Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Family, friends and customers are mourning Diane German, the 72-year-old co-owner of Wolfy’s Restaurant on Silver Springs Blvd—found deceased in a residential pool on Jan. 6—who helped make the eatery a local landmark. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Niagara Bottling reduced production at the Ocala water bottling plant on Dec. 31 by releasing 73 workers (with 12 additional cuts planned by March 1) following its purchase of the facility last September for over $25 million. Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala was ranked number one in U-Haul's growth index for 2025, marking its second consecutive win. The city earned the top spot because of its low cost of living and strong job market. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Mark Emery will speak on Jan. 22 at IHMC about Ocala’s rich wildlife and local conservation. The free event includes a reception (5:30 p.m.) at 15 SE Osceola Ave. in downtown Ocala. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A family of Silver Springs macaques was seen hunting along State Road 40 east of the park on New Year's Day in eastern Marion County. Wildlife officials advise residents to keep a safe distance because these introduced monkeys (from decades ago) can act aggressively. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano honored longtime council member Mary Sue Rich at Tuesday’s city meeting by presenting a proclamation to her family (recognizing her dedicated service). WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Works Bistro in Dunnellon was briefly closed on Dec. 23 after a state health inspector found 17 code violations (including three high-priority issues with food storage). The restaurant, which opened last June, was serving customers on Christmas Eve. Ocala-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Developers submitted plans for a new retail store along Maricamp Road after the proposal was reviewed on Monday, Jan. 5 at the Marion County Development Review Committee meeting. Twin Rivers Capital aims to preserve the site's rural and green character while county staff work with the developers on next steps. Ocala-News
- ➤ A 27-acre horse farm with a professional riding arena, heated saltwater pool and solar power with Tesla battery backup sold for $6.1 million Monday, Jan. 5 at 12203 NW 35th Street in northwest Ocala — its price more than quadrupled the 2020 value amid a spate of equestrian property deals. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala’s Brittany Bowe and Erin Jackson have qualified to compete in speedskating at the Olympic Winter Games (Feb. 6–22 in Milano Cortina, Italy). Ocala Gazette
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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.
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Brick City Bluegrass Festival
7 p.m. — Ocala Citizens' Circle — Tickets available now — Enjoy live performances from your favorite bluegrass artists at this year's festival.
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
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
~ Jimi Hendrix
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