Daily
Ocala
Friday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Marion County Board will vote at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 17 on a rezoning request for Oak Shores Estates, a planned 176-home development on a 33-acre site just north of Lake Weir High School. The project includes pickleball courts, a playground and a new traffic signal to improve safety. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On the final day of the OBS March Sale of two-year-old’s in Training in Ocala, a bay colt sired by Yaupon sold for $1 million and helped total record sales of $72 million — the Spring Sale will begin April 14. WCJB
- ➤ Martin’s BBQ, a new Puerto Rican barbecue restaurant, is nearing completion (2601 SW 19th Avenue Road on Easy Street) in Ocala; the chain known for its authentic rotisserie chicken and traditional sides has not yet announced its opening date. Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On March 12, Ocala regular gas prices edged up to $3.787 per gallon after officials announced a historic oil reserves release to ease fuel costs + oil prices remain high amid global market concerns. Ocala StarBanner
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida law prohibits removing bats from structures using exclusion devices during the bat maternity season from April 16 to August 14. Homeowners in Ocala must complete legal bat removal before April 16 & follow approved methods to avoid permit requirements. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, March 17, the Ocala City Council will review a $262,580 contract with Aquatic Renovation Systems (RenoSys Corp.) to resurface 17,650 sqft at the Jervey Gantt Aquatic Center on SE 36th Avenue to fix peeling surfaces and improve safety, with the facility scheduled to reopen during Memorial Weekend. Ocala-News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala’s splash pads will reopen tomorrow with Lily’s Splash Pad (2200 NW 17 Pl) and Citizens’ Circle Splash Pad (151 SE Osceola Ave) offering free water fun from sunrise to sunset until Nov. 16. Ocala-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A recent analysis by Zumper found Ocala apartment listing prices held near $1,700 with slight drops for one- and two-bedroom units compared with February. The report shows rates are 23% below the state median + 9% below the national median. Ocala StarBanner
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Southern Easter Prix-Fixe
12-5 p.m. — Stirrups Restaurant — Reservations required — Celebrate Easter with a Southern-inspired four-course menu and unlimited mimosas.
-
Orange Blossom Classic
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Varies — Experience top-level Quarter Horse competition with significant prize money on the line.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only true failure is abandoning your principles.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Ocala and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Ocala
A free Ocala community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyocala.com/sitemap