Good morning, Ocala.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida celebrated five local community feeding partners who earned Nutritious Pantry certifications, with Hope Lake Weir becoming the first recognized in Marion County — the certification shows a commitment to easing neighbors' access to healthy food.

On July 15, Ocala City Council members and Police Chief Mike Balken reported a 16% rise in crashes on State Road 200 due to construction—altering driving patterns between Southwest 36th Avenue and South Pine Avenue.

An off-duty firefighter intervened when a dryer caught fire at Ocala Express Laundry Centre on East Silver Springs Boulevard on Tuesday, July 15 at 9:32 a.m.—firefighters took control by 9:41 a.m. and no injuries were reported.

Ocala police arrested Karla L.

Penalverty Gonzalez, a 33 year old daycare worker at All Stars Learning Academy, on allegations that she abused at least six infants aged between four and nine months—video evidence and parent complaints led to the investigation and police said more victims may exist.

Marion County mother Naomi Smith said she grew alarmed when her 9-month-old daughter was allegedly abused at All Stars Learning Academy in Ocala on July 3 and learned of the incident on July 14 from police and DCF, prompting the arrest of daycare worker Karla Penalverty-Gonzalez on multiple child abuse charges.

Alden Hilliker, a former 4-H leader, will be posthumously inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame on July 31 — the ceremony is set for the University of Florida.

The Marion County School Board filed a motion to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit from the parents of a Legacy Elementary fifth grader who committed suicide in 2023 after months of alleged bullying by a teacher - the board said the suicide occurred at the family’s home and that it is not liable for a teacher’s intentional acts. The board argued the complaint did not show any school policy that caused a dangerous condition and asked the court to drop the case.

Disability Rights Florida is investigating the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after concerns were raised when inmate Mayra Ramirez died in custody and numerous urgent care requests by mentally ill prisoners went unaddressed—officials have been asked to provide all related records.

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.

DCCW: HEATWAVE

7-10 p.m. — Silver Springs Shores Community Center — $20 adults, $12 kids — Experience intense wrestling action as Jake Logan defends his title against Romeo Quevedo.