Good morning, Ocala.

TV20's Morning Edition — offering top local news, weather, and traffic updates — returns at 7:25 a.m. on weekdays, serving Ocala residents with essential morning information.

A Marion County traffic stop on July 23 ended with the arrest of 45-year-old Keith Baron Pierce from Citra, who allegedly punched a deputy after refusing to follow commands during a check for a missing license plate.

The remains of Michael Connell—a Lake County man reported missing nearly two months ago—were found Saturday in the Ocala National Forest as the sheriff’s office continues investigating the case.

Ocala police arrested 15 suspects in a three-day undercover sting operation—conducted from June 26–28—that targeted individuals who engaged in explicit online communication with someone they believed to be a child and resulted in 49 charges.

A Florida Lottery scratch ticket worth $27,123.21 sold last week at Lake Weir Mobil in Ocklawaha remained unclaimed as of Monday morning — it won the Fantasy 5 drawing on July 24 — and its winning numbers were 1, 3, 6, 23, and 31.

Commission Chairwoman Kathy Bryant is set to address residents at the State of the County meeting, discussing progress with purpose in projects like a new animal shelter built on 20 acres and road improvements.

She will also review first responder initiatives — with her next address scheduled for Thursday in Spruce Creek.

Retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, 53, said on his podcast (The Big Podcast with Shaq) with Mike Tyson that his dream retirement is to live in Ocala, citing rumors of high STD rates and a loofah code at The Villages as his reason to avoid an old folks’ home where his kids would have to care for him.

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.

FL-Labor Day Barrel Blast

August 28th – September 1st — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $40,000 Added — Experience thrilling barrel racing competitions with significant prize money.