Good morning, Ocala.

Local children in Ocala and Marion County are in a contest for Toddler of the Year — hosted by TV personality Mario Lopez — that offers a $25,000 prize, a chance to star in a national ad campaign, lead the Hollywood Christmas Parade, and visit a Peppa Pig theme park in Winter Haven.

Residents living near the intersection of SW 66th Street and SW 27th Avenue in Ocala say a proposed roundabout would block driveways and worsen rush hour traffic—neighbors warn that replacing a long-standing stop sign could lead to confusion and increased delays.

Ocala police officers celebrated veteran Bob Hick’s 102nd birthday even though he spent his day in the hospital after missing his planned Mission Barbeque party to honor his World War II Navy service.

The officers visited him to offer birthday wishes plus invited Facebook followers to join the celebration.

A train derailed behind Cypresside Townhomes at 2223 SE 14th Avenue in southeast Ocala on Friday, July 25 at around 11:16 a.m.—three of the eight cars ended up on their sides with cargo and rocks scattered on the ground while both crew members remained uninjured as state investigators began examining the incident.

An Ocala man, Antonio Alfaro-Orozco, is facing a felony assault charge for threatening a homeowner with a golf club—he then retrieved a high-powered air rifle—and demanding $100 when deputies responded on July 20 at about 6:40 p.m. on SE 49th Court Road, and he will appear in court on August 19 at 9 a.m.

Marion County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating multiple vehicle burglaries when a deputy responded on northwest 11th Court after a thief entered an unlocked vehicle overnight and another vehicle had a firearm stolen — both cases remain under investigation.

Hawthorne graduate Andrew Zock chose Mercer over Navy and had a strong freshman season, earning Preseason SOCON Defensive Player of the Year honors.

He played through a torn meniscus—recording 25 tackles, 8.5 TFLS and 3.5 sacks—to help Mercer in their drive during the FCS College Football Playoff.

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.