Good morning, Ocala.

A 38-year-old Silver Springs woman was arrested at Ocala Walmart on Friday, August 22 after she reportedly returned shampoo bottles for store credit and used self-checkout to buy two low-priced items while concealing over $1,300 in stolen merchandise—including a bicycle—and she is set to appear in court on Wednesday, September 24.

At the Patriot Day ceremony, retired firefighter Jason Hartley remembered those lost in the 9/11 attacks—he recalled working on The Pile as an EMT and wiping his eyes three times today during the event.

Marion County first responders and a helicopter flyover honored the victims in a local ceremony.

The federal government is studying if it will create a Florida National Park that covers the Ocala National Forest and nearby parks, and letters show mixed opinions from locals.

Some readers worry about overcrowded roads and environmental damage while others support preserving nature — the study is ongoing.

Boyd Real Estate Group will present the conceptual plan for Greenway Reserve—a 55-home development on a 12.67-acre site at NE 25th and NE 28th Streets—to the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, September 8 at 5:30 p.m. The review will guide whether the plan advances to the City Council for a final decision.

The Florida Gators lost to USF 18-16 at The Swamp as the team struggled on offense, defense, and special teams, raising concerns about head coach Billy Napier's plans.

They will face LSU on Sept. 13 and Miami on Sept. 20.

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.