Daily
Ocala
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Animal Services invites locals to join a Pack Walk at Silver Springs State Park tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to help walk shelter dogs and consider adoption; entry costs ($2) and no preregistration is needed, with volunteers free to stay until 5:30 p.m. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion County residents gained public access to Camp Margaritaville Resort at Orange Lake after the board approved a request on Feb. 17; the nearly complete facility at 18365 NW 45th Avenue Road (Citra) will open in early 2026 with water slides, RV sites and island eateries. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Six planets will align shortly after sunset on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 — an event best viewed with binoculars as only four are visible to the eye. Local sky watchers can plan ahead for clear, westward views to catch the rare alignment. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Cirque Ma’Ceo, a traveling equestrian circus, is performing at Circle Square Commons in Ocala from Feb. 20 to 22. The show offers close-up acrobatics and impressive horsemanship from performers with deep equestrian roots. WCJB
- ➤ Mike Powell with the NAACP recalled the history of Cora P. Roberson in Black History Month Minute Revisited yesterday, adding to Ocala's celebration of cultural heritage. His segment deepens the story of a local icon. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A strong cold front will send Florida’s temperatures near or below freezing early next week, with a hard freeze forecast for the Ocala metro area Monday night—temperatures in some spots may hit the upper 30s. Conditions are expected to gradually warm on Wednesday. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County officials denied a permit for a food truck park on CR 484 in Belleview on Tuesday, Feb. 17 after over 100 residents raised concerns that the project did not match local zoning standards; residents said the plan is incompatible with the area. Ocala-News
- ➤ Florida Senate approved a bill that allows high school coaches to spend up to $15,000 of personal funds on student-athlete welfare. The act (named after NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater) still awaits House approval and the governor’s signature. Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The 2026 Winter Olympics in northern Italy will end tomorrow when the closing ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Arena di Verona + Florida athletes, including two from Ocala, help Team USA earn 27 medals. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Ocala native Brittany Bowe retired from speedskating after finishing fourth in the 1500m race at Milano Cortina on Feb. 20 — she ends her Olympic career with two medals and an engagement to hockey captain Hilary Knight. Ocala StarBanner
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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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Park After Dark: Musical Mosaic Featuring Gypsy Sparrow
5:15-6:15 p.m. — Sholom Park — $20 per person — Experience a dynamic concert with Gypsy Sparrow performing classic hits across the decades.
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