Daily
Ocala
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hospice of Marion County unveiled a memorial tree today (honoring hundreds of lost loved ones) as families gathered in Marion County to share a moment of remembrance. WCJB
- ➤ Residents in Dunnellon celebrated a small win on Friday, Dec. 5 when a dispute over railroad ties was resolved. Community members and local officials met to address the issue and bring stability to the area. WCJB
- ➤ Residents are frustrated by the lack of handicapped spaces and misuse of golf cart spots at Canopy Oaks Publix, where many nearby seniors need closer access; the store is remodeling and is expected to address the parking concerns soon. Ocala-News
- ➤ Today, Ocala police organized a shopping spree at Walmart for 20 children who each received a $100 gift card to buy gifts for themselves or family, supported by donations from Walmart & the local police lodge. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Trader Joe’s opened new stores in Daytona Beach (Nov. 14) and Melbourne (Dec. 1) while a Kingwood location opens today and a Columbia store is set for Dec. 12, leaving Marion County residents to petition the company for a local Trader Joe’s. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dylan Curry reflected on Dunnellon High School's first FIT championship (after a challenging season) during a recent school discussion, explaining that the title highlights the team’s hard work and brings pride to the community. Ocala StarBanner
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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
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
~ Carl Sagan
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