Good morning, Ocala.

Judicial Circuit members donated to Marion Senior Services to support seniors in the area—this effort shows their commitment to enhancing local senior care.

Marion County farmer Robert Jackson Williams was inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame on Thursday at 6 pm at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion—he was honored for decades of dedication to local farming and service to his neighbors.

Five-year-old Lucas Perez helped the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County gather baby supplies after his grandmother gave him $100—he and his mother shopped for diapers, wipes, bottles and more, which will be available next Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Thanksgiving, many Florida grocery chains will adjust their hours to help shoppers with last-minute needs—Bravo Supermarkets will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., The Fresh Market from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sprouts from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and most CVS and Whole Foods will operate with shortened hours. Meanwhile, chains such as ALDI, Publix, Costco, Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, BJ’s and Trader Joe’s will be closed.

Marion County officials approved a special use permit for a new Home Depot to be built at 8445 SW 80th Street in southwest Ocala near a retirement community on Tuesday—clearing the way for the store to operate with outdoor storage after meeting buffering requirements.

Some residents raised concerns about potential noise and light pollution—asking for extra buffer measures to protect nearby homes.

Geek Fest will take place Sunday, November 23, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ocala Downtown Market at 403 SE Osceola Avenue with over 60 vendors selling comics, cards, and vintage collectibles — food trucks, cosplay contests and live entertainment are part of the free event.

Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. — the event brought together local leaders to discuss boosting rural economic growth in Marion County.

Marion County health officials issued a 60-day rabies alert after a dead raccoon with rabies was found on Tuesday in the Meadow Wood Farms area off Hill Prince Drive—officials warned residents to avoid wild animals and keep pets indoors as they monitored the situation.

The Florida Agriculture Department warned horse owners to quarantine any horses that may have been exposed to equine herpes virus after cases appeared at events in Texas and Oklahoma.

A Panhandle rodeo was cancelled as a precaution — exposed horses must be isolated for 21 days — while officials urge reporting any signs of illness.

Florida Realtors released new data on Thursday that showed local home sales increased compared to last October’s numbers—this boost suggests more activity in the market.

Fort White defeated Wildwood by 59 to 0 and will play in the FIT State semifinal next Friday—Dunnellon defeated Andrew Jackson by 40 to 24 and will host Palatka at Ned Love Field next Friday.

Marion County high school football playoffs continue as Dunnellon closed its contest against Andrew Jackson on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Vanguard is set to face Orlando Jones today—local teams aim to advance in the postseason.

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.

Free Movie: Wicked for Good

2-5 p.m. — Epic Theatres of Ocala — Free entry — Experience the magic of Oz in the beloved story of friendship and courage.

The Nutcracker Ballet

2-4 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical holiday classic brought to life by the Sheila Ruotolo Dance Company.