Good morning, Ocala.

Urban Country Outfitters Boot Corral is now open at the Paddock Mall (3100 SW College Road) and sells urban country clothes, boots and accessories.

The store, owned by Stephanie Cross from Palm City, joins other new shops that have opened in the mall over the past two years.

Marion County Public Schools will begin hosting school orientations later this month for students to meet teachers and review schedules+ bus routes before classes start on August 11; Wyomina Park Elementary students will resume next week and new students are urged to register early to avoid long lines.

The Florida Department of Transportation will host an open house on Tuesday, July 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Johns Church of Cotton Plant (12390 County Road 328, Ocala) to explain plans to spend $11.7 million to resurface and widen a 0.6-mile stretch of State Road 40, improve drainage, upgrade guardrails, and realign the roadway for safety near a sharp curve. The project also will add a new crosswalk, sidewalk connections, and ADA-compliant curb ramps (designed to meet standards) while an online webinar will be available at 5:30 p.m. for those who cannot attend in person.

Voters in Marion County are asked to choose the top preseason wide receiver from 18 candidates — including Vanguard’s James Bethea and Forest Wildcats' Trent Richburg — and the poll closes Wednesday, July 23rd.

Two youth flag football teams from Marion County Juice won their regional titles and will play today for an NFL Flag championship at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio+ a final stage win would mark the first time a local program plays in a national title game.

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.