Good morning, Ocala.

Families are invited to Fort King on Saturday, October 18 for an evening of kid-friendly activities + spooky stories from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event features activities from 5 to 7 p.m., fun tales at 7 p.m., and spookier stories from 8 to 9 p.m.+Attendees should bring chairs, blankets, and snacks since seating is limited.

On Oct. 11, about 120 local runners wearing purple participated in the Wear Your Wings 5K Fun Run/Walk at the College of Central Florida to raise awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Organized by the Marion County Children’s Alliance’s Family Violence Prevention Workgroup, the event awarded medals to winners Lauren Godwin and Daniel Winters Jr.—with proceeds set to help fund emergency services for domestic violence victims.

On Oct. 14, 70 bulls were auctioned at the Ocala Bull Sale at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion—Garrett Peebles led one bull in the ring—drawing bids from local buyers.

Doug Green, a longtime chaplain with the Ocala Police, died Monday at 86 after nearly 30 years of volunteer service—he retired in 2023 after serving as one of the first four chaplains when the program began in 1996.

AYR Wellness opened a new indoor marijuana grow facility in northeast Ocala that covers 97,580 sq. ft. and has 50,000 sq. ft. of grow canopy.

The facility employs about 100 workers and will ship products to patients across Florida.

Downtown Ocala will host the annual Arts Festival on Oct 25 and 26, organized by Fine Arts For Ocala—featuring works from 149 artists, live shows, and food trucks.

Featured artist Tony Eitharong will display over 20 large pieces and raffle off a donated painting from his Patchwork series to benefit a local school art program.

The Ocala Civic Theatre celebrated 75 years with a gala on October 9 where over 100 supporters enjoyed champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and live jazz.

The board hosted the event—raising funds for the Save the Civic campaign and honoring the venue's long history in our community.

Tropical Storm Lorenzo is expected to turn north—then east away from Florida and fade later this week.

Weather officials are also watching three tropical waves in the Atlantic that might grow stronger but are not expected to affect our area.

Ocala will host another 'No Kings' protest from 9—11 a.m. on Oct.

18 at the downtown square as organizers oppose the administration's immigration crackdowns—tariffs and government control. The planned event follows previous protests that resulted in arrests, and it is set to express strong views against current policies.

Elina, LLC, which owns a 4.62-acre site in northeast Ocala, asked the county for a one-year extension to its major site plan for Summer Breeze Town Homes at (5121 NE 29th Street) during the Marion County Development Review Committee meeting on October 13.

If approved, the plan’s expiration will change from December 4 to December 4, 2026, allowing the development of 36 townhome units near Baseline Road and State Road 40.

Fifteen industry leaders were named to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association hall of fame on Tuesday — including key figures from Ocala.

They will be honored on October 24.

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.

HSITP 2025 Championship Show

1 PM - 10 PM — Covered Arena at The Grand Oaks Resort — Entry fees apply — Compete for year-end awards in a thrilling equestrian championship event.