Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
Good morning, Ocala.
Dreamland Amusements hosts the I-75 Flea Market Fair at 4121 NW 44th Avenue where visitors enjoy rides, games, music, magic shows, and carnival vendors from today through October 26.
Free parking and a $5 entrance fee are offered — presale discounts and varied ride ticket options add to the event details.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion and Citrus Counties are set to merge into one unit by the end of 2025 — local centers in Ocala, Silver Springs Shores, and Dunnellon will keep running normally.
The move will help use resources better and expand programs for over 100,000 youth who have benefited from more than 90 years of service.
Ocala is hosting its 5th International Horse Show this week—Horse Capital TV explains what visitors can expect at the event.
A couple kayaking at Silver Springs State Park recently captured a viral video of dozens of rhesus macaque monkeys cannonballing into the water when one acted aggressively—prompting the whole troop to dive in.
The monkeys, first introduced over 85 years ago, now number in the hundreds.
Florida will set its clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on November 2 as daylight saving time ends—giving residents an extra hour of sleep.
The change means trick-or-treaters will enjoy more daylight on Oct. 31—ensuring more time to collect candy.
Governor DeSantis said auto insurance rates dropped 6.5% for the top insurance groups after reforms cut litigation costs in late 2022 and early 2023—Progressive customers received nearly a billion dollars in rebates averaging about $300 each.
The insurance commissioner is now negotiating with other major insurers for similar rebates, and homeowner premiums increased only by 1% statewide.
Law enforcement agencies across North Central Florida will join National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 25 to let residents drop off unused medicines, vape cartridges, and pet medication.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites including Gainesville Police Department (4094 Southwest 41st Boulevard, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Ocala Police Department (402 South Pine Avenue, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Marion County Animal Services is changing its operations after a dog tested positive for Strep Zoo — a germ that can make dogs very sick but does not spread to people.
Kennel B will be closed for at least three days while experts work with UF Shelter Medicine to treat exposed dogs and continue adoptions of healthy dogs — officials advise pet owners to keep their animals away from the shelter.
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.
Paso Fino Fall Festival
8 AM – 11 PM — Florida Horse Park — Admission details not provided — Experience an exciting day of Paso Fino horse shows with food, music, and family fun.
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