Daily
Ocala
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Festival Latino will take place on Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Citizens’ Circle (151 SE Osceola Avenue) with food, live music, vendors, a bounce house, and free Salsa and Bachata classes celebrating Hispanic culture. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews in Dunnellon backfilled the railroad tie burn site near East McKinney Street (adjacent to the Florida Northern Railroad) Monday after shallow soil tests showed SVOC levels below cleanup targets; however, questions remain because the tests did not include VOCs, prompting further review before removing remaining rail cars. Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The House voted 107-3 yesterday to approve HB 981, which directs the Department of Environmental Protection to craft a plan to restore the Ocklawaha River to its pre-drawdown state. The proposal will guide future efforts to bring the river back to its original condition. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Marion County commissioners conditionally reduced a civil restitution lien for a single mother who achieved sobriety after testifying on January 6. She has 180 days to secure a healthcare job and exemption (if successful, the full debt will be waived). Ocala-News
- ➤ On March 3, Marion County officials extended the mandatory burn ban for seven days amid dry, windy conditions that raise wildfire risks; residents are advised to delay outdoor burning and safely dispose of yard debris. Ocala Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Car lovers attended a free fan fest on Wednesday at Burnyzz Speed Shop featuring a live band, kids zone, car show and autograph sessions with NHRA drivers, which kicked off the NHRA Gatornationals race weekend at Gainesville Raceway running through Sunday. WCJB
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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.
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