Daily
Ocala
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Raising Cane's is expanding its presence in Florida with its 5th Orlando restaurant set to open on Jan. 13, featuring a grand opening drawing for 20 customers to win free food, and it plans new spots in Ocala and Miami later this year. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk will take place on Friday, Jan. 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. around Historic Square, featuring live music, local artists, busker stations, and hands-on art demonstrations; the event is free and open to all. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Horse Capital TV will feature Eric Chaman, a local Peruvian dressage rider who competed for Peru in the Pan American Games, in a segment airing this week that spotlights his role in our equine community. 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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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.
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Special Olympics Florida
All day — Florida Horse Park — Free entry — Celebrate athleticism and inclusion at the Special Olympics in Ocala.
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
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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