Good morning, Ocala.

Elroy Phillips, Jr., a longtime Ocala resident, died on August 19 after a brief battle with cancer.

His family will honor his legacy with a Catholic Funeral Mass at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on August 29 at (12:30 p.m.).

Severe weather struck Ocala on Saturday, Aug.

23, as large trees crashed through roofs and down power lines at homes along the 3100 block of SE 8th Street & the 3700 block of E. Fort King Street, prompting fire crews to respond without any injuries reported.

Ocala native Mark 'Dr. D' Damohn, a retired history teacher, launches his series of Gator-themed picture books, including T’was the Night Before Kickoff & several others.

The books are available today at local and online retailers.

An Ocala native has created a series of gator picture books that share local wildlife stories and celebrate regional culture, and the first release is coming soon.

Ocala CEP has announced the Coloring Book Project that will deliver nearly 20,000 new coloring books to schools today in Marion County, supporting student learning + honoring the community’s unique blend of education and horse traditions.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking a tropical wave that may become a tropical depression later this week as it moves through the Atlantic, and it is unclear if the system will affect local areas.

Residents should follow weather updates + prepare during this active part of hurricane season.

Kids Foot Locker in Ocala is offering back-to-school favorites — adidas Originals Samba, Jordan Retro 5, New Balance 9060 and 530 — with savings available until Monday, Sept.

7.

Ocala teenager Nacssa Garemore (a Forest High School student) competes on American Ninja Warrior today at 9:00 p.m. on NBC in the final 32, where he faces Noah Meunier for a chance to advance to the final 16 and win a $250,000 prize.