Daily
Ocala
Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ 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. WCJB
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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-News
- ➤ 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. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. Ocala-News
- ➤ 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. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. Ocala Gazette
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits.
~ James Clear
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