Good morning, Ocala.

Yesterday at the Rotary Sportsplex, volunteers from Wings of Faith Fellowship Church, His Compassion Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank distributed free food to 504 families facing a SNAP pause starting Nov 1 due to the federal shutdown—over 37,000 pounds of food were given—as local agencies prepare for increased demand.

Signs are up at a nearly 20-acre site in south Ocala where construction on the new Publix Diamond A Shopping Center will soon begin—located at SW Highway 484 and SW 49th Court Road in Marion Oaks near I-75.

The multi-parcel development received approval from Marion County and is set to boost retail options in the growing area.

Ocala’s weekend offers a broad entertainment lineup as The Crucible plays a PG-13 show at the Civic Theatre today through November 16 — families also can join Halloween trick-or-treating at the World Equestrian Center on October 31.

Local organizers have planned art walks, holiday bazaars, and re-enactments to add variety for residents looking to enjoy diverse cultural events.

Horse Capital TV is previewing a fundraiser aimed at raising funds for the Black Stallion Reading Project—supporting local literacy efforts in Ocala.

Track Line Rail LLC, a Texas—based company, plans to operate a creosote—treated railroad tie shredding facility on East McKinney Avenue in unincorporated Marion County and is facing strong opposition from county officials and environmental groups as high mounds of ties with a sharp chemical odor near the Rainbow River spark worries over pollution. County officials issued a notice of violation and will discuss the matter at a commission meeting on Nov. 4 while citizens may submit feedback to FDEP by Oct. 31.

The winning Florida Lotto numbers for Oct.

29 were 10-13-21-25-32-34 with Double Play numbers 8-17-23-26-47-53 — resetting the jackpot to $1 million with odds of 1 in 22,957,480. The next drawing will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 11:15 p.m. ET — players must claim prizes within 180 days.

Dunnellon city leaders sent a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection opposing a permit request that may harm the local environment—officials are waiting for the agency's response.

At Tuesday night volleyball, the Branford Lady Bucs advanced to state after rallying from a first-set deficit against Union County—head coach Lachelle Sikes led her team on her first state run, while the Williston Red Devils secured their spot with a four-set win over Moore Haven and Trinity Catholic ended its season with a loss to top-seeded Orangewood Christian.

Marion County is hosting a vote among 24 local sports nominees for Athlete of the Week, with polls closing Friday at noon and the winner to be announced shortly after—voters can also help feature their favorite athlete’s highlight video by tagging on social media.

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.