Daily
Ocala
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Retired U.S. Army captain Steve Petty (81) was honored on Jan. 10 at Empath Hospice of Marion County Elliot Center in southwest Ocala during a ceremony celebrating his induction into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame on Nov. 6, 2025 in Tallahassee. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ A local nonprofit is hosting a resource fair that offers reentry-support, housing guidance, and help restoring voting rights for individuals with a criminal record. The event connects participants with community services to ease their transition. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A franchisee will transform a vacant space at 40 S. Magnolia Avenue into Ocala's first standalone Häagen-Dazs shop with a 1,300 sqft parlor and updated interiors. City Council will discuss a $50,000 grant request Tuesday to support the project. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Motorists traveling through the Ocala National Forest should prepare for delays over the next two months as the U.S. Forest Service begins logging operations on Alco Road and parts of CR 445, and may encounter smoke from prescribed burns in the Fort Gates area (northeast of Salt Springs). Ocala-News
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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.
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Ocala Anime-Fest
10 AM – 5 PM — Hilton Ocala — Ticket prices vary — Experience a vibrant gathering for anime enthusiasts in a welcoming community setting.
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 chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.
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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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