Good morning, Ocala.

St. Francis Catholic Academy is hosting its 19th Annual Souper Fun Sunday this Sunday.

The event will be held in the academy gymnasium from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Town officials in McIntosh reversed a cancellation when they approved the 1890s Festival for Oct.

17, 2026 — new organizers now seek local artists, musicians, vendors, and volunteers to revive the tradition.

A midday fire damaged a double-wide mobile home on Monday in the 6600 block of NE 2nd Place, displacing a family of four as firefighters controlled the blaze by 12:45 p.m. and evacuated family members and six dogs, with no injuries reported.

The Appleton Museum of Art at College of Central Florida will unveil Portraits in Passing: Contemporary Chinese Brush Painting by A.E.

Kozeliski on Jan. 31 — the exhibit will run through June 21 and showcase everyday street life.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, Tuscawilla Art Park hosted the 2026 OTrak Chalk Walk where local and student artists transformed pavement into renditions of the state’s hidden treasures — city officials announced winners and awarded cash prizes and memberships to student champions at the free, family-friendly event.

Eight public schools in Marion County received national magnet awards from Magnet Schools of America — Vanguard High School earned the Top School of Excellence and representatives will accept the honors at a mid-April conference in San Diego.

State legislators will face tough choices for funding SNAP, the nation’s largest food aid program, as new eligibility rules may drop enrollment and boost demand at local food pantries — including the Reuben Brawner Center Warehouse Food Pantry in Ocala.

Marion County restaurant inspections for Jan.

19–25 show several establishments had high-priority health violations—such as improper food handling and temperature control—requiring follow-up reviews as managers address repeated concerns to boost safety standards.

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.

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.

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.

Special Olympics Florida

All day — Florida Horse Park — Free entry — Celebrate athleticism and inclusion at the Special Olympics in Ocala.

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.

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.

Ocala Anime-Fest

10 AM – 5 PM — Hilton Ocala — Ticket prices vary — Experience a vibrant gathering for anime enthusiasts in a welcoming community setting.

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.

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.