Good morning, Ocala.

The family of high school senior Shannon Rushing, who was hit by a car near her bus stop at around 6:20 a.m. Monday on Northwest Old Blitchton Road, launched a petition for road safety improvements—seeking better lighting, sidewalks, and signage—as officers continue investigating the crash.

Uptown Cheapskate opened in southwest Ocala last week at 3930 SW 42nd Street in the Berkshire Oaks shopping center and is buying freshly laundered, in style clothing for cash or 25% extra store credit ahead of its official grand opening.

The store operates Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., offering local residents a chance to sell, trade or purchase items.

A casting call is open for a Caucasian boy ages 8-13 with horse riding skills to play Zech MacIvey in the upcoming TV series A Land Remembered, based on Patrick Smith's historic novel.

Self-taped auditions are due by 12 p.m. EST Nov-14 and in-person callbacks will be held Nov-22 in Ocala with details sent to the parent or guardian.

Ocali Country Days will take place on Nov.

8 and 9 at the Silver River Museum campus inside Silver Springs State Park, where guests will see living history exhibits, craft demonstrations, live music, vendors, and museum tours—admission will be $10 per person and free for kids age 5 and younger. This annual event will show old skills like broom making and woodworking to help visitors learn about Florida’s past.

Actors rehearsed for 'The Crucible' on Oct.

28 at the Ocala Civic Theatre with Lilly Gonzalez as Betty Parris and Katarina Shaner as Abigail Williams— the play will be live from Oct. 30 to Nov. 16 on East Silver Springs Boulevard.

Marion County’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a high-end subdivision at Drake Ranch with 40 lots costing over $1 million each—using modern septic technology to ease staff concerns over traffic and utilities—and set the stage for zoning changes that will allow a Target and Home Depot near On Top of the World; the county commission will have the final decision on these proposals.

On Oct. 27, the Dunnellon City Council voted 5-0 to send a letter to the state DEP opposing a permit for a rail tie shredding facility near Chatmire—citizens and officials warned that creosote-treated ties could harm local health and the environment, especially near the Rainbow River. County leaders noted zoning violations and will re-inspect the site on Nov. 11 to ensure compliance.

Brick City Cat Hospital, Marion County’s only feline-exclusive veterinary practice, is celebrating 25 years of cat-focused care by hosting an open house event on Nov.

1 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at 702 S. Magnolia Ave.—guests will view tours, mini-sessions and doctor talks during the celebration.

Georgie's Lakeside Restaurant and Lounge in Reddick was closed on October 21 after a health inspector found 14 code violations including rodent droppings and dead roaches.

The restaurant was reinspected on October 22 and allowed to reopen after one intermediate violation was noted—ensuring it met health standards.

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.