Good morning, Ocala.

Two motorcyclist deaths happened in Ocala this past weekend—raising Marion County's traffic death count to nearly 50 for this year while FDOT data shows over 600 people have died in county accidents since 2019, including 100 motorcyclists.

Two small businesses in downtown Ocala experienced significant flooding on Aug.15 after a weather station recorded 4.25 inches of rain in just over two hours—officials said the event was unusual and not a recurring issue.

Steven Lamar Houston, 45, was arrested on Monday for battery, grand theft, and unarmed robbery after he allegedly choked his girlfriend and stole her wallet over a missing winning scratch-off ticket — the stolen items were valued at about $830 and he now faces a $25,000 bond.

Two ministry leaders with Marion County ties were indicted for forced labor and money laundering after running a call center in Ocala for the Kingdom of God Global Church where workers were forced to work without pay—authorities say they used threats of eternal damnation and raised $50 million while federal agents raided properties in Tampa and Houston.

Marion Technical College in Ocala is launching new programs in diesel technology and aviation mechanics today—using more than $6 million in state funding to build training facilities that meet local business needs.

Marion County resident Bobbie Jo Dameron started a petition on August 26 opposing H.R.4656 which would lead the federal government to study creating a national park and risk unsustainable tourism+ commercialization in the Ocala National Forest.

The petition has already received over 1,000 signatures and calls for stronger environmental protections and more conservation funding.

Picking up the Pieces is hosting its fourth annual Overdose Awareness & Prevention Day event on Aug.

30 at Compassion United Methodist Church in Ocala & will include a memorial motorcycle ride led by The Punishers LEMC Fort King Chapter with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Belleview.

The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a pep rally in Ocala—inviting residents to wear their purple best as a preview for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will take place on Saturday, September 27.

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.

Absolute Queen - A Tribute to Queen

7:30-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a live Queen concert with mind-blowing costume changes and all the classic hits.