Good morning, Ocala.

A lottery ticket worth over $47,000 sold at a Publix in Churchill Square on August 24 remained unclaimed as of Tuesday morning—two quick pick tickets matching all five Fantasy 5 numbers were sold, while other local winners claimed larger prizes recently.

On August 24th, a drunk Ocala woman was arrested on an aggravated battery charge after she allegedly hit her boyfriend with a wrench and stabbed him with a screwdriver in their home—she is being held on a $25,000 bond with no court date set yet.

A 21-year-old man was arrested in Marion County after he stole a refrigerator and stove from a home on Northwest 24th Avenue and resisted arrest while rolling a marijuana blunt in front of deputies—he later admitted he took the appliances because he thought the house was abandoned.

Andrew P. Koutnik, Ph.D., a research scientist known for his work on nutrition and performance, will deliver his lecture at the IHMC Ocala Evening Lecture Series on Sept.

9 at 6 p.m. at 15 SE Osceola Ave—his talk 'Carbohydrates and Exercise Performance' will focus on whether eating fewer carbohydrates can help athletes perform better and improve overall health.

Theresa Boston-Ellis held her retirement party at Marion Technical Institute in Ocala on August 22 and received warm farewells from colleagues.

The chief financial officer of Marion County Public Schools for 33 years will officially retire on August 29—ending her long service with multiple roles over the decades.

At the Aug. 19 city council meeting, council member Ire J.

Bethea Sr. warned that the Florida Department of Government Efficiency might audit the city and urged officials to prepare. He made the comments after attending a session at the Florida League of Cities conference that focused on efficiency measures.

HCA Florida West Marion Hospital held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug.

26 to open its new hospital tower+ the new facility is set to boost healthcare services in the area.

Ocala native Cam'Ron King earned a full football scholarship from Auburn after walking on to the team—coach Hugh Freeze announced the decision earlier this month and teammates celebrated his achievement as Auburn prepares to face Baylor on August 29.

Ocala’s Nacssa Garemore raced on American Ninja Warrior 17 on Monday and nearly won the grand prize—he was stopped on the final obstacle in an emotional finish against his close friend, David Bergstrom-Wright.

The 17-year-old earned $10,000 earlier in the season and is expected to return next year—continuing his strong run in the competition.

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.

2025 Adult Spelling Bee

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Marion Theatre — Participant: $25, General Admission: FREE — Compete to be Ocala’s Smartest Speller and support local causes.

The Grass Roots Concert

5-8:30 p.m. — Circle Square Cultural Center — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a lively performance with classic hits from the renowned Rock and Roll era.