Daily
Ocala
Saturday, October 25th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 25th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jeff Parrish, a local resident, urged officials to rename streets after famed racehorses such as Affirmed and Silver Charm to honor Ocala’s legacy—he argued that unique road names would better reflect our city’s equine heritage— and boost tourism. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion County Children's Alliance is asking residents to put down their phones on November 15 to help lower screen time and improve mental health—organizers say that a community summit will be held on December 3 at the Klein Center at College of Central Florida where a national speaker will share tips on digital balance with tickets at $20. This effort comes after a local focus group highlighted social media as a top concern for youth. Ocala StarBanner
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Niagara announced it will fire 85 employees from the Ocala bottling facility (2445 NW 42nd Street) after buying the site for $25M on September 3, as it reduces production. Most layoffs (73 by December 31 and the remaining 12 by January 31 or March 1) will occur in the coming months. Ocala-News
- ➤ Ocala horse breeder Valerie Dailey was elected president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association at a board meeting. She said she is honored to lead (she began breeding in 1985) and plans to educate people about how Florida-bred horses impact national racing (the industry has changed since 2022). WCJB
- ➤ The FTBOA announced a new class of industry leaders, including Charlotte Weber of Live Oak Stud, who were inducted into the FTBOA Hall of Fame on Oct. 24 at a private reception with its board of directors—this honor reflects a legacy that began in 1968 and expanded in 2004. Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Rosa Parks Quiet Courage Committee — founded by Reverend Milford Griner after Rosa Parks died in 2005 — hosted a ceremony honoring her life on October 24. The ceremony celebrated her quiet courage and lasting legacy. WCJB
- ➤ Ocala photographer Tommy Cuevas will open his solo exhibition 'There’s Nothin’ to Do in Slowcala!?' at CF Webber Gallery to retire the town's old nickname and showcase its hidden vibrance — the event aims to offer a fresh view of everyday local life. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ The Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery (RSA) moved into a low-slung green building in the historic district and is planning events including a trunk or treat and a new art show scheduled to begin Nov. 1 to serve as a community hub. Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion Technical College in Ocala will launch two new hands-on programs for aviation and diesel mechanics next week—opening a $5.57 million, 16,000 square foot facility on its campus at 1014 SW 7th Road—with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 30. The programs will train up to 100 dual-enrolled students using specialized simulators and life-size aircraft to prepare them for careers in the industry. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The federal shutdown may pause SNAP benefits for Marion County families next month if federal funding is not restored; October benefits will be issued and current EBT funds remain accessible—local agencies are preparing for increased demand. Ocala Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Data from Realtor.com showed that in September the median home listing price in Marion County remained at $299,900, 1.7% lower than last September, with homes averaging 1,681 square feet at $182 per square foot. Nearly 1,000 new listings appeared—a rise of 8.7% from last year—and listings took a median of 80 days on the market. Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Trinity Catholic defeated P.K. Yonge 49–12 Friday, Oct. 24 at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala — Noah Kaylor celebrated a touchdown as Hudson Holland helped his team secure the win. Ocala Gazette
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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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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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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.
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
Start with repetition, not perfection.
~ James Clear
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