Good morning, Ocala.

An Ocala resident wrote a letter urging pedestrians to walk facing traffic and cyclists to ride with traffic to reduce nighttime accidents—she suggested that police warn or pull over those not following these safety guidelines.

TV20’s David Snyder will follow several local stories this week in North Central Florida — a church blessing for back-to-school shopping in Ocala, a mobile home fire in Citra with no injuries, a political response to death threats against a school board chair in Alachua County, and an investigation into a shooting in Silver Springs.

The Church of Hope in Ocala partnered with Mount Tabor A.M.E.

Church to bless 44 Marion County schools with prayers for students and teachers — a move aimed at building confidence before classes resume. Officials noted that Marion County Public Schools will welcome 46,000 students on August 11 — an event that underscores community support ahead of the new school year.

Dante Theodore Ferrigno, a former waiter, sued Remington’s Prime in Ocala for age discrimination, saying he was given fewer tables than younger servers and was not allowed back to work after injuring his hand—he claims this unfair treatment caused lost wages and distress.

He filed the lawsuit on July 20 in a federal court—seeking damages for back pay and other losses.

Marion County sheriff's deputies identified the victim in a shooting in Silver Springs yesterday and are interviewing suspects.

The Ocala Downtown Market hosted its Back-to-School Bash to mark the end of summer as families enjoyed food, crafts, and music to get ready for the new school year.

Marion County schools begin on August 11 (organizer Sylvia Krizanz said it was her first time hosting the event).

Marion County Public Safety Communications earned Emergency Police Dispatch Accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch—making it just the 36th agency in the world to do so—and joined only 28 agencies with Triple Accredited Center of Excellence status.

This award shows the department worked hard to improve its emergency call service after past staffing and management challenges.

Today, Ocala officials said the upcoming 2025 Reconciliation Legislation will change the tax code and is expected to impact North Central Florida—more details will be provided in the Weekly Buzz.

The United States Navy will resume bomb tests this week at the Pinecastle Range Complex in Ocala National Forest on Tuesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 7 with Tuesday testing set from 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. while Thursday testing runs from 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m & residents are advised that nearby wildlife may be temporarily displaced and motorists should drive carefully.

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.

Ocala Shrine Rodeo

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — $25 at the gate — Experience traditional rodeo fun featuring bronc riding, barrel racing, and more at the 40th Annual event.