Good morning, Ocala.

Rescuing Ocala Wildlife partnered with Black Lotus Tattoo + Art Gallery at a local event that raised funds to support wildlife rescue efforts in Central Florida.

Attendees met rescued animals like turtles and snakes while learning how to protect them if they are in danger.

Mary Edwards, an Ocala resident, wrote that additional 'watch for pedestrians' signs are needed as growth makes drivers ignore pedestrian rights — she has been honked at and given rude gestures — to help keep walkers safe.

Forest head basketball coach Mike Hoffman was honored with the Mayor’s outstanding citizens award after he led his team to volunteer during Hurricane Milton to help fill a volunteer gap that Ocala had seen in past storms.

Hoffman said he was surprised by the nomination—emphasizing that the award recognizes both his leadership and his players’ hard work.

Business owners in Ocala are learning networking basics in this week’s Weekly Buzz today—helping them expand local connections and grow their businesses.

Thousands gathered in downtown Ocala this weekend for the 58th Ocala Art Festival, which featured over 150 artists showing paintings, pottery, and handcrafted jewelry.

The event began in 1966 and has grown into a local tradition where artists and visitors form lasting bonds—one artist even met his longtime girlfriend at the festival.

Rainbow Springs State Park, located near Dunnellon (about 20 miles from Ocala), offers tubing, swimming and snorkeling in its clear, historic waters.

Visitors can explore a gift shop that displays artifacts from the park's past as a tourist attraction.

A list of the top 10 property sales in Marion County from Aug.

25th–31st showed sale prices ranging from $985,000 to $4,650,000—recording transfers that included a ranch deal and an airport commerce center sale—marking a busy week in the property market.

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.