Good morning, Ocala.

Ocala radio personality Robin MacBlane died August 9 after a July 17 car crash hurt her and killed her broadcasting partner Larry Whitler—whose Celebration of Life is set for August 16 at Roberts of Ocala Downtown Chapel—ending the long-running 'Robin and the Giant' show.

Marion County man Michael Allen Burnham, 55, was arrested last week for allegedly stalking a woman for nearly seven years—he was repeatedly seen at public places where she worked and shopped, forcing her to change her routine out of fear.

Florida Cyber Charter Academy offers three virtual ASL courses—ASL I, II, and III—for MCPS students to earn language credit and learn to communicate using sign language.

Homeschooled student Scarlett Phillips, who signed on August 4, said learning ASL inspired her to pursue law so she can help the deaf community.

Marion County Public Schools welcomed 40,461 students on the first day of classes on August 11 with over 21,000 riding buses and a transportation hotline that received 1,271 calls.

School staff also served 11,363 breakfasts and 28,945 lunches at 56 schools that offer free meals — supporting student nutrition.

Ocala's new Winding Oaks Elementary at 7200 SW 49th Avenue Road has sparked debate on adding a traffic signal at its busy entrance because children cross a busy road.

Marion County officials said a signal is approved once the intersection meets FDOT criteria while school board member Eric Cummings urged proactive safety measures.

The CDC says the deadliest animal is the mosquito, which in Florida comes in more than 80 types and spreads diseases like West Nile and dengue.

Florida health officials urge residents to protect themselves by removing standing water from homes and yards—steps that lower mosquito breeding.

Ocala teen Nacssa Garemore will compete in the final round of American Ninja Warrior on Monday, August 18th at 8 p.m. on NBC—he advanced through several stages, earned the fastest qualifying time, and won a $10,000 prize on the Mega Wall challenge.

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.