Good morning, Ocala.

Brittany Clark died after a 13-foot alligator attacked her while she swam in the Econlockhatchee River on June 28; hunters later killed the animal after DNA tests confirmed it was responsible.

Häagen-Dazs opened its first Ocala location at 40 S.

Magnolia Avenue downtown yesterday with a ribbon-cutting and free ice cream for the first 500 guests. The locally owned shop now offers dine-in, pickup, and delivery via Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Tractor Supply Co. will close 74 underperforming Petsense stores nationwide, including eight in Florida such as Ocala, Jacksonville & Fort Pierce, over a 10 to 12 week wind down process while transferring affected employees to other locations.

This change may require rural pet owners to drive farther for supplies.

Publix is offering three half subs for $3.99 — usually priced at $7 — as part of its weekly deal.

The promotion, featuring Turkey, Italian and Deli Ultimate subs, runs through Aug. 5 at local stores.

Long John Silver’s reported one closure in Florida as part of its reduction from 900 to about half its locations, with 11 still operating in Auburndale, Brandon, Ocala and other cities.

The chain is not going out of business following its 2022 sale to Four Oaks Partners.

Residents in Ocala can shop tax-free for qualifying school and emergency items as Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday, which started July 20, continues through Aug.

20 plus tax exemptions on disaster prep items remain in effect year-round with hurricane season through Nov. 30.

Florida could switch to permanent daylight saving time, making winter sunrises later and evenings brighter.

The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act on July 14 and the Senate is reviewing the bill (lawmakers and experts are assessing its impact on daily routines).

Florida has reported 254 cyclospora cases across 39 counties since May 1, with Miami-Dade, Orange, and Lee County among the highest.

Taylor Farms — linked to a recent voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce — remains under scrutiny as health officials advise thorough food washing and proper cooking.

Several food products, including organic blueberries, enoki mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and shredded iceberg lettuce, have been recalled in Florida for potential E. coli, Listeria, or allergen risks.

Consumers should check lot codes for safety (no illnesses have been reported) while an egg recall does not affect local buyers.

The Interlachen Rams have improved their offense with more balance after a 7 on 7 tournament.

Coach Erik Gibson said the team led by veterans will open its 2026 season at Trenton on Aug. 14.

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.