Daily
Ocala
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Parents in Marion County are demanding answers over school bus safety after a fatal offset head-on crash on Wednesday involving a school bus colliding with a pickup truck — and a separate dashcam video captured a bus running a red light with children onboard. FOX 35 Orlando
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala Breeders' Sales announced on Tuesday, May 5 that 909 horses will be offered at a three-day sale from June 16 to 18 at its facility (1701 SW 60th Avenue) in Ocala; an under-tack show will run from June 9 to 13 at 7:30 a.m. daily. Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices have risen above $4.50 per gallon in north central Florida, with averages of 4.51 in Marion, 4.55 in Alachua and 4.41 in Columbia; drivers adjusted routines and trimmed expenses after a Circle K discount was offered from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. WCJB
- ➤ Florida gas prices have risen to an average of $4.52 per gallon today after a 35-cent jump, and experts advise drivers to save fuel by easing acceleration + planning efficient routes amid ongoing global oil production issues. Ocala StarBanner
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Eastside High School culinary students competed in their first annual food truck rally where they prepared three-course meals + built cardboard food trucks for local judges in a hands-on display of creativity on campus. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Red flag warnings cover 13 Florida counties, including Marion, as drought conditions spark nearly 2,000 wildfires and burn over 120,000 acres since Jan. 1. Smoke has affected visibility on local roads in Lafayette (at North Fletcher and East Main) with residents urged to check burn bans and conserve water. Ocala StarBanner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Santa Fe, Columbia and Trinity Catholic advanced to the regional semifinals next week after strong wins at their home fields in the quarterfinals. WCJB
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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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