Daily
Ocala
Friday, April 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of April.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ State gas prices averaged $3.90 per gallon on Monday and held steady as spring driving season approached & market uncertainty over Iran lingered; analysts say the price may rise by 20 to 30 cents soon while the state average remains 2.3 percent below the national level. Ocala StarBanner
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Federal fire officials warn that wildfire danger remains high in Ocala National Forest due to extreme drought and dry winter conditions that dried out fuels, prompting today’s reopening of the Delancy Loops OHV Trailhead — after timber sale closures. Residents are urged to report any smoke sightings to 911. Ocala-News
- ➤ Drought conditions have sparked 1,500 wildfires in the first quarter, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said, placing the state on track to break past records. Most fires have been contained but some have damaged property, and a voluntary burn ban remains in effect in Marion County. Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Belleview resident wrote a letter urging officials to let homeowners get aid to remove dangerous trees before hurricane season to avoid damage while also recommending that saw mills process fallen trees into lumber. Ocala-News
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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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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.
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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!
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Arnold Irchai and Dale Fedele Concert
3-4 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — $4 – $185 — Experience intimate chamber music with virtuosic musicians from the Ocala Symphony in a unique performance setting.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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