Daily
Ocala
Friday, November 7th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala's World Equestrian Center is hosting the 5th annual Food and Wine Festival today through November 9, featuring a dinner at Stirrups, a Grand Tasting on Saturday, and a Champagne Brunch on Sunday. Officials will unveil the new Equestrian Manor—which includes The Polo Pony, Genievieve’s, The White Willow, and Emma’s Patisserie—with some restaurants opening in early December and others in early January. WCJB
- ➤ Several Ocala residents wrote in to express concern that the new roadside planters and narrower lanes on State Road 200 are making driving unsafe—one caller nearly hit a concrete median and urged FDOT to prioritize fixing road hazards. Other letters warned that commercial trucks should use the right lane to reduce risks in low visibility conditions. Ocala-News
- ➤ Sliick Garden hosts a weekly farmers market — where local residents learn hands-on farming skills and get fresh produce. The garden also offers classes that show neighbors how to grow their own food. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local businessman Danny Gaekwad bought 21 acres of vacant land for $7 million on October 21 along SW College Rd/State Road 200 as recorded in Marion County records. The site, once known as Camper Village of America, sits near Sam’s Club and AdventHealth Care Pavilion—no plans for future development have been announced. Ocala-News
- ➤ Major coffee chains launched their 2025 holiday menus this week; Starbucks unveiled returning favorites like its Eggnog Latte and new bakery items on November 6 along with a limited-edition Hello Kitty merchandise collection (featuring a Bearista cup for $29.95). Dunkin', Dutch Bros, and Scooter's Coffee also released seasonal drinks earlier in the week (Dunkin's menu debuted on November 5), offering festive options for coffee lovers in Ocala. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala is accepting submissions from local high school and emerging artists with up to six years of experience for the annual Techne art competition that highlights skill and craft. Artists must submit original two dimensional or sculptural works by November 10th at 11:59 p.m.—winners will receive cash prizes, art classes, and scholarships, and awards will be presented at a reception at City Hall. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Silver Springs State Park has added a new boardwalk section that connects the Ross Allen Island Boardwalk to the campground area—expanding the park's trail system for visitors. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ County officials report that construction on the new Marion County Animal Services building along Highway 40 in Ocala is underway—set to be finished next month, the building will be ten times larger with expanded kennels and improved heating and cooling. The project aims to offer enhanced services compared to the old facility. WCJB
- ➤ Former Marion County Sheriff Don Moreland died after serving five consecutive terms from 1972–1992 and a long career in law enforcement that included Navy service and a role as U.S. Marshal. Sheriff Billy Woods remembered Moreland and shared his condolences on Facebook, noting that he began as an Ocala police officer in 1957 and became the county’s longest-serving sheriff. WCJB
- ➤ Marion County is considering honoring late radio hosts Larry Whitler and Robin MacBlane, who died after a July crash on State Road 200, following a proposal by Whitler’s brother. County staff, led by Commission Chair Kathy Bryant, will explore recognition options while a public poll remains open until noon Nov. 11—readers can share their views on the matter. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Marion County officials say the new Animal Services building is ten times larger than its old facility — featuring larger kennels and upgraded heating and cooling — and construction is progressing. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ FHSAA has released the playoff bracket for high school football that names Ocala teams Trinity Catholic and Vanguard as the only local qualifiers. The bracket shows Vanguard will face Auburndale at Booster Stadium — Trinity Catholic will play University Christian in Jacksonville and Dunnellon will open the Florida Invitational Tournament against Pensacola on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Ocala StarBanner
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ocala Holiday Market & Food Festival
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy a festive day filled with unique crafts, delicious food, and fun activities for the whole family.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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