Good morning, Ocala.

Dennis See will promote the Ultimate Florida Wrestling event, The Stampede, on May 2 at the Boys and Girls Clubs facility at 800 SW 12th Ave in Ocala; doors will open at 5 p.m. and eight matches will showcase local and visiting wrestlers — supporting scholarships for club youth.

BJ's Wholesale Club extended nationwide hours on April 6; clubs now open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday (BJ's Gas runs 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and until 9 p.m. Sunday) and the company plans new Ocala locations soon.

Ocala and the Marion County Public Library System will host the first annual Art Park Literary and Poetry Festival on Saturday, Apr.

11 at Tuscawilla Art Park (213 NE Fifth St.). The event features showcases, signings, live music and recitals and will move to Apr. 18 if weather delays it.

The Ocala metro area grew by 3.4% between July 2024 and July 2025 — adding over 14,000 residents and ranking first for percentage increase among U.S. metro areas.

This marks the second consecutive year of leading growth by percentage.

Gas prices in Florida will rise today as part of a regular Tuesday spike driven by price-cycling and rising crude oil costs due to the Iran War (experts expect the uptick to persist until the Strait of Hormuz reopens).

Federal officials are monitoring extreme drought conditions in Ocala National Forest as water levels drop in ponds and lakes.

A reconnaissance flight on April 4 found very low water levels but no active wildfires, and agencies extended response efforts with a 10-mile radius advisory.

Health inspectors released results for Marion County restaurant inspections for March 30-April 5.

Some spots like Country Boyz BBQ reported no violations while others including Firehouse Subs, Golden Ocala Golf and Cc, and Samurai Hibachi had high-priority concerns—ranging from roach activity to temperature issues.

40+ local student athletes are competing for Athlete of the Week with standout performances in baseball, softball, lacrosse and flag football from March 30 to April 4.

The Ocala Star-Banner poll is open for unlimited votes until Friday at noon.

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!

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.