Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 23rd of November.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano explained why Light Up Ocala is a special event for the community—he said it will highlight local talent and offer family-friendly fun for neighbors.
💼 Business
On Tuesday, Kroger announced that its only Florida fulfillment center in Groveland will close in January and that delivery service will end on February 1, 2026, with customers still eligible for deliveries through January.
The company will switch to using partners like Instacart and Uber Eats, leaving residents in Marion County and across Florida without its direct delivery service afterward.
🎭 Culture
Ocala’s Downtown Square hosted the annual Light Up Ocala festival on Nov 22—lighting up the evening with festive displays and community spirit.
🏛️ Government
A concerned citizen—Shirley Cunningham—wrote a letter to local officials asking them to form a committee to explore the possibility of building amusement parks and a civic center on Marion County land because many young people and families have to travel out of town.
The letter said these changes could help keep local residents and homegrown talent in the area.
📰 Real Estate
A list of deed transfers for properties selling at least $80,000 in Marion County was recorded from Sept.
22-28. The list covers Ocala transactions and shows details on subdivisions, sellers and buyers—revealing a range of sale prices across the county.
Ocala resident Joe Blaine shared clear advice to help Marion County homeowners (including seniors, disabled veterans, and farmers) lower property taxes by using exemptions like Homestead and Save Our Homes and by contesting high assessments.
His guide also explains key steps and warns against renovations that could increase tax bills.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
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.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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💼 Ocala Job Board
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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