Good morning, Ocala.

Huddy’s Escape in Ocala offers an immersive escape room experience that features adventure, mystery & horror games for friends & families and corporate groups.

Locals Adam Tencza and Leigh Zeedyk have expanded the venue to Gainesville, earning a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2025.

A two-week ceasefire with Iran was announced on April 7, but Florida gas prices, which averaged $4.16 per gallon on April 8, may rise to around $4.30 later as the Energy Information Administration warns that full restoration of flows (and relief for consumers) will take months.

Florida law bans bat removal from structures from April 16 to Aug.

14 (bat maternity season) so bats can safely raise their pups; residents needing bat exclusion must secure a special permit outside this period.

On Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m., the Florida Department of Corrections hosted a statewide culinary competition at Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala where inmates prepared diverse dishes to gain kitchen skills + certifications for food service jobs.

The family-operated assisted living facility at 1810 SE 16th Avenue was sold for $6.3 million on April 1 to Hallowstone Deerwood Property, LLC from Hampton Deerwood Propco, LLC for its 4.14 acre site featuring a 22,134 sqft main building built in 1999 + a 1,600 sqft addition from 2021.

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.