Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Letters from local residents criticize rapid building in Marion County and warn that further construction without proper infrastructure could lower property values and change Ocala's small-town character. Ocala-News
- ➤ The Marion County Fair returned Tuesday, Mar. 17 to I-75 Flea Market with a petting zoo, rides, and games in northwest Ocala and will run through Sunday, Mar. 22 at 4121 NW 44th Avenue with free parking and special events including a canned-food drive and live shows. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Artist Carmen De Santiago is set to showcase her paintings under the Kirma’s Art banner with upcoming exhibitions in Ocala. She will display her work at Inverness Art Co-op on March 23 and at SouthState Bank on April 7 with a reception on April 16. Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Master the Possibilities will present remote lectures this April at Live Oak Hall. The series includes historian Paul Sparrow on April 2 from 1 to 2 p.m. and Pulitzer Prize winner Fredrik Logevall on April 9, with tickets at $8 for members and $13 for the public. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Drought does not mean your garden must fail; ancient techniques + pine needle mulching can keep plants healthy and help gardens bloom during dry spells. Ocala Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Country Club of Ocala is hosting the PGA TOUR Americas Qualifying School from March 17 to March 20 — top golfers compete for full or conditional membership to play in 15 events across North and South America. 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.
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
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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