Daily
Ocala
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Ellianos Coffee brand is expanding in Ocala as construction is underway on its third shop along Maricamp Road and two new drive-thru locations on South Pine Avenue and SW 20th Street will add up to five stores later this year. Ocala-News
- ➤ Kilwins has opened its first Ocala store at Market Street at Heath Brook shopping plaza; located at 4414 SW College Road in Suite 420, the shop offers handmade chocolates, fudges, and small-batch ice cream (featuring copper-kettle caramel and hand-paddled fudge). Ocala-News
- ➤ Publix launched new, limited-edition ice cream flavors inspired by favorite cookies, cakes and drinks; these treats became available in stores on Feb. 19 for a short run. The selections come in half-gallon & pint sizes with both innovative and returning flavors. Ocala StarBanner
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Eighth grader Elias Javelona from Howard Middle School won the 25th Marion County Spelling Bee Feb. 18 after correctly spelling 'oboe' in nine rounds and qualified online for the regional contest next month. Runner up Sophia Gonzalez from Blessed Trinity Catholic School and eighth grader Allyson Werkheiser of Fort McCoy School also earned spots. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A total lunar eclipse—also known as a blood moon—will begin at 3:44 a.m. ET Tuesday, Mar. 3 and be viewable in Florida. The lunar event will last six hours as Earth's atmosphere filters sunlight to give the moon a red-orange hue. Ocala StarBanner
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Animal Services is showcasing three adoptable pets in February: Roscoe, a playful 3-year-old; Apollo, an affectionate 2-year-old; and Cranberry, who loves Florida living. A $14 fee covers spay/neuter, licenses, vaccinations, and microchips + the shelter welcomes visits Tuesday through Saturday. WCJB
- ➤ Florida Man visits Good Woofer K9 in Ocala to see the team behind a four-week in-home dog training program that limits classes to 20 dogs for individual impact + Trainer Jace Allanson shows how clear communication builds lasting bonds between dogs and their owners. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ TV20 named Trenton's Zaiden Bon and Mason VunCannon Play of the Week after Bon blocked a shot + VunCannon scored on their fast break during a recent game. 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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