Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County Animal Services features adoptable pets — Saint is a joyful two-year-old dog, Allspice is a playful 11-week-old kitten, and Cider is a friendly three-year-old who warms up slowly.

Adoption fees will be waived in September for library card holders or those who share their family’s emergency plan, and the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Marion County leaders with Walk to End Alzheimer’s & Bridgewater Park will host Pedal with a Purpose on Sunday, September 7 to raise money for the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Deputies in north Marion County responded early Friday near Reddick when a suspect led to a car chase—after refusing to exit his vehicle and allegedly trying to run over a deputy, he was shot and taken to a local hospital in stable condition as traffic slowed on NW Gainesville Road, N Highway 441 and Highway 329.

On Wednesday, the city council approved plans by Anna Jo Partnership, LLC to add 400 new units to the nearly 40-acre site at 2275 SW 53rd Avenue in southwest Ocala—expanding the renovated Timberland Apartments that began with 42 units after millions were invested in improvements.

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.