Daily
Ocala
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala resident Victoria Rausch set up a GoFundMe that has raised over $10,000 to help Virginia Lane after her husband died in a mobile home fire on Jan. 25 in Dunnellon + the funds will cover funeral and medical costs as the investigation continues. Ocala-News
- ➤ On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Marion County approved public access to the new Camp Margaritaville Resort at Orange Lake in Citra. The resort, still under development, will open later this year and let locals purchase day passes when RV spaces are free. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Frida’s Tacos + Tequila has opened at 2445 SW 27th Avenue in Shady Oaks Shopping Center in southwest Ocala. Owner Miguel Santillan brings a fresh menu of street tacos, sizzling fajitas and craft margaritas along with a unique Tequila Library to the community. Ocala-News
- ➤ Fish Hawk Spirits announced it will leave Marion County within 90 days after county commissioners denied its Special Use Permit on Feb. 17; the distillery said the costly code upgrades forced the move and it is negotiating with sites outside the county. Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Florida guidelines advise that children under 12 should not be left home alone and older siblings should not supervise until 15; parents should assess maturity & try short trial periods to ensure safety. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ South Marion High School is nearing construction completion on a 115-acre site when district officials begin recruiting for instructional roles on Feb. 9 and non-instructional positions on Feb. 16—applications are available online. A career fair is scheduled for March 3 at Marion Oaks Community Center. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new study by the Public Religion Research Institute shows that 37% of Florida residents either believe in or sympathize with the idea that America should be a Christian nation — a rate slightly above the national average. Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala speedskater Brittany Bowe was proposed to by U.S. women's hockey captain Hilary Knight at the Winter Olympics in Milan on Feb. 18. Knight led Team USA in the gold-medal match that day, and Bowe will race for a medal in the women's 1500m on Friday. Ocala StarBanner
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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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