Good morning, Ocala.

The annual Santos Fat Tire Festival will begin Thursday, March 5 at 2 p.m. at the Santos Mountain Biking Trail (3080 SE 80th) and run through Sunday, March 10.

The event will feature a 50-mile ride, vendors, food trucks, free skills clinics, camping, and proceeds to fund trail improvements.

The Brick City Center for the Arts hosts the opening reception for 'Down the Rabbit Hole,' an art exhibit featuring nine Alice in Wonderland inspired pieces from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 6 during the First Friday Art Walk & the exhibit runs until March 27 in downtown Ocala.

Analysts say Florida gas prices could soon top $3 a gallon after the Feb.

27 U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran. Experts, including Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy, warn the rise may affect Ocala drivers and others in the region.

Renowned professor Dr. Christian Bréchot will lecture on virus and microbiome interactions Thursday, Mar.

12 at IHMC at 15 SE Osceola Ave in downtown Ocala. A catered reception begins at 5:30 p.m. plus seating is limited.

Five young boys from Frazer School won first place in the 2025-26 FIRST LEGO League Challenge on Mar.

2 and will head to the world championships.

Florida residents can see a total lunar eclipse tonight as the Earth’s shadow starts at 3:44 a.m. ET + totality appears at 6:33 a.m. ET before sunrise, weather permitting.

Florida Road Rangers offer free roadside assistance along major highways by changing tires, jump-starting batteries and refilling fuel.

Drivers in Ocala can call FHP (347) when stranded.

A raccoon tested positive for rabies near Belleview on Feb.

24, prompting Marion County health officials to warn residents to avoid contact with wildlife and ensure pets are immunized – anyone bitten or scratched should seek immediate medical treatment.

Florida Realtors reported that falling mortgage rates — dipping below 6% on Feb.

26 — boosted home sales in February across Florida communities including Port Orange, Daytona Beach, and Plantation.

The Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors reported January market stats showing a recalibrating market with renewed buyer engagement in single-family homes; 448 closed sales marked a 15.2% drop from last year while pending activity indicates strengthening momentum.

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.

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.

Latino Festival

11 AM – 6 PM — Ocala Citizens' Circle — Free entry — Celebrate Latin American culture with music, food, and handicrafts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.