Daily
Ocala
Sunday, February 8th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 8th of February.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A wildfire burned near homes on SE Malauka Loop in Weirsdale and Ocklawaha on Saturday, Feb. 7, forcing brief evacuations while local officials reported it was 90 percent contained across 126 acres. Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The film Blindfold filmed in Marion County in Feb. 1965 — using local spots like Silver Springs Airport, Sharpes Ferry Bridge, and Paradise Park — and involved community theater members as stand-ins. Starring Rock Hudson and Claudia Cardinale, the movie reportedly influenced Ronald Reagan’s political path. Ocala-News
- ➤ A new exhibit honoring U.S. Marines and their animal companions opens at Indoor Arena One at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and features 36 artworks by 30 artists along with a bronze statue honoring Staff Sergeant 'Reckless' (a Korean War horse). The exhibit is free and open through summer. WCJB
- ➤ Reynold’s replica Smokey and the Bandit truck and Snowman’s Trans Am rig rolled into Ocala Friday morning, showcasing a slice of classic automotive culture. WCJB
-
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
If you want to master something, teach it. If you want to learn something, do it.
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