Good morning, Ocala.

Terry Crawford, founder of Conimar Group LLC and longtime Ocala civic volunteer, left his mark through service and leadership.

His life will be celebrated on Aug. 29 at First Baptist Church (visitation at 1 p.m. and service at 2 p.m.).

Backyard astronomers will enjoy a planetary alignment before sunrise, a partial solar eclipse, and a peak Perseid meteor shower on Aug.

12 in Ocala. Experts advise checking weather and preparing special eclipse glasses for safe viewing.

Local conservation group Our Santa Fe River was named Charity of the Month after receiving a $1,000 donation from Radiant Credit Union on Aug.

5, and it will use the funds for upcoming conservation projects in the area.

Residents are urging a new grocery store to open soon after the abrupt closing of the Winn-Dixie in Silver Springs, with calls for ALDI to fill the gap and reduce long travel times.

Multiple restaurants have become active at the Paddock Market (the former Sears space at 3100 SW College Road) after months of transformation, offering barbecue, Mexican street food, wings, and more.

Pa’Que Mary’s continues renovations to join the evolving dining scene in Ocala.

Four candidates are competing for the Marion County School Board District 4 seat vacated by Nancy Thrower; early voting is available from Aug.

8 to 15 and the primary election will be held on Aug. 18, with voters able to cast ballots in person + by mail.

Marion County Fire Rescue won the award for the Mission Bus Brigade School Supply Competition after donating over 7,000 school supply items in July — the donation earned 25,462 points and helped supply local public schools with needed materials.

Marion County officials requested a $25,000 grant from the state’s BearWise program during an Aug.

4 meeting to help fund bear-resistant trash cans for residents in high wildlife areas—this move aims to reduce human-bear conflicts without using county funds.

Marion County health officials said on July 31 that a raccoon killed on July 26 in Reddick tested positive for rabies (the latest case in the area) and urged residents to avoid contact with wildlife.

Department of Health in Marion County is hosting a family-friendly World Breastfeeding Week celebration at Southeastern Livestock Pavilion today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering breastfeeding education and child safety resources + children's activities.

TV20's Paige Beck demonstrates how to make a refreshing watermelon pizza pie during her Paige's Kitchen segment this week on a local broadcast in Ocala (recipe highlights creative summer flavors) and offers viewers a simple twist on a favorite treat.

Ocala ranked as the No.2 moving destination nationally according to the 2026 PODS Moving Trends Report, thanks to its affordable living, natural beauty, and strong community ties.

Experts note the city now offers lower home values and flexible moving options plus abundant outdoor recreation to new residents.

Pro wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr., a longtime Marion County coach, died on Tuesday at 85.

A tribute event honoring his legacy will be held Saturday night at the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County.