Daily
Ocala
Sunday, March 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 22nd of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gilbert Barthelemy, a new retiree from Brooklyn, praises Ocala’s laid-back vibe and diverse food options and notes that an authentic Puerto Rican restaurant (Martin’s Puerto Rican Barbecue) will open soon. He is excited to begin his first year in the community and celebrate his Hispanic heritage. Ocala-News
- ➤ Community members are rallying behind the family of Cristian Polanco, a longtime resident who died suddenly at 47, with a GoFundMe raising over $21,000 to help cover funeral expenses and immediate needs for his wife Jennifer and children Isaiah and Emma. Ocala-News
- ➤ An Ocala Fire Rescue firefighter sprayed hundreds of rubber ducks across Lake Tuscawilla during the Marion Rotary Duck Derby at Tuscawilla Park on Saturday, March 21, raising funds for the Discovery Center and Rotary nonprofits. Duck adoptions cost $5. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The new Staybridge Suites in NW Ocala held its grand opening ceremony on March 20, welcoming local guests as the hotel begins serving the area. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, Wendy & her daughter Delaney spoke with TV20’s Robert Bradfield about the importance of Down syndrome awareness, sharing personal insights to promote understanding in our community. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marion County students participated in the 'Horses are coming' event yesterday to enjoy a hands-on reading lesson with real horses. Organizers say the experience (designed to boost learning) provided a unique way to connect classroom skills with nature. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Forest Service leaders are working to contain a 10-acre wildfire burning in the Ocala National Forest today; crews are monitoring conditions closely and coordinating containment efforts. WCJB
- ➤ A 126-acre wildfire burning in the marshland of Cross Creek prompted evacuations today as families watched ash fall from the sky + officials continue to monitor the blaze for any changes. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala-area high school baseball teams played over a dozen games this season, and FHSAA rankings from March 17 show Trinity Catholic at No. 56, Vanguard at No. 82, North Marion at No. 121, Belleview at No. 285 & Forest at No. 364, highlighting each team’s postseason potential. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ After 72 holes on Friday, March 20 at The Country Club of Ocala, eight golfers including three Floridians earned full PGA Tour Americas membership for 15 events this season + they will travel to South America in April to start the developmental circuit. Ocala-News
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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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