Good morning, Ocala.

Local organizations will host a Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day event today at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park (2601 SE 25th Avenue) from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring a keynote speech by Paul Renner & live music with red 'Freedom' t-shirts sold for $5 donations to honor the late activist.

Ocala residents can celebrate Halloween on Oct.

31 by enjoying trick-or-treating and community parties—activities that mix fun treats with a dash of spookiness. The event will offer festive joy and a touch of eerie excitement for families.

A new documentary titled The Perfect Neighbor will premiere on Friday, October 17 on Netflix and examines the fatal shooting of Ocala neighbor Ajike Owens by Susan Lorincz in 2023 — the film features 911 calls, body camera footage, and details of Lorincz’s 25-year prison sentence following her manslaughter conviction in November 2024.

Acrylic abstract artist Roseprimevere Jacques lost both her sister and her father to cancer in a 10-month period starting in December 2015—her father died on what would have been her sister's birthday on Oct.

3. Her Color Me Courageous exhibit at Arts In Health Ocala Metro showed her work as the art of resilience on Oct. 7.

The Ocala Police Department invites the public to a meet-and-greet event on October 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at its headquarters (402 S Pine Ave.), where visitors will see specialized units and equipment used by officers to serve the community.

Marion County Fire Rescue said SWAT medics Michael Cachat and Kenny Haworth competed in the 2025 International Tactical Medical Competition in Charleston on Saturday and Sunday — testing their skills in tough scenarios — and finished eighth.

Marion County officials inspected restaurants from Oct 6th to Oct 12th and cited 20 restaurants for high-priority violations such as expired licenses and unsafe food temperature controls — while some establishments earned perfect scores with no violations noted.

Voting for Marion County’s high school athlete of the week is open until noon Friday.

Voters choose from 26 nominees—including football players and cross country runners—and the winner will be announced soon.

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.