Good morning, Ocala.

Attorneys from Orlando-based Morgan and Morgan filed a slip-and-fall lawsuit on behalf of Maranda Taylor on August 11 against Dollar General at the DG Market in Citra — this case marks the fourth filing in two months with each plaintiff seeking damages over $50,000 for injuries sustained from a liquid substance on the floor.

Today, Wings of Faith Church in southeast Ocala requested a special permit from the county to convert its existing campus into a private elementary school — planned to serve up to 120 kindergarten-to-fifth-grade students.

If approved, the school will begin with 40 students this year and add one grade each year.

On Aug. 12, Ocala City Council members reviewed a proposed $1.15 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 that will not raise property tax millage rates but includes a modest water rate hike and addresses rising costs along with a potential 2026 ballot amendment—public hearings are set for Sept. 3 and 16 in council chambers.

At two recent City Council meetings, Ocala officials said tariffs were cited as a cause for budget strains but warned that there is not enough evidence to fully link the tax changes to the city's financial problems + the discussion highlights ongoing uncertainty about future impacts.

The Ocala City Council will vote today at 4 p.m. at City Hall—110 SE Watula Avenue on a $957,000 five-year lease with Canon for citywide copier and printer services that will replace all machines with updated models.

City staff said the contract fixes lease and software costs and covers copy charges based on past usage.

Marion County Fire Rescue and EMS personnel began contract negotiations on Aug 12 to secure a new shift schedule with built-in time off known as a Kelly Day—and to add benefits aimed at retaining skilled first responders.

Officials will discuss proposals including reduced work week hours—measures set for fiscal year 2026-27 that may help keep essential staff.

Ocala teen Nacssa Garemore will compete on Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC in the American Ninja Warrior finals where he will race against other top athletes for a $250,000 prize — his record-setting qualifying time and win over Taylor Greene earned him a top ranking spot in the head-to-head tournament.

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.

MCA Annual Auction & Closing Party

5-7 p.m. — Marion Cultural Alliance at Brick City Center for the Arts — Supports local arts — Experience a festive evening with art and community spirit while bidding on unique auction items.