Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of March.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Capt. Virginia Ferguson — the first female and first Black Coast Guard licensed captain in Florida and former glass-bottom boat captain at Silver Springs — died in Ocala on March 25th.
She is survived by her children and many grandchildren, and her life celebration is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 6 at Living Waters Church on US Highway 441.
Jersey Mike’s is donating 100% of sales to charity tonight, with Ocala stores giving to Michelle-O-Gram (a non-profit that provides low-cost mammograms and sometimes covers the $25 co-fee for those in need).
Neighborhood Church Ocala is hosting a free dinner for all Sunday, March 30 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 6474 NE 7th Street (side dishes are welcome but not required) to help bring neighbors together.
💼 Business
On March 26th, Dollar Tree announced—seeking to boost shareholder value—that it will sell 12 Family Dollar stores in Ocala as part of a $1 billion deal for thousands of stores acquired nearly a decade ago.
The deal will close later in the second quarter once regulatory approvals are met.
7-Eleven is offering $5 meal deals and $1 snacks while providing discounted gas for travelers this spring.
The deals include loyalty rewards for cheaper gas and free drinks available through April 29 — $1 snacks run until March 31 and gas discounts for first-time signups end April 25 — at participating locations.
🎓 Education
Marion County Public Schools is inviting parents, teachers, and community members to review new English Language Arts and Mathematics textbooks during a viewing session from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Marion Technical Institute (392 SE 19th Avenue, Building 20), and committee members will meet at 6 p.m. on March 31 at MTI (Building 2, Rooms 32 and 32A) to consider the feedback.
📰 Finance
Nearly 70,000 Florida taxpayers have not filed their 2021 returns, leaving more than $61 million in unclaimed refunds with a median of $732 — residents must file by April 15 to claim their money.
🏛️ Government
The City of Ocala’s Community Development Services department will host a special event on April 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place to mark Fair Housing Month and the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act—guest speakers will share insights and guests will enjoy a free dinner provided with support from Community Legal Services, the Housing Finance Authority and the Ocala Housing Authority.
🎉 Ocala Events
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Meeple Movers Board Game Night
5-9 p.m. | Meeple Movers Board Game Cafe | Free entry | Enjoy an evening of gaming with a library of over 300 games and friendly experts to guide you.
Ocala KidFest & Camp Fair
10 AM – 3 PM — Paddock Mall — Free entry — Explore family-friendly resources, fun activities, and summer camp giveaways.
On-Site Tour at Hampton Manor Deerwood
Explore the comprehensive care and vibrant community at Hampton Manor Deerwood, featuring nutritious meals and a variety of engaging activities for residents.
Indian Motorcycle Demo Event
— 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Indian Motorcycle Ocala — Free demo rides — Experience the all-new 2025 Scout lineup on a thrilling motorcycle adventure.
6th Annual Golf Extravaganza
12-5 p.m. — Ocala Golf Club — Enjoy a day of golfing fun for a good cause with fellow enthusiasts.
Makers Market
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop — Free admission — Discover unique handmade arts and crafts from local artisans while enjoying live music and good food.
Candlelight: The Best of The Beatles
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of The Beatles' music performed by an intimate string quartet under candlelight.
Ocala Oddities Market April Edition
6-10 p.m. — Florida Oddities Markets LLC — Free entry — Explore a uniquely quirky market with over 70 vendors showcasing oddities from taxidermy to handmade jewelry.
Spring Strings Concert
4-7 p.m. — Sholom Park — Free entry — Experience the modern bluegrass sounds of Remedy Tree in a serene park setting.
Women Build 2025 Kickoff Party
5-8 p.m. — OHC Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the kick-off of a meaningful local initiative supporting women in building homes.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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