Daily
Ocala
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Teens and adults can play table tennis at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center every Friday until Dec. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; the event is organized by Ocala Recreation and Parks and the Ocala Table Tennis Club and costs $3 per session with guidance from instructor Adam Johnson. Ocala-News
- ➤ SpaceX will launch 29 Starlink satellites today at 6:26 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — another mission is planned from the same site on Thursday between 6:36 a.m. and 10:35 a.m. ET, with launches visible along the Space Coast. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Unboxed Productions will stream Molière’s 'The Imaginary Invalid' online from March 26-29 featuring Belleview’s Kim Lynette Sandstrom and a regional cast; a portion of donations will benefit local patient safety nonprofit PULSE + links are sent 24 hours before each performance. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ The Fort King National Historic Landmark will revive the Rains Battle on March 28 with a blacksmith expo from 4 to 6 + a reenactment from 6 to 8 at 3925 E. Fort King St., offering free parking on site and overflow at the Klien lot. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ On March 14, Steve and Jill Ellis hosted a Florida Coast to Coast Tour for over 20 Model T Ford enthusiasts from Ocala, driving through local scenic sites including Crystal River and nearby farms before returning from a St. Augustine stop despite minor issues like a flat tire. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Ocala’s documentary The Perfect Neighbor lost the Best Documentary Feature Film Oscar to Mr. Nobody Against Putin on Sunday night. The film, which premiered on Netflix Oct. 17, drew over 42 million views in its first three weeks. Ocala-News
- ➤ The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery will host The 2026 CF Student Art Exhibition from March 30 to May 5. An opening reception plus awards ceremony is set for 12:30 p.m. April 1 at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road with free admission. Ocala Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices across Florida are expected to rise this week as refineries switch to more expensive summer-blend fuels amid global oil conflicts; local prices are already near record levels, with regular gasoline averaging about $3.73 per gallon. Drivers may face higher fuel costs in the coming days. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County commissioners will vote Tuesday, March 17 at 9 a.m. on a Special Use Permit that would let K-9 Specialists resume dog breeding and training on a 20-acre site at 8201 and 8205 SW 27th Avenue in Ocala, using repurposed shipping containers as climate-controlled kennels. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health inspectors reviewed Marion County restaurants during the week of March 9-15, citing 13 establishments for high-priority violations (including unsafe food temperatures and improper handling), while some dining spots received perfect scores with no issues. Ocala StarBanner
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ On March 10, Brooklyn Castellano purchased 85 acres of the historic Indian Prairie Ranch for $1.5 million from Brooklyn Farms, LLC in Marion County. The equestrian, who recovered after a near-fatal accident, plans to continue her family legacy in the horse community. Ocala-News
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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.
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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.
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Art Park Literary and Poetry Festival
10 AM - 5 PM — Tuscawilla Art Park — Free entry — Celebrate the power of language with live poetry, author showcases, and musical performances.
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A Sudden Impulse Quarter Horse Show
8 AM – 8 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $735,000 in guaranteed prize money — Experience thrilling competition with AQHA and NSBA classes at this premier equestrian event.
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