Beginning on Aug. 19, 2026, the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will begin implementing surcharges of 3.5% on electronic payments made to the City.

Cash and non-electronic payments made in person at any recreation center will not incur the surcharge. *

If you have additional questions or need more information, please reach out to us at: 352-368-5517 or recpark@ocalafl.gov or check out our FAQ page.

*Please note that cash payments are limited to $100 or less.

Ocala Recreation and Parks

The Ocala Recreation and Parks Department has a variety of programs, activities and events to meet your leisure service needs. Check our main navigation for more information about our recreation programs, parks, events and much more!

(OCALA, FL.) Aug. 6, 2026 – At approximately 1:05 a.m., Ocala Fire Rescue responded to reports of a structure fire at Signature Brands, located at 1900 SW 38th Ave. The response was triggered by two alarms: an automated monitoring system and a pull station alarm, both indicating a potential fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters did not find visible flames; however, staff on site had evacuated and were able to inform responders about the source of the smoke filling the building. The fire originated from a commercial popcorn maker, where a pipe had overheated and ignited the ceiling area.

To extinguish the fire, firefighters removed ceiling tiles to access the affected space and used approximately 750 gallons of water.

After the fire was extinguished, teams inspected the area for any remaining hot spots to ensure safety. It was confirmed that the fire had not spread beyond its initial source.

There were no reported injuries.

Responding units included Engines 1, 4, and 6, Tower 1, Squad 7, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer.

Effective alarm systems and vigilant employees played a key role in minimizing damage during this incident, highlighting the importance of operational fire detection systems and alertness in both commercial and residential spaces.

OCALA, Fla. (August 11, 2026) – The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s 2026-2027 season concerts are on sale now to the general public. The season is complete with six subscription concerts, six special events, three choral concerts and a chamber music series. Under the baton of Maestro Matthew Wardell, the season will feature extraordinary musicians, remarkable soloists, beloved masterworks, and bold new voices. Tickets are on sale now at ocalasymphony.com, with prices starting at $15 for adults and $10 for students.

This season begins with the spectacular Pictures at an Exhibition: From Dalí to Mussorgsky, where iconic works of art are transformed into breathtaking orchestral music. Highlights also include the North Central Florida premiere of Disney’s Aladdin in Concert (live with full orchestra), the thought-provoking The Long Arc, featuring Philip Glass’s The American Four Seasons and a world premiere by Gala Flagello, and the powerful season finale, Famous Last Words, pairing Strauss’s radiant Four Last Songs with Tchaikovsky’s deeply moving Pathétique Symphony.  Continue reading →

Executive Director, Veterans Helping Veterans USA

Born into a family chock full of service in the United States Armed Forces, Todd Belknap is a native of suburban Detroit. After high school, Todd enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably for eight years (1982-1990). Obtaining the rank of Sergeant, Belknap served in the Infantry for 5 years before serving as a Recruiter for 3 years. From 1988-90, he scoured universities and campuses in Connecticut and western Massachusetts, seeking Officer Candidates to serve as Marine Corps pilots and ground officers upon graduation. He also worked the Law Schools, searching for future JAG officers.

Upon receipt of his second honorable discharge, Belknap was hired by the Manchester, Connecticut Police Department, with whom he served for ten years until being medically retired. His duties included, but were not limited to, Patrol Officer; Commander, Department Honor & Color Guard; Field Training Officer; Co-Chair, Quality Management Council; and Co-Chair, Employee Assistance Program.

In the past 26 years, Belknap has been affiliated with an exhaustive catalog of non-profit organizations throughout the United States which includes churches, public schools, civic and military organizations. His main desire is to ensure an organization’s marketing/advertising targeting is properly deployed so that awareness of their mission is maximized and subsequently supported through donations and additional avenues of support, monetary and otherwise. Continue reading →

July CEP after hours was held at the Pickleball Kingdom Ocala Florida at 2800 SW 24th Ave, Ocala. As you can see they are having fun. They are advertising league to join.  Plenty of exercise. Phone 352-421-9550

Or pickleballkingdom.com/ocala-fl

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Marion County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion), in partnership with Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR), invites pregnant and postpartum mothers, caregivers, and their families to attend a free, non-certificate CPR overview on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The event will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. at: 

DOH-Marion’s Ocala Office

1801 SE 32nd Ave.

Ocala, FL 34471

OFR will provide a free, non-certificate CPR overview. The CPR overview is offered to women who are pregnant, postpartum mothers, caregivers, and their families. Participants will learn how to respond to cardiopulmonary emergencies until first responders arrive, and how to assist a choking victim. OFR emphasizes the importance of early CPR initiation for infants and toddlers to help increase the chances of survival during emergencies.

Registration is recommended but not required. Please register at forms.cloud.microsoft/g/mUuwLVr4qL. For more information, call 352-622-1161, 352-644-2674, or email CHD42WIC@FLHealth.gov.

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About the Florida Department of Health The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.

(OCALA, FL.) July 14, 2026 – What began as a routine medical call escalated into a significant hazardous material response at Chewy’s Fulfillment Center located at 3380 NW 35th Avenue Road on Tuesday, July 14.

At approximately 7:58 a.m., Ocala Fire Rescue’s Rescue 1 arrived on scene to assist a person experiencing lightheadedness. While medics assessed the patient, a carbon monoxide alarm integrated into their medical equipment sounded, prompting an immediate investigation.

Officials initiated building evacuation protocols to ensure the safety of all personnel, while additional units were en route.

Engines 1 and 4, Tower 1, Squad 7, Rescue 4, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer arrived to identify the potential source of what was suspected to be a carbon monoxide leak. Fire crews used gas monitors throughout the extensive 600,000-square-foot facility and confirmed the presence of a toxic, odorless gas.  Continue reading →

This week on The Buzz, we’re celebrating 25 years of Horse Fever here in Marion County with the unveiling of a brand new painted horse. The horse is named “Freedom” and it was commissioned by Pyranha Animal Health to celebrate the lasting legacy of the values that make the horse capital of the world such a special place.

Plus, elementary students across Marion County will be learning all about what it’s like to work in the equestrian industry with the release of the Horse Capital Jobs Coloring Book this upcoming school year.

This week on The Buzz, we’re celebrating 25 years of Horse Fever here in Marion County with the unveiling of a brand new painted horse. The horse is named “Freedom” and it was commissioned by Pyranha Animal Health to celebrate the lasting legacy of the values that make the horse capital of the world such a special place.

Plus, elementary students across Marion County will be learning all about what it’s like to work in the equestrian industry with the release of the Horse Capital Jobs Coloring Book this upcoming school year.