Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Residents are advised to build a hurricane supplies kit on a budget by using existing water containers + sale-priced food, batteries, and flashlights as officials stress the essentials. Hurricane season starts Jun. 1 and early preparedness may ease disruptions when storms approach. Ocala StarBanner
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ FedEx’s freight division acquired a nearly 10-acre facility at 1702 SW 42nd Court in southwest Ocala on Monday, May 18, for over $6 million from Old Dominion Freight Line Inc; the 17,550 sqft site features a cross-dock platform and office area to support efficient freight operations near I-75. Ocala-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Starting June 3 to July 24, the Marion Theatre hosts the Summer Kids Film Series at 50 S. Magnolia Ave with movies on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at multiple times. Tickets are $5 and children under 12 receive a free snack pack—guests can donate books for the Early Learning Coalition. Ocala StarBanner
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Community Music Conservatory at Reilly Arts Center has announced two summer music camps. The Meet the Instruments camp for grades 3-5 runs June 15-19 (9 a.m. to noon) while the Jazz Intensive for grades 9-12 takes place July 6-10 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), ending with a concert. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ UF/IFAS experts say lovebugs create seasonal swarms that may leave residue on cars but are harmless to people & pets. The insects appear a few weeks in spring and late summer along highways with drivers advised to wash windshields promptly to avoid buildup. Ocala StarBanner
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A Social Security Trustees report warns benefits may drop by about 28% in 2033 if changes aren’t made, potentially reducing incomes for many Ocala retirees. Experts recommend planning when to start collecting benefits — a move that could help protect monthly income. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Navy conducted helicopter and ground training exercises Tuesday and is operating them today from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Pinecastle Range Complex in Ocala National Forest — federal officials have activated an expanded public safety perimeter to restrict access. Ocala-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Marion County restaurant inspections from May 11–17 revealed that Salt Springs Pizza was temporarily closed after 16 violations (including time/temperature issues), while follow-up checks were required for Ocala eateries like Sammy’s Italian Restaurant and The Lodge Pub to meet health standards. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ AdventHealth Ocala now offers advanced neonatal care that helps families stay together with an inhaled nitric oxide program launched in July 2025 & a PICC program that lets newborns receive extended treatment locally. The hospital now cares for babies born as early as 30 weeks. Ocala Gazette
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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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Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Three
6-7:30 p.m. — Marion Theatre — $55 per person — Experience an immersive theatrical journey through Poe's macabre tales with original music by Danny Elfman and themed cocktails.
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