Good morning, Ocala.

A kayaker in Silver Springs recorded monkeys jumping from trees into the river during her recent trip — the rhesus macaques, an invasive species introduced in the 1930s by a tour boat operator, have thrived in the park ever since.

Marion County firefighters responded to and contained a gas leak near Maplewood Elementary School on Oct.

23 around 2:30 p.m. that disrupted the school pickup process — TECO Energy crews later arrived on the scene.

The construction of the first Chipotle and Starbucks in Belleview is nearly complete and both businesses are hiring for upcoming openings — Chipotle is expected to open in October — as details on opening dates remain unconfirmed.

The sites are located at 10356 and 10366 SE U.S. Highway 441 — address information provided by developers — offering a new option for local diners.

A new Planet Smoothie is under construction at Market Street at Heath Brook shopping plaza, 4414 SW College Road—located between Great Greek Mediterranean Grill and Crumbl, which opened earlier in Ocala.

The restaurant will occupy Suite 320 and join a network of 169 U.S. locations as local fast-casual dining continues to expand.

Track Line Rail LLC, a Texas-based company, has applied to run a creosote-treated railroad-tie shredding and grinding facility on East McKinney Avenue in unincorporated Marion County, where mounds of ties now stretch along 500 feet of track (the piles have grown higher over the past month). Dunnellon City Council will hold a special meeting (Oct 27 at 5 p.m.) to review a draft letter opposing the project amid worries that dust and runoff may harm the Rainbow River and local health.

Bear Warriors United asked a judge for an emergency temporary injunction—arguing that Florida’s December bear hunt lacks sound science, and the group filed the lawsuit in September.

The legal move seeks to stop a hunt that conservationists say may harm wildlife.

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.

Brown's Christmas Market 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Brown & Brown Farms and Country Store — Free park and shop — Enjoy a festive market filled with unique gifts, crafts, and fun activities for kids.