Good morning, Ocala.

On Monday afternoon, July 14, local firefighters rescued a man and his dog from an Ocala duplex after a severe storm toppled a tree onto the home—damaging rooms and a nearby carport—and no one was hurt.

Ocala police arrested daycare worker Karla L.

Penalverty-Gonzalez on Monday at All Star Learning Academy for abusing six infants with rough handling, forced feeding, violent shaking, and near-suffocation while she resisted arrest, and video evidence backed the charges as management failed to act on earlier reports.

At 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Ocala Police responded to First Federal Bank on Southwest First Avenue and found a man dead outside his vehicle—detectives are investigating his death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At a July 15 meeting, Ocala city officials set a new qualifying period for fall election candidates after all seven initial applicants failed to pay the required fee correctly—candidates can now file corrected paperwork from 8 a.m. today to noon July 18.

The election remains scheduled for September 16 with early voting from September 11 to 13.

Ocala City Council members will meet on Tuesday at 4 p.m. to set a new tentative millage rate that affects property taxes after a report showed taxable property increased by 10.35%.

The council may lower the rate but cannot raise it above Tuesday's set figure—ensuring slightly more than 10% additional funds for the new fiscal year.

El Ranchito Food Market, a Latin American restaurant at 3334 NW Blitchton Road in northwest Ocala, closed on July 7 after a health inspector cited over 40 code violations—including improper food storage—and it reopened on July 8 after corrections were made.

A follow-up inspection on July 14 found only three violations that do not pose an immediate threat to the public.

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.