Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Beginning April 29, Rainbow Springs State Park requires visitors to reserve their visit to enjoy the park's swimming, hiking, waterfalls, and picnic areas. This new rule ends the former walk-in admission policy. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Apr. 17, the new Wawa at 5200 S Pine Ave was sold for over $4.8 million—purchased by Utah-based Overland Leasing LLC from WPG Triple Crown LLC. The gas station opened last September in south Ocala and continues the brand’s rapid local growth. Ocala-News
- ➤ Walmart announced it will remodel its Dunnellon Supercenter at 11012 N. Williams Street as part of a project to update 58 Florida stores in 2026. The move follows recent retail property acquisitions in southwest Ocala and reflects a statewide investment in Walmart locations. Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Ocala residents have won over $1.2 million from the Florida Lottery this year (the lottery sold 53,243 winning tickets statewide from Jan. 1 to March 31, generating over $353 million in prizes). Local winners include several who claimed six-figure prizes and one who won a scratch-off ticket offering $2,500 per week for life. Ocala-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an education bill on April 20 that requires schools to include cursive writing in the curriculum and display portraits of Washington & Lincoln in classrooms. Florida districts will soon post the images as students learn handwriting. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida Forest Service officials said the Cow Creek Fire grew to about 1,000 acres and was zero percent contained after 9 p.m., prompting evacuations in Levy County. WCJB
- ➤ Multiple wildfires burned in North Central Florida on Monday, prompting a fire weather watch — the red flag warning was extended to Tuesday. WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Doctors urge Ocala residents to check their blood pressure numbers regularly as updated guidelines now flag levels once considered normal. Health experts advise using home monitors and lifestyle changes to lower heart attack and stroke risks (especially when relaxed). Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bentornato was named 2025 Florida-bred Horse of the Year by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association board (after winning the $1.84M Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint in November) when the award was announced on April 20 at Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Belleview and Trinity Catholic advanced to the semifinals in district flag football, while local softball teams posted narrow wins, including Belleview beating Buchholz (5–4) and Columbia edging Branford (5–4). These results show strong local team play as the season advances. WCJB
- ➤ Ocala native Jake Slaughter is projected to be selected in the fourth round by the Houston Texans during the NFL Draft starting tomorrow, Apr. 23 at 8 p.m. in Pittsburgh; he earned top honors at Trinity Catholic High and the University of Florida that boosted his draft stock. 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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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