Good morning, Ocala.

Two local Ocala singers released new singles praising Florida and the United States—Tucker on September 17 and Hunton on Friday—with both songs featuring patriotic lyrics that highlight their ties to home.

Unemployment rose in North Central Florida in August as the Florida Commerce Department (FCD) reported a state rate of 3.8% with county rates as high as 5.8% in Union and as low as 4.8% in Gilchrist.

Rates in Alachua, Columbia, and Marion counties also increased from July.

Taiwanese executives visited Marion County Friday morning to tour Adena Farms in Fort McCoy and the University of Florida's beef unit as they aim to secure a trade deal to export Florida beef to Taiwan—tours continue with a visit to Quincey Cattle Company in Chiefland today—underscoring the region's growing agricultural appeal.

Marion County Public Schools will hold a public work session to decide if law enforcement can conduct random searches in elementary schools after Sheriff Billy Woods raised concerns over a student bringing a gun on a school bus.

Board Chair Lori Conrad said the session will examine current safety measures—balancing law enforcement support with the emotional needs of young children.

Marion County health officials issued a rabies advisory after a wild fox tested positive in the Dunnellon area on Tuesday.

Residents are urged to immunize pets, avoid contact with wild animals, and seek medical help if bitten—measures aimed at protecting the community from exposure.

Horses in North Central Florida were treated after a gelding in Marion County tested positive last month—exposing 10 horses—and a mare in Alachua County tested positive last week—exposing 15 horses.

Equine officials said that 24 cases of Strangles have been reported in Florida this year.

In August, Marion County home listings held a median price of $299,900, unchanged from last month but down from $309,000 a year ago.

Homes averaged 1,683 square feet at $183 per square foot, had 1,052 new listings and went on the market for 78 days —data from Realtor.com—.

At Booster Stadium in Ocala on Sept.

19, Vanguard’s James Pullings outpaced Dunnellon’s Courtlyn Mack for a touchdown that helped secure a 20-7 win in the football game.

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.