Good morning, Ocala.

Back-to-school events in Marion County (Saturday, Aug.

1) will offer students free backpacks, school supplies and family activities. Venues include Anthony Baptist Church, New Life Family Church and the local mall.

Most Florida students will return to class on Monday, Aug.

10, with three counties starting as late as Thursday, Aug. 13 — districts set early starts to meet state guidelines and local college schedules.

Four Marion County restaurants received high-priority health inspection violations during the week of July 20-26; Blue Gator Of Dunnellon and local Ocala spots faced issues with food temperature controls & insect sightings, with follow-up inspections noting corrective actions.

Ocala horse owners are taking extra precautions as heat indexes climb above 110 degrees, with Christiane Dotson protecting her 26-year-old horse Annie, who cannot sweat, using cooling blankets, constant water, and misters; they advise riding only early in the morning or after sunset to avoid heat-related illness.

On July 24, Florida’s Department of Health issued guidelines advising doctors to avoid using psychotropic medications to treat depression and anxiety in children ages 5 to 17.

The recommendations may change local pediatric mental health care practices.

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.