Good morning, Ocala.

The MIM Ocala Run Club, started by friends Sean Price and Julius Bryant in August 2024, grew quickly from 2 to 240 members running at 5 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and built an Instagram following that reached 2,000 by April—organizers plan to host an event Friday to welcome walkers and runners.

Ocala's MIM Run Club is growing as local residents join to run together + organizers say the energy is crazy and expect more group events in the coming weeks.

Staff at the Humane Society of Marion County discovered a deep sinkhole in the large play area on Monday morning after heavy rain—repair work will begin Friday morning to fill it—allowing the dogs to return to play.

Two men were indicted on murder charges in separate cases in Ocala—Stephon Bagley, 27, for shooting and killing Faye Porter in June 2024 near Lillian Bryant Park, and Zavondre Newmones, 25, for killing Troyelle Bell in February 2024, which cleared all 2024 homicide cases.

During its Tuesday evening meeting, the Ocala City Council approved over $5.6 million in incentives for the new AC Hotel under construction downtown, which includes 225 reserved parking spaces, a $500,000 grant and nearly $200,000 in fee waivers—limiting the city's contribution to 10 percent of the estimated $56.1 million cost. The hotel will have 176 rooms and other amenities to help revitalize a vacant lot—local officials expect the project to boost tourism and support area businesses.

Marion County Fire Rescue has launched its new First Responder Academy—a program that lets high school seniors complete the Firefighter I curriculum before finishing school.

Students who complete the program will be hired by MCFR to finish training with Firefighter II and EMT certification.

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.

2025 Ocala Comic Con Weekend Pass

8:00 PM – 10:29 AM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Kids 10 and under are FREE — Experience Florida's largest comic convention packed with comic books, video games, and cosplay.

Marion Oaks Hispanic Heritage Celebration

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Marion Oaks Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate Hispanic heritage with art activities for kids and live entertainment.