Good morning, Ocala.

Families with the Belleview Soccer Club have raised concerns over unsafe field conditions as years of wear and tear and delayed repairs have left the nearly five acre complex with potholes and uneven playing surfaces.

After temporary closures on Tuesday for dead rodent issues, Pizza Per-Bellini + Pei Wei Express passed follow-up health inspections on Wednesday and resumed operations at Paddock Mall at 3100 SW College Road.

The reopenings followed corrective actions by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday begins Monday, July 20 and runs until Aug.

20, exempting items like clothing (under $100), school supplies (under $50) and computers (under $1,500). Many counties start school on Aug. 10.

Marion County residents voiced concerns that school scheduling is hurting student learning by using unused hurricane days and teacher workdays, which reduce class time.

They urged officials to rethink schedules and enforce attendance laws to boost engagement.

Forecasters said on July 9 that a strong El Niño is forming with an 81% chance of peaking by late this season + the pattern should reduce hurricanes but will likely bring a wet, stormy winter with heightened tornado risk for Florida.

Congresswoman Kat Cammack will host a veteran town hall today at 6 p.m. at the Harvey Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida.

Doors open at 5:15 p.m., and Congressman Morgan Luttrell, a Navy Seal veteran, will join her.

Florida cancer diagnoses increased by 22.2% since 2005 while deaths fell 23% by 2024 (heart disease remained the top killer).

The report also warns that global cancer cases could jump to 35 million by 2050 if inequities in detection continue.

Belleview city officials said a blood drive at Belleview Sportsplex over the holiday weekend collected enough donations to save up to 30 lives.

The achievement highlights a strong local commitment to health.

PC Freedom II LLC purchased a 43 acre property along SR 200 on Wednesday, July 8 for $3.1 million near the Public Storage facility at 8976 SR 200 (the sale marks another major transaction by one of Marion County’s largest landowning families).

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.

Summer Series IX: CSI3*/National Hunter/Level 6 Jumper

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free admission — Experience thrilling hunter/jumper competitions culminating in Saturday night Grand Prix events under the lights.