Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County roadways have seen over 3,300 traffic crashes and about 40 deaths through July 19, including a bicyclist killed on State Road 200 in Ocala—projections indicate the toll may reach 70–75 by year's end.

State troopers said a 68-year-old man from High Springs died after being hit by a pickup truck Wednesday morning.

A 30-year-old man named Cito Samroy Green was arrested in Marion County on July 19 after he allegedly sent threatening text messages to his girlfriend during a domestic dispute over her job — he faces charges for electronic threats and will appear in court on August 19.

A woman was arrested for felony littering after deputies discovered over 14,000 pounds of trash — including hazardous debris, human waste, and drug paraphernalia — at an illegal homeless encampment in Silver Springs Shores, with cleanup crews later removing the debris.

A Florida woman was arrested after investigators found over 14,000 pounds of trash and hazardous debris piled up at an illegal homeless encampment behind Spring Road in Ocala—she now faces felony littering and trespassing charges after failing to clean up the site as previously ordered.

Juan Valentin, an inmate at Marion County Jail, died five days after his booking while detoxing from drug use—records show he had dangerous vital signs and delayed care that officials are now investigating.

Marion County commissioners approved a controversial sports complex plan for World Equestrian Center owners to build on land once set for low-density housing and equestrian estates in Ocala on July 21—local opponents now await state review of the proposal.

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.

First Time Home Buyer Workshop

5-9 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Free entry — Get expert advice and resources to turn your homeownership dreams into reality.

The Jersey Tenors Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Circle Square Cultural Center — Tickets $32-35 — Experience an explosive blend of opera and rock with iconic Jersey music.

Titans of Rock

7:30-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the best anthems of Journey and Bon Jovi live in one electrifying performance.