Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Grace Episcopal Church in downtown Ocala is hosting its 78th annual Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 7 and 8 — the event starts with a Ladies Night Out from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 for a $5 donation. The Bazaar runs on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — proceeds benefit Interfaith Emergency Services and Ocala Farm Ministry while featuring a hand-beaded Glitter Girl tree skirt and a new Let's Say Grace cookbook. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County’s own José Juarez secured a Walmart deal to debut his award-winning 455 Sauce in 100 stores by the end of the year—he and his wife Kelly presented the artisan condiment at Bentonville on Oct. 8 after it gained traction at nearly 300 Publix locations and local events. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Raising Cane’s is under construction for its first Ocala location at the Ocala West shopping plaza on State Road 200, and no opening date has been announced. The project is managed by George N. Snelling, LLC and Davis Dinkins Engineering, which has been involved in the development. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 2025 Ocala Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Downtown Ocala’s 1 NE 1st Avenue—featuring over 155 artists, live performances, local food vendors and hands-on activities for kids and families. Ocala-News
- ➤ TEDxOcala will be held on Nov. 8 at the College of Central Florida in Ocala—its 11th annual event titled 'Pivot' will feature more than a dozen speakers sharing ideas on change and progress; tickets include lunch and snacks. Organizers say the event will highlight innovative shifts in thinking and community connection. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ The award-winning Netflix documentary The Perfect Neighbor was shown Oct. 17 at Kingdom Revival Church in Ocala—detailing the events surrounding the June 2 shooting death of A.J. Owens by neighbor Susan Lorincz. Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools is reviewing consolidation options to lower operating costs and address excess capacity at North End campuses serving fewer than 400 students, as discussed at an Oct. 17 workshop—board members will meet again on Nov. 6 to review updated cost data and community feedback. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools will hold three community focus groups next month to gather public input on selecting a new superintendent—one in-person forum on Nov. 4th at 6 p.m. at Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium and two virtual sessions on Nov. 6th at 6:30 p.m. and Nov. 10th at 5 p.m. An online survey starting Nov. 3rd offers another way for residents to participate. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ocala International Airport received over $3 million for replacing its 15-year-old asphalt apron when the city awarded the construction contract Tuesday—Airport Director Matt Grow said rising traffic and heavier jets drove the upgrade, with funds coming from FAA grants and FDOT. The work will improve the airport's infrastructure as demand for larger jets has increased. WCJB
- ➤ Drivers and local business owners on County Road 484 near I-75 have faced long delays and safety concerns as construction paused for redesign work—FDOT said work will resume within a month with new exit lane improvements coming within six months. This pause has affected traffic flow and customer access to businesses along the road. ClickOrlando
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Marion County man filed a lawsuit against AdventHealth Belleview ER after a radiologist misread his x-ray, which delayed proper treatment of a Lisfranc injury and led to surgery. Attorneys filed the suit in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County on October 13—seeking over $50,000 in damages for his ongoing medical and economic losses. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County high school volleyball teams began state championship playoffs as Trinity Catholic and Meadowbrook Academy hosted first-round matches on Tuesday, and Forest will face Hagerty at 7 p.m. today—hoping to reach the regional semis. Trinity Catholic entered as the No. 2 seed in Region 1-2A while Meadowbrook is the second seed in Region 1-1A. 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.
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