Daily
Ocala
Tuesday, February 24th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 24th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Margaritaville RV resort and water park in Citra is set to open this summer after Marion County commissioners approved the zoning application last week. The resort on NW 45th Avenue Road by Orange Lake will include a 50-foot water slide, pools, cabanas, and RV camping options. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Outdoor Valor hosted its 5th annual Warrior’s Gala with a Great Gatsby Speakeasy theme at Jumbolair on Feb. 21; the nonprofit supports veterans by offering outdoor events to help them connect and heal (founder Matt Schwanke, a US Army veteran, leads the mission). Ocala Gazette
- ➤ A sculptor from Louisiana took top honor in the 2026-27 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition. The exhibition, presented with the Appleton Museum of Art, will display works at Tuscawilla Park at 800 NE Sanchez Ave. and Tuscawilla Art Park at 213 NE Fifth St. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ On Tuesday, March 3, a total lunar eclipse will be fully visible in Ocala from 3:44 a.m. to 6:53 a.m. with its peak at 6:33 a.m. and the moon turning a ghostly copper color (weather permitting). Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ On Feb. 21 and 22, visitors saw history come alive at the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center inside Silver Springs State Park, where flint knapper Roger Hostetler plus Seminole canoe carver Pedro Zepeda demonstrated traditional skills at the Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival. Ocala Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Farmers lost over $3.17 billion after two winter storms hit Florida in January, damaging citrus, strawberries, blueberries, and sugarcane. The storms left growers shorthanded as crops were not ready for harvest. Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Florida school districts set spring break dates spanning March to April—some counties begin breaks on March 9 while others wait until mid-April. Families should check their local school calendars for the exact schedule. Ocala StarBanner
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for 33 counties on Feb. 23 due to dry, windy conditions that increased wildfire risk — officials urged residents to follow fire safety measures. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County homeowners Andres Hernandez + Gladisleidys Gonzalez are seeking a special use permit to keep two horses on their 1.29-acre lot at 13516 SW 80th Street in Dunnellon; the Board of County Commissioners will decide on the request on March 17. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Catrina Cocina Mexicana was closed on Tuesday, Feb. 17 after inspectors found live roaches and other health code violations at its Churchill Square location; it reopened Wednesday once corrections were made. Ocala-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Oak Shore Estates, a proposed 176-home development, was presented yesterday for rezoning a 33-acre site near the intersection of SE Maricamp Road and Oak Road, close to Lake Weir High School. The project, including traffic improvements—such as a new signal—is set for a final county decision on March 17. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County's Athlete of the Week poll features standout performances from Feb. 16-21 in baseball, softball, lacrosse, and wrestling, with votes open until Friday at noon. Coaches + athletic directors are invited to submit additional nominees and stats for next week's selection. 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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