Good morning, Ocala.

A new Ocala Wawa will open on August 21 at 5200 S.

Pine Ave. with a countdown event starting at 7:45 a.m.—the first 100 customers will receive free T-shirts while everyone gets free coffee and local first responders take part in a hoagie-building contest.

An Ocala family started Porch Farmstand earlier this year where locals buy farm-fresh eggs, homemade jams, breads, cookies, and more on the honor system—owner Melissa Butterfield refurbished an old armoire to launch the business.

The farmstand, located along Teak Run in Porter Shores, now accepts digital payments and cash in its honor box and is open from dawn until dusk every day.

Daniel Alvarez, a 64-year-old Marion County man, was arrested on Wednesday after he attacked another person following a job loss and is now out on bond.

Helvin Morales, 19, drove from Georgia to break into a Marion County home after a relationship ended—deputies said he attacked two individuals leaving the house before pulling him over on U.S. Highway 441 and taking him to jail.

Marion County Public Schools will open on Aug.

11 with over 46,000 students and nearly 500 teachers — including two new elementary schools Ross Prairie and Winding Oaks — while officials work to fill 71 teaching vacancies with 54 pending hires. They remind parents to update seventh graders' immunizations, drive slowly in school zones, and follow bus safety rules.

A University of Florida study reported that capybaras, the world's largest rodent, have been spotted in north-central Florida and as far south as Collier County & near the Gulf Coast, though a breeding population has not been confirmed.

Visitors can interact with these gentle giants at local zoos, wildlife parks, and two capybara cafes in St. Augustine and St. Petersburg.

On Thursday afternoon, Ocala released a video in which Facilities Management Director John King explained how his team manages about 2,000 vehicles and equipment after city officials transferred $395,000 to cover a tariff-driven budget shortfall.

King also said his 16 technicians perform 15 to 20 preventive maintenance services daily — keeping fire, police and public works vehicles ready for use.

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.