Good morning, Ocala.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.