Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 14th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala's firefighter couple Vincent and Katy Alexander won $195,302 on NBC's The Wall on Monday, Jan. 12. Known for adopting a baby from a Safe Haven Baby Box, they answered trivia questions to secure nearly $200,000 in prize money. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local city leaders hosted an art competition at City Hall in partnership with Fine Arts for Ocala to showcase young artists; Tyrek Studivant won best overall for “Them Darn Nab Seagulls” — he will receive $1,000 while high school winner Elisha Centeno took first place with “Beef.” WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Graduation rates in North Central Florida are up, with seven of ten counties reporting higher on-time completions as the state reached a record high (Jan. 13) while education officials plan to review the data to guide upcoming support efforts. WCJB
- ➤ Local officials met today to review plans for safer walking routes and improved bus stops in the school district. Kevin Christian, public relations director for Marion County Public Schools, said 23,000 of the district’s 46,000+ students ride buses daily. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved an air construction permit to shred and grind creosote-treated railroad ties stored along a CSX rail line near the Rainbow River in Dunnellon after residents opposed their removal. Cleanup operations may begin soon under the new permit. Ocala Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ AdventHealth Heathbrook Emergency Room at 3941 SW College Road officially opened on Tuesday, Jan. 13 and now offers 24-hour emergency services with on-site lab and imaging. The facility's ribbon cutting on Jan. 5 marked its readiness, joining new healthcare projects in southwest Ocala. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down on Jan. 13 after a playoff loss — his father, Ed Tomlin, a native of Ocala who starred at Howard High School, left a lasting mark on the community. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Ocala Stud will celebrate its 70th anniversary as a leader in thoroughbred racing. In 1956, a syndicate led by Joe O’Farrell purchased 800 acres and 16 broodmares from Dickey Stables, marking a milestone in Florida’s racing history. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ On Jan. 11, the Ocala Polo Club hosted its 6th annual Laneway Cup Polo Match at the Florida Agriculture Center & Horse Park south of Ocala. Club members played six chukkers in a round-robin format, and the club’s winter season will run through the end of March. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ A major horse show in Ocala drew over 10,000 competitors from around the world today. Horse Capital TV highlighted the event, featuring participants in the Florida Gulf Coast Circuit + their impressive performances. WCJB
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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.
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Little Shop of Horrors Live Performance
2:00 – 4:30 PM — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hilarious and thrilling story of Seymour and his eccentric plant in this beloved musical.
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First Time Home Buyer Workshop
5-9 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Free entry — Gain expert insights and resources to make your home buying journey smooth and successful.
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
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