Good morning, Ocala.

Ocala prepares for its 41st annual Light Up Ocala celebration today, with the Junior Sunshine Parade beginning the evening and live music, dance, and food trucks + vendors set to entertain visitors.

City officials, including the mayor, will host a grand lighting ceremony around 6 p.m. + hints of a special surprise to mark the holiday tradition.

On November 20, Feeding His Sheep Food Ministry held its annual free turkey and grocery distribution event on Southwest State Road 200 to help 369 families and over 1,000 individuals have a brighter Thanksgiving.

Volunteers from Ignite Ministries and Zion’s Army, along with local donors, managed the event from a 5:30 a.m. start until 9 a.m. — providing essential support to the community.

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra and the Ocala Youth Symphony will perform on December 5 at Jenkins Outdoor Stage in Tuscawilla Park—home to the Reilly Arts Center.

The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and is part of the 22nd annual Symphony Under the Lights led by Maestro Matthew Wardell.

Florida Power and Light got approval for its largest four-year rate hike, so most customers will pay $136.64 instead of $134.14 starting January 1st while Northwest Florida customers will pay $141.36 instead of $143.60.

FPL said the new rates will support investments in smart grid technology and help meet growing demand.

Middle schoolers at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy collected over 7,000 canned goods to build art displays in a class competition held in the school gym—demonstrating their creative teamwork.

Ocala residents wrote letters to Mayor Ben Marciano to oppose his plan to remove kratom from local stores—one writer said it helps with arthritis while another warned banning it could lead to increased drug use under current safety laws.

Florida’s fire service gathered in Ocala Friday morning to honor nine firefighters who died in the line of duty and their families at the Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the Florida State Fire College.

Their names will also be added to the Florida Firefighter Memorial Monument at the State Capitol—ensuring a lasting tribute to their service.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County issued a rabies alert after a raccoon from the Meadow Wood Farms area tested positive on November 18th.

Residents are urged to avoid wild animals—especially raccoons, bats, and skunks—and call local services if they experience any exposure.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County—DOH-Marion—urges residents and visitors to use safe food practices during the holiday season by thawing meat in the refrigerator or in cold water with the water changed every 30 minutes to reduce foodborne illness risks.

County commissioners approved a zoning change for a 400-acre property at 13210 SW Highway 200 in Dunnellon to allow a planned unit development next to 5,000 acres of conservation land.

The plan calls for up to 40 lots with single-family homes, a caretaker residence, and community amenities — officials will review one detail in 30 days before the final development plan is set.

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.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Market

12-4 p.m. — Ocala Downtown Market — Free entry — Experience a magical holiday market filled with festive cheer and fun for the whole family.