Daily
Ocala
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ NASA’s Artemis II launch was visible across Florida yesterday as the Space Launch System rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center—citizens from Gainesville to Port St. Lucie reported noticing its striking trail. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The College of Central Florida held its annual student art exhibition opening reception on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Webber Center — featuring juried visual and digital media by student artists. The exhibition will be on display until Tuesday, May 5. WCJB
- ➤ John Travolta celebrated nearly two decades since his 'Wild Hogs' premiere at the Marion Theatre, where the event combined film excitement with charity for nearby tornado victims. Travolta personally matched donations to boost funds to $30,000. Ocala-News
- ➤ The College of Central Florida will stage the Tony Award-nominated musical Mean Girls on its College Road campus from April 9-12. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on April 9-11 and 3 p.m. on April 12, and tickets cost $12 for adults + $6 for non-CF students. Ocala Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On April 1, Florida gas prices rose nearly 10 cents overnight, with Ocala averaging $4.285 — leaving the region above the national average. Experts say high oil prices from ongoing international conflict may keep costs elevated for now. Ocala StarBanner
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Gladys Esther Quinones Cotto won a $100,000 Fantasy 5 prize from a Publix at 8075 SW State Road 200 in Canopy Oak Center on March 28 + another local resident claimed the same prize 48 hours earlier, the Florida Lottery said. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marion County Fire Rescue celebrated the transition of Orange Springs Station 13 in Fort McCoy from volunteer operations to a fully staffed career unit on Tuesday, March 31, ensuring faster response times for emergencies. The upgrade marks the latest in a series of county fire service improvements. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ After hatching in early spring, tussock moth caterpillars have spread across local parks and neighborhoods, and their spiky hairs can cause itchy rashes. Residents are advised to avoid contact with these caterpillars on oak trees to prevent skin irritation. Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County finished a $5 million upgrade at Rotary Sportsplex on Apr. 1 with a new synthetic turf field that expands youth sports opportunities + local teams can now practice and play. WCJB
-
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.
-
Extravaganza 2026
9 AM – 10 PM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Free entry — Experience three days of premier paso fino horse competition at this prestigious event.
-
One time never before seeing Home
Don’t miss your chance to see this perfect 3/2/2 plan offered at $269,500. Hurry, It will not last!
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
Reading changes your mind, applying changes your life.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Ocala and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Ocala
A free Ocala community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyocala.com/sitemap