Daily
Ocala
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 5th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Forest Community Center in Ocklawaha will host a masquerade ball for mothers and children on Friday, May 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 777 S County Road 314A, offering a prom-style dance and live music with a $10 admission fee. Ocala-News
- ➤ Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida leaders will host the region's first fundraising event at the WishMakers Brunch Gainesville on Thursday, May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Best Western Gateway Grand, where supporters and local wish families will be honored. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ College of Central Florida launched Gator Tracks on May 4 to offer an expedited admission option to UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Students earning an Associate in Arts degree can transition smoothly to a UF bachelor’s program. Ocala StarBanner
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A wildfire near Lochloosa Lake has grown to 100 acres and crews are working overnight to control it. Smoky conditions have prompted warnings on U.S. 441 and I-75 + local drivers are advised to follow safety measures. WCJB
- ➤ During Hurricane Preparedness Week that ran May 3-9, officials on Monday, May 4, urged residents to secure emergency supplies, review flood insurance, and plan evacuation routes ahead of the hurricane season. Ocala StarBanner
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 10, and Publix will be open for shoppers looking for last-minute gifts while shipping deadlines for online orders approach (USPS Priority Mail May 6, FedEx 2-Day May 7, Overnight May 8). Ocala StarBanner
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The property where Ocala’s first Wawa opened in 2019 at 3601 East Silver Springs Blvd sold for $5 million on Tuesday, April 28—acquired by AAA Euro Group Investment, LLC from GH and G/ALL Dreams Silver Springs LLC. Ocala-News
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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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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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