Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County and Ocala officials declared Oct.

14 as Charlie Kirk Day and scheduled a celebration of life in honor of the late activist who was shot on Sept. 10. The event at Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park will begin at 5:30 p.m.—featuring music, Christian bands, a vigil, prayer, and a marker along County Road 475.

Peaceful Paths leaders hosted the 'Strength in Strides' walk for domestic abuse survivors on Oct.

10; the event gave survivors a safe space to share their experiences—organizers plan future walks to extend support.

Today, a permitted 40-acre tree debris burn at the 8500 block of NW Gainesville Road has become uncontrolled, causing road closures from Highway 326 north to 100th Street and affecting school bus routes and access to Fessenden Elementary—firefighters work to put out the fire as heavy smoke may impact visibility on I-75.

A long-time Ocala resident originally from Portland, Maine said she is excited about a new Buc-ee's after visiting a well-received store in Daytona—she believes the new addition will boost the area's growth.

Ocala’s premier equestrian sales facility raised over $183 million from selling 2,105 horses this year; its final October sale brought in $7.27 million — with nine horses selling above $100,000 and one filly fetching $240,000 — and it will host its next event in January.

A resident's letter to the editor claims overdevelopment in Ocala is increasing roadkill + litter, displacing wildlife and boosting the stray cat population.

The letter calls for improved pet care + waste management to protect the area's natural beauty.

Drivers in Marion County faced delays Friday morning as an active wildfire at a permitted 40-acre commercial burn site on Northwest Gainesville Road forced road closures from Highway 326 to Northwest 100th Street—heavy smoke reduced visibility and disrupted school bus routes and access to Fessenden Elementary School while firefighters worked to put out the blaze.

Developers of the Golden Ocala sports complex must complete a traffic study after state Commerce officials returned recommendations on the proposal sent in July—county officials will hold a final public hearing within 180 days with a public input meeting planned for December or January. The completed study will then be submitted to the Florida Department of Transportation for review.

On Friday, Oct. 10, Dunnellon defeated North Marion 28—6 in a football game at North Marion High School in Citra with teenager Iterrean Mitchell making a key play during the match.

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.

KennaDee Acoustic Live

11:30 AM – 2:30 PM — Midtown Station — Free entry — Experience the best of acoustic pop, rock, and soul with a mix of original songs and creative covers.

Loomis Bros. Circus

November 3-4 — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Adults $30, Children $8 — Experience a traditional circus filled with athleticism, animals, and nostalgia for the whole family.

November USEA Horse Trials

November 8-9 — Majestic Oaks Ocala — Entry fees apply — Witness thrilling equestrian competition across three phases at this prestigious horse trials event.

2025 Ocali Country Days Festival

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center — $10 per person, children 5 and under FREE — Experience Florida’s history with live music, crafts, and delicious food.