Tonya Russell, a teacher at Ross Prairie Elementary School, has been named the Ocala Star-Banner/Florida Credit Union Amazing Teacher of the Month for her dedication to students with special needs.

The high-energy Boys in the Band will deliver their acclaimed Alabama tribute at the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, Florida on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Audiences can choose from two showtimes, 2:30 PM or 7:00 PM, with tickets priced from $36 to $51, making the event accessible for a wide range of budgets.

Born in Fort Payne, the group recreates Alabama’s greatest hits with remarkable authenticity, honoring over fifty years of country music tradition.

The Orange Blossom Opry is known for its exceptional acoustics and welcoming atmosphere, drawing music lovers from throughout the region.

The venue, just a short drive from Ocala, provides an ideal setting for fans eager to relive the magic of Alabama’s music.

Early ticket purchase is recommended for this highly anticipated event.

On Friday, May 29, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Horse and Hounds Restaurant welcomes guests in Ocala, Florida, for a special evening of live acoustic music by the talented KennaDee.

KennaDee’s soulful folk and indie tunes promise to set a laid-back and inviting atmosphere, perfect for families and friends seeking the ideal Friday night escape.

Located at 6998 N. US Hwy 27, Horse and Hounds Restaurant remains a staple in Ocala’s dining scene, celebrated for its award-winning prime rib, classic fish and chips, and cozy, equestrian-inspired decor that reflects the area’s heritage.

The pet-friendly outdoor patio, complete with ample seating, encourages visitors to bring leashed dogs and enjoy the night together.

Don’t miss this chance for great music, memorable food, and true Ocala hospitality.

Ocala, Florida is buzzing with a vibrant array of live music events this season, appealing to fans of every genre.

The Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale will host “Friday Night Live” on May 29, 2026, spotlighting the Famous OBO Band led by Nashville’s Bobby Randall for a dynamic blend of country and southern rock.

Earlier, on May 10, Symphony Under The Stars at Ocala Golf Club, organized by Fine Arts for Ocala, will feature orchestral music paired with spectacular fireworks, perfect for families and music lovers alike.

Classic rock enthusiasts can relive Led Zeppelin’s legacy at the Reilly Arts Center on June 13 with “Pure Zeppelin – A Led Zeppelin Tribute.”

New venues like the Equestrian Manor at World Equestrian Center are amplifying Ocala’s cultural scene, making the city an even more exciting hub for live entertainment.

Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, Florida will host its lively Sweet Corn Festival on May 23, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Located at 11801 SW 180th Ave, the event features delicious sweet corn, hayrides, a petting zoo, live music, and playful activities for all ages.

Face painting, inflatables, and unique vendors complement the abundance of food trucks.

Guests can also enjoy flower picking and abundant photo opportunities, perfect for families and friends.

Admission is $5 per person, while seniors 65+ and kids 2 and under enter free.

For more family fun, catch the musical “Children of Eden” at the Ocala Civic Theatre or upcoming shows at the Reilly Arts Center, including comedian Jim Breuer and the Alter Eagles tribute.

With mostly sunny weather and temps in the low 90s, the festival promises a memorable kickoff to summer.

The Forge Ocala is set to revitalize downtown at 343 NE 1st Ave, promising a dynamic mix of dining and entertainment when it opens in spring 2026.

This nearly 3-acre hub will introduce an array of restaurants, bars, and a brewery, all crafted to delight a wide spectrum of tastes.

Highlights include the 1920s-inspired speakeasy The Blind Eye with Southern flavors and whisky, Ignite for sushi and modern Asian fare, and The Hammock, serving Mediterranean tapas meant for sharing.

For dessert lovers, Just Desserts promises indulgent ice creams and sweets.

The venue will also host local markets, ladies’ nights, and concerts to foster a lively community vibe, complete with onsite and valet parking.

In tandem, the World Equestrian Center celebrates the debut of Equestrian Manor, featuring four new restaurants and enriching Ocala’s growing culinary landscape.

Residents and visitors alike can look forward to these bold additions energizing the city’s social scene.

FedEx has expanded its footprint in Ocala by acquiring a major freight distribution facility at 1702 SW 42nd Court, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing logistics in southwest Marion County.

The new facility spans almost 10 acres and features a 17,550-square-foot building, including a cross-dock platform with 41 loading doors and a secure yard designed for heavy truck operations.

With access to Interstate 75 and State Road 40 just a mile away, the site offers strategic convenience for regional freight movement.

This move supports FedEx’s corporate restructuring to create a more unified, efficient operation and mirrors broader industrial growth in Ocala.

Recent projects, such as Cordell Doors’ record-setting lease at Airport Logistics Park, underscore Ocala’s role as a manufacturing and logistics hub in Central Florida.

Community feedback is encouraged as industrial expansion continues to shape the local economic landscape.