Good morning, Ocala.

Rev. Dr. Lorenzo S. Edwards Sr. served as pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years — inspiring civil rights, education, and community service — before he died on Aug.

16 at age 88. A wake is set for 6 p.m. on Aug. 27 at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church.

Ocala officials approved a three years deal for an air show at Ocala International Airport scheduled from Apr.

30 to May 2, 2027. The event will feature the Blue Angels + other aircraft and is expected to boost the local economy by over $4.5 million.

United Way of Marion County celebrated 65 years at the College of Central Florida with local organizations, having raised nearly $2 million last year and planning to expand programs to boost youth opportunity, financial security and community health + including initiatives such as Strong Families and Women United.

Florida's minimum wage will rise to $15 per hour for non-tipped employees (up from $14) and $11.98 for tipped workers (up from $10.98) starting Sept.

30 following a voter-approved amendment.

Generation Academy, formerly First Assembly Christian School, rebranded and opened a new high school building last Sunday; students began classes Monday, Aug.

17 while local firm Dinkins Construction built modern classrooms and athletic trophy displays to enhance its mission.

The CEP Equine Initiative launched its Horse Capital Equine Industry Coloring Book program early Thursday morning in partnership with Reddick-Collier Elementary School and Marion County Public Schools, with nearly 20,000 books set for distribution to prekindergarten through second grade students to introduce local equine career paths.

Florida health officials said yesterday that 17 Vibrio vulnificus cases and two deaths have been reported this year; residents are urged to avoid raw oysters and exposure to brackish water if they have open wounds (symptoms warrant immediate care).

An 11.66-acre site for the new BJ’s Wholesale Club at 7030 SW 59th Avenue sold for $34.7 million on Aug.

13 in Ocala. The sale by Matthew Oaks Investments to ADS Club Ocala supports the club’s future opening within the Winding Oaks development (including retail and homes) later this fall.