Good morning, Ocala.

The eighth annual Ocala Recovery Festival was held on Sept.

13 at Tuscawilla Park with booths, recovery resources, entertainment, a kid’s zone, food, swag and giveaways. It was organized by Marion County Children’s Alliance’s CCASA & Marion County Hospital District and sponsored by SMA Healthcare, Lifestream and The Vines to support local recovery efforts.

The Mary Sue Rich Community Center will host Rec it on Friday, September 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Families will enjoy free games & creative challenges at the center, and more sessions are set for October 17 and November 21.

After Ocala and Marion County law enforcement officials announced they will no longer enforce the state law banning open carry, residents sent letters sharing their opinions on the change—one letter from Mark Hinkle citing his law enforcement background and another from Calvin White voicing trust in Sheriff Woods to enforce the new policy. A second letter underscored that many locals support the decision for both self-defense and effective community oversight—reflecting varied local views on the matter.

Incumbent Mayor Benjamin Marciano Jr. won re-election with 3,204 votes and Council District 3 member Jay A.

Musleh secured a fourth term with 1,992 votes—only 11.56% of 33,301 registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s special general election that followed a July reset qualifying process. Marciano will serve a two-year term while Musleh continues as council member with a four-year term.

Thirteen Marion County restaurants received high-priority health inspection violations during Sept.

8—14 inspections for issues including improper food storage and unsafe temperature control. Several establishments corrected some problems on-site—follow-up reviews remain required.

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.

Back to the 80's: Dance Fitness Party

1-5 p.m. — Paddock Mall — Donation-based entry — Get your groove on while raising awareness and funds for breast cancer prevention.