Daily
Ocala
Friday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Animal Services will host a Pack Walk at Silver Springs State Park (5656 E Silver Springs Blvd) on Sunday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; volunteers can walk shelter dogs and enjoy park access until 5:30 p.m. with a $2 entry fee. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local entrepreneur Jodie Keach-Smith is converting her online passion into a brick-and-mortar store at 2513-A NE 3rd Street in Ocala. The new Simply Stitching shop, located in Spring Hill Plaza near Pink and Sweet Bakery and Restaurant, will open in February to serve stitchers, quilters, and knitters. Ocala-News
- ➤ A new Walmart Neighborhood Market will open on Jan. 28 at 8:30 a.m. at 3535 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala, featuring a $25 gift card giveaway for the first 250 families and meet-and-greet events with Tim Tebow and former UF players later that day. Ocala StarBanner
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Florida's initial unemployment filings dropped to 6,331 last week from 7,146 the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said, while national claims edged up to 200,000 (seasonally adjusted). Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Florida gas prices increased last week to an average of $2.70 per gallon for regular fuel, up from $2.60, though prices remain below the national average by 3.7% — a 13% drop from a year ago. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Transportation closed the CR320 bridge over I-75 between Orange Lake/Irvine and Micanopy for repairs that began 6 a.m. Jan.22 and include planned overnight closures on Jan.26 and Jan.27 plus additional work the week of Feb.8 — drivers should follow detour signs. Ocala Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Marion County officials approved a special permit on Tuesday for Kevin and Barbara Marovich to start a mini-farm at 7600 S. Magnolia Ave, allowing six miniature cows, four pygmy goats, and 40 chickens + planned orchards and beehives on nearly 12 acres. The five-year permit includes strict conditions for waste and runoff management. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County district soccer tournaments reported quarterfinal wins with boys teams set for semifinals today between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Dunnellon will face Vanguard) while girls teams advanced in their matches yesterday. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Florida basketball will try to secure its sixth win when the Gators host Auburn at the O’Dome on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. on ESPN. Keyshawn Hall of Auburn and Rueben Chinyelu of Florida are expected to shine in a game that promises tough defense. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ On Thursday, Buchholz & Newberry girls secured road wins while Trenton boys achieved a big victory in local high school basketball games. The strong wins add to a triple-threat season that sets the stage for a deep postseason run. WCJB
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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.
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2026 All for the Horses Expo
9 AM - 2 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free admission — Experience an expansive equine expo featuring elite brands, live demonstrations, and interactive showcases.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
8:30-9:29 PM — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — $31.44 — Experience the soulful music of Adele illuminated by candlelight in a unique atmosphere.
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
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
~ Carl W. Buehner
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