Good morning, Ocala.

Construction crews are making brisk progress on Mercy Village—a new homeless shelter in east Ocala that will offer 79 housing units—designed to provide long-term stability with integrated support services; the nonprofit collaboration plans to open the facility later this year.

Walmart said an Ocala woman fractured her foot when a case of Gatorade fell from a high shelf at its Silver Springs Shores store on May 23, 2024—claiming she did not use reasonable care and is more than 50% responsible for her injuries.

Blair Calloway filed a lawsuit seeking over $50,000 in damages and her attorneys have demanded strict proof of Walmart’s defenses.

Ocala’s business landscape is expanding with opportunities available across nearly every industry + the CEP highlights this growth as a sign of local progress.

Michael Wayne Jones, a Marion County man convicted of murdering his wife and four children, will be executed after the Florida Supreme Court upheld his death penalty ruling+ officials have not yet scheduled his execution.

On July 5 at a home in Ocala, a 28-year-old man was arrested on felony charges after he allegedly punched his wife's new boyfriend during a child custody exchange and grabbed her hand as she tried to call 911—he is set to appear in court on August 5 at 9 a.m.

Ocala City Council will review a three-year contract with Cummins Inc. on Tuesday, July 15 at 4 p.m. at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Avenue) that could spend up to $1.34 million for engine and transmission replacement services for SunTran buses.

City staff said the contract would address work needed when buses pass 40 percent of their useful life.

Two young flag football teams from Marion County earned spots at the NFL Flag National Championship at the Professional Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio from July 17—20.

The 8U team won the Jacksonville Jaguars regional on April 5 while the 10U team won the Miami Dolphins regional on March 23, adding to a strong local record on the national stage.

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.

Terracotta Pot Paint Night

7-9 p.m. — The Pavilion at Green Gaits — $45 standard admission — Enjoy a creative evening painting terracotta pots with guidance from a talented instructor.