Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ WIND-FM and K-Country radio stations are hosting their 27th annual Bear-A-Thon — locals can pledge funds online or by phone to donate a bear or chemo duck for children undergoing treatment at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. WCJB
- ➤ The 16th annual Marion County Tax Collector's Charity Auto Show will be held Feb. 21 at the McPherson Governmental Complex and feature 200 collectible vehicles including Paul Dempsey's 1952 Kaiser Virginian known for its unique style - admission is free and registration is online with proceeds benefiting local charities. Ocala Gazette
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A sinkhole opened in Glynwood (at NE 49th Ave and Silver Springs Blvd) in east Ocala, leaving several neighbors without water and power. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Brooke USA’s Divertimentos and Dressage returned to Ocala in late January for its second year, showcasing dancing horses in a celebrated equestrian display—Horse Capital TV features the event for local audiences. The program highlights community talent in equine artistry. WCJB
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Florida gas prices dropped to an average of $2.80 per gallon on Monday, down from $2.83 last week + prices are 9% lower than a year ago while the national average stood at $2.90. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala City Council rejected a proposal from Friends Recycling that would have allowed incinerators to burn yard waste near homes last week — citing environmental and moral concerns. Ocala Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Crews are clearing the 960-acre Winding Oaks development in southwest Ocala for new homes and the city's first BJ’s Wholesale Club. Colliers bought the 12-acre parcel in December 2025 at State Road 200 and SW 60th Avenue, though no opening date is set (details may change). Ocala-News
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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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Latino Festival
11 AM – 6 PM — Ocala Citizens' Circle — Free entry — Celebrate Latin American culture with music, food, and handicrafts.
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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.
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The Ocala Boat Show
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Exclusive boat show savings — Discover the latest models from MasterCraft, Barletta, and Tidewater with expert guidance for your next adventure.
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Irish Eyes are Mile'ing 5K
8 a.m. — Ocala Citizens' Circle — $30 early entry fee — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a 5K run supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The reason to win the game is so that you can be free of it.
~ Naval Ravikant
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