Daily
Ocala
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, a Saudi businessman from Zedan Racing Stables paid $10.5 million for Hip 1056 at the final session of Ocala Breeders’ Sales (setting a record among over 300 horses sold for more than $50 million) and the horse features a strong pedigree with sire Flightline and dam Lucrezia. Ocala-News
- ➤ Walmart announced plans to remodel 58 stores across Florida in 2026, updating layouts, technology, and services to speed up shopping. The upgrade is part of a larger plan to modernize over 650 stores nationwide with a $1.5 billion investment over the past five years. Ocala StarBanner
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cotton Club Museum officials will host their third annual Black Cowboys and Cowgirls event at the museum today, offering free activities for all ages to celebrate local cultural heritage. WCJB
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Crude oil futures dropped to the low $90s, but physical barrels still cost over $133—experts say Ocala gas prices will likely remain above $4 per gallon until the Strait of Hormuz reopens and damaged production facilities are fixed. Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Florida Health Department officials confirmed blue-green algae toxins in Orange Lake at Eagles Nest Dock after water tests collected Tuesday tested positive — they urge residents to avoid visible blooms and rinse immediately if contact occurs — fish are safe when cleaned and cooked. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At North Central Florida district baseball championships, Trinity Catholic won 9 to 7 over Newberry and Buchholz defeated Tocoi Creek 4 to 2 to defend their home field titles while Trenton and Suwannee also secured wins; nine teams now advance to regionals. WCJB
- ➤ Local reporters announced a project to name the top high school athletes by asking community members to complete a survey. This effort calls for input on players from football, basketball, soccer, baseball and softball. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Ocala's Kieley Bateman won a national collegiate boxing title in the 156lbs Women’s Division at Charlotte's National College Boxing Association Finals from April 9 to April 11 — she represented the Naval Academy and shined in high school sports. Ocala-News
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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.
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Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Concert
7:30 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Ticket information TBA — Celebrate the 33rd anniversary of this iconic swing band with a night of vibrant music and high-energy performance.
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
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
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