Good morning, Ocala.

An Ocala high school student will sing at Carnegie Hall in New York next year—this performance offers a significant opportunity to showcase local talent.

A Marion County resident opposed a proposal to turn the Ocala National Forest into a national park — warning that removing Rodman Dam and inviting big developers could harm local wildlife and disrupt peaceful rural life at Hog Valley — and vowed to fight the plan.

WalletHub released its Best Small Cities ranking on September 30 — Ocala scored 53.26 and ranked 1,033rd in affordability, 1,208th in education, and 1,275th in safety among 1,318 cities.

The rating used 45 indicators from data provided by agencies like the Census Bureau and FBI — a measure that calls for local improvement.

Florida’s commissioner of agriculture is offering money (incentives) to North Central Florida landowners to help stop a tree-eating beetle that harms local trees.

The program will support pest management and begin soon as part of efforts to protect the region’s trees.

Marion County's top high school football players are visiting college campuses this fall as part of their recruitment efforts; James Bethea is at Auburn while others such as Kaiden Robinson-Vickers and Sergarion Gunsby have been seen in Tuscaloosa, Tallahassee, Miami, Central Florida and Tennessee-Martin — further visits are expected as the season continues.

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.