Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Magical Dream Builders Inc is hosting its second annual Operation Winter Wonderland Toy Drive, aiming to collect 100 bikes for 100 kids and share toys with local families to build happy memories.
Marion County is offering holiday food, meals, and gift programs to help families in need + resources include grocery boxes from Interfaith Emergency Services and toy donations from the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program available in Ocala this season.
🏛️ Government
Former councilwoman Mary Sue Rich (85) died peacefully early Thursday, leaving a legacy of 24 years on City Council and 30 years as a probation officer.
The community honors her with a namesake center built in 2023 that serves as a lasting tribute to her service.
📰 Lifestyle
Families in Ocala will enjoy fresh ideas to celebrate New Year’s Eve with kid-friendly fun + engaging activities for every member of the home as they welcome the new year.
📰 Real Estate
On Dec. 12, 14th Street Plaza in east Ocala was sold for $3.125 million to 404 Fraser Circle Holdings, LLC — a Georgia-based self-storage operator — with no announced future plans for the property at 1007 NE 14th Street.
A Florida Realtors report showed Ocala’s new home sales dropped 7% and average prices fell 5% in November, even as the city was noted as the nation’s second top migration destination this year while Gainesville saw a 14% sales jump with prices rising 3%.
Ocala is among the top-searched move destinations today; the MoveBuddha Migration Report shows a ratio of 3.09 and a 74.2% rise in online interest from last year that ranks the city second after Myrtle Beach, signaling growing appeal for affordable retirement living.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
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.
Young Artist Competition - Honors Recital
3-5 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Complimentary tickets for subscribers — Experience the inspiring performances of young musicians competing for soloist opportunities with the Ocala Symphony.
Cherokee Jazz and Rock Night
6-9 p.m. — The Pavilion at Green Gaits — Free entry — Enjoy smooth saxophone melodies and keyboard classics in a lively jazz and rock performance.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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💼 Ocala Job Board
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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