Good morning, Ocala.

Residents are rallying to save the Family Dollar store on State Road 21 in Melrose (a key community resource) as they urge local officials to keep it open.

Marion County Animal Services in Ocala is waiving pet adoption fees through Monday, Aug.

31; over 300 cats and dogs are at 6405 W. State Road 40, open Tuesday+Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The final Clear the Shelters week urges community action.

Ocala City Council approved a three-year contract for the Blue Angels air show at Ocala International Airport, which will run April 30-May 2, 2027.

The event, managed by John Cowman’s JLC AirShow Management, is expected to draw 25,000 people and boost local revenue by about $4.5 million.

Residents in Marion Oaks voiced safety and trespassing concerns at the Aug.

18 commission meeting over ATV riders cutting through neighborhoods and utility easements, and county commissioners said they are working with the sheriff's office and property owners to pinpoint hot spots and issue trespass warnings.

Community Stages will host a free open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug.

29 at Chelsea Art Center — 3305 E. Silver Springs Blvd., where guests can meet artists, preview upcoming theatre classes, and enjoy short performance showcases before the Fall season begins.

Marion County school board approved a new contract that gives teachers nearly $6 million in added salary and benefits.

Union members ratified the deal last week, and the raise will be retroactive to July 1.

Florida hurricane experts are monitoring Invest 96L, which has a 70% chance of becoming a tropical depression as it develops in the Atlantic — forecasts indicate it will likely stay away from Florida this week while models differ on its strength.

The system is being closely watched as hurricane season peaks.

A Publix at Canopy Oaks Center in southwest Ocala sold a winning lottery ticket for $34,436.04 during the Monday, Aug.

24 drawing, marking the third win at the location this year. The ticket remains unclaimed as the winner picked their own numbers and has 180 days to claim the prize.

City officials are evaluating a $500,000 grant program to help local retail shops and restaurants in downtown Ocala amid several long-standing closures.

The proposal would reimburse up to 75% of project costs and is now under review by the Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Committee.

Florida's sales tax holiday for hunting, fishing and camping supplies starts Sept.

1 and runs through Dec. 31. Shoppers making eligible purchases online or in stores can request a refund for any tax collected in error by presenting their receipt.

The Florida Department of Health proposed a rule that will remove four immunization requirements (Hep B, chicken pox, Hib, and pneumococcal) for school entry, and the public may comment until Sept.

14.

Florida reported 155 measles cases so far in 2026—far above the typical annual average—and local vaccination rates remain at 88.9%, below the safe 95% threshold.

Health officials continue to stress the importance of following vaccination guidelines to protect the community.