Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 3rd of February.
Good morning, Ocala.
🚧 Accidents
Marion County firefighters and the Florida Forest Service contained a chemically treated railroad tie fire in Dunnellon and two wildfires on Sunday, Feb.
1—residents near the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to lingering toxic fumes.
🎭 Culture
On Jan. 29, Brooke USA held Divertimentos and Dressage Ocala at GoldMark Farm north of Ocala — a live dressage performance with music by the local symphony.
Nearly $100,000 was raised to support working horses, donkeys and mules worldwide.
The Appleton Museum of Art at College of Central Florida is hosting Gladys Shafran Kashdin’s Garden of Ideas through Aug.
23, featuring five paintings and nearly a dozen prints that blend organic elements of nature with recurring themes from the artist’s life (1921-2014).
🎓 Education
Dr. Nicole Rendos (research scientist) will speak about walking at 6 p.m. on Feb.
12 at the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition campus downtown; the free lecture highlights how walking impacts mobility and overall health.
🏥 Health
Costco is recalling its caramel-filled mini beignets in stores including ours after products distributed Jan.
16-30 were found to contain undeclared tree nuts, putting nut-allergic customers at risk. The recall affects units sold nationwide & may require customers to return the items for a refund.
The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation temporarily closed Rainbows End Golf Club in Dunnellon after inspectors found rodent droppings and eight violations, including three high-priority issues, during a Jan.
26 check. Follow-up inspections will decide when the restaurant can reopen.
📰 Real Estate
According to the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors, the housing market closed 2025 with steady home prices, balanced inventory, and 732 closed sales—reflecting a modest year-over-year decline—with continued buyer and seller activity.
Data shows a resilient market as the community moves forward.
A former Treasury official and partners bought the former Club Adena for $63 million and rebranded it as Iron Lake.
They plan a luxury community with a championship golf course, a 37,000 sqft clubhouse, and future homesites on a 1,274-acre property north of downtown; the sale closed Jan. 29.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
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.
Burnyzz Gatornationals FanFest 2026
6-9 p.m. — Burnyzz — Vehicle registration $10 early, $15 day of show — Celebrate the Gatornationals with live music, driver autographs, and family-friendly activities.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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