Daily
Ocala
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dutch Bros. Coffee has soft-opened its first drive-thru at 2400 NE 49th Terrace (Six Gun Corners plaza on East Silver Springs Boulevard), with an official grand opening today. It is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on weekends. Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Florida gas prices dropped last week to an average of $2.69 per gallon from $2.79, with prices 4.4% below the national average and 10% lower than a year ago, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Ocala StarBanner
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The state confirmed that 52 black bears were killed during last year's regulated hunt covering areas including Marion County and Ocala National Forest, with 172 permits issued and officials calling the harvest a scientific success. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County officials delayed the animal shelter opening at 6405 W Hwy 40 in west Ocala — original plans for December now shift to spring 2026 to add enhanced features like climate-controlled kennels and expanded clinical space. Ocala-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ During 2025, Marion County recorded 162 real estate sales for properties worth at least $2 million, generating over $1 billion in total revenue. The top 25 transactions, including Amazon’s $97 million fulfillment center in northwest Ocala, accounted for more than half of that total. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Horse Capital TV recapped 2025’s top equestrian escapades on its latest broadcast, featuring local rides and events + key horse stories from the year. The program highlighted the memorable moments that defined a big year in equestrian sport. WCJB
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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.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
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