Blue-Green Algae Advisory Issued for Lake Weir
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is warning residents and visitors about the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Weir.
Health officials say testing is underway to determine whether toxins are present.
People should avoid swimming or recreating in areas where algae blooms are visible. Anyone who comes into contact with affected water should wash their skin and clothing with soap and clean water.
Pets and livestock should also be kept away from visible algae because contaminated water can pose a health risk to animals.
Ocala's O-Line Trolley Officially Launches Today
Downtown Ocala's O-Line officially becomes a true trolley service today.
The City of Ocala will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on the Historic Downtown Square to introduce the vehicle that will operate the downtown route.
The O-Line has been operating with a shuttle bus since September 2025.
The free service connects public parking areas with downtown shopping, dining and attractions. Regular operating hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
Silver Springs State Park Rangers Get New E-Bikes
Rangers at Silver Springs State Park have 25 new electric bicycles to help them patrol the park.
The Florida State Parks Foundation partnered with an Ocala e-bike company to purchase and distribute the zero-emission bicycles.
Officials say the bikes will allow rangers to reach remote portions of the park more quickly and efficiently than with traditional vehicles.
The purchase was funded through proceeds from Florida's Explore Our State Parks specialty license plate.
Tropical Storm Dolly Moving Across Atlantic
Forecasters continue monitoring Tropical Storm Dolly as it moves west across the Atlantic.
As of Thursday's update, Dolly was approximately 2,500 miles from Florida, moving west at 24 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds near 40 miles per hour.
Forecasters did not consider the storm an immediate threat to Florida. Environmental conditions are expected to become increasingly unfavorable for further development beginning today.
Rock the Country Comes to Ocala
One of the area's biggest music events of the year arrives at the Florida Horse Park this weekend.
Rock the Country brings a two-day lineup of country and country-rock performers to Ocala, with Brooks & Dunn among today's featured performers and Blake Shelton headlining Saturday.
Other scheduled performers include Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Shenandoah and additional national acts.
Festival-goers should prepare for typical late-August Florida weather. Forecasts call for temperatures in the low 90s with a significant chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the weekend.
Marion Transit Looking for a New Operator
Another developing local story: Marion Senior Services says it plans to stop operating Marion Transit by December, citing sharply higher liability insurance costs.
The service logged more than 1.16 million passenger miles in 2025 through programs serving seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents and other transportation-disadvantaged passengers.
The Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization is examining options, including seeking another contractor to operate the service.
