Good morning, Ocala.

At 2540 NE 35th Street, a property owner proposed demolishing a 2,041-sqft bank to build a 4,200-sqft convenience store and fuel canopy; the plan was reviewed by the Marion County Development Review Committee on Monday, Sept.

28 and will later be considered by other county agencies if approved.

Nonverbal comedian Ahren Belisle, a Top 10 finalist from America’s Got Talent, performs at Marion Theatre (50 S.

Magnolia Avenue) today at 7:30 p.m. and will appear again on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Florida’s minimum wage will rise to $15 an hour tomorrow, Sept.

30 — replacing the current $14 rate set by the Fair Wage amendment approved by voters; the update still falls short of the living wage needed for full-time households.

FAMU Cooperative Extension and UF/IFAS Marion County Extension will host the 2026 Emerging Farmers Symposium on Oct.

9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Marion County Extension Office in Ocala, where emerging farmers will learn about starting a farm, protecting family land, and a free Wills & Estate Planning Clinic (registration required).

Ritz Veterans Village secured new funding through the Veterans Affairs CERS Program to provide 36 beds for veterans at the Ocala facility.

The grant ensures the facility will continue its support after a nearly missed funding deadline threatened its operations.

Fall has arrived in Central Florida as temperatures drop from the 80s in late September to the 70s by November, easing summer humidity and inviting residents outdoors.

Local families can look forward to enjoying activities and harvest themes (fresh pumpkins and seasonal flowers).

Hundreds of parents are pushing for new leadership in the Marion County Youth Football League after disputes led them to pull their children from teams, with a petition gathering over 650 signatures calling for change + one former coach said issues began after a social media post.