Daily
Ocala
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Walmart acquired a 20-acre site in southwest Ocala for $16.5 million Monday on County Road 484 where it will build a 170,995 sqft Supercenter with attached retail and liquor space, grocery pickup, and pharmacy drive-thru lanes. Ocala-News
- ➤ Hooters Ocala closed its doors on April 19 after a decade of service at 2711 SW 27th Ave near Hollywood 16 — management said the move is part of an effort to revitalize the Hooters brand. The restaurant was housed in a 5,600 sqft building. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Stella’s Modern Pantry at 20 SW Broadway Street announced it will close mid-June after 18 years as a local cafe and artisanal shop. The team encouraged patrons to visit in its final weeks as downtown experiences new openings (hotels, parking garage, and an ice cream store). Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Fort King National Historic Landmark will host a free archaeology dig and lunch event tomorrow (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at 3925 East Fort King Street, where guests age 13 and older can review artifacts and ask live questions of an archaeologist. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion Cultural Alliance is hosting the Tribute 25 raffle at the Brick City Center for the Arts, offering a chance to win a special edition equine statue by Sharon Crute. Tickets cost $75 and 12% of proceeds will benefit an arts nonprofit (live drawing is at 6 p.m. Dec. 4). Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Horse Capital TV will feature the Florida Quarter Horse Association hall of fame inductees this week, spotlighting key contributors to American quarter horse breeding and shows in Ocala. The program will air in the community as it honors decades of equestrian excellence. WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Restaurants in Marion County were inspected from April 13-19, with several Ocala eateries earning perfect scores while others like B D Beans Coffee, Bombay Bistro Indian Cuisine and Dugout Family Sports Bar and Grill received high-priority violations. Follow-up inspections are underway to ensure food safety. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Effective April 20, Florida SNAP benefits no longer cover candy + soda, energy drinks and prepared desserts in a two-year pilot project aimed at healthier eating; recipients may still purchase fruits, yogurt and basic ingredients for homemade treats at local stores. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ The American Lung Association report from April 22 found nearly half of U.S. children and 44% of residents live in counties with unhealthy air (Florida counties rated on quality); no Florida cities ranked among the worst as some regions saw declines, prompting officials to urge action. Ocala StarBanner
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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.
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