Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County Animal Services is offering free adoptions this month as part of Clear the Shelter Month — the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday for those seeking a new pet.

Three adoptable animals include Luna—a six-year-old who lost her owner yet remains loving, Dijon—a one-year-old who enjoys playtime and snacks, and Lucky—a six-month-old eager to learn.

City officials and community members broke ground on Thursday morning at 517 NE 9th Street for a 6,000-square-foot expansion of the Ocala Skate Park—upgrades include a new competition-sized bowl, snake run, and areas for both beginners and intermediate skaters.

The park will stay open during construction, and work is expected to finish by February.

Kadance Fredericksen created 'Kada’s Promise' in 2017 to deliver teddy bears and blankets to children in foster care, homeless shelters, abuse shelters, and hospitals—leaders now seek new ambassadors to help extend this service.

A 44-year-old Belleview man was arrested on a felony littering charge after dumping a completely demolished camper on a neighbor’s property on SE 129th Street on June 23—Marion County officials removed 4,280 pounds of debris and he now faces a $5,000 bond.

Marion County Fire Rescue reports progress from its Blue Sky Strategic Action Plan nearly two years after a firefighter wellness workshop—initiatives include new health screenings, an internship program, and a mentorship track to reduce overtime and address rising call volumes.

The department is also shifting non-emergency transfers and piloting clinical programs to ease pressure on frontline crews.

New data from the Florida Department of Health shows that Marion County had higher emergency room visits and hospital stays than over 50 other counties, reaching its highest rates in 20 years—67,469 stays and about 227,517 visits in 2024.

The numbers show that residents in Marion County are using health care services more than the state average.

The GHS volleyball team swept The Rock 3-0 at the Purple Palace on Thursday night—securing wins with scores of 25-20, 25-19, and 25-22.

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.

Threads of Light - A New Requiem

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Reilly Arts Center — Ticket information not provided — Experience a world premiere by local composer Joshua L. Mazur with the Ocala Symphony and Chorus.