Daily
Ocala
Tuesday, April 28th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 28th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A butterfly release event for mothers & loved ones remembering lost children is scheduled for May 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Summerfield. Attendees may bring photos for a memorial table and view a nearby billboard honoring 39 individuals until May 10. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ The 44th annual NAACP Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet took place on April 24 at Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place in northwest Ocala, drawing 300 guests + recognizing local leaders for their civic service and urgent calls to protect voting rights. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Ocala hosted its annual Earthfest: Celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, Apr. 25 at Tuscawilla Park with tree giveaways, youth fishing awards, and family activities including a rock-climbing wall, tree climbing, a wildlife show, food trucks, and a Mayor’s Spring Clean-Up. Ocala Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Night Owl Bakery closed and Stella’s Modern Pantry will close soon downtown. Local residents expressed concern about inconvenient locations and limited parking that forces retirees and 17,000 southwest neighbors to drive far for breakfast and baked goods. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health inspectors evaluated Marion County restaurant conditions for the week of April 20-26; several Ocala spots earned perfect scores + others were cited for high-priority violations that require further review. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ University of Florida scientists have asked residents to report sightings of kissing bugs which may spread a parasite that causes Chagas disease. They warned the insects are moving into homes as they search for blood meals — a sign that better tracking may improve public health responses. Ocala StarBanner
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Mark Bailey of UF/IFAS Extension Marion County urges locals to start gardening now to improve food independence amid rising global crop costs. Residents can attend upcoming gardening classes or use recommended techniques to grow Florida-adapted produce from local family farms & farmers markets. Ocala Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Olympian equestrian Elisabeth Halliday sold her nearly 61-acre horse farm in Morriston for $4.45M to a Chicago-based firm on Wednesday, April 22. The property features extensive equestrian facilities & a remodeled home, offering ideal sites for potential additional development. Ocala-News
- ➤ The Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors reported a steady local housing market in March with 767 single-family homes closing + a 1.6% increase from last year while buyer activity remained strong as home prices softened slightly and inventory neared balance. Ocala Gazette
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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