Daily
Ocala
Sunday, October 5th, 2025
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Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 5th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Organizers in Ocala announced Bernadette Castro as the grand marshal for the 70th annual Christmas Parade, which will take place on Dec. 13 (at 5:30 p.m.) and bring holiday spirit to the community. Castro is a University of Florida graduate whose family business is known for Castro convertibles. WCJB
- ➤ On Friday, October 3rd, Toys for Tots launched its toy drive for Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist—Levy counties with registration open and drop boxes set across the region while Hawkstone Country Club pledged to donate 250 bicycles as last year. In Marion County, a haunted house fundraiser will open next weekend near the Ocala Drive-In to collect donations. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Young artists in Marion County can submit art to be displayed at Ocala City Hall—part of the Techne contest that offers a chance for local creative talent to shine. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The US Navy will resume inert bomb testing at the Pinecastle Range Complex in Ocala National Forest on Monday, Oct 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., hold sessions Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and test again Thursday from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.—wildlife may be displaced so drivers should secure loose items. Ocala-News
- ➤ The Ocala City Council will review on Tuesday, October 7 at 4 p.m. a five-year, $549,040 contract with Granicus to modernize city websites and add an AI-powered tool—Government Experience Agent—that answers residents’ questions. The updates will improve the main site and subsites for police, fire, and fiber network services. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Gators beat #9 Texas 29-21 on Saturday as DJ Lagway threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns while freshman Dallas Wilson scored twice, including a 55-yard touchdown. The win featured two interceptions and six sacks—Florida will play Texas A&M next weekend. WCJB
TRAVEL NEWS
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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.
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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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