Good morning, Ocala.

Ocala is set to host its 8th annual Recovery Festival—organizers have not yet released detailed timing or venue information.

Habitat for Humanity of Marion County raised walls for two new homes in Ocala on September 10th—one build for single mother Britney Mann and one Realtor Build for Christina and Curtis Jones.

Both families put in sweat equity and completed homeowner education classes to earn their keys, showing strong community support.

Marion County Public Schools officials refuted Sheriff Billy Woods' claim that gun-sniffing dogs are not used in elementary schools—board chair Lori Conrad explained that the district’s search policies include elementary schools, developed with input from the sheriff’s legal team, in response to his comments following a recent bus incident.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and the Ocala Police Department no longer enforce Florida's open carry law for firearms after an appeals court ruled it unconstitutional; both agencies said they do not expect the ruling to be reversed soon.

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners adopted three property tax assessments for unincorporated areas for tax year 2025/26—one of which doubles the solid waste tax assessment—after a nearly four-hour public hearing on September 10.

Officials will soon improve the intersection of Southeast Front Road and Southeast Foss Road after residents voiced concerns about dangerous driving.

The changes are expected to make the area safer—local commuters look forward to fewer risks on their daily drives.

Marion County Commission will consider a new rule on September 16 that lets the county post legal notices only on its website—removing checks from local newspapers.

Officials claim this change will save taxpayer money—but critics say it may lower transparency and limit public oversight.

Data from Realtor.com show that homes in Marion County sold for a median price of $280,000 in June, down 3.3% from May’s $289,700—single-family homes dropped 2.4% while existing condominium prices increased 9.5%.

Nine high school football games were played Friday night in Marion County as North Marion, West Port, Ocala Christian, Vanguard, Trinity Catholic and Belleview hosted while Dunnellon, Forest and Lake Weir played on the road—fans tracked scores during game breaks.

Vanguard won 42-3 on Friday, Sept.

12 at Booster Stadium in Ocala when Jasman Thomas blocked a punt by Leesburg's kicker William Henderson, which led to a touchdown and set the stage for a dominant performance. The strong win showed the team's excellent play throughout the game.

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.