Good morning, Ocala.

City park rangers will host a Full Moon Night Hike at Fort King National Historic Landmark—located at 3925 E Fort King St.—on Saturday, August 9 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., where visitors will hear campfire stories after a 0.7-mile trail walk.

Participants need to bring proper footwear, insect repellent, and a flashlight, and no registration is required.

Ashley Crosby claims she sustained permanent injuries when a Marion Sheriff’s Office cruiser struck the vehicle she was riding in on August 7, 2023—attorneys filed a proposal for settlement on July 31 in Marion County Circuit Court seeking over $50,000 in damages.

On August 1, 57-year-old Russell Leroy Cooper, Jr. allegedly grabbed a shotgun and threatened a worker clearing a neighboring property—he was arrested for aggravated assault and resisting an officer and will appear in court on September 2 at 9 a.m.

Horse breeders from around the world gathered in Ocala yesterday to showcase Paso Fino horses at a local event featured on Horse Capital TV (highlighting industry collaboration).

The Ocala City Council renewed a $433,472 contract with Wear Gloves, Inc.—a nonprofit that gives jobs to local workers—to provide litter control and stormwater cleaning services from August 1 to July 31 with an option to renew for one more year.

Ocala is launching an education and enforcement initiative to reduce rising pedestrian and traffic fatalities in Marion County using a $47,099 grant from the University of North Florida’s Institute of Police Technology and Management—backed by the Florida Department of Transportation—. The program will support high-visibility police operations along dangerous traffic corridors.

Ocala officials are planning to remove the downtown rail line after two derailments this year raised fears of toxic leaks.

City leaders and local businessman Jon Barber—who had urged converting the rail into a trail before—will meet with CSX and the Federal Railroad Administration to decide next steps.

On Aug. 5, Auburn announced that former Vanguard walk-on Cam’Ron King earned a full athletic scholarship after enrolling in Spring 2024 to build his strength.

The redshirt freshman thanked his mother for her support—his inspiration as his teammates celebrated his achievement.

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.