Daily
Ocala
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Marion County retiree won $117,957 in the Fantasy 5 drawing on May 6 after buying a winning QuickPick ticket at Quick King Food Store #8 (14725 SE US Highway 441) in Summerfield. Two area residents recently claimed $100,000 prizes, continuing a streak of lottery wins near local retirement communities. Ocala-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Buc-ee's is planning four new travel centers in Florida between 2027 and 2031 to expand its services. The Ocala location—set for the southeast corner of I-75 and Northwest 49th Street—will open in 2029 with 74,000 sqft and 120 fueling stations amid a new pay-at-the-pump policy. Ocala StarBanner
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Health Board of Nursing revoked certified nursing assistant Monica S. Kerrison’s license on May 12 after she pleaded nolo contendere to a felony drug charge in Marion County; she must return her physical license within 30 days and notify her employer. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Social Security Administration released its 2025 baby name list, showing that Liam remains Florida's top boy name for 11 years and Olivia has topped girls since 2021; rising names include Kasai and Klarity. The report guides families choosing names for their newborns. Ocala StarBanner
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The St. Johns River Water Management District issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage due to ongoing drought affecting 18 counties, including Marion. The new order limits landscape irrigation to one day per week — a measure to preserve water supplies for essential use. Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on May 15 allowing optional armed guardian programs for state college and university staff, adding new safety protocols and mental health training. Schools will decide enrollment while county sheriffs provide firearm and de-escalation training. Ocala StarBanner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials reported the fourth rabid raccoon in Ocala — prompting a 60-day alert for a zone bounded by NE 8th St, SE 22nd Rd, SE 22nd Loop, and SW 4th Ave. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid contact with wild animals. Ocala-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala City officials will vote on amendments to change the layout for a development of 750 residences near the airport on Tuesday, May 19. Proposed changes include revised setbacks + conversion of one lot into a stormwater retention area and a new commercial lot. Ocala-News
-
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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Ocala Toddler Soccer Summer Camp
9 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. — McCall Ballfield — $135 — Fun-filled toddler soccer camp featuring bubbles, ice cream, and exciting activities.
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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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