Good morning, Ocala.

Southeast 185th Avenue in Evinston has been renamed and a historical marker placed at Mount Olive AME Church to honor Lloyd W.

Johnson Sr., one of North Marion County's first African-American school bus drivers. A family and official celebration on Aug. 15 recognized his lasting impact on education and community.

The Ocala City Council will vote today on hosting an air show featuring the Blue Angels at Ocala International Airport — a plan widely backed by residents who look forward to enjoying an exciting local event at home.

Moe's Southwest Grill is closing 14 Florida restaurants after Quality Fresca filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Aug.

17 at 1:26 p.m. The company cited rising costs + lower revenue as key factors behind the closures.

Via Panini, a new panini shop at La Vittoriana Business Center, seeks city approval to serve beer and wine and will have its permit reviewed Tuesday at 4 p.m. at City Hall; the owner plans to operate Tuesday through Saturday with 20 seats plus 70 parking spaces.

The City of Ocala is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 First Friday Art Walk series running from Oct.

2 to May 7, with events held each first Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visual artists, performing artists + downtown businesses must apply by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7.

Two Howard Middle School students earned first place at the international Fraternal Order of Eagles God, Flag and Country oratory contest on Saturday, Aug.

8 after winning local and state rounds, with speeches on patriotism, faith and civic pride.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking four tropical waves in the Atlantic basin as hurricane season reaches its busy peak today.

Forecasters indicate no cyclone is forming yet but advise residents to stay alert since storm Dolly could emerge when conditions change.

Residents will help scientists count important pollinators during the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, which will be held Aug.

21 and 22 at the University of Florida’s Master Gardener Extension Office in Ocala (a simple 15-minute activity to observe and record insects).