Daily
Ocala
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 22nd of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A total lunar eclipse will occur March 3 but most Florida residents will miss complete totality as the moon sets shortly after the peak—only a red-hued edge is expected to be seen. A partial lunar eclipse, covering 96 percent of the moon, will also be visible Aug. 27—28. Ocala StarBanner
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Fire Rescue crews put out a camper fire near homes in Silver Springs on Saturday, Feb. 21 before it spread further. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ UF Health announced on Saturday, Feb. 21 that it will hire a new food service provider, which will lead to layoffs for over 100 employees in the area. The change is expected to affect local staff soon. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Preliminary water tests in Dunnellon after a Feb. 1 rail tie fire show that public wells and surface water have contamination levels below safety limits, officials said — crews will excavate the burn area and add groundwater monitoring only if soil tests exceed targets. Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Daylight saving time will start at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8 when clocks jump forward one hour, causing later sunrises and sunsets until the summer solstice. Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UF Health’s OBGYN department will host its first-ever Access Task Force Community Event — offering support and resources for expectant mothers in our community. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala’s own Brittany Bowe finished fourth in the women’s speedskating 1500m final on Friday, Feb. 20, at the Winter Olympics in Italy, capping her career with three fourth-place finishes + planning to pursue mindset coaching after retiring. Her dedication has made her a hometown hero. Ocala-News
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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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