Good morning, Ocala.

Whitfield Jenkins, a former president of the Marion County NAACP, has died according to officials with the NAACP Florida State Conference.

A local road was named (in his honor) last year for his efforts advocating for Black employees in the county.

Ocala Civic Theatre received its first-ever $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support its upcoming production of Rent, educational programs and community partnerships for America 250 celebrations.

The grant honors 76 years of community theater and is expected to boost local arts activities.

Marion Technical College has partnered with HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital to launch a professional nursing diploma program that lets licensed practical nurses train to become registered nurses.

The program provides hands-on clinical experience for students.

Florida homeowners in Ocala are advised to review their insurance coverage before hurricane season peaks from mid-August to mid-October (according to NOAA).

Experts recommend checking for separate flood policies since standard homeowners policies often do not cover flood damage.

Since May 1, Florida has reported 158 cases of cyclosporiasis amid 6,707 confirmed cases nationwide—health officials say symptoms include watery diarrhea and cramping while seasonal infections are common; updated figures will follow on July 30.

Johnson’s Hearing Centers is opening its second location at 3300 SW 34th Ave. in Ocala.

Grand opening celebrations (Aug. 10 to 14) will offer raffles, refreshments, a free hearing exam and a buy one get one free offer on advanced hearing aids.

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.