Good morning, Ocala.

On September 3, a lithium-ion battery in a scooter ignited a fire at Laurel Park Apartments—smoke billowed from a second-floor window and a recliner was destroyed—and firefighters safely evacuated three minors from an adjacent unit with no injuries reported.

A 92-year-old Korean War veteran was displaced after a vehicle crashed into his Ocklawaha home on August 11, leaving it condemned—local groups will hold a fundraiser on September 17 at Epic Old Mill Playhouse in The Villages to help secure new housing for him.

An unlicensed driver named Zuriel Robert Tyrell led deputies on a high-speed chase on August 30, sped past SE 92nd Loop, crashed into a wooded area, and then hid in the woods—he admitted to the chase after being found, was taken to a hospital and booked into jail with a $71,000 bond, and will appear in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30—.

On Wednesday, Ocala City Council approved two resolutions and an amendment to fund and manage the new Downtown Circulator Trolley that will serve key downtown stops — including Downtown Square, the Post Office, and City Hall — as part of a three-year pilot with funds available until June 30 and service starting in September.

A petition opposing the creation of a Florida National Park collected over 5,000 signatures in just over a week as Marion County resident Bobbie Jo Dameron raised concerns about unsustainable tourism and commercialization — fears that could harm the Ocala National Forest.

On September 3, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a reduction of a $14,756 incarceration lien for a Belleview man who served nearly 150 days in jail in 2012 and 2015.

The decision forgave over $13,500 in fees accrued during his stays—he was not present at the meeting.

Florida officials announced plans to end all vaccine requirements, including for school attendance, at a Sept.

3 press conference in Valrico—major medical groups oppose the change, warning it could raise risks for preventable diseases. The state will start removing some vaccine rules soon as lawmakers work on the changes.

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.