Daily
Ocala
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fifteen of the 21 dogs abandoned at Dogwalker Ranch in July have been adopted—officials say the man who left them remains unlocated. WCJB
- ➤ Ocala Tack Shack owners will host a big yard sale this week for horse lovers in North Central Florida, and Horse Capital TV previews the Horsey Yard Sale—attendees can expect many special finds for equestrians. WCJB
- ➤ Melvin James, a pioneering thoroughbred trainer who worked at Harbor View Farm and trained Affirmed, died on Oct. 6 at age 80 from cardiac complications—he was celebrated for his quiet determination and innovative methods in horse training. Visitation is set from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Hadley-Brown Funeral Home and a celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 14 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, the Ocala Breeders Sale—October Yearling Sale—ended strongly when a Bay Colt sired by Jackie’s Warrior sold for $180,000 and 146 horses were auctioned for over $3.6 million with five selling for six figures. The next sale is scheduled for January as the Winter-Mixed Sale. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Gray Family will host a Halloween festival at Ocala Downtown Market tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (the free event will offer a scare zone, candy, face painting and costume contests plus vendors, food trucks and activities) to celebrate the season. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Transportation activated two new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons along S.R. 200 in Ocala on Wednesday—one set between Southwest 32nd Avenue and Southwest 26th Street and another between Southwest 12th Avenue and Southwest 10th Avenue—with a third beacon set to be activated next week to enhance pedestrian safety. WCJB
- ➤ The Ocala City Council approved a $227,065 contract with Tolar Manufacturing Co. for 15 new Sunset Series bus shelters at its Oct 7 meeting—funded entirely through the Federal Transit Administration's Section 5307 Capital Program with no local match required—to boost the SunTran public transit system. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Marion County commissioners and the Ocala City Council honored the late Charlie Kirk on Tuesday, October 7 by proclaiming a Day of Remembrance on his birthday, October 14, and by dedicating a portion of County Road 475—running from County Road 312 to SW 42nd Avenue near three local schools—as the Charlie Kirk Memorial Way. Ocala-News
- ➤ On Tuesday, officials in Ocala and Marion County proclaimed October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day and dedicated a roadway to him—many local residents and reverends objected, saying that honoring Kirk in this way insults the legacy of MLK and that other community figures should be considered instead. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Marion County Minute released its predictions for high school football week 8 games, saying that schools with strong past records will likely win — local fans can plan to watch closely. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Last week, four Marion County high schools spent about $5,700 on security for football games—raising concerns as ticket revenue does not cover increasing costs for officers and transportation. Interim superintendent Danielle Brewer said hourly rates for security have grown by $25 and official fees by $30 per contest, straining the district’s athletic fund. Ocala Gazette
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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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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.
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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.
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Library Trunk or Treat Event
4-11:59 p.m. — Forest Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy games, music, and spooky fun at this family-friendly Trunk or Treat.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
~ Les Brown
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