Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County officials held a ceremony on Monday at Citra Fire Station #2 where they blessed a new Safe Haven Baby Box that offers a safe way for parents to leave a newborn—this is the second unit at Marion County Fire Rescue and one of eight statewide.

The third annual Día de los Muertos 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for October 25 at Baseline Trailhead Park and is organized by the Marion County Gator Club in partnership with Milestone Race Authority—raising scholarship funds for local students headed to the University of Florida.

A substitute teacher at South Ocala Elementary was fired after students said she hit, pushed, and used racial slurs—police said there were no serious injuries and no charges will be filed.

Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon is seeking art entries for its upcoming exhibit 'What Does Family Mean to You?' with submissions accepted from Oct.

21 to Oct. 23; artwork must be no larger than 16 inches by 20 inches with a $20 fee and one entry per person. The gallery will host an open house and artist’s reception on Nov. 1—vendors are invited to join a pop-up art festival on the lawn.

Phantasmagoria Orlando and DiDonna Productions will bring Edward Gorey's tales to the stage across Central Florida using storytelling, dance, puppetry and music — with a performance scheduled at Reilly Arts Center in Ocala on November 1.

The series, which marks the 16th installment and celebrates his 100th birthday, is fully licensed by the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust.

Silver River Museum has postponed weekday student field trips at Silver Springs State Park due to increased monkey activity — the director said the change will last for several weeks.

The museum remains open on weekends for public visits.

Hurricane Imelda became the fourth hurricane on Sept.

30 and is expected to peak at 100 mph within 48 hours—well below the 111 mph needed to be a major storm. NOAA said names are retired only when a storm is deadly or costly, a standard met by past I-named storms that impacted Florida.

Marion County commissioners adopted a $1.66 billion budget for fiscal 2025-26 on Sept.

22 and lowered the millage rate from 4.29 to 4.02 mills (one of the lowest in Florida) using a one-time COVID-19 relief fund interest; taxpayers now pay $4.02 for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

Marion County officials are updating rules on temporary roadside vendors after a food truck park closed at the end of August on SW Hwy 484—new changes rename vendors, set site plan requirements, and extend rules to mobile food trucks.

The proposed revisions will be discussed today at 5:30 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Complex with the county board deciding on them later.

Following shootings in Michigan and North Carolina over the weekend, Veterans Helping Veterans in Ocala is planning a PTSD summit later in October to boost support for the 46,000 local veterans.

Executive Director Todd Belknap said the event will speed up treatment—efforts aim to prevent future tragedies in Marion County.

Marion County high school volleyball season is nearing its postseason as voters are invited to choose the top player among 10 candidates with voting open through Sunday, Oct.

5 at 7 p.m. The players, including Elizabeth Marshall and Maddie Hewitson, have shown strong performances in kills, assists, and blocks — making the race very competitive.

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.