Good morning, Ocala.

Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office began accepting donations for its 'Toys for Tots' drive today; community members can drop off toys (new or gently used) at designated locations to support families in need.

Ocala man Randall Alan Klapp was identified as the winner of a $500,000 lottery scratch-off prize purchased at Lake Weir Marathon, 3820 SE Lake Weir Avenue; his win was confirmed Monday morning after the 90-day privacy period ended.

An Ocala couple says Liberty Water damaged their lawn and plumbing after they canceled its contract because equipment was installed before paperwork ended, leaving them at risk of HOA fines.

Security footage showed a worker's threatening comment and a company rep promised an update within 24 hours.

Ocala’s Big Hammock Podcast (hosted by filmmakers Zac Sherer, Travis Cecil and Malcolm Cyr) features local indie filmmakers and musicians as it produced a Marion County film and is now working on a second film while airing episodes every Tuesday night.

Incumbent Sarah James and Donald Barber are running for the Marion County School Board District 5 seat in a general election on Nov.

3 after leading in the Aug. primary; early voting is set for Oct. 22 to Oct. 31 (polls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

Marion County voters will soon choose a new school board member for District 4 after Nancy Thrower’s departure.

Candidates Michael Mills and Brigitte Smith focus on improving reading, discipline, and school spending as they prepare for the upcoming midterm election.

Marion County schools (including those in Ocala) will hold classes on Veterans Day, Nov.

11, while districts in some counties close or use early release. Each school board makes its own decision on closures.

Local demonstrators gathered on Saturday, Oct.

17 at the Historic Downtown Square to boost voter participation and accountability. Organized by Ocala Blue Dots and DSA - the event joined other local rallies aimed at increasing civic engagement.

AdventHealth Ocala dedicated its redesigned main entrance on Oct.

15, naming it for local philanthropists Frank and Angela DeLuca + unveiling a plaza with a lighted water feature designed to offer calm and reassurance to arriving patients and families.

Ocala City Council will consider waiving the one-year rezoning waiting period for a 283-acre site after property owners requested splitting off a 108-acre parcel for a new development along I-75; the meeting is Tuesday, Oct.

20 at 4:00 p.m. at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Avenue).