Good morning, Ocala.

United Way of Marion County’s Women United held its second annual luncheon on Nov.

5 at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Center in Ocala—donors and sponsors helped the group raise over $55,000 to support the Strong Families Program that lifts local families out of poverty.

Marion County Animal Services introduced three adoptable pets including Yankee, a well-mannered ten year old dog, Kiki, a playful six month old, and Bailey, a two year old who loves outdoor walks.

The shelter offers adoptions with a name your price option during Adopt a Senior Pet Month (available Tuesday through Saturday).

Florida retailers have started early Black Friday sales with Ace Hardware offering discounts and Amazon featuring deals now while Target and Macy's will run promotions later in November—giving Ocala shoppers diverse holiday options.

Shoppers can take advantage of these offers as the season unfolds.

Pickleball Kingdom is turning the old Conn’s HomePlus, which closed in 2024, into Ocala’s largest indoor pickleball facility.

The company shifted its focus from a northwest site to a new 37,000-square-foot space at 2800 SW 24th Avenue and will offer 13 professional-grade courts — built for year-round play.

A popular YouTube couple with 37,000 subscribers made a video on November 6 that featured their visit to Play It Again Sports at 1809 East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala — they bought four putters and one wedge during the bargain hunt.

The Ocali Country Days Festival returns to Ocala this weekend at Silver River Museum at 1445 NE 58th Avenue, where visitors enjoy live music, historic displays and demonstrations of old-time skills.

Admission is $10 per person with free entry for children aged 5 and under, and proceeds support educational programs for Marion County Public Schools — a local initiative.

After more than two decades of serving local students, the Pace Center for Girls will close its doors on December 19 due to challenges with enrollment, staffing, and finances—continuing academic instruction and counseling until then.

Marion County Public Schools have begun notifying families that the 56 enrolled girls will return to public schools in January.

Retired Army Captain Steven Petty was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame on Nov.

6 in Tallahassee—honoring his 1,000 combat missions and 46 combat decorations. He now leads Ocala's Vet Resource Center, which offers free cancer screenings and veteran benefit guidance.

Data from Realtor.com showed that in August the median home sale price in Marion County climbed slightly to $282,500 from $280,000 while single-family homes sold at a nearly stable median of $288,250—15 luxury homes sold for $1 million or more compared to 7 in August last year.

The report also noted a 2.6% drop from August 2024 and a 6.8% decrease in total recorded sales in the county.

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.

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.