Daily
Ocala
Saturday, February 7th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 7th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Tim Tebow Foundation hosted its annual Night to Shine prom Friday to celebrate individuals with special needs with dancing and music in Ocala. The event brought smiles and unity to the community. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new Mattress Firm and Mavis Tires & Brakes are under construction at Corta Commons on SW State Road 200, where Sprouts Farmers Market anchors the plaza. They join nearby Chipotle + Tropical Smoothie Cafe as part of the area’s ongoing commercial growth. Ocala-News
- ➤ Concrete walls are rising as construction crews build the new Publix Diamond A Shopping Center in south Ocala (at SW Highway 484 and SW 49th Court Road in Marion Oaks) on a 19.4-acre parcel near the Ocala South Logistics Park. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Retired trucker Jim Rymes tours Ocala with a replica Kenworth truck and Trans Am from 'Smokey and the Bandit', painted in 2008 to honor Jerry Reed. Dozens of fans visited on Friday as he continued his journey today with a Make-a-Wish truck show at Raney's in North Central Florida. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County officials declared a state of emergency and will file an injunction to remove toxic railroad ties that burned in Dunnellon by the end of February. More rail cars are scheduled to load remaining ties after months of warnings and cleanup efforts (fire occurred on Feb. 1). Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ocala Electric Utility customers did not see a rate hike after last weekend’s cold weather, thanks to the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund + community conservation efforts, City Manager Pete Lee noted at the Feb. 3 meeting. This decision helps keep power affordable for local residents. Ocala Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Data from Realtor.com shows that in November, Marion County home prices dropped to a median of $262,990, a 3.7% decline from October's $273,000. Single-family homes and condos also saw lower sales prices compared to the same period last year. Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala Olympian Erin Jackson has a 7-inch bobblehead for $30 available at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame + Museum, with proceeds supporting EDGE Outdoors. Jackson is preparing for her third Olympics, where she will defend her gold in the 500 m and race in the 1,000 m. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Brittany Bowe and Erin Jackson, both from Ocala, will compete in the women’s 1,000-meter speedskating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics Monday. Bowe once gave Jackson her U.S. trials spot — reinforcing their lifelong friendship — after Jackson slipped, a move that shows their shared inline skating roots. WCJB
- ➤ Ocala native Erin Jackson carried the American flag at the Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony yesterday — she was selected by fellow Olympians along with bobsledder Frank Del Duca, the first in 70 years for his sport. WCJB
-
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.
-
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.
-
Latino Festival
11 AM – 6 PM — Ocala Citizens' Circle — Free entry — Celebrate Latin American culture with music, food, and handicrafts.
-
Candlelight Tribute to Queen and The Beatles
4-7 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical candlelight concert showcasing the legendary music of Queen and The Beatles.
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
Never take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from.
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