Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County Animal Services is offering free pet adoptions all month during Clear the Shelter Month.

The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday to help people find pets such as Goose who loves fetch, Knuckles who likes to hide and jump out, and Breeze who enjoys attention.

A fire destroyed an abandoned home in Belleview on Wednesday, August 6 when Marion County Fire Rescue units arrived at the 400 block of SE 155th Street around 6:20 a.m.—firefighters confirmed no one was inside and no injuries were reported.

A new 180,000-square-foot event venue is under construction at the World Equestrian Center at 1750 NW 80th Ave in Ocala, with a planned fall opening.

The Equestrian Manor will host conferences, weddings, and other events and feature grand ballrooms, meeting rooms, outdoor event spaces, and several restaurants—The Polo Pony, Genievieve’s, and The White Willow.

Starting Monday morning on August 11th, Marion County Public Schools will welcome students as they re-emphasize locked campus entry points with two new elementary schools opening in the Marion Oaks area — drivers are urged to be cautious as forthcoming school zone signs are planned while parents will soon track buses using the My Ride K-12 app.

Marion County Public Schools is preparing for the 2025-26 school year as Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer explained plans for updating classrooms and hiring staff during an interview on August 8th.

The Ocala/Marion NAACP will hold its monthly meeting on August 10 at 4 p.m. at Second Bethlehem Baptist Association with Rev.

Dr. Jerone Gamble presiding — the group will then sponsor a candidate forum for Ocala city elections on August 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the CF Webber Center.

Registration is now open for the Marion County Sheriff's Office 2025 Citizens Academy, a 7—week course for local residents to explore the agency's operations.

Classes begin on September 23 at the MCSO multi-purpose room every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Anthony Michael Travis, an Ocala husband who once worked at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, now serves with the U.S. Navy as an information systems technician on the USS Hyman G.

Rickover at Naval Submarine Base New London — he follows a long family tradition of military service while preparing to become a father.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods reduced his request for additional patrol deputies for 2025-26 from 28 to 12 during budget talks because county constraints led him to rely on a fully staffed patrol side boosted by his 'Chopper Cops' program.

He also added six support staff positions and plans to add 10 community service specialists to manage traffic accident responses — moves made as rising population increased public safety needs — while recruiting new jail staff.

A 90-unit apartment complex called Cypresside Townhouses on SE 14th Ave was sold on July 17 for $7.83 million to an Orlando-area investment firm led by Pete Piacenti.

A train derailed near the complex less than 10 days after the sale—officials are reviewing the incident.

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.