Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County shelters list three adoptable pets—Mystic, Tabasco, and Astro—that are seeking new loving homes.

On July 25 at 11 a.m., at least five train cars derailed behind the Cypressside apartments on the 2200 block of Southeast 14th Avenue in Ocala, and officials reported no injuries (the cause remains under investigation).

On July 8, 2025, police said a 40-year-old man named Kewarren Lee Anderson entered a Taco Bell at 2380 SW College Road through the drive-thru window with a large rock and robbed the restaurant before a police K—9 found him hiding behind a dumpster, leading to his arrest, treatment for injuries, and booking on a $50,000 bond.

The 65-year-old doctor Jose Jacob accepted an intervention offer on July 1 that avoids trial and requires nine months of supervision, a $50 fee, and a psycho-sexual evaluation — and he must avoid any contact with the female patient — after she told officers that he inappropriately touched and kissed her on March 24 during an exam at the Cardiovascular Institute.

Mitchell Strycker, an Ocala man who won national beard titles in 2023 and 2024, finished third at the 2025 World Beard and Mustache Championships in Pittsburgh from July 3 to July 5 — he scored 45.5 points in the Full Natural Beard over 60 centimeters category, one point behind the winner.

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.

Mermaids vs. Pirates Roller Derby Scrimmage

1:30-4 p.m. — Ocala Downtown Market — $10 admission, kids under 12 free — Enjoy a thrilling roller derby scrimmage featuring an exciting showdown between mermaids and pirates.