Good morning, Ocala.

Blue Springs Park and Henry Beck Park will reopen today at 10 a.m. after heavy rainfall raised water levels (officials warn the water may remain slightly elevated and appear darker than usual).

Marion County Fire Rescue responded to a gas leak on Southwest 80th Street and 80th Avenue on Thursday morning; firefighters set a safety perimeter + waited for TECO Gas personnel to stop the leak while advising the public to avoid the area.

Strong thunderstorms toppled mature trees near the intersection of Northwest 21st Street (with Northwest Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue) last night, causing severe damage to two homes with one becoming uninhabitable while no injuries were reported.

CSU issued its updated hurricane season forecast on Aug.

5 and shows that Florida still has the highest chance of experiencing storm impacts this year + coastal residents are urged to stay prepared despite a below-normal prediction.

Residents in Ocala can use a new guide with five safety tips for eating lettuce during a cyclospora outbreak; the guide advises avoiding FDA-flagged produce from Taylor Farms (a known source) and washing lettuce thoroughly as Florida cases have risen since May.

Ocala City Council approved plans on Tuesday, Aug.

4 for a 590-unit mixed-use development at 5575 SW 52nd Street on an 82-acre former mining site. The project includes single and multi-family homes, commercial space, and preserved water features and will undergo extensive environmental reviews before construction begins.

Marion County commissioners are reviewing a proposal to expand Shocker Softball Park by $13.9 million; the plan will add two softball fields, a championship field, and upgraded facilities (restrooms, concessions, parking, lighting, and ADA access) to boost sports tourism in the region.

Ocala teen Nacssa Garemore will return to the national spotlight on Monday, Aug.

10 when he competes on American Ninja Warrior for a $250,000 prize on NBC. The Forest High student advanced after a standout Eastern Regional Finals performance and will race against three top competitors.