Good morning, Ocala.

Throughout September, local library card holders can adopt a shelter pet for free at Marion County Public Library branches in partnership with Marion County Animal Services—donations at branches can also clear overdue fines, and new cardholders receive a Pet Rock kit from Kenny’s Place Nursery.

Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire early Wednesday morning at (Laurel Park Apartments) after a lithium-ion battery on an electric scooter ignited and spread flames to nearby items; firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and evacuated residents from a neighboring unit with three minors, and no injuries were reported.

Avalon Stables in Lutz is preparing its American Saddlebreds for the Ocala International Horse Show in October—Horse Capital TV will feature the stables' efforts.

City leaders approved a new trolley service for downtown where a 30-minute route will start at Southeast Broadway Street near the parking garage—both the city and FDOT contributed more than $100,000.

The service will have a soft launch later this month using a bus, and the actual trolley is set to arrive in March.

Marion County increased its jail contract with Heart of Florida from $8 million to $14 million a year even as taxpayers face higher costs and questions over inmate care persist—an ex-nurse reported that staffing gaps led to delays in treatment, spurring calls for further review.

Ocala city leaders held a candidate forum ahead of the municipal election where voters will choose a mayor and city council members in districts one, three, and five on September 16.

A Chinese restaurant named Wok N Roll II at 103rd Street Plaza in southwest Ocala was temporarily closed last week for 22 health code violations— including rodent droppings— and was permitted to reopen on August 27 after a reinspection.

Ocala sisters Gerkary and Andreina Blanco led Team USA to win gold at the Paintball World Championships in France on August 27 and August 28, marking their third straight championship win—an achievement built on years of strong play in national tournaments.

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.

Grand Prix Dining Experience

6:30-9 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Table pricing from $500 — Indulge in a three-course meal while enjoying top-level equestrian sport under the lights.