Daily
Ocala
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Ocala Big Bloom Home - Garden Show runs April 24-26 at the World Equestrian Center on NW 80th Ave., offering expert gardening seminars, kids workshops and plant sales while providing free parking and admission. Ocala Gazette
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A mobile home in Ocala was destroyed by a fast-moving fire on Tuesday, Apr. 14, leaving a local veteran without a home. Marion County Fire Rescue and additional units responded promptly while the American Red Cross provided assistance as authorities investigate the cause. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A filly sired by Jackie’s Warrior set a record today by selling for $2.3 million at the OBS Spring Sale, part of a two-day auction for two-year-olds in training that netted $25 million in total. WCJB
- ➤ A Winn-Dixie at 7131 N U.S. Hwy 441 in Ocala will close next month to be renovated into an ALDI store; construction plans (filed in February 2025) target a $1.922 million update of its 23,445 sqft building with work set to start in early May. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala Arabian Horse Association showcased its premier event on Horse Capital TV on Apr. 15, drawing local pride + boosting interest in future qualifiers. WCJB
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A scratch-off ticket sold at Marion Liquor on S-Pine Avenue yielded a $1 million lottery win on March 26, and the local winner chose a one-time payout of $556,000. This win adds to recent lottery successes in Marion County. Ocala-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ocala’s soon-to-open South Marion High School has hired Kevin Saunders as its first head football coach — he brings over 25 years of coaching experience and will build the school’s new football program from the ground up. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ The Florida Department of Education announced a pilot program to offer accelerated U.S. history classes (an alternative to AP courses) that will let high school students earn college credit next school year. A memo issued April 10 details the program. Ocala Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Thursday's district lacrosse championships feature top boys and girls teams from North Central Florida. The boys matchups pit Trinity Catholic at Oak Hall and Forest at Buchholz while the girls games set Maclay at Oak Hall and Buchholz at West Orange following earlier semifinal wins. WCJB
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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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Mother's Day Brunch Celebration
11 AM - 2 PM — Miss Eloise’s Grand Ballroom — $110 per adult, $39 per child ages 6-12 — Enjoy an elegant buffet with live music for a memorable Mother's Day.
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Grand Prix May Dressage Dining Experience
8-11 a.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $145 per person — Indulge in a buffet brunch while world-class dressage competitors showcase their skills in a stunning outdoor arena.
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Grand Prix May Dressage Dining Experience
8-11 a.m. — The Equestrian Hotel Terrace — $145 per person — Delight in brunch while world-class dressage athletes compete in the Grand Outdoor Arena.
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Grand Prix May Dressage Dining Experience
6:30-9:30 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $205 per person — Dine on exquisite buffet meals while world-class equestrians captivate with their grand prix freestyle performances.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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