Daily
Ocala
Thursday, September 25th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala resident Jorge Espinoza says the city is growing fast with new homes, restaurants, and strip malls—yet there are not enough parks, playgrounds, or splash pads for kids and families. He argues that the lack of green spaces leaves residents with few safe spots to relax and have fun. Ocala-News
- ➤ Third-grader Gracie Decelles received the FOX 35 Care Force award on September 24 for raising funds to purchase 267 backpacks and school supplies for families in need; 45 were sent to Belize and the rest went to local groups (using proceeds from egg and craft sales). FOX 35 Orlando
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Motorists are advised that all lanes of southbound I-75 between Exits 374 and 368 are closed due to a bridge hit at the Northwest Highway 320 overpass in northern Marion County—drivers must follow a detour from Exit 374 via CR 234, CR 329 and CR 318 until further notice. Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala resident Jackie Graves advanced on FOX's new gameshow 99 to Beat after competing in challenges like a scavenger hunt among 1,000 balloons—balancing noodles and blowing a whistle from melting ice. She will face 99 other contestants when the next episode airs on October 1. Ocala-News
- ➤ The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is accepting applications for its 35th annual Young Artist Competition for instrument and voice students ages 12 to 25 nationwide with video auditions due by 5 p.m. November 3. Finalists will compete on January 11, 2026 at an Honors Recital at Reilly Arts Center — division winners will earn cash awards and perform a concerto on March 21 and 22, 2026 during the subscription performance 'To Spring!' Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County law dispatchers work from two locations—one at the Sheriff’s Office and one at Ocala Police—under a mutual aid agreement that does not share real-time data, which can delay help in urgent cases. Fire dispatchers use an automatic aid system with live GPS sharing, a setup that highlights the need for faster coordination across agencies. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Marion County officials announced that road improvements worth over $550 million from 2026 to 2030 will be 98% funded by state and federal agencies—$347.9 million and $192.6 million respectively—with local funds covering just 2.4% of the total cost. Today, the Ocala/Marion Transportation Planning Organization presented plan details at a meeting with the Marion Tourist Development Council, outlining upgrades such as road widening, auxiliary lane construction, and safety improvements at high priority corridors. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UF Health hosted a vision awareness expo at its facility to inform community members about maintaining eye health—offering key resources and information. The event aimed to boost awareness about vision care in the local community. WCJB
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Your calendar reflects your priorities better than your Twitter feed.
~ James Clear
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