Daily
Ocala
Thursday, May 28th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Muslim families in Ocala are celebrating Eid al-Adha, which began on May 27 and continues for several days. They mark the observance with community prayers & feasting and the tradition of charitable animal sacrifice. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Ocala’s Bull Bash and Country Music Festival takes place on June 20 at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion (2232 Jacksonville Road) and will feature bull riding competitions and live music from Gary Allan and hometown singer Noah Hunton. Parking opens at 3:30 p.m. while gates open at 4:30 p.m. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Community Stages and Cornerstone School are offering immersive theater camps in Ocala this June and July. The camps welcome students from early elementary through high school with drama experiences, ending in a three-week intensive in July that will stage Disney’s Moana Jr. at the Dassance Fine Arts Center. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Ocala hosts free Rhythm Fest at Webb Field on Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy funk and soul acts like The Family Stone, bounce houses, games, and food trucks, but bring chairs or blankets (coolers, glass and alcohol are not allowed). Ocala-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Better Together hosted background-friendly job fairs in Ocala and beyond as part of Nationwide Days of Second Chances, giving nearly 4,000 job seekers free coaching, clothing and on-site interviews, with more than 200 employers offering support + opportunities. Ocala Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lourdes 'Lori' Manresa, principal at Hillcrest School in southeast Ocala, will retire in July after a landmark awards season that honored her service + her staff's achievements; new principal Cindy Lowe is set to build on her legacy while continuing specialized programs for students with significant disabilities. Ocala Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ CSX Transportation paid a nearly $42,000 bill for Marion County's emergency response to the Feb. 1 Dunnellon rail tie fire, and state investigators closed their inquiry without finding a cause for the blaze. Ocala Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A fully renovated estate at 7399 SE 12th Circle in the Country Club of Ocala sold for nearly $1.4 million on May 18 when Kathryn and Jordan Johnson transferred it to Christopher and Kerry Turner. The two-story property features over 5,000 sqft of upgrades + luxury finishes and sits along the golf course. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion County's top 12 commercial real estate deals generated roughly $150 million in sales this year, featuring the $63M sale of a former golf club now known as Iron Lake along with Walmart properties and assisted living centers. These transactions highlight a busy local market. 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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