Daily
Ocala
Monday, December 1st, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 1st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marion County officials are accepting donations for the annual Bring the Harvest Home food drive to support local food pantries and services. Residents may drop off non-perishable items and household goods at various sites until Dec. 4th or at the Ocala Downtown Square on Dec. 5th from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — the drive benefits organizations including Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, Veterans Helping Veterans, and the Salvation Army. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents have asked the Ocala City Council to approve a new marker that will honor the 1962 meeting between Elvis and 10-year-old Tom Petty — several locals shared their personal memories and support for the idea. The proposed landmark aims to celebrate both musicians' influence on local history. Ocala-News
- ➤ A local resident from Reddick criticized the recent paving changes on State Road 200 that force drivers to make U-turns—causing long delays at every light. He said that while the project cost was very high, many other roads in Marion County still need repaving. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, Ocala CEP announced a new workplace wellness initiative in Marion County — the program aims to improve workers’ headspace and is featured in this week’s Weekly Buzz. WCJB
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Christmas Eve Service
6:30-7:30 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free entry — Celebrate Christmas Eve with music, carols, and a meaningful message.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
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