Good morning, Ocala.

Several events offer free backpacks, supplies, and meals in Marion County this weekend.

Highlights include a giveaway at Hope Springs SDA Church on Sunday (12:30 p.m.), a pop-up on NE Jacksonville Rd. Sunday (2–5 p.m.), and Saturday drives at Friends Recycling Center and the College of Central Florida Klein Center.

At The Arc of Marion on Baseline Road, Beyond Able Apparel printed custom T-shirts on Friday, July 17 using screen-print and direct-to-film methods while local team members like 19-year-old Xander Edwards and 14-year-old Ruby Pullara learned valuable skills.

The nonprofit startup aims to expand work opportunities for individuals with disabilities in our community.

Amazon will close its PBI3 distribution center at 7600 LTC Parkway in Port St. Lucie on Sept.

17 (cutting nearly 500 jobs as noted in a WARN notice filed on July 15) while its Ocala hub remains a key part of the state’s network following a $97,675,200 investment in a 1-million sqft facility.

Students at Wyomina Park Elementary returned to school Tuesday as part of a year-round schedule offering frequent breaks instead of one long summer break.

District leaders noted that the school's state grade improved from D to C since 2024, but enrollment dropped due to families juggling different schedules.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission employees accessed private records of 12 critics after public comments against the agency's policies, including one meeting in Ocala (activist Dominic Medina saw his records searched after speaking out), and free speech advocates said the practice may have violated constitutional rights.

The US Navy will resume live bombing exercises at Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest on Thursday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Officials warn that wildlife may be displaced temporarily (residents should secure loose items and drive carefully).

Between July 13 and 19, health inspectors rated Marion County restaurants, giving perfect scores to spots like Backyard Espresso and Let's Fresh while citing eateries including Las Margaritas, Mr. Fry Guy and Salt Springs Pizza for high priority violations that required follow up inspections.

Ocala saw closed sales jump 17.9% to 908 in June plus median home prices drop slightly to $287,990, and statewide single-family homes hit a record median sale price of $432,000, reflecting strong buyer interest.

High school football practices begin Monday, July 27 in Ocala and Marion County, with games starting the weekend of Aug.

20; USA TODAY Network has released team schedules. Playoffs are set for November and December — fueling local excitement.

Ocala teens Emilia Furmanski and Cara Murray earned top five placements at the North American Championships An Comhdhail in late June in Williamsburg, where Cara took second overall & they later performed on June 25 in Sarasota with the national touring show Celtic Throne.

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.