Good morning, Ocala.

The Ira Holmes International Film Series at the College of Central Florida will celebrate its 64th season in October with a Beatles-themed series featuring film screenings, film talks and special events.

It launches at Ocala Downtown Square with the family-friendly When I’m 64 Kickoff Celebration — a tribute to the Fab Four.

The World Equestrian Center is asking the county for more than $100,000 to support its 12-week Winter Spectacular Show Series that will run from December 31 to March 22, 2026 and is expected to bring 1,000 to 2,000 visitors per day while generating over $1 million in weekly sales.

County tourism officials will review the request on Thursday, September 25, at 8 a.m.—at the Ocala/Marion County Visitors Convention Bureau Conference Room—before it goes to the Board of County Commissioners for a final decision.

Reddick-Collier Elementary School teacher Nicole Lambert and paraprofessional Terry Crawford have worked together for 21 years—leading their VPK program to earn a 99 rating, the highest among public schools statewide.

Crawford, who will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year, and Lambert continue to strengthen early learning—preparing over 350 students for kindergarten.

Marion County officials approved a $128 increase in the solid waste fee during Monday night's meeting, raising it from $87 to $215 to fund the planned expansion of the county landfill—residents will see the change on their next tax bill.

District 2 County Commissioner Kathy Bryant announced she is not running for a fifth term—she has served since 2010 and her term ends in 2026.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office master sergeant Richard Kelly—who joined as a corrections assistant in 2008 and was promoted to master sergeant in June—died in his sleep Monday night as officials paid tribute to his service.

Local officials are seeking volunteers to fill board vacancies in Belleview and across Marion County—residents with experience can help shape local government decisions.

Ocala's HCA Florida West Marion Hospital filed a lawsuit against Rasmussen University after a nursing student moved an 82-year-old patient without assistance, causing her to fall, suffer severe head injuries, and die on April 22, 2023—hospital officials claim they have not received the settlement payment yet.

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.

Tropical Steel Music Event

6:00–9:30 p.m. — Yellow Pony at World Equestrian Center — Check event page for costs — Enjoy dinner and drinks while grooving to the versatile sounds of Tropical Steel.