Good morning, Ocala.

The Ocala Blue Star Mothers Veterans Day Car Show will be held on Nov.

16 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature collectible and military vehicles, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and live music — the event aims to raise $10,000 for enhancements at the park with $25 charged for vehicle entry while spectator admission is free.

A local branch of Braver Angels, a national organization that promotes civil discourse, will host a 'Navigating Difficult Conversations' workshop on November 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Headquarters-Ocala Public Library on E.

Silver Springs Blvd.—Local elected officials have been invited to join community members in discussions designed to bridge political divides—fostering civic engagement in the area.

On Nov. 3, a candlelight vigil was held at Miracle Deliverance Church to honor Forest High School senior Shannon Rushing—who was hit and killed on Oct.

27 on an Ocala road—as Pastor Sophilia Givens led the crowd to lift their candles in her memory.

Robert Edsel Garrett, 72, who had dementia, got lost on his way to a gas station and drove onto train tracks on October 27 when a southbound train struck his vehicle—leaving his family grieving his sudden loss.

An Ocala business owner’s BarbaCuban Original 455 Sauce was chosen from 6,500 products to be sold at over 100 Walmart stores in Florida after his product became one of 550 finalists in Walmart’s Annual Open Call—he said his Caribbean fusion condiment, inspired by his love of Caribbean flavors, will soon be available at local Walmart locations.

Ocala artist Rich Schleicher—whose landscapes show inspiration from famed Impressionists like Monet and Renoir—will open his first solo exhibit, A Symphony of Color, at The Brick City Center for the Arts from Nov 7 to 29.

The exhibit gives visitors a chance to see how his vibrant work brings color and light together.

Florida school districts choose whether to close for Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov.

11 (each district makes its own plan) so many will cancel classes while others remain open. Marion County schools are open (local students attend as usual) even as government and post offices are closed for the holiday.

David Patrick is using his passion for motorcycles and engine mechanics to build a career by joining the Diesel Systems Technician 1 program at Marion Technical College—part of Marion County Public.

The course trains students in diesel engine work and vehicle maintenance, and it may lead to key certifications for future jobs.

Marion County high school athletes are competing for Athlete of the Week with 18 nominees, including football players Nick Mills and Keondre Fillmore who combined for over 250 rushing yards, and bowler Azariah Roberts who earned a state tournament spot—voters have until Friday at noon to cast their ballots.

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.

A Tuna Christmas Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket information available — Experience the festive comedy that brings laughter to the holiday season.

Symphony Under the Lights

7:30 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Free entry — Enjoy a joyful outdoor concert performed by the Ocala Symphony and Youth Symphony under festive lights.