Daily
Ocala
Thursday, September 11th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala resident Jackie Graves was chosen to compete on FOX's new gameshow 99 to Beat, which will pit 100 contestants in everyday challenges for a $1 million prize when it premieres on Tuesday, September 24 at 9:00 p.m. The mother of three and cancer survivor is hosting a watch party—at The Lodge, 36 S Magnolia Avenue—for friends and family to celebrate her upcoming appearance. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion County Children’s Alliance will host the Night of Hope event on Sept. 25 at the College of Central Florida to honor domestic violence survivors and raise local awareness. Keynote speaker Melissa Dohme Hill—a survivor and advocate—will share her story to help the community understand the impact of abuse. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Give4Marion will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 16 and 17 — a 33-hour online event that supports local nonprofits serving foster families and affordable housing — and will unite community donors for vital local programs. The fundraiser will offer matching gifts and Power Hour prizes to spur donations and expand services for residents. Ocala Gazette
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Monday morning, Ocala Police responded to a call from bus 1959 at Southwest 27th Avenue and Southwest 14th Street where officers found a loaded 38-caliber revolver and arrested a juvenile—radio logs showed both quick alerts and gaps in the emergency system. Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Horse Capital TV featured Rancho Reposo—a private equestrian retreat in Morriston that offers horse-based experiences to support healing, leadership and personal growth—when the segment aired on September 10th. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ School officials chose the name South Marion High School for the new public school near Marion Oaks—this name was decided after two summer surveys and the school is set to open in August with an estimated $165 million project cost. WCJB
- ➤ Five Marion County high school seniors were named semifinalists for National Merit Scholarships — four from Ocala schools and one from Belleview following Tuesday’s nationwide announcement. They will now compete for nearly 6,930 awards worth almost $26 million as final selections are set for the coming months. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County commissioners voted Wednesday to raise fire fees from $200 to $284 for firefighter training and medical services and solid waste fees from $87 to $215 after a narrow 3—2 vote. Commissioners Kathy Bryant and Carl Zalak opposed the solid waste fee increase. WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bella Gardner, a 12-year-old from Ocala who battled bone cancer, died on Tuesday after a relapse—she had once been declared cancer-free after ringing the bell at UF Health Shands. A celebration of life will be held on Sept. 20 at Ocala Christian Academy—family and friends will gather to honor her memory. WCJB
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Habitat for Humanity of Marion County raised the first walls on two new homes in Ocala as women and real estate pros joined a future homeowner to build the residence—she said she was overjoyed. There is no set date for completion. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ An 8-year-old motocrosser placed in the top four for Youth Athlete of the Year in a recent local event, showing his growing skill and determination on track. WCJB
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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4th Annual Grays Halloween Festival
5-10 p.m. — Ocala Downtown Market — Free entry — Celebrate the Halloween season with fun festivities at this community festival.
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