Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Horse Capital TV is highlighting the Children's Charity Classic, uniting local business, equine experts, and residents who support children today in Ocala. WCJB
- ➤ After a railroad tie fire on Feb. 1 near East McKinney Ave, more than 100 Dunnellon residents met at City Hall to demand clearer communication + faster cleanup. Officials said the fire is contained, no injuries occurred, and CSX will remove remaining ties, with extra rail cars arriving next week. Ocala StarBanner
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Dunnellon declared a seven-day state of emergency after creosote-treated railroad ties caught fire on Sunday, Feb. 1 near E. McKinney Street, and officials advised residents to limit outdoor activities as CSX works to remove the ties. FOX 35 Orlando
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mary Sue Rich Community Center (1821 NW 21st Avenue) will host a free introductory African dance class on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. DeNaya Wilkerson will lead the event featuring African rhythms, drumming and storytelling while RSVP is requested. Ocala-News
- ➤ Participants finished the Great Florida Cattle Drive 2026 on Jan. 31 at the Okeechobee Cattleman’s Arena after a week-long ride from northeast Ocala that honored our region’s ranching roots. Organizers also held cultural dances and fundraising supporting veterans, at-risk youth, and agricultural heritage (a nod to our living history). Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Zanita Hendry of Hillcrest School was named Marion County’s 2026 Teacher of the Year on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Golden Apple Gala at Reilly Arts Center; her school earned a historic Triple Crown sweep, and she received a three-year car lease (from a local dealership). Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ocala has announced that NE 9th Street between North Magnolia and NE Eighth will close from 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 until 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8 for CSX railroad crossing maintenance. Motorists should follow detour routes and contact the City Engineer’s Office (352-351-6775) for details. Ocala-News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Waffle House is accepting reservations for its Valentine's Day dining event on Feb. 14 at 16 Florida locations — including Ocala — where tables are set with dim lighting, tablecloths and candles. Customers can book online or by phone to secure a spot. Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala native Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca were named U.S. flagbearers for the Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony on Friday. Jackson, the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympic gold, will carry the flag as local pride meets heritage—setting the stage for a moment in Italy. WCJB
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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.
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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.
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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.
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L.E.A.F. Series: Spring Gardens Workshop
10:30 a.m. — Sholom Park — Free — Get hands-on guidance for preparing and planting your spring garden in this interactive workshop.
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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.
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