Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Horse Capital TV showcased the United Way of Marion County’s Children's Charity Classic in Ocala today, uniting local business + equine industry leaders with everyday residents to support children. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers opened Tuesday, March 3 at SW College Road with giveaways, a lucky drawing for a year of meals, and a Chamber ribbon-cutting that included a donation check to a local equine therapy nonprofit. The restaurant features a double-lane drive-thru and local décor nods. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County extended its mandatory burn ban until March 10 due to drought and low rainfall, while Putnam County lifted its ban Tuesday to allow responsible outdoor burning. WCJB
- ➤ Marion County filed an injunction against CSX and Track Line Rail over rail tie fire cleanup issues, and Dunnellon council voted to wait before joining the legal action. The decisions may affect future cleanup efforts in the area. WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Ocala are preparing for daylight saving time starting Sunday, Mar. 8, when clocks move forward one hour at 2 a.m. Experts recommend gradually adjusting bedtimes for children and pets to ease sleep issues and maintain healthy routines. Ocala StarBanner
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Marketplace at Ocala Shopping Center (Waldrep Plaza) was sold for $7 million on Feb. 24 when Healthy Ocala Investments LLC transferred ownership to NSG Capital Ventures LLC. The 9.3-acre center, hosting tenants like Gold’s Gym, is located at 4407 NW Blitchton Road near I-75 and U.S. Highway 27/441. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former North Marion coach and current FHSAA executive Craig Damon was inducted into the Florida Coaches Hall of Fame on Feb. 28, honoring his 13 seasons at North Marion and 111 wins over that time. He is the first Black person to lead the state association. Ocala StarBanner
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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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3rd Annual Ocala Spring Craft Fair
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free entry — Discover over 200 artisans showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship at this vibrant craft fair.
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.
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