Good morning, Ocala.

A 65-year-old pedestrian was struck by an SUV and killed early Thursday morning at about 5:39 a.m. on Southwest College Road near Paddock Mall in Ocala—OPD said the victim has not been identified and the driver was hospitalized without injuries.

A 65-year-old pedestrian was killed when an SUV hit him on College Road in Ocala Thursday morning—authorities are investigating the incident.

A 53-year-old Marion County man, identified as Thomas Russell Lambert from Belleview, was arrested on felony charges after allegedly ramming his SUV into a pickup truck on Pine Avenue near a RaceTrac gas station in Ocala on July 29th — he admitted involvement after police said his vehicle had broken down — and now faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief with over $1,000 in damage with a $7,500 bond.

Comic Fest will return to Paddock Mall on Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where fans can dress in cosplay and visit over 20 vendor tables—while Geek Fest will take place at Ocala Downtown Market on Sunday, August 17 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. featuring comics, vintage toys, costume contests and games with free admission.

The new AC Hotel under construction in downtown Ocala will receive over $5.6 million in incentives—this includes 225 free parking spaces in the city’s second garage, a $500,000 grant, and waived permit fees.

The six-story hotel with 176 rooms is set for early completion ahead of December and is expected to boost the local tax base by about $20 million.

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.