Good morning, Ocala.

Leaders at Ocala Electric Utility were featured in Weekly Buzz for their award-winning customer service (published Aug.

10 at 9:04 a.m.), highlighting the team driving the company's success.

Ocala schools will adopt new state laws this school year (including mandatory cursive lessons for grades 3 to 5, updated phone restrictions, and revised graduation options for extracurricular activities) as part of Florida’s 2026-2027 education reforms.

South Marion High School opened today to serve 1,900 students as Marion County’s first new high school in 26 years, offering AP and Cambridge courses + unique programs.

The school is fixing subsurface voids under its football field at a $700,000 cost, so home games will be held at alternate sites until Oct. 29.

Florida health officials reported two Vibrio vulnificus deaths and 14 cases, and they said high-risk groups (those with liver disease, cancer, or diabetes) should avoid raw oysters and contact with brackish water during summer and after tropical storms.

Taylor Farms has recalled a range of salsa and guacamole products with jalapeños due to a Salmonella outbreak affecting Florida stores.

Consumers should check for recalled items and discard them — refunds are available at the purchase location.

City officials reviewed conceptual plans for 146 gated townhomes called Kinward at Heathbrook on Monday, Aug.

10 at 5451 SW 66th Street in southwest Ocala; developed by KL Keys at Ocala, LLC, the project will be built in two phases and include amenities (pool, dog park, and clubhouse).