Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 21st of September.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
On Saturday, hundreds gathered in downtown Ocala for a prayer vigil honoring Charlie Kirk after he was assassinated on September 10 in Utah.
Local pastor Dr. Austin Tucker led the event as supporters prayed for Kirk’s widow and children, with nearly 500 people attending.
🎭 Culture
Several local Black leaders in agriculture and equine industries were honored Sept.
18 at the Marion County Black History Museum at the Howard Academy Community Center — the event celebrated pioneers as the traveling exhibit Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers remains on display.
🏛️ Government
FDOT said a lane on northbound I-75 from County Road 462 to County Road 484 will be closed each night from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Friday, September 26 for milling and paving.
The department added the shoulder from County Road 484 to State Road 200 will be closed every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.—work that includes clearing and gopher tortoise relocation.
🏈 Sports
During Week 5 of high school football, Ocala Christian beat First Coast Christian 38-22 and Santa Fe stayed undefeated with a 37-27 win over Fernandina Beach—other regional teams like SCORESColumbia and Fort White also won their matchups.
Fans watched the games on TV20 Sports at 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. with Olivia Eisenhauer and Carson Lokey.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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💼 Ocala Job Board
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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