Daily
Ocala
Monday, January 5th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 5th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mary Sue Rich was honored during a Jan. 3 celebration at Central Christian Church (her 24 years as the city's first Black female councilwoman made her a trailblazer) with music and eulogies uniting local leaders and family to remember her legacy. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Thousands of locals visit the Ocala Downtown Market on weekends as artists, chefs + farmers set up at the Weekly Buzz to offer fresh food and creative displays. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Weather Service update from Jan. 1 shows that North Central Florida is in severe drought as dry skies and high heat persist; forecasts for rain on Saturday may help ease the conditions, officials said. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala skaters Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe qualified for the 1,000-meter races at the XXV Winter Olympics in Italy from Feb. 6 to 22. They earned top finishes at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Milwaukee — Jackson aims to defend her 500-meter title while Bowe will retire after a storied career. Ocala-News
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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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JUCO Baseball Showcase 2026
9 AM - 3 PM — College of Central Florida Ocala Campus — Registration fee required — A one-day event for high school players to showcase their skills to JUCO coaches.
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
The fool wonders, the wise man asks.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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