Daily
Ocala
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala Electric Utility lineworkers earned a 2025 Safety Award and multiple event placements at the Florida Lineman Competition in Tallahassee last weekend, with Evan Vandeventer finishing second in Mutual Aid, Bryson Jones third in Fiberglass Guy Link Change Out and Kameron Matvejs third in Jack Jumper Fuse Replacement. Ocala-News
- ➤ Leaders of Water First North Florida will host a community open house to explain project details and address local concerns. The event offers a chance for residents to learn more about the project in a welcoming setting. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Florida lawmakers ended their session without passing a decoupling bill that would let racetracks keep casinos without live racing. Horse racing leaders praised the decision and said plans for a Marion County racetrack remain a distant idea (a move meant to support jobs). WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pioneer Women's History Days returns to Fort King National Historic Landmark (3925 E Fort King Street) for a free two-day event offering live demos, tea making, and games from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A proposed water project held an open house Thursday night in North Central Florida to address widespread misinformation—locals reacted with mixed views as officials explained the plan. WCJB
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Animal Services has three dogs for adoption — Hudson, a relaxed couch-lover; Éclair, who warms up with patient care; and Dyno, an energetic explorer. The shelter charges a $50 fee that covers spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, licenses, and microchipping and welcomes visits Tuesday through Saturday. WCJB
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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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Hot Cars and Cool Cats Car Show
10 AM — The Hot Cars and Cool Cats Car Show at The Nassiveras — $10 entry for vehicles — Experience custom trophies, great food, music, and support a good cause at this fun-filled car show.
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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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