MATTERS OF THE HOME
What's happening, what's useful, and what's worth a look this week in Ocala
The fireworks are behind us, but Ocala isn't slowing down. Between live music on the square and a museum that's free all month, there's plenty of reason to get outside this week. Just don't forget the water bottle.
Local Events
Jake Hoot Live - Friday, July 10 at the Reilly Arts Center
The Voice season 17 winner brings his tour to downtown Ocala for one night only. Who it's for: Adults. Get tickets
Rocky and the Rollers - Saturday, July 11, 7pm at Circle Square Cultural Center
The crowd favorite is back by popular demand for a night of live music at Circle Square Commons. Who it's for: Adults and Families. See the calendar
Stars, Stripes and Art - Free admission all July at the Appleton Museum of Art
In honor of America's 250th, Ocala's own art museum is free to visit all month long. Who it's for: Families and Kids. Plan your visit
Community Spotlight
Ready Together: Local Nonprofits Help Kids Start the School Year Strong
With August approaching, Ocala Magazine highlights Ready for Success -- a partnership between the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, Stuff the Bus, The Rock Program, and Marion County Public Schools -- making sure local students have supplies, clothing, and support to start the year off ready to learn.
Key Takeaway: Stuff the Bus and The Rock Program both take donations and volunteers year-round if you're looking for a way to help. Read more
Scam Watch
Florida's Most Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
AARP Florida rounds up the state's top fraud types using FTC data — imposter scams, sweepstakes fraud, and fake online shopping sites top the list, with tips on spotting each before you lose money.
Key Takeaway: If a caller creates a sense of urgency or asks for gift cards or wire transfers, hang up and verify independently before doing anything. Read more
Around the Yard
The Right Plants Make Florida Yards Easier to Keep Up
UF/IFAS's Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program has a free tool that lets you filter native, low-water plants by zone and type -- built for the exact soil and heat homeowners in Marion County deal with.
Key Takeaway: Swapping thirsty plants for Florida-friendly ones can cut down on watering, mowing, and pest headaches all at once. Explore the plant guide
Market Pulse
Nancy Deichman's weekly Market Pulse video compares this week's Lake, Marion, and Sumter County activity to the same week last year -- and the numbers point to real momentum.
County | 6/28/26 - 7/4/26 Active l Pending l Sold | 6/29/25 - 7/5/25 Active l Pending l Sold |
|---|---|---|
Lake | 193 l 180 l 169 | 190 l 138 l 122 |
Marion | 253 l 197 l 248 | 239 l 210 l 156 |
Sumter | 48 l 43 l 56 | 52 l 34 l 47 |
Source: Stellar MLS. Statistics reflect Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties’ activity from June 28 to July 4, 2026. VLS data not included.
What's selling for under $200k
$140,000 l 2 bed 2 bath corner end unit - 687 Midway Dr, #A, Ocala, FL 34472
A low-maintenance way into Ocala living, priced well below the market average. Listed by Marie Evans. View the listing
Affordable 55+ Community Living
$225,000 l 2 bed 2 bath - 6274 SW 106th Pl, Ocala, FL 34476
Room to spread out in one of Southwest Ocala's most popular family neighborhoods. Listed by Joe Jackson. View the listing
Luxury Living
$925,000 l 4 bed 2.5 bath l 100ft of beach - 13200 E Highway 25, Ocklawaha, FL 32179
Wide-open horse country living minutes from Lake Weir, with room to really spread out. Listed by Michelle Smith. View the listing
Sponsor
Hansø Pergolas: Built for American Backyards
Rooted in American craftsmanship. Built for American weather. Backed by 40+ years of experience.
This 4th of July Pro+ and Horizon pergolas at 30% off - plus a free Bluetooth speaker with every pergola order.
Built for America. On sale for America.
Welcome to Premier Office Center, where we provide modern, fully serviced office solutions designed for professionals who prioritize productivity and flexibility. We are thrilled to announce that our Ocala and Wildwood locations are now complete and officially open to new members, offering move-in-ready private offices and dynamic coworking spaces. While our Mount Dora location is still in development, we invite you to join our waitlist to secure priority access and exclusive founding member rates. Whether you need a professional business address or a high-end training room, our all-inclusive memberships are built to support your success from day one.
That's it for this week.
Providing the Ocala community with clear, data-driven home insights.