Good morning, Ocala.

Members of Ocala Elk’s Lodge celebrated its 130th birthday on Jul.

12—local members joined a ceremony that honored over a century of tradition in this historic gathering.

Members of Ocala Elk’s Lodge celebrated its 130th birthday last Saturday at a packed event.

Founded in 1895, the lodge has had over 6,000 members and donated more than $6 million to local groups plus the Ocala Ladies of Elks marked their 25th anniversary.

Marion County resident Sybil S.

McCray filed a lawsuit on June 24 against Publix at 8075 SW State Road 200 in Ocala after she slipped on a transitory substance during her visit on September 12, 2024—she is seeking more than $50,000 in damages.

Kareem Hack, 38, swerved between lanes while riding a scooter under the influence in Belleview on July 12 — he was arrested for endangering public safety.

The Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission will review the final phase conceptual plan for Emerson Pointe—an under-construction development in northeast Ocala that will eventually include over 300 homes—on Monday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. This review follows earlier city approvals and marks a key step in the project's progress.

Forest track coach Brett Stanley runs Spartan Chosen to help young athletes build discipline and academic strength through strict GPA and training standards.

His program, which has developed national champions in Marion County public schools, will send several competitors to the AAU Junior Olympics Games in Texas from July 28 — August 2.

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.