Daily
Ocala
Sunday, February 15th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 15th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala gateway sign, installed over 42nd Street on I-75 in late January 2025, celebrated its one-year anniversary as a landmark funded by tourist development tax revenue (featuring silhouettes of horses and palm trees). A second sign is planned north of town to mark a Buc-ee’s Travel Center opening in 2028. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Francesca’s at Paddock Mall (3100 SW College Rd) is hosting a liquidation sale with apparel discounted between 25% and 40% as it prepares to close following a Chapter 11 filing, part of its nationwide wind-down. The move will end its operations in Ocala along with other Florida stores. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Devotions Dance Company held its first 'For the Love: Performance with Purpose' event at Tuscawilla Art Park Saturday, drawing local dance groups (from Christian hip-hop to ballet) to support food donations for kids facing food insecurity (organizers plan to make this event annual). WCJB
- ➤ Yesterday, local anime fans gathered at Anime-Fest in Ocala to celebrate Japanese animation with traders offering retro games, cosplay, and collectibles. Organizers plan to make the event annual and will host a Pokémon convention on Nov. 28. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A wildfire near the intersection of SR-19 and CR-314 has closed State Road 19 from CR-314 to SR-40, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has published detours to guide drivers. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Forest boys basketball upset Mainland 57-55 on Saturday night with Trey Chisolm sinking decisive free throws in the region quarterfinal, and the Wildcats will face Buchholz on Feb. 21. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Ocala Olympian Erin Jackson will compete in the women’s 500 meters today at 11 a.m. ET, aiming to defend her gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Viewers can watch on NBC + Peacock. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ TV20 has named Sai’ana Givens & Kendal Davis as Play of the Week for their skillful 'heel to toe' goal, and the station invites viewers to vote among five nominees; local sports fans can tune in at 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. for the latest on the Florida Gators. WCJB
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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.
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Live On Stage: Steel Magnolias
2-4 PM — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Price info not provided — Experience heartfelt laughter in a vibrant Louisiana beauty salon.
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Marion County Fair at I-75 Flea Market
4-11 p.m. — i-75 Flea Market-Vallejo Eventos — $5 admission — Experience family-friendly rides, games, live music, and thrilling circus acts at this annual community fair.
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