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Rise and shine, Ocala!

In today’s planning-your-week edition: Moody café opens with Italian pastries, Fire Station 8 breaks ground, and Florida SpringsFest returns + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Ocala protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

A family legacy takes shape: Moody’s Brewing opened a New York-inspired café, Moody, in Ocala on March 1, serving Italian pastries, gourmet coffee and tea, and planning to seek a beer and wine license soon — learn the meaning behind Moody.

City expands emergency response capacity: Ocala Fire Rescue broke ground on Fire Station 8 on Northwest 45th Terrace, adding three bays and new crews, with completion expected by late 2026 — get all the details.

Explore local government up close: Ocala is accepting applications for the 2026 Citizens Academy, an 11-week look inside city operations. The program starts March 26 and is limited to 25 residents ages 18 and up — get application and eligibility details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Celebrate Florida springs with family fun
• Enjoy a free Ocala Youth Symphony concert
• Discover tools for nutrition and mindset
• You’re probably overpaying for car insurance

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Wing night solved: When the craving hits, The Black Sheep On Broadway serves crispy, saucy joy with Infamous Chicken Wings… garlic parm, mango habanero, and that secretly addictive Sheep Sauce. Easy vibes, cold beer, zero fuss make it a midweek staple for wing lovers.

Skincare stash upgrade: Need to restock without trekking to a chain? The Fix carries medical-grade skincare plus facials and lasers, all paired with expert guidance, so you can refresh your routine while you’re already in Ocala mode. Thoughtful products, real results, and zero fuss from a team that knows skin.

Fairways calling: With Palm Springs-style scenery, eight tee sets, and Ocala Open pedigree, Candler Hills Golf Club delivers a confidence-boosting round. Generous fairways keep spirits high while your irons plot mischief, so the day feels smooth from first tee to final putt.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Our favorite events this week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎨 Beginner Watercolor Florals Class @ AR Workshop Ocala | Wednesday (3/4) at 1:00 PM – Dip a toe into watercolor at AR Workshop, where you’ll paint hydrangeas and peonies with step-by-step help, all materials, and a take-home set, for $49. No experience, just curiosity. BYO snacks and sips, then leave feeling artsy, relaxed, and mildly impressed with yourself.

🎸 Sweet Baby James @ Ocala’s Marion Theatre | Thursday (3/5) at 7:30 PM – Craving some JT without the airport hassle? Sweet Baby James brings the #1 James Taylor tribute to the Marion Theatre, all voice and guitar, no wigs, no gimmicks. Settle in for Fire and Rain, You’ve Got a Friend, and a warm, quietly perfect night.

🍓 Habitat Strawberry Festival @ McPherson Complex | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Prefer Plant City berries to small talk? Habitat Ocala packs McPherson with 235 vendors, live tunes, a car show, and free admission. Let the kids craft and slime, pet some goats, tackle the pie contest, then feel virtuous paying five-dollar parking that benefits local nonprofits.

💧 Florida SpringsFest @ Silver Springs State Park | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats a day at Silver Springs when you can paddle the river, stroll the gardens, and yes, ride the glass bottom boats. Chat with rangers, watch local artists, browse vendors, all for the $2 park admission. Bring the kids, the dog, and your curiosity.

💃 6th Festival Latino @ Citizens’ Circle | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Downtown goes full sabor at Citizens’ Circle with live music, Latin eats from across the map, food trucks, and artisan booths. Bring the crew, sample everything, then pretend the free Salsa and Bachata lessons are for the kids. It’s free, lively, and proudly Ocala.

🖼 Opening Reception: “Sideshow” @ Shapot Art Studio and Gallery | Saturday (3/7) at 6:00 PM – Step right up for Sideshow, Esta Mann’s circus-themed solo at Shapot Art Gallery, where the thrills are on paper, not in the ER. Twenty-three delicate watercolors, playful installations, live performances, tasty treats, and something to sip. Big top vibes, zero sawdust.

🌸 Spring Time Festival @ Ocala Downtown Market | Sunday (3/8) at 11:00 AM – Spring is showing off at the Ocala Downtown Market with live music, food trucks, and a small army of local vendors who actually make good stuff. Free admission and parking, free Easter Bunny photos if you queue early, and zero guilt for skipping yard work.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/4 Drop the Mic Singing Contest @ Muddy Lotus Tea – 8:00 PM
• 3/6 Sandra & Alex LeKid @ Midtown Station – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 KennaDee @ The Lodge Ocala – 6:00 PM
• 3/7 Acoustic Guitar Lessons @ Chelsea Art Center – 10:00 AM
• 3/7 The Mudds @ La Cuisine French Restaurant – 6:00 PM
• 3/8 Rat Pack Together Again @ Reilly Arts Center – 3:00 PM
• 3/8 Ocala Youth Symphony @ Countryside Presbyterian Church – 3:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• Treat yourself: Save $ on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Ocala report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 80°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny. High near 80, with temperatures falling to around 78 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 2 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 57, with temperatures rising to around 58 overnight. Northeast wind 3 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 82°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 22%

A slight chance of rain showers after 1pm. Sunny. High near 82, with temperatures falling to around 77 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 3 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This 5+ acre equestrian haven sits on a quiet country road, moments from World Equestrian Center Ocala. The concrete block 4-bed, 4-bath home pairs 10-foot ceilings, 8-foot doors, and wood and tile floors with a double-sided gas fireplace and French doors to a screened pool. A 2-stall barn, paddocks, grass jumping field, gated drive, and whole-house generator complete the package.

Take a peek inside →