Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pastor Betti Jefferson celebrated her outreach’s milestone of 1+million meals served after food distributions at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on April 2, which provided free meals for about 175 families weekly. The program began in her front yard and now partners with the Florida Food Bank. Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Locally owned Huddy’s Escape — a winner of the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award — offers immersive escape room experiences in Ocala with private bookings for families, groups and team-building events. A new attraction featuring advanced projection mapping and interactive systems is scheduled to open May 2026. Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, state gas prices averaged $4.15 per gallon, up from $3.90 last week. Analysts say prices may rise 20-30 cents further as traders factor in the Iran war's impact (and higher spring demand) on oil supplies. Ocala StarBanner
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon will award two $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to study arts in college (eligible from Citrus, Levy, Marion and Hernando counties) with applications submitted online or at the gallery at 20826 Walnut St. by April 30. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Camp Kiwanis will host its summer sleepover camp for children ages 7 to 13 at Mill Dam Lake from June 8 through July 2. The camp, an initiative of Marion County Public Schools and the Kiwanis Club, offers swimming, canoeing, archery, and more (registration is encouraged due to limited spots). Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Rain forced the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lake Weir Middle School to move indoors on April 7 at 685 Oak Road (guests mimicked shoveling dirt) as state and U.S. representatives and school officials marked the project's beginning. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia awarded funding in Ocala to three fire departments for cancer prevention equipment and a new training facility. Ocala received $6,300, High Springs nearly $5,000, and Newberry $500,000 (to support future firefighter training). WCJB
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Plans for Partners Self Storage Belleview will convert the former Elks Lodge site on a 5.6-acre parcel at 7655 E Highway 25 in south Marion into a self-storage facility. The project features 11 buildings including four climate-controlled units and now awaits county review for technical and safety updates. Ocala-News
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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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