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Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Gas scare at downtown Ocala Square; chili cook-off Saturday

Plus, September home sales numbers and a deli that's closed for good.

The Daily Ocala team7 sources3 min read

News Notes

Gas scare

Ocala Fire Rescue crews evacuated all businesses around historic downtown Ocala Square Sunday after finding high gas levels. They had responded to reports of gas smells between 5:30 and 6 p.m. and planned to stay until readings were safe. WCJB

Chili cook-off

If you like chili, the 45th Annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off runs Sat., Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the , 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd. It also has a car show and a family area, and all proceeds benefit The Cornerstone School. Ocala-News.com

Home sales

In September, new pending single-family sales rose 5.6% to 695 compared with September 2025. Closed sales were 646, down 1.4%, and the median sale price was $289,900, down 1.7%. Ocala Gazette

September pending sales rose while prices slipped

695
new pending sales, up 5.6% from September 2025
646
closed sales, down 1.4% from a year earlier
$289,900
median sale price, down 1.7%
$218.5 million
total dollar volume, down 13.5%

Source: Ocala Gazette

Deli closes

After 12 years, Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli has permanently closed. The owner cited rising operating costs, increasing product prices and changes in the business environment. Ocala-News.com

Art series

The City of Ocala is bringing back the Tuscawilla Art Park Series in 2027 with three events. It starts Jan. 30 with the free OTrak Chalk Walk, and Art Outside the Lines follows Feb. 20 at for $40 a ticket. WFTV

Home

Two cute home finds: This elegant, patterned entry rug that’s under $19 and comes in three charming patterns to match your decor, and this double picture frame for $9.99 that’s perfect for displaying family memories on your mantle.

The Buy

Product find alert: You’ve never used a steamer like this vacuum clothes steamer, which heats up in 30 seconds and offers powerful, even steaming and vacuum suction to remove dust and wrinkles. Use it on clothes like this women’s batwing sweater for a crisp, polished fall look.

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Apparel

5 women’s sweaters, cardigans, and fall tops under $35

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More worth The Buy

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Quoted

The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you.

— David Foster Wallace

Things to Do

Things to Do

Ocala, FL

Tuesday, Nov. 3

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Around the Block

Around the Block

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Neighbors

Hi everybody, I am back for a second year.

“If anybody, or you yourselves, are in need of a ham OR turkey for thanksgiving, I am delighted to take care of them. As a Veteran of the Vietnam Era, I have been blessed abundantly by the Good Lord, and I would feel honored to bless a family TRULY IN NEED. If you are that family in need or know of a family in need…”

— A neighbor, On Top of The World

115 likes · 54 comments

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The Wrap

Ian, 8, is blind, and his sibling Siri, 6, has taken on the job of his seeing-eye guide. Shelter staff noticed Ian bumping into walls and Siri leading him around after the pair were surrendered together on Sept. 11. Both Swiss shepherds are up for adoption at the Humane Society of Marion County, as a pair. Now that's a loyal sibling.

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Every source in this edition7 links · 6 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. WCJBwcjb.com
  3. Ocala-News.comocala-news.com
  4. Ocala Gazetteocalagazette.com
  5. Ocala-News.comocala-news.com
  6. WFTVwftv.com
  7. Ocala events calendardailyocala.com

Past issues

  1. Wed., Nov. 4Marion County racetrack land found; Trinity plays for a state title
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Daily Ocalato me · Tues., Nov. 36:00 a.m.

Gas scare at downtown Ocala Square; chili cook-off Saturday

Plus, September home sales numbers and a deli that's closed for good.

The TLDR

  1. Crews evacuated businesses near downtown Ocala Square after finding high gas levels
  2. The 45th Marion County Chili Cook-Off is Saturday at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
  3. Pending home sales rose 5.6% to 695 in September
Read this edition

More stories this week

From Daily Ocala’s other editions

All the news
Horse CountryRacetrack developers say they've secured 300 acres in Marion County for a Thoroughbred trackIf you've been waiting on a Marion County racetrack, there's movement. Gilligan Racing, LLC and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association said in an Oct. 28 press release that they've "secured control" of some 300 acres for a Thoroughbred track. They haven't said where.Today’s editionRead High School SportsTrinity Catholic volleyball is one win from a Class 2A state titleIf you're rooting for the Celtics, today's the day. The No. 1 seed beat No. 4 seed Saint Andrews on Tuesday in the Class 2A semifinals at Polk State College in Winter Haven. Trinity Catholic now plays Northside Christian for the state title on Wed., Nov. 4.Today’s editionRead

Around Ocala

From WCJB, Ocala Gazette and 3 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news

  1. WCJB9 hours ago

    Mills wins Marion County School Board District 4 seat; James wins District 5

    A new face will join the Marion County School Board, and another will be returning after two runoff elections on Tuesday.

    Also reported byOcala Gazette

  2. Ocala StarBanner10 hours ago

    Jeff Bairstow wins county commission race; school tax and bond issue pass

    A look at some other election results from Marion County on Nov. 3, 2026

  3. 352Today.com10 hours ago

    Amendment 3, school operating expenses, parks bond referendum get "yes" votes in Marion

    Three out of the five ballot measures on the Marion County midterm ballot passed.

  4. 352Today.com10 hours ago

    James, Mills win respective Marion County school districts in competitive runoff races

    Dr. Sarah James survived a challenge from Donald Barber, and Mike Mills came out on top in the race between newcomers.

    Also reported byOcala Gazette

  5. Ocala Gazette10 hours ago

    Trinity Catholic volleyball one win from state title

    Trinity Catholic continued its outstanding season with a convincing win over Saint Andrews High School in the Class 2A state volleyball semifinals on Nov.

  6. Villages-News.com11 hours ago

    Local voters overwhelmingly support statewide amendment slashing property taxes

    Voters in the tri-county area overwhelmingly supported Amendment 3, a measure aimed at dramatically reducing property taxes.