Daily
Ocala
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Dunnellon native Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryce Riley (a 2023 Crystal River High School graduate) serves as a cryptologic technician aboard the USS Farragut. He follows his family’s legacy of service as he supports mission-critical operations. Ocala-News
- ➤ Organizers of Give 'Em Heaven are planning a religious and patriotic gathering at Ocala Historic Downtown Square on Saturday, Mar. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Led by Dirt Road Ministry and Pastor Justin Bickford, the event will feature a custom-wrapped truck honoring the late Charlie Kirk. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mary Sue Rich Community Center is hosting a family-friendly improv comedy show on Friday, Mar. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Reed Place (1821 NW 21st Ave), with guidelines to ensure respectful fun. The free event welcomes all families. Ocala-News
- ➤ This week marks the eleventh anniversary of A Day to Remember’s ‘City of Ocala’ (with tens of millions of views and streams), a tribute that highlights local landmarks shaping the band's journey and the city's enduring spirit. The group continues to honor their hometown with new tours and music. Ocala-News
- ➤ Ocala Civic Theatre kicks off its 75th season with Steel Magnolias, running today to March 29 at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. The play offers multiple showtimes including Thursday & Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 & 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Ocala Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Regular gas prices in Florida reached $3.47 per gallon on Monday, up from $2.84 last week and 67 cents higher than a month ago according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration; prices remained about 0.9% below the national average. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Ocala gas prices rose 6.7 cents overnight to $3.770 a gallon (AAA data) as other Florida areas saw increases after nine consecutive days, and the International Energy Agency announced a historic release of 400 million barrels from emergency reserves to lower crude oil prices. Ocala StarBanner
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Florida has no law on when kids can stay home alone, but safety experts advise that children be at least 12 and start with short trial periods to build independence (parents should set clear rules). With spring break underway across counties, families are encouraged to plan for alternative care as needed. Ocala StarBanner
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ At a Wednesday night council meeting, Dunnellon residents voiced concerns when officials said they would speak directly with CSX instead of joining a legal move for the railroad tie fire cleanup. Officials noted hazardous materials will be removed by the end of April while DEP confirmed cleanup levels are safe. ClickOrlando
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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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Tailgate at For Love of the Horse Polo Classic
12-6 p.m. — Florida Horse Park — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a thrilling afternoon of competitive polo in Ocala's scenic horse capital.
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Ocala Arabian Spring Qualifier
8 AM – 9 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free admission — Celebrate the beauty and versatility of the Arabian horse across various disciplines.
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Southern Easter Prix-Fixe
12-5 p.m. — Stirrups Restaurant — Reservations required — Celebrate Easter with a Southern-inspired four-course menu and unlimited mimosas.
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
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