Good morning, Ocala.

As temperatures drop across North Central Florida, cold shelters are opening their doors today to provide warmth and support—organizers report growing backing from local residents.

On Nov. 8, friends and family gathered at First Baptist Church of Ocala to honor 18-year-old Shannon Rushing— a Forest High student fatally struck on a northwest road on Oct.

27—and her sister has since launched a petition called Shannon’s Law to boost local pedestrian safety.

Huey Magoo’s — founded near UCF in 2004 by Matt Armstrong and Thad Hudgens — grew from one restaurant to 80 locations across 14 states.

The chain credits its fresh chicken tenders, loyal customers, and close team for its success and will open more restaurants as it plans to hit 100 in 2026.

Publix will be open today and offers a 10% discount on in-store groceries for veterans and active military—stores are only closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The policy aims to thank those who serve, and it excludes alcohol, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps, prescriptions, tobacco, or money services.

A powerful cold front swept through Central Florida Monday night, causing Ocala to face lows around 31 degrees Tuesday morning—local officials issued freeze warnings in Marion County and advised residents to cover tropical plants.

Regina Lynn Johnson of Astor claimed a total of $25,559 for two lottery tickets on October 29 that won $12,779 each — one bought at Winn-Dixie in Silver Springs and one at an AP Gas & Food station in Pierson.

Four winning tickets were sold in the Fantasy 5 midday drawing — the other wins coming from Publix locations in Miami Beach and St. Augustine.

Former Marion County sheriff Don Moreland died Nov.6 at age 89 after serving from 1973 to 1992 and leading many firsts in law enforcement, including appointing the first female patrol deputy.

Sheriff Billy Woods announced his passing on Facebook and Moreland’s funeral will start at 11 a.m. Nov.12 at First Baptist Church on E. Maricamp Road in Ocala.

Ocala's new pickleball facility, The Dink Tank Pickleball—located at 1891 SW 12th Avenue—opened on November 1 and will stay open 24 hours a day every day.

The center offers four professional-grade CushionX courts along with lessons, app-based event scheduling, and play sessions for all ages.

The Ocala Soccer Institute, which has not lost a game this season, is two wins away from a division title and playoff spot if it beats Orlando Rovers on November 15 and 22.

The team, led by coaches Angel Berroteran, Walther Carbajal, and Darryl Hellam, plays at Brick City Adventure Park—hoping to move up to the UPSL Premier—while keeping its winning streak alive.

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.

A Tuna Christmas

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a hilarious holiday celebration with beloved characters returning to spread joy.