Good morning, Ocala.

Michael Wells, a long-time resident, said in a letter that restoring rail service to Orlando+Tampa+south Florida could ease Ocala’s rising traffic congestion; he recalled riding Amtrak back in 1996 as a better way to travel than driving.

The opinion highlights a desire for more travel options to help reduce local gridlock.

The Ocala business landscape is expanding as local companies explore opportunities in nearly every industry.

Students at the College of Central Florida are training as technicians to meet the growing industry demand.

Costco announced that its new warehouse—a 162,000 square-foot facility with about 700 parking spots—will open on August 6 along Wedgewood Lane in The Villages.

The location is about 20 miles south of downtown Ocala and will serve residents from southern Marion County areas such as Marion Oaks, Belleview and Summerfield.

Deputies responded to a home on Pecan Road in Dunnellon on Monday when a revolver discharged in a bedroom and 26-year-old Hunter Charles Destin fled before being caught and arrested on a $30,000 bond for firing a gun into a dwelling (he was previously convicted for burglary in December).

Silver Springs State Park has been home to rhesus macaque monkeys for over 85+ years, and local residents and photographers have shared new photos that show the monkeys, including families and lone individuals, during recent visits to the park.

Florida’s Attorney General said Marion County deputies helped bring illegal immigrants to Alligator Alcatraz — a claim that has put the department’s procedures under scrutiny.

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.