Daily
Ocala
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 2nd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rusty Jacobs, a longtime leader at the Star-Banner and USA TODAY Co., died Nov. 23 at age 60—he was active as a church deacon and youth football coach. A celebration of his life will be held Dec. 6 at First Baptist Church in Summerfield. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ An Ocala resident who drives State Road 200 daily said the new medians have improved traffic flow and eliminated crashes, even though some retirees complained about making extra U-turns. He noted that these changes have made his long drive safer and smoother — a benefit seen by other frequent commuters as well. Ocala-News
- ➤ On Dec. 12, the DeLuca Family Foundation will host its 40th annual Share Your Christmas food drive at the Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center — 3200 SE 17th St. in Ocala, partnering with WESH 2 and the Second Harvest Food Bank. The drive will run from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include a donation match of $1 per pound up to $10,000 by the foundation. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Residents in southwest Ocala voiced concerns over plans to build a new Home Depot next to a quiet senior community as traffic near 99th Street and State Road 200 is expected to worsen — they worry that extra delivery trucks and an added emergency facility will increase congestion and noise. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Raising Cane’s is expanding and will open 14 new restaurants in December, including two in Orlando—one at 8718 International Drive today and another at 12025 Collegiate Way on December 9. The chain also plans additional Florida locations in Gainesville, Ocala, Kissimmee and Pensacola. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Learning to make your own wreath is a fun and simple way to get creative during the holiday season—especially when evergreen boughs and berries are used to add festive charm. The guide explains that homemade wreaths are inexpensive and easy to customize, offering beginners a practical craft skill—ideal for any occasion. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ The Star-Banner reviewed one of 2025’s most popular photo galleries that shows the All-Breed Horse Capital of the World Parade held on Oct. 4 in downtown Ocala as part of the Equine Initiative + the gallery displays clear images of horses and floats + marking a notable look back at this year’s event. Ocala StarBanner
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida native ground cover plants are low-growing species that spread horizontally and serve as an alternative to grass beneath trees and in open areas. They help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion—essential for keeping landscapes healthy. Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today at 4 p.m. the Ocala City Council will vote on a nearly $2.9 million incentive package to revitalize the historic Hotel Marion downtown at City Hall—city staff said the revised terms include a donation of a city parking lot and waived fees to support the project. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ HCA Florida North Florida Hospital is launching a contest that asks local residents to decorate mini trees to benefit Ronald McDonald House, Fisher House for Veterans, and cancer patients—prompting community support for these groups. 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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