Good morning, Ocala.

Residents are invited to sign up for a text message service that sends hurricane updates and connects them with crucial local resources this hurricane season.

The service provides weather alerts and local information via the USA TODAY Network — though it is not an emergency hotline.

Hundreds attended the Night of Hope dinner in Marion County on Sept.

25 to raise funds and awareness for domestic violence—organizers reported that many survivors shared their stories and community leaders spoke about support options. The event honored Karla Grimsley-Greenway as Advocate of the Year while Melissa Dohme Hill recounted her survival from a stabbing to highlight ongoing community needs.

Ocala photographer Tommy Cuevas will debut his exhibit 'There’s Nothin’ to Do In Slowcala!?' at the College of Central Florida Webber Gallery on October 27 to show the city’s true energy—an opening reception is set for October 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

City officials will meet on October 1 at 1 p.m. to discuss the delay in funding for the Vacant Storefront Activation mural program—only $1,000 was approved last December and a revised timeline with updated locations is needed to move the project forward.

Ocala resident Judy Buster said a 25% drop in her property value at (On Top of The World) is forcing her to choose between staying or taking a big loss to move as rising homeowners association fees strain her Social Security income.

A husband and wife sued D.R.

Horton on September 19 in Marion County after an inspector found that their home's stucco was not installed correctly—this error led to defects and a drop in property value. They seek over $50,000 in damages to cover repairs and extra living costs.

South Lake defeated Forest 30-25 at Forest High School in Ocala on Sept.

26, 2025 after Forest’s Cedric Brigham recovered a fumble by South Lake’s Aaron Nethero— a play that kept the game close.

The Star Banner provided live score tracking of nine Marion County high school football games last Friday night, September 26th.

Ocala fans followed home games for North Marion, Forest, Trinity Catholic, West Port, Dunnellon, Vanguard, and Lake Weir — while Belleview played its game at The Villages.

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.

Ocala Classic Card Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Hilton Ocala — $5 admission, kids 10 & under free — Discover rare sports cards and collectibles while enjoying family-friendly activities and raffles.