Daily
Ocala
Thursday, March 26th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Compassionate Alliance distributed nearly 250,000 eggs to local churches and food banks in Marion County today to help families manage rising grocery and gas costs ahead of Easter. Volunteers delivered cases with 180 eggs each for partner organizations to share with residents. WCJB
- ➤ Ocala's expanded skate park will open Saturday at (11 a.m.) with city officials giving away 10 custom skateboards and skateboard legend Rodney Mullen from Gainesville set to attend. WCJB
- ➤ On Monday, March 23, Marion County officials dedicated a new Safe Haven Baby Box at Golden Ocala Station #20 to give parents a safe, anonymous option to surrender newborns. The unit is the third installed at an MCFR station and fourth overall in the county. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Winn-Dixie is set to open at 3435 N. Pine Ave. in Ocala at the site that once housed Harveys Supermarket. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jeepers Creepers, the cult horror film shot on Marion County backroads, has remained a hit for over 25 years. The film was shot in the summer of 2000 at local sites, including a now-burned church at 3602 SW 110th Avenue and other locations in Ocala, Reddick, and Dunnellon. Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA data from March 25 shows that regular gas in Florida costs $3.901 per gallon compared with the national average of $3.983. Prices have slowly dropped since last year, offering relief for local drivers. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Gas prices in Florida rose last week with an average of $3.89 per gallon after rising from $3.67, as traders factored in potential disruptions from the Iran conflict and seasonal demand. Analysts expect prices to increase by another 20 to 30 cents soon. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Diesel prices in Florida have jumped nearly $2 since the start of international conflict, pushing up fuel costs for truckers and likely raising retail prices for consumers statewide. Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ocala’s Huddle House at 331 NW 20th Street closed Tuesday after state inspectors found live roaches, flies, and 18 health code violations — the restaurant will remain closed until a follow-up inspection confirms compliance. Ocala-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A New York real estate team purchased a 1.1-acre property with an Advance Auto Parts store at 187 Marion Oaks Boulevard for $2.64 million on Friday, March 20 & the site is near new developments including an Aldi and a DG Market. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County commissioners approved a major expansion for a new sports complex at the World Equestrian Center on Tuesday, Mar. 25, a project set to boost local sports & equestrian events. The initiative promises to enhance community recreation and attract more local activity. WCJB
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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.
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Ocala Big Bloom Home & Garden Show
12-6 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free admission — Discover a vibrant showcase of flowers and hands-on gardening activities for all ages.
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International Jazz, Art & Poetry Festival Ocala
6-8 PM — Appleton Museum of Art — Fundraising event — Immerse yourself in jazz, vibrant art, and soulful poetry while honoring jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Alice Coltrane.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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