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The Fort King National Historic Landmark will host a leather bag-making class on Saturday, Sept.

19 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 3925 East Fort King Street. Participants 13 and older can learn hand-stitching and choose from three bag styles for a $50 fee + supplies; registration is required.

High school football district play kicked off in Week 4 as local teams competed on Thursday and Friday; West Port hosted Buchholz and unbeaten Forest played Matanzas & other matchups continue to shape state rankings.

RENT opened on Sept. 3 at the Civic Theatre for a 15-performance run supported by a national arts grant and will conclude with a free post-show talkback session at around 5:30 p.m. on Sept.

20 (featuring guest speakers on art, medicine and survival).

Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) begins tonight in Ocala and lasts two days.

Local families will join prayers, enjoy festive meals and listen to the shofar as they mark a time of reflection and sweet hopes for the coming year.

Give4Marion is a two-day fundraising campaign (Sept.

15-16) that invites residents to donate online to local 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Marion County. Matching gifts will be offered at select times to enhance donations.

The Waldo Area Historical Society is hosting its second annual Waldo Sweet Potato Festival tomorrow at its usual venue, inviting locals to enjoy an event that celebrates community traditions.

Today, Sept. 11 is observed as Patriot Day and National Day of Service & Remembrance, so government offices, banks & post offices remain open while Florida schools hold 45-minute lessons to mark 9/11 Heroes' Day.

Florida drivers are paying nearly $4 a gallon for gasoline as diesel hits record highs, with AAA reporting prices from $3.85 to $4.18 in nearby counties — analysts warn heavier fuel costs may drive up everyday prices.