Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. Ocala Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ 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. Ocala-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WCJB
- ➤ 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. WCJB
- ➤ 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. WCJB
- ➤ 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 Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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. Ocala-News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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