Good morning, Ocala.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.