Daily
Ocala
Sunday, January 18th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 18th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Cave experts from North Central Florida & divers are joining efforts to rescue a cat that fell into a sinkhole. The team is coordinating a safe retrieval as the rescue continues. WCJB
- ➤ An Ocala couple filed for a Special Use Permit to convert their 11.78-acre home property at 7600 S Magnolia Avenue into a solar-powered mini-farm with bees+chickens+livestock. The proposal will be reviewed at the Marion County Board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. Ocala-News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ After a third train derailment in recent months, residents voiced concern over CSX track maintenance as they warned of hazards like chemical spills (potential sinkholes and foundation damage) impacting local homes and businesses. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bob Evans at 3535 SW College Road (State Road 200) closed on Saturday, Jan. 17 after a door sign confirmed the closure. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rock The Country festival in Ocala will take place Aug. 28-29 at the Florida Horse Park, but organizers have removed hip-hop icon Ludacris (mistakenly added on the initial flyer) and replaced him with Hudson Westbook. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A bill (Northeast Florida Rivers, Spring, and Community Investment Act) aiming to restore the Ocklawaha River will head to the Senate committee next Tuesday afternoon for review. The law would require DEP to devise its plan and establish an economic development council for Marion and Putnam counties by July 2027. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ North Marion's boys basketball team outlasted Forest 48-45 in a close nonconference game in Ocala. The result energized local fans and highlighted competitive high school basketball action. WCJB
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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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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