Good morning, Ocala.

A 33-year-old Georgia woman named Dakota McKenzie Clark was arrested in Ocala on June 22 at around 6 p.m. after allegedly using a stroller to steal over $1,000 in merchandise from Walmart at 4980 E Silver Springs Boulevard — investigators later found a makeup bag in her vehicle that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

Early Tuesday around 4:20 a.m., a convicted felon fired a flare gun at a Marion County sheriff’s deputy’s patrol car along Highway 19—he ignored commands and was subdued with a Taser before being booked on charges including firing a missile into a vehicle and resisting an officer—no injuries were reported.

The Florida Department of Education released 2024-25 school grades for Central Florida with 71% of 2,461 schools earning an A or B, as Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined progress during a news conference in Jacksonville.

Marion County improved its performance to a B (up from a C last year) while other counties, including Brevard, Flagler, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia, maintained strong grades.

Marion County firefighters and emergency personnel from Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces 4 and 8 departed from Ocala on Monday morning to help flood victims in Texas after flash floods caused over 100 deaths last week— they reported reaching Baton Rouge and joining operations at the Central Texas Operations Center in Austin by Tuesday afternoon.

Multiple Central Florida agencies reported technical difficulties that disrupted 911 and non-emergency services starting Tuesday at 2 p.m.; affected areas include (Ocala, Leesburg, Marion, Lake and Osceola) and officials are working to restore operations while advising people to text 911 for emergencies.

Marion County officials said the 911 service is malfunctioning in Central Florida — calls from cell phones and landlines are coming through intermittently.

Dispatchers are monitoring dropped calls — text to 911 remains the preferred way to reach emergency services.

This summer, Vanguard football won several 7on7 tournaments and head coach Edwin Farmer praised the team's hard work and emerging talent—players like Terrance Lewis and James Bethea earned Division-I offers during the events.

Farmer said the Knights will build on their success in the 2025-26 season if they stay healthy.

Florida Gators football will send QB DJ Lagway, OL Jake Slaughter — an Ocala native—and DL Caleb Banks to SEC Media Days in Atlanta next week from Tuesday, July 15 to Friday, July 18.

The players and head coach Billy Napier will join other teams as they prepare for the 2025 season.

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.