Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County officials said Buc-ees will soon open—becoming a popular stop for local drivers and shoppers.

Officials noted that planning steps are underway and more details will come soon.

Night Owl Bakery is renovating the former Soleil Bakery space at 56 SE 1st Avenue in downtown Ocala—owners Kevin and Jessica Ferrara plan to open soon offering espresso, sandwiches, breads and a free library as part of a revitalized area where over a dozen new restaurants have appeared since 2019.

On the weekend, thousands of fans gathered at the World Equestrian Center for Comic Con where they dressed in costumes from favorite comics, movies, and TV shows and waited for autographs from voice actors and artists.

A volunteer said that the event has long been a pop culture staple in Ocala—over 15,000 people came on Saturday.

Marion County has already collected over $6.4 million in tourism tax revenue from October 2024 to September 2025—almost $1 million more than last year, with May and July showing record monthly figures.

The report will be shared at the Tourist Development Council meeting on September 25 at 8 a.m. at the Visitor and Convention Bureau.

Florida lawmakers are meeting in Tallahassee to consider changes to state property taxes that may lower costs for homeowners and businesses and could appear on the 2026 ballot—North Central lawmakers Judson Sapp and Ryan Chamberlin have backed the proposals.

Marion County Fire Rescue officials are adding new rescue units at East Marion Fire Station 4 + Silver Springs Shores Station 17 to boost emergency response times in the area.

Officials in Marion County cited 12 restaurants for high-priority health violations during inspections conducted Sept.

15—21—problems included inadequate dishmachine sanitizer levels and improper food temperature controls.

Marion County health officials issued a rabies advisory after a fox that tested positive on September 16 was captured in Dunnellon (near 217th Court Road).

Residents with pets are urged to contact a veterinarian immediately if exposed to wild animals.

Twenty-six high school athletes are competing for Marion County Athlete of the Week.

Online votes will be accepted until Friday at 12 p.m. — the winner will be announced soon after.

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.