Daily
Ocala
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Animal Services is hosting name your price adoptions during Adopt a Dog Month — featuring adoptable pets like Milkyway the dog, Carter the kitty, and Trevor the pup — as the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday. Residents can call for details. WCJB
- ➤ Open carry supporters will host a barbecue event in downtown Ocala on Saturday, October 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 SE Broadway Street to celebrate Second Amendment rights nearly one month after law enforcement ended enforcing the open carry ban—music by a DJ and giveaways will be offered while alcohol will not be permitted. Ocala-News
- ➤ On Oct. 15, local business owners and supporters gathered at Circle Square Cultural Center to celebrate winners at the Community's Choice Awards hosted by the Ocala Star-Banner and LocaliQ—126 winners were honored across categories from Beauty and Health to Vehicles, Dealers and Services with sponsors including Colen Built Development, Campus USA Credit Union and Aurora St. Leon Apartments. Ocala StarBanner
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Konah, a five-year-old trained service dog, was bitten by an eastern diamondback rattlesnake in his Ocala backyard and was rushed to an animal ER where emergency antivenom treatment—costing between $6,000 and $10,000—saved his life; he has since made a full recovery. FOX 35 Orlando
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Owners of a Kentucky-bred colt sued an Ocala veterinarian after a pin-firing procedure made the horse ineligible to race—causing significant financial loss. They filed the action in Marion County on October 6 and are seeking damages over $50,000. Ocala-News
- ➤ Miller's Ale House opened its new location along State Road 200 at 4870 SW College Road in southwest Ocala this week. The 7,202-square-foot establishment held a ribbon-cutting event, donated $1,000 to West Port High School, and will employ about 115 staff led by General Manager Ted Lynch (with over 25 years of company experience). Ocala-News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Two longtime Ocala radio hosts died this summer when a drunk driver hit their vehicle on State Road 200+ 52-year-old Christopher Cheatham faces DUI manslaughter charges and will appear in court on November 12 while Larry Whitler’s brother Thomas said he hopes their love for life keeps their memory alive. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A historic broom-making class will be held at Fort King National Historic Landmark on Saturday, October 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Stephanie Nevada will teach participants aged 14 and older how to make brooms for a $25 fee. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today Ocala Police Department welcomed new chaplain Joe Hassler—his background in youth outreach and prison ministry will offer officers essential emotional and spiritual support funded by grants. WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Marion County recorded about 150.5 breast cancer cases per 100,000 women in 2022—above the state average of roughly 134.6—and its death rate reached 22.7 per 100,000 compared to 18.1 statewide. Commissioner Michelle Stone urged residents to get regular mammograms and announced a mobile screening on Nov. 5 at Mary Sue Rich Community Center as a key effort to address low screening rates. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Marion County organizations, including Ocala Fire Rescue and its partners, received settlement funding to support opioid addiction recovery — the funds include $750,000 for a coordinated network and over $190,000 to expand Dignity House for men. The funding comes amid data showing that 152 fentanyl-related opioid deaths occurred in Marion County in 2022. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Thursday night football in Week 9 has begun as the Star-Banner posts live scores for Ocala-area games showing Lake Weir and Dunnellon from Marion County playing early matchups. The Tigers host a top-ranked Rural team in Hawthorne while Santa Fe meets Lake Weir in Alachua County — local teams strive for wins. Ocala StarBanner
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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