Happy Friday, Ocala. In today’s edition: Fire readiness plans, Ceramic Luminary, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Investing in fire readiness: Marion County Fire Rescue presented plans for three fire station prototypes and a $40 million training facility, featuring living spaces, cancer prevention and decontamination zones, updated dispatch, and scalable capacity — see what’s planned in Marion County.

New hope for Florida racing: Facing renewed decoupling threats, the FTBOA has moved to activate a dormant non-profit Thoroughbred permit and pursue a new Ocala track, partnering with Philip Levine and John Morgan — get all the details.

Alert boundaries announced in Ocala: Marion County officials issued a 60-day rabies alert after a raccoon near SE 17th St and 25th Ave tested positive, bringing the county’s active alerts to four — see the alert boundaries.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Unmask the culprit during dinner
• Meet Santa amid a million lights
• Enjoy candlelit Christmas carols on strings
• Shop local at Ocala Winter Wonderland
• Catch world-class hunter and jumper action
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

New eateries on deck: Marion County’s food scene is heating up. A mobile BBQ spot is moving into Paddock Mall with karaoke and a bar, a “Southern American tavern” is on the way, Ocklawaha is getting a laid-back deli-bar with pool tables, and Midtown’s sprawling food-and-drink compound is set to open soon with walk-around cocktails. Check out the full lineup.

Drive-thru growth and closures: Ellianos Coffee is adding a third Ocala drive-thru at 4335 SE Maricamp Road, joining shops on SW Highway 200 and SW 60th Avenue. The new spot is by Abshier Holdings, tied to Emery Abshier. With Dutch Bros and others expanding, the local coffee scene is buzzing as some independents shutter. Get all the details.

Good hair day insurance: Root refresh, lived-in blonde, or full-on transformation… The Mane Hair Loft pairs you with the right stylist from its level system, led by owner-educator Amy. Balayage, highlights, Brazilian blowouts, and hand-tied extensions are on the menu, so your grown-out ponytail can finally retire.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🍸 Artini 2025 @ Magnolia Art Xchange | Friday (12/12) at 6:00pm – Part fundraiser, part civilized tasting, Ocala’s best mixologists serve art-inspired cocktails you sample and play critic. Stroll Magnolia Art Xchange’s galleries, meet artists, enjoy live music and bites, and match drinks to their muse for raffle entries, all supporting MAX’s artist incubator.

⭐ Holiday Under the Stars @ Hilton Ocala | Friday (12/12) at 6:00pm – Whether you’re courting clients or dodging Secret Santa, this community holiday party serves cocktails, a plated dinner, dancing, and dessert under the stars. Come solo to network, or bring the office, all for $100 with tax and gratuity included.

This weekend

🕯️ Ceramic Luminary @ Appleton Museum of Art | Saturday (12/13) at 12:45pm – Design and glaze your own ceramic luminary in a four-hour workshop with Dawn Bergstrom, materials and beginner nerves included. It is part craft therapy, part glow-up for the living room, and you leave with something you want to display. Members $75, nonmembers $100, register online.

🍺 Crafts & Chords @ Hiatus Brewing Company | Saturday (12/13) at 6:00pm – Hiatus is turning into the coziest little concert venue for two hours of good music and even better beer. Grab a seat, sip something local, and enjoy Zack Maruniak’s live set without the crowds or chaos.

🎶 The Buzzcatz Holly Jolly Christmas @ Orange Blossom Opry | Saturday (12/13) at 7:00pm – Nothing says holiday spirit like Ricky Sylvia and The Buzzcatz dusting off the classics, crooning the standards, and sneaking in the crowd-pleasers. These local lifers have two decades of swing and nostalgia, which pairs with good friends, a tolerable sweater, and a night out.

🛼 Roller Derby @ Skate Mania | Sunday (12/14) at 4:00pm – Holiday spirit meets hip checks at a Santas vs. Elves roller derby double-header at Skate Mania. Ten bucks gets you loud hits, louder cheer, and kids under 12 get in free, plus a cut benefits a local charity. Pick a side, then ho-ho-heckle accordingly.

🌙 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas @ Community Harvest Baptist Church | Sunday (12/14) at 5:00pm – This festive church supper pairs chicken Alfredo, salad, and Christmas treats with games the kids will love and adults will quietly dominate. Bring the family, swap stories, support the building fund, and leave humming carols, pleasantly full, and only slightly competitive.

🎭 HoliDAZED and Confused @ Mutiny | Sunday (12/14) at 7:30pm – If you need a holiday palate cleanse, this delightfully unhinged showcase has you covered. Local artists will take the stage with quirky, bold, and beautifully bizarre acts that lean into every festive vibe except Christmas. Bring your curiosity, grab a drink, and get ready for a night that’s fun, fearless, and community powered.

Next week

🎄 Sea Glass Tree Class @ Village Art Workshops | Monday (12/15) at 10:00am – Whether you lean coastal, spooky, or Florida Mouse, this beginner-friendly sea glass tree class lets you pick a 6 or 9 inch tree, choose a theme, and top it with flair. Supplies included, hot glue thrills, perfect with an older kid or grandkid.

🏓 Free Pickeball for Seniors @ The Dink Tank | Monday (12/15) at 1:00pm – If you’ve been pickleball-curious, or your tennis knees prefer shorter sprints, swing by The Dink Tank for free senior open play. All levels welcome, with easy rotations, loaner gear, and light coaching. Quick clinical research update first, then it’s dinks, rallies, and new friends.

🥞 Free Pancake Breakfast for Seniors @ Mimi’s Cafe | Tuesday (12/16) at 9:00am – Swing by Mimi’s on College Road for a free pancake breakfast for seniors, plus a chat on keeping your brain in fighting shape. An expert shares simple habits and research opportunities, breakfast is included with a reservation. First-timers get priority.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/12 Winter Wonderland @ World Equestrian Center – 5 pm
• 12/14 Champagne Brunch @ Hilton Ocala – 11 am
• 12/16 The Christmas Gift @ Live Oaks Community Church – 6:15 pm
• 12/21 Christmas Carols on Strings @ Ocala Civic Theatre – 8:30 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Ocala edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Pamela Allen (HORSE CAPITAL HOMES AND FARMS)

Architectural remodel on 12 high-and-dry acres in Ocala, this 3,012-square-foot home leans luxe and livable. A chef’s kitchen with serious tech, a sleek butler’s pantry, and an airy open plan with dedicated office library and dining. A mudroom with half bath and exterior-entry laundry tame the traffic, and a climate-controlled two-car garage flexes as studio or gym.

New no-climb perimeter fencing and a separate entrance lead to a laser-graded barn site with power nearby. Set quietly at the rear, a 130 by 260 pro arena with dependable footing stays ride-ready after storms, pairing equestrian muscle with wide-open views.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →