Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 12th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Two Florida veterans have launched a new T-shirt brand—Still F-Ing Here—to support wounded veterans, cancer survivors, and those with mental health challenges. Fifty percent of net sales will go to support groups as the duo plans road shows to share their message. FOX 35 Orlando
- ➤ On Nov. 10, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County honored 26 local nonprofits that completed the Nonprofit Excellence Academy during a ceremony that also celebrated Give4Marion 2025—an event that raised more than $2.3 million with contributions from over 5,000 donors. Local leaders joined the celebration and invited nonprofits to register for the 2026 Academy and plan for Give4Marion 2026—Sept. 15—16. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ On Nov. 11, the Humble Squadron flew eight vintage military aircraft over the Veterans Memorial Park during the Veterans Day ceremony, drawing about 2,000 local spectators. The pilots gathered at Leeward Air Ranch for a debrief before the flyover — marking the largest formation flown by the group at this community event. Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At November 11 Veterans Day ceremony in Ocala, Army veteran Alcides Lugo Jr. explained why the day was meaningful—highlighting the sacrifices of military members and urging the community to honor their service. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Bea Swedien from Ocala is excited for the upcoming release of the biopic 'Michael' in April, which will show Michael Jackson’s life with Jaafar Jackson playing the title role and David Michael Lewin as Bruce. Her book My Life as a Studio Wife gives real inside stories of music legends and her husband’s work on famous albums — offering a special view of music history. Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools held its 19th annual Veterans Day celebration yesterday+ the ceremony honored local service members. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said black bears become more active in the fall as they search for food and urged residents to lock up trash, pet food, and bird seed to help avoid bear conflicts. FWC coordinator Mike Orlando stressed that following BearWise tips will keep both people and bears safe—neighbors should remove food attractants from yards. Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala City Council postponed a vote on a $2.9 million incentive package for Hotel Marion because of concerns about transferring a city-owned parking lot. The $28.97 million project led by Marion Opportunity Zone Investment I, LLC and ARK Hospitality will be delayed as the council reviews the issue. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ The family of Shannon Rushing, an Ocala high school student killed while walking to her bus stop on October 27, started a petition—Shannon's Law—to push for better street lighting, sidewalks, and safety measures on state and county roads. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health inspectors found that during Nov. 3-9, 13 Marion County restaurants had high-priority violations for issues like improper cold-holding, handwashing, and food storage — while other establishments such as Dunkin Donuts and Latin Stop Cafe and Bakery earned perfect scores. Officials required timely corrective actions and follow-up inspections at places including 484 New York Pizza, Akita Sushi, and China Lee Buffet. Ocala StarBanner
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A 194-acre equestrian property in northwest Ocala featuring a race track, 20 paddocks, and over 130 stalls was sold for $8.4 million on November 6 to Southern Gents LLC — the deal adds to a growing trend of large equestrian transactions in the area. Sergent Stables, located at 12662 U.S. Highway 27, offers modern equine amenities along with multiple residential buildings. Ocala-News
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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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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.
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9th Annual Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Florida Horse Park — $25 entry — Discover diverse equine talents at a weekend filled with competitions and prizes for thoroughbreds.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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