Good morning, Ocala.

A Marion County family's 13-year-old dog Apollo was found at a shelter in Hempstead after disappearing nearly two months ago.

The family plans to reunite with him Friday and will pay about $1,000 in costs + follow up on his unusual name tag.

Marion County Sheriff’s deputies are hosting the Buy one, Give one Summer Food Drive to collect canned goods, rice, pasta, peanut butter and toiletries for local senior citizens.

Donations will be accepted at several Ocala sites – including Bravo Supermarkets, Earth Fare and Walmart Neighborhood Market – through July 15.

A new modular home business in Belleview will bring jobs and affordable housing to Marion County residents — a move expected to help relieve the local shortage of work and housing.

Construction is planned to start soon.

Jerome Huntley was named North Central Florida winner of Gray Media’s Star-Spangled Sing-Off after receiving top votes for his national anthem.

The veteran singer (with 20 years in the U.S. Army) will face other regional winners as voting runs (June 18–28).

Miss Ocala and Miss Ocala's Teen are competing in Lakeland for state titles.

The contest — with rounds of talent, fitness, and evening wear — runs from June 24 to June 27 at the Youkey Theatre at 701 W Lime St and follows Ocala native Casana Fink’s 2024 win.

Florida law allows only noisy or projectile fireworks on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Independence Day; residents in counties under burn bans (if applicable) must check local rules before using.

Consumer fireworks like sparklers remain legal year-round for safer celebrations.

Between 2016 and 2025, Florida recorded 51 lightning-related deaths while Oklahoma became the lightning capital, according to the Lightning Safety Council.

Residents are urged to get indoors immediately when thunder is heard during the peak summer months.

Phillip and Peggy Dionne sold a 10-acre horse farm at 5028 W Anthony Rd for $1,512,500 on June 22 (the remaining 5% interest is held by Denielle Ann Gallagher and her husband) as records show; the property features equestrian facilities, a craftsman-style home, and a detached garage.

Ocala Roller Derby is hosting the Brick City Bash Roller Derby Expo and Vendor Market on Sunday, June 28 at 310 SE 3rd St. The free event runs 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and features a flat-track bout between the Rollers — Brawl-Stars plus a market with 40 local vendors.

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.

FL Quarter Horse Association Show

All Day — Florida Horse Park — Free entry — Experience a thrilling two-day competition showcasing American Quarter Horses in various classes.