Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of April.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
The Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host an 'After Dark in the Park' screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for free on Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Tuscawilla Park located at 800 NE Sanchez Ave.—attendees may bring lawn chairs and blankets and can buy snacks and refreshments.
🚧 Accidents
A 33-year-old Ocala man was hospitalized last weekend after a Jeep ran over him near the Cardinal Drive beach ramp in Volusia County at 10:45 a.m. on April 5 while he was sunbathing, and a 61-year-old Ormond Beach woman remained at the scene and received a citation for careless driving as law enforcement continues investigating the incident.
Twenty-one horses died when a 10,000-square-foot barn on Northwest 118th Street in Reddick burned early Tuesday morning—no people were hurt and investigators are examining the cause.
A brush fire broke out behind the Walmart in southwest Ocala on Monday, April 7 at 4:53 p.m., and firefighters quickly kept the flames away from nearby structures—no injuries were reported and traffic was only briefly slowed.
🌲 Environment
On April 8, 51 wildfires burned in Florida across 1,333 acres as dry conditions in the south and southwest persisted, and officials warned that the risk for more fires will grow during the busy season from April through June.
Experts said residents should stay alert — the ongoing drought makes the area more vulnerable to wildfires.
📰 Real Estate
Zillow data shows Central Florida’s most affordable city is Fort McCoy — where the typical home value is about $141,721.
The report also finds Lake Buena Vista’s home values exceed $5.5 million — a stark contrast that highlights steep price differences across the region.
🎉 Ocala Events
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Candlelight: The Best of The Beatles
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of The Beatles' music performed by an intimate string quartet under candlelight.
Ocala Oddities Market April Edition
6-10 p.m. — Florida Oddities Markets LLC — Free entry — Explore a uniquely quirky market with over 70 vendors showcasing oddities from taxidermy to handmade jewelry.
Spring Strings Concert
4-7 p.m. — Sholom Park — Free entry — Experience the modern bluegrass sounds of Remedy Tree in a serene park setting.
Women Build 2025 Kickoff Party
5-8 p.m. — OHC Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the kick-off of a meaningful local initiative supporting women in building homes.
Brandon Dull Live Performance
3-5 p.m. — Tierra Del Sol Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy timeless tunes from a talented singing guitarist based in Ocala, Florida.
Ocala Home & Garden Show
12 PM – 5 PM — World Equestrian Center — Free entry — Explore gardening innovations and home improvement ideas at this vibrant expo.
Kids Day Celebration
4-6 PM — Graffiti Seafood & More — Free activities — Celebrate Kids Day with games, balloon art, and fun activities for the whole family.
Marion County Youth Job Fair 2025
3:30-6:00 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Free entry — Explore job opportunities tailored for young adults aged 16 to 24 in a supportive environment.
Extravaganza 2025
May 2-4 — World Equestrian Center — Entry fees apply — Witness the elegance and grace of the Paso Fino horse in action.
Sullivan Cadillac & Corvette Club Spring Cruise-In
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Sullivan Cadillac — Free entry — Enjoy an evening filled with beautiful cars, food, and the chance to win a trophy.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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💼 Ocala Job Board
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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