Daily
Ocala
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pickleball Kingdom is opening a 37,000 sqft indoor facility in southwest Ocala at 2800 SW 24th Avenue this weekend. The venue offers free open play on Saturday, Feb. 28 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday, March 1 (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.), with sessions available by signing up on its app. Ocala-News
- ➤ Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala is asking residents for support to complete its new sanctuary in West Ocala after its downtown facility was demolished for a new parking garage; church leaders need to bridge a $500,000 gap by April due to delays + rising costs. Ocala-News
- ➤ The new Equestrian Manor (300,000 sqft) has opened at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, offering meeting rooms, four restaurants, and wedding facilities for local events. Ocala StarBanner
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Buc-ee's is adding four new stores in Florida to its two existing sites (St. Augustine and Daytona Beach). The Ocala location is planned for 2028, Fort Pierce will open in 2027, and sites in Tallahassee and Port Charlotte will follow. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The March full moon and total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:38 a.m. ET. Florida residents can expect a red-tinged blood moon as the Earth's shadow moves across the low-horizon moon before sunrise (early forecasts predict clear skies). Ocala StarBanner
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Animal Services in Ocala is showcasing adoptable pets including Storm (an eight-year-old beach-lover), Willy the confident two-year-old cat, and Rolo, a six-year-old with a big personality. The $50 fee covers spay/neuter, licenses, vaccinations, and microchips, and the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday. WCJB
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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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Tara Cannistraci Stand-Up Comedy Show
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Marion Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of Bronx-born humor from Italian-American comedian Tara Cannistraci.
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