Daily
Ocala
Friday, March 27th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Humane Society dedicated its new Memorial Garden on Wednesday, March 25 with a remodeled space featuring a gazebo and updated hardscapes. Future plans include a columbarium and memorial walls to honor local pets. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ ULA's Atlas V rocket will launch at 3:53 a.m. ET Sunday, March 29 from Cape Canaveral, and Ocala residents may see it light up the early sky if weather permits. The mission will send the fifth Amazon Leo satellite into orbit. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A reenactment of Fort King's most significant battle, The Rains Battle, will take place Saturday, March 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fort King National Historic Landmark (3925 E Fort King Street, Ocala) with blacksmithing and historical demonstrations. Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Florida gas prices have barely dropped this week and local drivers still pay around $3.88 per gallon. The USPS announced an 8% fuel surcharge beginning midnight April 26 if approved, which may raise travel and shipping costs. Ocala StarBanner
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The renovated library at 5870 SW 95th Street — now nearly 32,000 sqft with a new 5,000 sqft children’s area — will reopen Monday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. in southwest Ocala with upgraded study rooms, community space, and a new bookstore. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Census Bureau data showed that the Ocala metro experienced a 3.4% growth rate between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025 — its population climbed to 442,660, with gains of 14,600 from last year and 66,700 since 2020. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala-area high school flag football teams updated their FHSAA rankings as Belleview and Forest rank highest in Marion County before the regular season ends; district tournaments begin April 20 and regionals start April 28 ahead of state championships in Tampa mid-May. Ocala StarBanner
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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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