Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 7th of December.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Belleview residents lit up Lake Lillian to kick off the holiday season today.
Visitors enjoyed decorating cookies, making ornaments and meeting Santa as local vendors sold seasonal gifts.
Local influencers are shining a spotlight on Ocala businesses, residents and history on social media.
Their creative videos have gained millions of views and help connect community members throughout the area.
Interaith Emergency Services is hosting a toy drive to collect new and gently used toys for local children.
The drive is open this holiday season at their facility, inviting community members to drop off donations.
💼 Business
Buc-ee's has announced a scheduled expansion that will include a location in Ocala expected in 2028.
The chain is also set to open sites in April 2026 in Huber Heights, Ohio, June in Goodyear, Arizona, and July in San Marcos, Texas (each featuring multiple fueling and charging positions).
🎭 Culture
Today at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, the first-ever Navidad Latin Fest brought lively Latin music, dance, traditional foods and family activities to celebrate Ocala’s growing Latino community — Party Mix Productions led this vibrant event.
🌲 Environment
A new stainless-steel bald eagle sculpture honoring local conservation success was unveiled in Micanopy yesterday at Marjorie A.
Hoy Memorial Park — local artist John Andrews created the work, commissioned by UF professor Jack Davis, to celebrate the species' rebound from near extinction.
📰 Real Estate
Realtor.com data shows that in September homes in Marion County sold for a median price of $267,000 - a 5.5-percent drop from August.
Recorded sales rose 12.2 percent from last September, marking a noticeable shift in the Ocala housing market.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
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.
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.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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💼 Ocala Job Board
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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