Good morning, Ocala.

Denise St. Germain, an Ocala resident, said she moved here for a rural lifestyle but has seen her dreams shatter as land and ranches give way to asphalt, condos and big business in the past three years—she questions whether responsible growth management is still in place.

On Sunday morning, a small group walked along the I-75 overpass in Ocala with American flags and a 'Kindness Makes Us Great' sign—demonstrators waved flags at passersby at the 42nd Street flyover in Marion County—while a local motorist shared a photo of the scene.

A group of demonstrators gathered in downtown Ocala on Saturday to honor religious activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.

The event took place at Historic Downtown Square from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and included prayers from his family + supporters.

On September 12, Wawa cut the ribbon on its eighth gas station in Ocala at 5200 S Pine Avenue, a delayed opening from its original schedule.

The event featured free drinks and a sandwich-making contest between local sheriff’s and fire rescue employees—marking the chain’s growth in the area.

Ocala-based country singer Noah Hunton will hit the road for his new tour featuring a track inspired by Florida's sunshine—he offers a sneak peek of the upcoming single in this week’s Weekly Buzz.

The Florida Department of Transportation said the rest area near mile marker 346 on southbound I-75 in Ocala will close from 9 p.m. Sept.

17 to 9 a.m. Sept. 18 for ramp resurfacing work. Drivers can use rest areas at mile marker 382 in Alachua County — or at mile marker 308 in Sumter County.

Daylight saving time is in effect until November 2 at 2 a.m. ET as Florida still falls back, even though lawmakers have introduced the Sunshine Protection Act to extend DST year-round—efforts that have not become law.

Lawmakers continue to debate the potential benefits of brighter afternoons and boosted tourism.

Starting Sunday night, lanes will close along I-75 as repair work is scheduled every night this week—forcing drivers to plan alternate routes.

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.