Daily
Ocala
Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala Christmas Parade will mark its 70th installment on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at SE 25th Ave and Fort King St, with road closures (starting at 3 p.m.) and candy under a ‘Christmas Through the Decades’ theme along a 1.6-mile route ending near Tuscawilla Park. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Horse racing supporters, led by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders Association, have proposed a new racetrack + entertainment complex in Ocala to boost the local industry and attract younger fans, while some residents express concerns over potential traffic. The plan remains under review as community feedback is considered. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Residents are invited to a free weaving workshop celebrating the holiday season at Heart of the Park at Tuscawilla on Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Artists Shannon Kelly and Jasmine Laska will lead participants in creating woven art on a cardboard loom (children require adult supervision). Ocala-News
- ➤ An Ocala horse owner traveled to Spain to attend one of the world’s largest horse shows and share their passion for purebred Spanish horses on Horse Capital TV. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Public Schools outlined north-end attendance boundary options for redistricting to correct capacity imbalances at six schools, with community recommendations scheduled for early next year. The county commission declined to join the advisory committee—citing staffing concerns in a Dec. 6 letter. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Ocklawaha River drawdown lowers water levels from 18 to 11 feet and attracts fishermen and bird watchers eager to view the Rodman Reservoir from Eureka to the Kirkpatrick Dam. The event happens every three to four years and offers a rare glimpse of near-natural river conditions. Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ FDOT is upgrading a 34-mile stretch of SR 40 from SR 35 to the Volusia line with new animal warning lights, cameras and digital signs to alert drivers of wildlife; lane closures at the County Road 315 intersection will run tonight and tomorrow from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Ocala-News
- ➤ Florida law lets property owners have vehicles towed without police if a car blocks their private driveway. Residents should take photos (for evidence) and contact a tow company, which must alert law enforcement within 30 minutes. Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Health Department issued a 60-day rabies alert after an infected raccoon tested positive near Southeast 17th Street and 25th Avenue on Dec. 7. Officials said the county now has four alerts and urged residents to avoid wild animals and seek prompt medical care if exposed. WCJB
- ➤ From Dec. 1-7, state inspectors found high-priority violations at six Marion County restaurants, including Bowlero West and Texas Roadhouse in Ocala — these establishments faced issues with food handling and temperature controls. Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation required corrective actions during follow-up inspections. Ocala StarBanner
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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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