Good morning, Ocala.

Local sellers offer a variety of holiday treats including Adena Farms’ grass-fed beef round-up box, BarbaCuban's barbecue sauces, Agapanthus’ elegant magnum wine, and Stella’s Greek imports, giving home chefs and hosts festive options for gift giving.

Food banks in Marion County are receiving tens of thousands of pounds of food from the Bring the Harvest Home drive; firefighters led by Chief James Banta donated nearly 14,000 pounds plus cash to help those in need.

A Buc-ee's travel center is scheduled to open in Ocala in 2028 near I-75.

The 74,000 sqft facility is part of the company’s expansion and was spotlighted by Gov. DeSantis during discussions on local infrastructure—emphasizing its role in boosting regional travel.

Ocala and Marion County have updated their holiday schedule, which features a light show at World Equestrian Center from Nov.

28-Dec. 23, the Ocala Christmas Parade on Dec. 13 starting at 5:30 p.m. near Tuscawilla Park, and additional festive concerts and exhibits (ticketed where required).

The free annual holiday display will feature moving model trains and miniature towns at the Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida from Dec.

19-31. It will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily with shortened Christmas Eve hours and closed on Christmas Day.

Master the Possibilities—one of Florida’s leading lifelong learning centers—launched its new term themed ‘Exploring 250 Years of America’ at 8415 SW 80th St. in Ocala; special presentations by historians, scholars and authors will offer local adults insights into key moments of American history.

Most Florida public schools begin winter break Monday, Dec.

22 and resume classes Monday, Jan. 5. State employees receive paid holidays on Christmas Day and Dec. 26.

Dozens of local high school students visited the University of Florida for the third annual Powering the Community: High School AI Design contest sponsored by Duke Energy from Oct.

3 to mid-November, where teams completed six activities; a Belleview High team (Brilliant Academic Learning Dominators) took third place at the showcase.

An Ocala resident claimed a $1 million prize from the $15M Diamond Spectacular scratch-off on Wednesday, Dec.

3 at Quick King Food Store #12 (7947 W Highway 40). The winner opted for a $606,700 payout amid several similar lottery wins this year.

After a coyote tested positive for rabies on Dec.

3 near SW 49th Ave Rd and SW 103rd St Rd in Marion County, DOH-Marion issued a 60-day alert and advises residents to immunize pets and avoid stray animals.

Health departments in Marion and Alachua counties have issued rabies alerts after a coyote tested positive and other wild animals were reported infected.

Residents are urged to avoid contact with wild animals (like raccoons, bats, and coyotes) and seek medical help if exposed.

Vanguard wide receiver James Bethea committed to Indiana University after his breakout junior season.

The three-star prospect, ranked 102nd nationally (for the class of 2027), chose the Hoosiers for their rising football program and now looks forward to competing at a high level.

Marion County fans are invited to vote for 32 Athlete of the Week nominees until Friday at noon, with the winning winter sports star announced soon and options available to submit highlight videos via social media + provided tags.

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.