Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 6th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rolling for The Rock car show is set for May 16 at The Arc of Marion campus (2800 SE Maricamp Rd) in Ocala, offering families a vendor fair, collectible and military vehicles display, kid’s zone, music, and food trucks to support a local program for area students. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Anthony will mark its 150th anniversary with a Founder’s Day Celebration on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Anthony Community Park and the adjacent Anthony Woman’s Club — the event will include historical memorabilia, vendors, live music and a model railroad display. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ TiAnna Harris, a respected community leader who served as NAACP Branch 5114 president and supported youth initiatives, passed away peacefully on April 28 in Ocala at age 51. A wake is scheduled at Covenant Missionary Baptist Church on May 7 and a funeral at The House of God on May 9. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ The Salvation Army-Ocala Corps is hosting a first-ever prom for seniors from its Evangeline Booth (and three other HUD-supported apartments) on June 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 2901 NE 14th St; community members are invited to volunteer and donate dresses, food, and entertainment. Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala Cultural Arts Division is bringing a beach vibe with the inaugural Sand & Sun Festival on May 16 at Citizens’ Circle from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a sand sculpture competition, live music, and a children’s play area; if weather delays, it will be rescheduled for May 23. Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A Marion County Public Schools bus driver was reprimanded after a parent's dashcam recorded the bus running a red light on Southwest State Road 200 on May 1 while transporting seven students; officials said it was his first infraction and he kept his job despite parents' safety concerns. FOX 35 Orlando
- ➤ Florida schools will end the 2025-2026 year on dates between May 21 and June 4, with most districts finishing days after May 25 (Memorial Day). Families should check their district calendars for exact closing dates. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Dr. Theresa Currier Thomas will discuss long-term effects of traumatic brain injury at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition campus in downtown Ocala on May 21. The lecture includes a catered reception at 5:30 p.m. and will explain why symptoms may persist even after physical recovery. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 3-9) guides residents on understanding forecasts and alerts from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service to prepare for hazards that extend well beyond a storm’s center. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New plans were filed to build an 11.69 acre medical center with an outpatient clinic, surgical wing and two recovery care centers at Lowell Correctional Institute (11120 NW Gainesville Road) exclusively serving female inmates. A waiver was submitted on Monday to the Marion County Development Review Committee. Ocala-News
- ➤ Duke Energy Florida will issue a $90.5 million refund this summer because it overcharged customers for hurricane restoration costs — the state Public Service Commission approved a fuel charge reduction from June through September. Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ During the week of April 27-May 3, inspectors found that 12 Marion County restaurants received high-priority health violations, including issues with temperature control + hygiene, and some problems were corrected on site to maintain food safety standards. Ocala StarBanner
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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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