Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County Animal Services is expanding its shelter to care for more animals with a new 20-acre facility near the airport.

The project costs $28 million and will open next month—financed by county funds and local donors.

A Levy County couple — Richard and Amanda Harris — is collecting donations of essential supplies and money to help Jamaicans recover after Hurricane Melissa.

They will ship crutches, tents, and blankets on Nov. 22 to support those in need.

Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, was surprised with a luncheon at Fort King Presbyterian Church on Nov.

12 to mark her 15 years of leadership—Mary Beth Neely greeted her with a warm hug during the event.

An Ocala church is partnering with the Convoy of Hope and Marion County Children’s Alliance to offer free groceries, hot meals, children’s shoes and health screenings this Saturday, November 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3140 SW 26th Street — the event is designed to support local families and single parents in need.

This week, Horse Capital TV will feature a deep dive on the Peruvian Paso Horse as the program highlights the breed’s unique traits for local horse lovers.

The segment will offer viewers insight into the celebrated equine and its role in Florida’s rich horse culture.

Ocala residents have a busy weekend with the final run of The Crucible at the Civic Theatre and a range of events including live music, art exhibits and holiday festivities at local venues like Tuscawilla Park.

Organizers report that free community gatherings and ticketed shows will offer options for all ages — making this a culturally rich local weekend.

Ocala teacher Brandon Caraway from Fort King Middle School is one of 12 finalists in a contest to win $50,000 for new classroom furniture that will help fight student boredom and teacher burnout.

He hopes local votes will boost support for his design that features modular seating, mobile workstations, and quiet areas for nearly 1,000 students.

Parts of Central Florida saw the Aurora Borealis on Tuesday night because of a strong solar storm — the night sky glowed with red, pink, and blue flashes.

The solar storm stretched Earth's magnetic field, bringing this normally northern light display into view.

Family, friends and former coworkers gathered on Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church in Ocala to honor Don Moreland, Marion County’s longest-serving sheriff who died last Thursday at age 90.

Sheriff Billy Woods spoke at the service and his family requested that donations be made instead of sending flowers—Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch, the Humane Society of Marion County or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

An online poll received 627 responses supporting the formal honor of late radio hosts Larry Whitler and Robin MacBlane, with roughly 50% favoring a road name and 22% a sign or plaque.

The Marion County Commission will review these options at its November 18 meeting — community input will guide the final decision.

Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic Center in Ocala marked 40 years of care and will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 19 from noon to 2 p.m. The center has grown from a small chiropractic practice to a full health center offering chiropractic, medical, rehabilitative and therapeutic care — serving generations of families with personalized treatment.

Local restaurants in Ocala have announced Thanksgiving dinner takeout options for residents wanting a ready-made meal at home.

The menus include meals with turkey, ham and sides and have specific phone-based order deadlines so locals can check details.

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.

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.

The Nutcracker Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Family-friendly event — Experience the enchanting story of Clara and the Nutcracker in a magical ballet performance.