Daily
Ocala
Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 27th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ BJ's Wholesale Club announced it will open three new locations this fiscal year in Ocala, Lecanto and Port St. Lucie. The Ocala site is at 7030 SW 59th Ave plus details for the Lecanto and Port St. Lucie stores have not been released. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Buc-ee’s is expanding in Florida with two existing locations and plans for four new travel centers in Ocala, Fort Pierce, Tallahassee, and Port Charlotte, with Ocala set for 2029 and Fort Pierce in 2027 — the other sites have undisclosed dates. Ocala StarBanner
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses will launch its free Reading with Horses summer literacy program on Thursday, June 4 at Midtown Station, 235 NE Watula Ave; 10 a.m. sessions run until July 9 and feature book readings, a color guard kickoff, and free books — themed Kindness. Ocala Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The official start of hurricane season is less than a week away and forecasters warn even a below-normal season may bring a tropical storm or hurricane to Florida. The National Hurricane Center shows no disturbances now, but residents are urged to prepare for any storm developments. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ HUD reports that the Area Median Income in Marion County and Ocala has increased to $84,000 from $76,200 last year, based on new 2026 Income and Rent Limits released May 1. Florida Housing Finance Corporation will use these updated figures for its housing programs. Ocala Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Realtors report that Ocala’s home market remains strong with 821 closed sales in April + the median sale price dipping slightly to $285,000 as rising mortgage rates make buyers cautious. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ A South Florida developer broke ground on Leena Ocala, a 36-acre, 360-unit multifamily community near Interstate 75 and State Road 200. The firm secured over $62 million in financing and expects to deliver the first units in late 2027 — with full completion planned for 2028. Ocala-News
- ➤ Tillman and Associates Engineering seeks to amend the Woodridge Place plan at 5823 NE Jacksonville Road by adding more lots and replacing a pool with pickleball courts—county staff recommends a cap at 316 units. The planning commission reviews the request today, May 27, with a final hearing on June 16. Ocala-News
- ➤ A 0.12-acre lot at 912 SE 6th Street in the Historic District sold on May 18 for $1.369 million as part of the CampAlto development—set to feature 3,600-sqft, 3-story homes with elevators—by local Drake Construction Services. The upscale project is near downtown Ocala. Ocala-News
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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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Father's Day Celebration with Live Orchestra
8:00 p.m. — Fonda Dulce Jesus Mio Ocala — Ticketed event — Celebrate Father's Day with live Latin music from The Koko Band and DJ Jota.
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WEC Premier FC Summer Soccer Camps for Ages 9-14
9 a.m.-2 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Cost varies — Engage in immersive soccer training to enhance skills and tactical awareness in a supportive environment.
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Elvis The Summer Festival 2026
June 25-27 — Circle Square Cultural Center — $15-$400 — Celebrate Elvis through the greatest hits and tribute performances by top artists.
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South Florida Soul Rodeo Kick-Off Field Party
5-10 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium — Family-friendly event — Experience thrilling rodeo action and soulful music in the heart of Ocala.
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