony Mendola and his wife sold a 0.9-acre commercial property at 10988 SW 94th Court for $1,395,000 on June 18.

The property in the West 200 Business Park once housed a plumbing business and tire shop and has an 11,112 sqft building.

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.

Not Fade Away Concert

7-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of live music from Not Fade Away.

2nd Annual Ocala Christmas in July

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free entry — Celebrate Christmas in July with local artisans, crafts, and Summer Santa in a festive atmosphere.