Good morning, Ocala.

TV20’s David Snyder previewed the week ahead in North Central Florida by covering a deputy recovering from a Saturday shooting, a Cross City police scarecrow contest, a tavern incident with a stray bullet, efforts by Florida’s agriculture commissioner to combat a tree-eating beetle, an Ocala high school student set to sing at Carnegie Hall next year, and another deputy taken to the hospital after a bar shootout (details will be updated soon). Each story will be closely followed as more information becomes available.

Firefighters in Ocala responded on October 9 to a controlled burn near I-75 on NW Gainesville Road that got out of control — the blaze spread over 40 acres of debris and crews from seven stations contained it with no injuries reported.

Chamber of commerce officials in Ocala are hosting a high school networking event to connect students with local entrepreneurs and mentors—this event will help spark career ambitions among future business owners.

An Ocala resident said recent improvements on State Road 200 have made travel safer for cars, motorcycles — pedestrians by reducing left-turn risks; he added that traffic will ease when the planned 44th Ave beltway is complete.

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.

2025 Ocala November Show Series II: National Hunter/Level 6 Jumper

12:00 AM - 11:59 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free entry — Enjoy two weeks of exciting National Hunter and Level 6 Jumper competitions.