Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County commissioners approved a contract Tuesday, Aug.

18, to spend $87,910.50 for 44 emergency personnel who will secure Rock the Country on Aug. 28 and 29 at Florida Horse Park — officials confirmed the plan will not affect routine services.

O2B Kids Ocala nears completion — its new education center at 1885 SE 25th Avenue — and will soon serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and VPK students Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for families in East Ocala, Maricamp, the Historic District, Deerwood and Huntington.

AccuWeather lowered its hurricane season forecast to 8+11 named storms and 3+4 hurricanes while still predicting 3+5 direct U.S. impacts, and experts advised residents to monitor conditions closely as warm waters could allow rapid storm intensification later this season.

Florida congressman Greg Steube filed the GATOR Act on Aug.

17 to require a federal study into whether alligator protections slow removal of nuisance gators after five summer attacks (one fatal) and have raised local safety concerns.

The Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center, founded in 2009 and now a federally qualified health center, was awarded $650,000 on Aug.

18 to expand its services for underserved families in West Ocala. The center, located at 819 NW 7th St., serves Tucker Hill and surrounding areas.

Marion County commissioners approved a final master plan on Tuesday, Aug.

18 for Fawn Lake Estates, a new 329-home subdivision on a 110-acre site near Lake Diamond and Crystal Lakes. The plan features wide lots, community amenities, and improved access with gated entry (designed to ease neighbor concerns).

Five local pool teams traveled to Las Vegas for the APA world finals from Aug.

4 to Aug. 15 and won cash prizes; Racks on Racksss finished highest with $1,500 while two other teams earned $350. Local league play resumes on Aug. 31 at venues including Downtown Billiards & Snowbirds Billiards & Good Time Bar & Grill.