Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Infinite Ale Works closed its Magnolia Avenue spot and began serving customers from its new Midtown Station at 235 NE Watula Avenue across from Tuscawilla Park, where brews + coffee join food vendors in a vibrant new setting. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ NASA says a total lunar eclipse will light up local skies on Tuesday, March 3 with a striking blood red moon visible in Florida. It begins at 3:44 a.m. ET & lasts over six hours with more than an hour of totality, weather permitting. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ An Ocala native and 1960s civil rights activist recalled how Rev. Dr. Oliver Van Pinkston led early equal rights efforts and how his son, Rev. Frank Pinkston became a local leader—an important part of our community’s history celebrated at Heritage Trail Park. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Newton (Newt) Perry, known as the Father of Florida’s Springs and an underwater filmmaking pioneer, was honored Tuesday with a star on the Walk of Fame in Ocala. Ocala Main Street officials hosted his unveiling where visitors watched a documentary about his legacy. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ocala residents can visit the Marion County Public Library (2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd.) to enjoy community library services that connect them to a rich tradition, tracing back to the first lending library established in 1778. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Kaa the ball python has been a key ambassador at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo since 1989, helping students and visitors learn to appreciate reptiles. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the National Weather Service issued freeze, frost, & cold weather advisories across most Florida counties as wind chills brought temperatures into the 20s and 30s. Residents were urged to bundle up before heading out. Ocala StarBanner
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ The Mega Millions jackpot reached $438 million on Tuesday after several rollovers increased the prize following no winning ticket, and Friday’s drawing is set for 11 p.m. ET. Lottery tickets cost $5 statewide — winners have 180 days to claim their prizes. Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health inspectors found that Akita Sushi and Mojo Grill & Catering had food safety violations during routine Feb. 16–22 reviews in Ocala, and corrective actions were taken after issues like improper food handling and temperature control were noted. Follow-up inspections will ensure the restaurants meet safety standards. Ocala StarBanner
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A newly built dental office at 4631 NW Blitchton Road sold for $3,017,500 on Feb. 18 to WJC Properties LLC; Foxwood Dental Care now operates under a net-leased 10-year corporate lease—featuring multiple five-year extensions—in a growing area near Interstate 75. 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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Reading is a way to live more than one life in more than one place.
~ Ryan Holiday
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