Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 20, the second annual United Way of Marion County Children’s Charity Classic featured equine show jumping and a board games theme at HITS Post Time Farm, west of Ocala, where 10 nonprofits received grants as the event raised over $225,000 in its two-year run—cementing a growing community legacy. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bealls Florida in east Ocala is holding a liquidation sale with a 10% discount at its Six Gun Plaza store on 4901 E Silver Springs Blvd and will permanently close by May 1 — as it clears remaining inventory. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mike Powell (NAACP) presents a Black History Month Minute on Gladys West, the pioneering scientist behind modern GPS technology. The segment honors her legacy and explains how her work continues to influence local innovation. WCJB
- ➤ Chef Kevin will lead a cast iron cooking class for families on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Fort King National Historic Landmark (3925 E Fort King Street, Ocala), where participants will join a sunset trail hike and campfire gathering for a $20 fee. 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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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