Good morning, Ocala.

The publisher of the Ocala Gazette marks five years of local journalism that began out of a love for the community and a duty to hold local power brokers accountable.

The paper has faced challenges with funding, staffing, and misinformation—yet it continues to use public records requests and balanced reporting to serve Marion County.

Marion County Fire Rescue fought a fire that destroyed a mobile home on Northeast 170th Court in Silver Springs Wednesday after multiple 911 calls reported explosion sounds—firefighters said aerosol cans may have caused the blasts and quickly stopped the flames.

A Florida optometry company will terminate up to 116 employees across 43 locations due to a lost contract, with separations scheduled for July 30, August 30 and September 5; in Ocala, at least two employees at Eyeglass World (2411 SW College Rd.) will be affected.

All impacted workers were notified at least 60 days before their terminations.

Ocala Police Department conducted more than 14,000 traffic stops in the first half of 2025, including 1,093 stops from June 16 to June 29.

Officers spread the stops across major roads—State Road 200, S Pine Avenue, and Silver Springs Boulevard—during a recent city council update.

Barry Mansfield, an incumbent on Ocala City Council running unopposed, has raised $30,750 in campaign funds from local donors for his reelection bid scheduled for September 16—major donations came from capital investment firms and restaurant groups.

New Bethel Community Church Back To School Bash & Community Picnic

2-6 p.m. — Del Webb Spruce Creek Golf & Country Club — Free entry — Enjoy food, music, and a waterslide at this fun community event with free backpacks while supplies last.

Phil Collins Tribute Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — $28 to $57, VIP Box $270 — Experience the magic of Phil Collins through the powerful voice of Rick Snider.

Ocala Christmas in July Festival

10 AM – 3 PM — World Equestrian Center — $5 — Experience a winter wonderland of holiday shopping with handcrafted gifts and a special appearance from Santa.

USA Swimming Futures Championship - Ocala

All day — Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training Center — Entry deadline July 22nd — A showcase of swimming talent with top teams and athletes competing across various events.

Summer Job Fair 2025

5-7 p.m. — Howard Academy Community Center — Free entry — Explore job opportunities across various industries at this local job fair.

Reading with the Rangers & Friends

10:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Ocala Citizens' Circle — Bring your own snacks and blankets — Enjoy a relaxing day of reading with friends in the park.

Candlelight Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

4:00–4:59 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a candlelit setting performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

Real Estate Power Team Workshop

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership — Lunch provided — Learn to build a strong real estate team in North Central Florida.

House of Ruth Back to School Giveaway 2025

12-4 p.m. — Lillian F. Bryant Park — Free — Collect one of 150 free school supply bags in this community support event.