Good morning, Ocala.

Operation Shoebox is facing high costs as founder Mary Harper says a new USPS code rule forces the nonprofit to list every item and pay for extra labels—costs that have already surpassed $7,000 and will slow care package shipments to troops overseas.

Residents and first responders in North Central Florida honored 9/11 victims by climbing stairs at a local football stadium with Bradford County Fire Rescue taking part—local leaders and community groups observed moments of silence at 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m. to mark the tribute.

On Wednesday, the city announced that basketball and tennis courts at Lillian Bryant Park, Lamb Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex, Fisher Park, Idlyweir Park, Wyomina Park and Toms Park will be closed for resurfacing and repainting over the next two to three weeks—other park areas remain open.

Ocala native Noah Hunton released his new country music single 'Florida is Home' and performed it on WCJB—he explained the song's inspiration to TV20's Kristin Chase.

Marion County School Board selected South Marion High School for a new $165 million campus on 115 acres near Marion Oaks in Ocala—construction began in December 2024 and the school will open in August for the 2026—2027 school year to serve over 2,000 students.

Marion County officials issued a precautionary boil water notice for part of Lakeview Hills due to water main repairs underway—residents should boil water until the repairs are complete.

Reese Taschenberger, 28, was unanimously chosen by the Dunnellon City Council to fill the District 2 seat on Sept.

10 — he is the youngest council member in recent memory and will serve until the November re-election.

Marion County grew by over 14,000 residents in the past year and now has more than 425,000 permanent residents—reporting a 3.39% increase from 2024 to 2025 according to the UF Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

A preliminary population estimate will be presented at the county commission meeting on Tuesday, September 16 at 9 a.m. at the McPherson Governmental Complex—local officials plan to use the updated count to guide state revenue sharing.

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.

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.