Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The new Marion County animal shelter built along West Highway 40 in Ocala is set to open in spring after its planned opening this month was delayed. WCJB
- ➤ Marion County officials said a new animal shelter under construction along West Highway 40 will open in spring. The facility will be ten times larger than the current one, built on a 20-acre site ($28M cost). WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Rose Barn will open in January at 912 NE 14th Street in a former beverage drive-thru, where Jana M. Costa and Robin Leombrone will offer drive-through bouquets, a micro nursery, a gift shop, and a Bouquet Bar for custom arrangements (designed for families). Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that a black bear hunt held from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28 harvested 52 bears. The hunt was approved in Ocala during an FWC meeting and has generated pushback and legal challenges. Ocala Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A vote for Marion County Athlete of the Week is open for local high school basketball players who shined at holiday tournaments. The poll ends Friday at noon and will select one standout from ten nominees, including top performers from Vanguard and North Marion. Ocala StarBanner
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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.
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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.
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Free Movie: Rocky
12-2 p.m. — Epic Theatres of Ocala — Free entry — Experience the inspiring classic 'Rocky' and witness the power of perseverance and self-belief.
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Mid Florida Truck and Tractor Pull
12:00 AM — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion — Adults $20, Kids $10, 6 & under free — Experience the thrill of roaring engines and powerful machines in a local favorite event.
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Car & Craft Show
10 AM – 2 PM — The Arc of Marion — $15 cars, $10 crafts — Celebrate creativity and vehicles while supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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Little Shop of Horrors Opening Night
5:30-7 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Drinks available — Enjoy a pre-show gathering with the director on opening night of a beloved musical.
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
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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