Daily
Ocala
Saturday, April 4th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Adoptable pets Caleb, Ember and Pumpkin from Marion County are waiting for loving homes. The low $50 fee covers spay/neuter, licenses, vaccinations and microchips, and the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Publix will be closed on Easter Sunday (April 5) as part of its holiday schedule, so shoppers needing grocery items should check local store hours before visiting alternative retailers like Walmart and Whole Foods. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Winn-Dixie opened its new store at 3435 N Pine Avenue last weekend when the final Harveys Supermarket in Marion County closed. The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting, a $1,000 check donation to the Sheriff’s Foundation + early bird gift cards for 100 customers and hourly raffles. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Scientists expect a strong El Niño to develop by late summer that may reduce Florida's storm count during hurricane season, though major hurricanes might still form. The Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño watch with a 62% chance of formation between June and August (experts remain cautious about impacts). Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County officials and community partners held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 1 for new synthetic turf fields at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex at 5220 SE Maricamp Road, boosting access and safety for local youth leagues. 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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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.
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