Good morning, Ocala.

Grocery stores in Ocala will have adjusted hours on the Fourth of July; Publix, Winn-Dixie, BJ's and Sam's Club will be open with regular or modified schedules while Aldi will operate with limited hours and Costco will be closed.

Shoppers should verify local store timings.

On Top of the World is proposing a temporary drone flying field in a retirement community near the wastewater treatment plant.

The documents, reviewed by county staff on June 29, show plans for an asphalt runway, shade tents, and minimal parking—pending adjustments for setbacks and fire safety.

United Way of Marion County is shifting its funding model to focus on four key community priorities & appointing Natalie McComb as interim president and CEO effective July 27.

The new plan aims to deepen investments in education, employment, nutrition and disaster recovery across the area.

Richard Carr, an Ocala man, won a $1-million scratch-off ticket purchased on March 26 at Marion Liquor (3951 S Pine Ave) and chose a lump-sum payout of $556,000, marking the second major lottery win in recent days for Marion County.

Friends of Silver Springs State Park will open an exhibit by artist Robert Varis at the welcome center on July 6 and it will run through August.

Varis will join visitors for a meet and greet on July 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the gallery.

Ocala’s Marion Theatre hosts a free screening of 'The Crossing', a film about the American Revolution — highlighting Washington’s 1776 crossing of the Delaware River — tomorrow, July 2, at 5:30 p.m.; the event, presented by Ocala Main Street, is part of a series honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Florida has set two 2026 sales tax holidays: one for school supplies from July 20 to Aug.

20 and one for outdoor gear from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31. Residents should review specific price limits online.

Today, a new law (SB 606) requires restaurants to clearly list automatic fees+service charges on menus, websites and receipts so customers can see the exact fee amounts.

The rule also mandates that receipts show separate lines for gratuity, operations charge and sales tax.

Health experts warned that people taking SSRIs or TCAs faced a higher risk of heat-related illness as a heat dome made it feel like 112 degrees across the area.

Residents are advised to stay indoors, drink water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Purrs and Pages cat cafe is set to welcome visitors soon as it offers a cozy space for cats and community members to meet, and an Ocala resident who fosters kittens said he plans to bring his foster cat there next week to help with adoptions.

A newly built Fifth Third Bank property at 8253 SW Highway 200 was sold for $2,775,000 on June 26, marking the second high-dollar sale for the bank in the area.

The 1,900 sqft building (on a nearly one-acre lot) sits near several retailers and an upcoming Home Depot.

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.