Good morning, Ocala.

On Saturday, September 6, Marion County firefighters responded to a mobile home fire on SE Highway 42 in Umatilla—where flames engulfed half the structure and the roof partially collapsed—forcing a defensive strategy until the blaze was extinguished at about 7:45 a.m. with no injuries or occupants reported.

Jonathan 'JP' Prior, a Santa Fe High senior, died after his motorcycle crashed when he rear-ended an SUV in Union County — hundreds attended his memorial service.

Ocala police took a student into custody after a gun was found on a bus headed to College Park Elementary School — detectives are investigating how the student obtained the weapon.

Appleton Museum of Art at College of Central Florida has announced a new schedule of fall art classes for all ages in a safe—supportive setting.

The lineup includes Art Adventures for children ages 5—7 and painting sessions for adults taught by experienced educators, with more details coming soon.

Health inspectors looked at Marion County restaurants from Sept.

1-7 and found 10 places with major food safety problems—some spots showed unsafe handling and storage while others had perfect scores. Restaurants like Candler Hills Golf Club, Darrell's Diner, Depot on Magnolia, and Grace Japanese Steakhouse must fix these issues.

Marion County high school Athlete of the Week poll features 25 nominees who shined in football, volleyball and swimming during Week 4.

The poll ends Friday at 12 p.m.—the winner will be announced soon.

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.