Daily
Ocala
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lily’s Pad reopened at Lillian Bryant Park in Ocala after a multi-week closure to fix lightning damage and upgrade the plumbing and filtration system—ensuring safe, consistent water pressure across its features; it is open daily from sunrise to sunset until November 15. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ FWC is accepting online applications for the 2026 goliath grouper harvest beginning March 1 and ending May 31—anglers must apply by Oct. 15 for one of 200 permits that cost $10 to apply and $150 for residents or $500 for non-residents. Permits allow one fish per person with fishing allowed only for groupers between 24 and 36 inches in designated state waters. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala City Council will review a proposal to spend $492,000 to replace outdated computers that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 at their meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 4 p.m. New equipment will be installed in multiple departments—such as police and security—to enhance IT efficiency and security. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion County’s roads will see big updates as state and local transportation officials work on plans to fix problem spots and support growth—Director Robert Balmes said residents will see several impactful projects from 2025 to 2030. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Ocala and Marion County officials will proclaim October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance at Tuesday's meetings at City Hall and the McPherson Governmental Complex—this proclamation honors the late activist who was shot on September 10 and remembered for his calls for free speech and civic participation. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Puss caterpillars are back in Florida — their venomous spines can cause pain like a broken bone if touched. Residents should avoid these insects near oak and elm trees and treat stings with tape and ice. Ocala StarBanner
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A Tampa-based developer acquired the 68-unit Village Square Apartments in northeast Ocala for $9.9 million on September 19—marking another multi-million dollar sale of a local multi-family property. The 1974 complex on 5.3 acres at 1715 NE 36th Avenue recently received updates such as new roofs and modernized kitchens. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The FHSAA is adding a new Florida Invitational Tournament that gives 16 teams not in the traditional playoffs a chance to extend their season—regional play will begin on November 13 and championships will be held at Villages Charter School on December 5—6. The new format followed a test last year when Fort Meade beat Dixie County for the Rural title. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Last Friday, seven high school football games were played in Marion County and live score updates were shared via the Star Banner tracker — five games took place near Ocala with North Marion and Vanguard playing a key rivalry match. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Vanguard defeated North Marion 48-7 on Friday, Oct. 3 at North Marion High in Citra when Sergarion Gunsby celebrated a touchdown with Gemarkus Starks—marking an impressive win for the team. Ocala Gazette
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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.
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Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
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