Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala’s Historic District will host the seventh annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, December 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A pre-parade tailgating event with food trucks and float judging will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at City Hall parking lot—proceeds benefit The Fostering Foundation. Ocala-News
- ➤ The 67th annual Kiwanis Pancake Day will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Eighth Street Elementary School Cafeteria from 7 a.m. to noon, where $7 per person will serve unlimited pancakes, sausage, and beverages while proceeds help fund a summer camp for kids aged 7 to 13 (each camper sponsorship costs over $400). Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Seratones will perform on Friday, December 5 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Citizens’ Circle on SE Osceola Avenue as part of Ocala’s Sunset Song Series. The free event—encouraging attendees to bring lawn chairs or blankets—will feature a dynamic blend of punk, rock, soul and R&B with electronic touches. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Alachua Conservation Trust and volunteers removed the invasive coral ardisia from Serenola Forest's 124-acre preserve to protect the area's native plants. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County officials will break ground Tuesday, December 9, at 10 a.m. on a new fire station at the Florida State Fire College campus (MCFR Lowell Station #11) located at 11655 NW Gainesville Road in north Ocala, and Ocala-based Dinkins Construction will build the facility to improve fire and EMS coverage for the Lowell community. Ocala-News
- ➤ Ocala city council approved a nearly $3 million incentive package to revitalize the historic Hotel Marion—an important move that sets the stage for the landmark's redevelopment. WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Marion County health inspectors gave perfect scores during Nov. 24-30 inspections to Country Bar-B-Que and the Lockheed-Martin Cafeteria (498 Oak Rd, Ocala). Inspectors also warned Bonefish Grill (4701 SW College Rd, Ocala) and The Anchor (10135 SE Sunset Harbor Rd, Summerfield) for high-priority violations that require follow-up action. Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County is holding its Athlete of the Week poll with eight nominees that include several basketball players and one football candidate. Readers can vote through Friday at noon—the winner will be announced online shortly after the poll closes. Ocala StarBanner
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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.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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