Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 29th of March.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Ocala's expanded skate park opened over the weekend, drawing thousands who enjoyed more than 6,000 sqft of new skating terrain, competitions, live music, food trucks, and a Q&A with skate legend Rodney Mullen.
The park honors the city's original venue (approved with nearly $1 million funding).
Marion County hosted a festive celebration on Saturday with music, food, and local games for residents across the county - a day that brought community pride and fun.
The event invited locals to enjoy activities planned throughout the area.
Marion Baptist Association officials introduced an off‑grid communication tool for disaster response in Marion County on Mar.
28; the system (designed for outages) will help coordinate emergency communications.
A local reader (Valerie Glueckert) proposed a train service linking Ocala with Tampa and Orlando International Airports to cut accidents on I-75 and the Florida Turnpike.
The suggestion was submitted March 26.
🚧 Accidents
Two fires broke out in Ocala National Forest on Friday when the 8-acre Gull Fire near State Road 40 started at 2:45 p.m. and was half contained, while the 46-acre Gopher Fire began at 3:30 p.m. and is fully contained with firefighters using tractors + helicopters.
🎭 Culture
Jackass star Steve-O will bring his new Crash & Burn Tour to Ocala later this year.
He is set to perform two shows at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 at Marion Theatre for mature audiences only.
🏛️ Government
Marion County utilities lifted its precautionary boil water notice for Marion Oaks residents on Saturday, Mar.
28 after tests confirmed the water is safe to drink—customers received notifications via email and community calls.
🎉 Ocala Events
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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.
Southern Easter Prix-Fixe
12-5 p.m. — Stirrups Restaurant — Reservations required — Celebrate Easter with a Southern-inspired four-course menu and unlimited mimosas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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