Daily
Ocala
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has announced free day-use admission to state parks from May 23-25, a chance to explore local nature. National park fees will be waived for US citizens on Memorial Day, though select parks and extra services will still charge fees. Ocala StarBanner
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala restaurateur Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee's BBQ, appeared as a judge on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl on May 11 and on Beat Bobby Flay on May 7, marking a historic milestone as the first former competitor to return to the judging panel. Ocala-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Central Florida’s drought deepens as the water management district now allows lawn watering only one day a week in Lake, Flagler and Marion counties to protect the water supply. Restrictions may be eased later this summer if rainfall increases and conservation helps reduce the water shortage. ClickOrlando
- ➤ The Climate Prediction Center forecasted an 82% chance of El Niño conditions developing soon and a 96% likelihood of them persisting into February, which could reduce Atlantic hurricanes and lower risk for Ocala residents this season. Scientists remain uncertain about the peak strength of the phenomenon. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Fallen Officer Memorial ceremony was held at the McPherson Governmental Complex on May 14 — the event honored Deputy Brian Litz, killed in the line of duty in 2004, and Jared Forsyth, who died during a training session in 2015. Students from Ocala Christian Academy participated as they observed the tribute. Ocala Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On May 6, Ocala radiologist Dr. John Socrates Scales of Radiology Associates agreed to a settlement after misreading a 2019 CT scan, paying $14,015 in fines and costs and must complete 10 hours of continuing education in brain CT interpretation within one year. Ocala-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Businessman Peter E. Batty acquired the Lake in the Forest Resort and RV Park for $2.3 million on Thursday, April 30. The RV park is set on Half Moon Lake in Ocklawaha in the Ocala National Forest and offers amenities like lakefront sites and a heated pool. Ocala-News
- ➤ Realtor.com data shows that median home sale prices in Marion County dropped to $259,900 in February, a 4.8% decrease from January’s $272,950 and 10.4% lower than last February. Single-family homes saw a smaller drop of 2.9% from January and 9.5% compared to February 2025. Ocala StarBanner
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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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Hear Us Roar III Fundraiser
7 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre — VIP tickets $50 — A vibrant fundraiser supporting Arts in Health and The Arc Marion in Ocala.
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Ocala Toddler Time Multi-Sport Program
9:00-11:00 a.m. — McCall Ballfield — $90 — Engage toddlers in a fun, multi-sport program designed for early development.
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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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