Good morning, Ocala.

On Sept. 10, Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center hosted its third annual Taste of the Town at the Ocala Downtown Market, drawing over 150 locals who enjoyed food from 26 vendors + live music by Jeff Jarrett.

Heather James said the event exceeded its Give4Marion goal.

Marion County residents and businesses have claimed over $15 million in lottery winnings this year — including a $10 million Powerball jackpot won by an Ocklawaha resident who purchased the ticket in Leesburg.

Florida’s statewide alligator hunting season is now open for seven weeks in Marion County as hunters with permits can hunt on select lakes, rivers & wetlands until Nov.

1 while local restrictions bar hunting in areas like Orange Lake.

Local officials remind residents to review emergency supplies and evacuation routes as hurricane season nears.

They advise checking local weather updates (available through community centers) to help keep Ocala safe during potential storms.

Local homeowners can learn to identify paper wasps, hornets and yellow jackets by noting the differences in nest styles and behavior.

The report explains that yellow jackets are especially dangerous due to their repeated stinging and hidden nests (which may catch residents off guard).

Local health inspectors reviewed restaurants from Sept.

7–13, 2026 with some earning perfect scores and others cited for high-priority violations (managers have taken corrective actions and follow-up inspections are pending).