Hello Ocala! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Ma Barker shootout talk, Walmart opening gift cards, and adopt joy + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Historic crime history spotlight: Silver River Museum will host a free talk about the 1935 Ma Barker shootout Saturday, June 27 at 10 a.m., part of the 2026 Summer Speakers Series, with tour info -- get the full event details.
New store in town: Walmart Neighborhood Market opens today near The Villages at Hammock Oaks, offering groceries and pharmacy, and the first 300 customers get a $25 gift card -- check the Walmart opening.
Community celebrates with purpose: Ocala’s Juneteenth Celebration Commission marked emancipation with wellness and style, from a nutrition talk and workout to a Freedom Locs fashion showcase, awarding a scholarship honoring the late TiAnna Harris -- see the Juneteenth celebration.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Rain or shine fun: Need a reliable kid-energy outlet or low-stakes bragging-rights date this week? Easy Street by Funworks packs go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, a rock wall, an arcade and even Water Wars into one spot, so you can rally the crew without driving all over town.
Sun, shade, splash: When Ocala heat starts talking back, Jervey Gantt Park is the move, with an easy-to-love walking loop, courts for a quick game, picnic nooks, kid-approved playground time, and a legit water park to cool it all down.
Plant mood booster: The Peacock Cottage is a local plant shop stocked with African violets, other houseplants, and Florida-made Dandy Pots, the self-watering planters that keep finicky blooms happy. Grab moss, soil, and quirky bug and snail companions, then let your windowsill start showing off.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚗 American Road Trip @ Marion County Public Library System | Wednesday (6/24) at 11:00 AM – This road-trip-themed romp mixes sleight-of-hand, chatty puppets, and legendary tales into an all-ages pit stop worth making. Roy Stone keeps the kids wide-eyed and the adults quietly impressed, which is basically sorcery. No traffic, no snacks crushed in the backseat, just classic showman charm.
👕 JBF Kids Consignment Sale @ Southeastern Livestock Pavilion | Thursday (6/25) at 12:00 PM – Whether your kids outgrow shoes between breakfast and lunch, or you’re outfitting a grandbaby, the massive consignment sale at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion is calling. Expect 50 to 90 percent off clothes, toys, books, and baby gear. Same arena, fewer moos, better bargains.
🛍 Laly Acres' Market @ Laly Acres Nursery | Saturday (6/27) at 9:00 AM – Swing by Laly Acres Nursery as it turns into an easygoing market of local makers, fresh bakes, jams, jewelry, and very adoptable plants. It’s pet and family friendly, and yes, a wagon is wise, because self-control is not locally sourced.
🐾 Adopt Joy- June @ PetSmart | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – PetSmart of Ocala hosts Adopt Joy, a low-key mingle with adoptable dogs and cats who are ready to swap kennel echo for your couch. This is horse country, sure, but these companions are pocket-sized, loyal, and convinced you hang the moon.
🎵 Dog Days of Summer Music Showcase @ Sound Exchange Music | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – Craving local tunes, AC you can trust, and faces you actually recognize? Sound Exchange's Dog Days of Summer Music Showcase is free and family friendly, with food, live sets, and raffles; bring a donation for Arnette House to snag a gift card entry.
🍫 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory @ Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. | Thursday (7/9) – Consider this your golden ticket, Ocala Civic Theatre is opening the season with Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Expect imagination, cheeky tunes, and plenty of nostalgia, like a sugar high without sticky fingers. Bring the kids, or your inner one.
🧶 1 Day Camp - Teen Chunky Knit Blanket @ AR Workshop | Tuesday (7/14) at 9:30 AM – Got a teen who wants camp vibes without the weeklong commitment? This one-day bonus camp in Ocala lets ages 11 and up hand knit a chunky blanket, $99, and maybe discover patience. They leave with something cozy, you enjoy a rare afternoon of quiet.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Ocala report Weather forecastToday — High: 94°F — Low: 74°F — Precip: 21%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Mostly sunny. High near 94, with temperatures falling to around 93 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 102. Northwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Heat index values as high as 100. West wind 0 to 6 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 95°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 21%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny. High near 95, with temperatures falling to around 93 in the afternoon. West wind 0 to 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis exceptionally updated 4-bedroom, 5.5-bath single-story home in gated Summit II brings serious space and style to Ocala. Grand ceilings, custom molding, formal rooms, and a spacious family area set the tone, while every bedroom features an ensuite bath and walk-in closet. A separate-entry in-law suite, lap pool, courtyards, covered patio, and 3-stall barn round out the standout extras.
Take a peek inside → |
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