Daily
Ocala
Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A developer submitted plans for a permanent food truck park along County Road 484 in Belleview, featuring up to 24 vendors & a central dining pavilion for 120 customers. The Special Use Permit is set for review next month. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 7-Brew Coffee opened its first Marion County drive-thru in Belleview (at 5530 SE Abshier Boulevard) with a soft opening from Jan. 16 to 18 and a grand opening on Jan. 19; a swag day on Jan. 24 gave free shirts with large drink purchases and created about 50 local jobs. Ocala-News
- ➤ The new Walmart Neighborhood Market at 3535 SE Maricamp Road opened Jan. 28 and greeted locals with music, speeches & giveaways including a meet-and-greet with Gator football great Tim Tebow. The store created over 150 local jobs and awarded community grants to local organizations. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Reservations will be accepted starting Aug. 1 for Camp Margaritaville Resort Orange Lake, a new water park at a resort with over 400 RV sites and 60 cottages near Orange Lake in Citra. The developer 8M Holdings has requested permission to open the park to the public and raise slide height limits from 40 to 145 feet, with county commissioners to decide. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala now displays Garden of Ideas, a tribute to artist Gladys Shafran Kashdin that features five paintings and nearly a dozen prints through Aug. 23 at 4333 E Silver Springs Boulevard. The exhibit highlights her mixed media style and local impact. Ocala-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University of Florida scientists are cultivating citrus seedlings resistant to a disease that is reducing local farmers' citrus growth. The research aims to restore production of this key crop export for the community. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor DeSantis announced statewide events to mark the U.S. 250th anniversary, including several planned in our area—officials say more details will be shared soon. WCJB
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Pet owners in Ocala can spoil their cats and dogs this Valentine's Day with themed gifts available at local stores. Offers include treats, toys, and cozy accessories — check with retailers for details on Saturday, Feb. 14. Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Gator men's and women's swimming teams competed in Ocala on Friday against Florida State—freshman Ahmed Jaouadi, sophomore Anita Bottazzo and Gio Linscheer posted strong qualifying times to secure wins in their races and boost team scores. WCJB
-
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.
-
10th Annual VOCAL Furball: A Western Extravaganza
6-10 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Ticket required — A whimsical night of Western style and heartfelt giving for Marion County's cats and dogs.
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 price of greatness is responsibility.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Ocala and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Ocala
A free Ocala community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyocala.com/sitemap