Good morning, Ocala.

Equestrian Hotel in Ocala has been named one of Florida’s Best Resorts by Travel-Leisure magazine - a nod to its quality service that boosts local appeal.

Wawa is planning its tenth location in Marion County with a 5915 sqft store & gas station canopy at 14700 S.

U.S. Highway 441 in Summerfield. The county committee will review the proposal on Monday, July 13.

Florida school districts are planning the 2026-2027 school year so that kids in Marion County begin classes on Aug.

10 while others start later this week; families should check local calendars for the exact end of summer break.

Belleview partnered with a local business to launch a school supply drive for Belleview Elementary and Belleview-Santos Elementary students starting Monday, July 6.

Supplies including backpacks, notebooks and writing utensils were dropped off at City Hall & Gregg Smith Automotive as organizers aimed to collect 500 backpacks.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission launched an investigation after a viral TikTok video showed women touching an alligator at Silver Springs State Park; officials say interacting with reptiles is illegal + could put both people and wildlife at risk.

Hundreds of veterans and community members gathered Friday night in Ocala for a fireside conversation hosted by Rep. Kat Cammack where they pressed lawmakers on mental health support and veterans benefits using an open forum.

The event also addressed concerns over homelessness among women veterans.

Florida law does not ban harvesting roadkill, but the FWC warns that eating it can be risky if the meat is not handled and cooked properly.

Ocala residents should follow FWC guidelines and report encounters with protected species by calling the proper authorities.

Ocala resident Bryan Gomez found a dead roach in his meal from Pei Wei Asian Express at Paddock Mall on May 16, following a health inspector’s discovery of dead rodents that led to temporary closures on July 7; both vendors reopened on July 8 after follow-up inspections.

State health leaders warn that Florida risks a sharp shortage as Haitian workers' temporary permits in health care expire on July 24 - a change that could leave many seniors without needed support and prompt calls for a lawful immigration path.

Construction is underway on a new Home2 Suites extended stay hotel next to Silver Springs State Park at 5495 N.E.

25th Street near East Silver Springs Boulevard and Baseline Road — the five-story building will have 105 rooms, a pool, a grilling patio, and a pet play area.

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.