Daily
Ocala
Monday, February 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 23rd of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Libor and Rachael Zavalsky have applied for a special use permit to restart their dog training and breeding business using repurposed shipping containers as kennels on their 20-acre property at 8201 and 8205 SW 27th Avenue in Ocala — the Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission is reviewing the request today. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala residents explored Florida's ancient past by attending the Silver River Prehistoric Arts Festival over the weekend, where local artisans and historical displays brought prehistoric life to view. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Large wildfires ignited across North Central Florida this past weekend and local teams are monitoring conditions for potential impacts on nearby communities. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Dunnellon city officials updated community members on ongoing cleanup efforts for a massive railroad tie fire that occurred three weeks ago, stating work continues+ debris is being cleared to restore the site. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ North Central Florida high school boys basketball tournament games concluded with Eastside upsetting North Marion 47-44 & Williston defeating Wildwood 56-52, marking key wins that advanced teams in the State Championship Tournament. WCJB
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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