Good morning, Ocala.

Summer 2025 in Ocala saw ongoing downtown hotel and parking garage construction, a $120 million hospital expansion, and a call center fraud case that led to two arrests.

Community events such as school openings, graduations, sports camps, protests, and fireworks celebrations kept residents engaged.

Today, the Ocala community gathered at 'In Their Light: Stop Overdose' to mark International Overdose Awareness and Prevention Day—families and friends remembered loved ones lost to fentanyl poisonings while banners, photos, food trucks and discussions helped share hope and raise awareness about the opioid crisis.

At 8:43 a.m., Florida Highway Patrol responded to an accident in Marion County when a 22-year-old woman from Dunnellon failed to stop at the intersection on Southwest 140th Street—colliding with another vehicle whose 54-year-old driver from Citrus Springs was taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and pronounced dead.

Suspects involved in a Miami-Dade burglary were pulled over—Florida Highway Patrol officers stopped their vehicle near mile marker 387 on I-75 after a tip about a stolen car carrying jewelry and a Louis Vuitton bag linked to the crime.

Residents sent letters to the paper saying they oppose a bill that would study creating a national park in Ocala National Forest.

They worry that the park will bring too many tourists—cause more traffic and harm local wildlife and land.

Curbside trash collection for Labor Day is rescheduled after a fire broke out at the Leveda Brown Transfer Station early Saturday morning—city crews are working to restore service.

A Silver Springs man filed a lawsuit on August 26—after a hip replacement in April 2024—that claimed a local orthopaedic facility and Dr. Locker failed to detect a severe femoral perforation in his left hip.

His attorneys argued that the surgical error increased his risk of another revision and caused lasting injury, and they sought more than $50,000 in damages.

A property owner's request to annex, change land use and rezone a southwest Ocala site for 400 new residential units will be considered by the city council on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at City Hall — the plan combines the existing Timberland Apartments with new townhome, detached and multi-family units to be built in three phases if approved.

Crystal River Pirates came back from a 14-0 deficit to win 21-14 against West Port on Aug.29—Zaid Moore’s blocked punt set up AJ Wilson’s winning touchdown run and improved the team’s record to 2-0.

MCA Annual Auction & Closing Party

5-7 p.m. — Marion Cultural Alliance at Brick City Center for the Arts — Supports local arts — Experience a festive evening with art and community spirit while bidding on unique auction items.

2025 Ocala Comic Con Weekend Pass

8:00 PM – 10:29 AM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Kids 10 and under are FREE — Experience Florida's largest comic convention packed with comic books, video games, and cosplay.

Marion Oaks Hispanic Heritage Celebration

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Marion Oaks Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate Hispanic heritage with art activities for kids and live entertainment.

2025 Adult Spelling Bee

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Marion Theatre — Participant: $25, General Admission: FREE — Compete to be Ocala’s Smartest Speller and support local causes.

The Grass Roots Concert

5-8:30 p.m. — Circle Square Cultural Center — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a lively performance with classic hits from the renowned Rock and Roll era.

Absolute Queen - A Tribute to Queen

7:30-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a live Queen concert with mind-blowing costume changes and all the classic hits.

Threads of Light - A New Requiem

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Reilly Arts Center — Ticket information not provided — Experience a world premiere by local composer Joshua L. Mazur with the Ocala Symphony and Chorus.

2025 Grand National Show

6 AM - 11 AM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Check for pricing — Experience the thrill of equestrian excellence at the Grand National Show.