Good morning, Ocala.

The 2025 Give4Marion campaign raised $2.3 million from 5,076 donors with 7,959 gifts collected using an online portal—boosted by matching gifts and challenge grants—to support 112 local nonprofits.

The fundraiser began on Sept. 16 and ended on Sept. 17, while the portal stays open until Sept. 21.

A horseman who moved to Davie in 1982 writes that his hometown saw its barns drop from 15 to 17 to just 5 or 6 as its population grew from 30,000 to 134,000—he warns Ocala may soon face a similar decline as local horsemen depart.

Koto Hibachi Express and Sushi opened its new restaurant at 3811 SW College Road in Ocala near the College Road/State Road 200 interchange with I-75 — the restaurant serves hibachi dishes, sushi rolls, Bento boxes, bubble tea and deep fried cheesecake in a modern setting.

Claire’s at Ocala’s Paddock Mall will remain open after Ames Watson purchased Claire’s assets and chose to keep about 830 stores active while closing 291 locations—its sale will be finalized over the coming weeks following a September 9 hearing and an August bankruptcy filing.

Marion County school officials considered a $20 million plan to renovate Booster Stadium by adding new locker rooms, restrooms, concessions, storage space and a new turf field with a synthetic track—plans that could support graduations and other events.

Further funding and design details will be shared in upcoming meetings.

Florida now allows open carry of legally owned guns on public property following a Sept.

10 ruling—private businesses like Publix can still bar guns and law enforcement will enforce rules against unsafe use. Attorney General James Uthmeier said existing gun restrictions remain in place for certain locations.

Florida Rep. Ryan Chamberlin proposed his 'Freedom 1-2-3 Plan' this week to phase out property taxes statewide—without lowering school funding—by rolling back tax hikes and adding fees on real estate sales, public safety and a 2-cent fee for education.

The plan would replace roughly $43 billion in county tax revenue and comes as lawmakers weigh broader property tax reforms.

The Florida Gators football team will travel south to Miami to face the No. 4 Hurricanes this weekend and will play their first away game against Miami since 2013—ticket demand is high with an average price of $314 and ESPN’s College GameDay set to cover the game on TV20.

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.

Hands-on Volunteer Training for October Ride-a-Test

8:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Florida Horse Park — Free entry — Learn valuable skills while supporting an equestrian event through volunteer opportunities.