Daily
Ocala
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteers from the Police Explorers, Scout Troop 85, and Citizens Police Academy alumni are setting up parking for Florida Gateway Fair—helping manage traffic for the community event. WCJB
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Officers closed all lanes on the 700 block of East Silver Springs Boulevard near the La Vittoriana office building on Monday due to a gas leak—drivers were advised to use detours at Northeast 8th Avenue and Watula Avenue. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Roma’s Italian Restaurant offers traditional Italian dishes and creative mash-up meals at its adjacent Roma’s Bar Side—diners can round up their bill to donate to The Rock Program, which helps local high school students in need. Local chef Ron Rondo Fernandez is known for blending classic recipes with new techniques to support the community. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Chicken Guy has opened its first restaurant in Ocala at the Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road, offering fried chicken dishes, sandwiches and a variety of shakes — with options for dine-in, takeout and delivery. The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Ocala-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ocala CEP highlighted that the College of Central Florida’s Bachelor of Science Nursing program was ranked as one of the nation’s best by (U.S. News and World Report) and offers quality education for local students. WCJB
- ➤ Parents at Madison Street Academy have raised concerns about a planned merger with Fordham Early Learning Academy after a workshop on Oct. 16—many worry about increased transportation issues and school overcrowding, with some families even considering private or home schooling. School board officials will host a town hall at Fordham Academy on Oct. 27 and meet on Oct. 28 to review four proposals for better use of north end schools. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fifty solar-powered Wildlife Crossing signs with detection technology flash yellow lights along a 34-mile stretch of State Road 40 to warn drivers when wildlife is near. The FDOT will complete the installation by year’s end as part of the Wildlife Corridor Act using data from animal movements (patterns, university studies, and crash statistics). Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Hospital District is hosting a free eight-week diabetes self-management class today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at its building in Ocala—AdventHealth will provide free biometric screenings and the course runs until December 9. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County sports officials announced that Allen Pettigrew Jr. is nominated as Athlete of the Week for Week 10—recognizing his strong performance during recent games. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Twenty-four student athletes are competing to be Marion County Athlete of the Week, and residents can vote for their favorite until Friday at noon. The winner will join a special list of athletes and may have a highlight video (with their social media tag) featured after the poll ends. Ocala StarBanner
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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