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Hello Ocala! Hope your coffee’s especially good this morning.

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: A storied Florida escape, Festival of Colors, and Mini Mullisha Spring Nationals + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

📰 In the news

A storied Florida escape: See Ocala’s Silver Springs from a glass-bottom boat as crystal clear water reveals the spring’s depths and Hollywood props. The state park features trails, kayaking, and affordable places to stay — read the full story.

Water-saving rules explained: Marion County’s watering restrictions remain in effect amid drought. Ocala follows St. Johns Phase II rules. Dunnellon and The Villages follow Southwest District limits, including one day per week irrigation — see the watering guidelines.

A new tradition begins: Ocala hosts a dinner honoring the inaugural Marion County Veterans Hall of Fame class today at Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, celebrating 12 inductees, with remarks from Rear Admiral William E. Leigher — see how it came together.

Gold just hit record highs. What about your savings? While traditional IRAs have been treading water against inflation, gold has gained over 50% in three years. That gap is why more retirees are rolling a portion of their savings into gold IRAs (the kind that hold physical metal). We compared the top five options and broke down who they’re best for. Check it out here →

Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*

Highlights this week:

• Join Marion County Day’s free family fun
• Celebrate Holi at Festival of Colors
• Sourdough starter workshop with take-home kit
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home*

💎 Local business spotlight

Your week needs tunes: From Ocala Symphony nights to tribute shows and rowdy dueling pianos in the NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center keeps Ocala’s soundtrack rotating. When that “we should do something” text appears, peek at their calendar and pick a show you’ll still be talking about on Monday.

A cozy tea escape: When you need a quiet pause, 1890 Tea House brings downtown charm with curated teas, dainty sandwiches (yes, cucumber included), and those build-your-own charcuterie cups you’ll definitely share… or pretend to. Grab a friend and book a little tea room reset this week.

Art fix this week: Brick City Center for the Arts is an easy way to give your eyes something to celebrate—thoughtful local work, zero pretension, and a gift shop that’s dangerously browseable. When your space needs a little upgrade, let a piece you love tag along home.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, *their curated kits are worth a look →

Own a piece of Apple for less than a coffee: Every time you buy something from Amazon or Starbucks, you’re putting money in their pocket. Fractional shares flip that: you can own a slice of those companies for as little as a dollar. Most investing apps make it incredibly easy, with zero commissions and no account minimums. See which ones we recommend →

Mom says she’s fine. You’re not so sure: “What if something happens when you’re home alone?” You’ve asked a hundred times, but the outcome’s always the same. I don’t need that. Life Alert’s for old people. The real struggle isn’t finding a medical alert system that’ll work… it’s finding one she won’t fight you on. We looked into five options designed to settle the standoff, from smartwatches to systems with nothing to wear at all. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Your shampoo was never going to fix it: I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money on hair-loss products, biotin, masks, sprays, you name it. Not one of them lasted. Turns out, most things target the strand, not the follicle (where thinning actually happens). Dermatologists have been prescribing treatments that work for years, but there are now plenty of options available with no office visits required. See our top picks for men and women →

Strangers can buy your personal data for $0.50: Data brokers sell your name, home address, phone number, estimated income, and other personal info to anyone willing to pay. Scammers and identity thieves use these databases to take advantage of you. There are dozens of affordable services that can help you protect yourself. These three are our favorites →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

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.

🎨 Family Paint Night @ Picasso’s Palette | Friday (3/20) at 6:00 PM – Think you can tame a derpy tiger? Round up the fam for a K-pop inspired paint night, pre-traced bowls, step-by-step help, candy sushi, snacks, and a photo backdrop, then swing back in two weeks to grab your kiln-fired masterpiece, and earn points, no TikTok required.

🏁 2026 Mini Mullisha Spring Nationals @ Marion County Speedway | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Spring at the Bullring means minibikes, pride, and an honor system keeping the cheaters honest. From stock pull-starts and kids’ laps to full Outlaw screamers, expect grins, gravel, and pump gas, plus Saturday night camping, no ground fires, bring your favorite chair.

👑 Fun in the Sun Pageant @ Paddock Mall | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – Skipping the Ocala humidity sounds smart, so head to Paddock Mall for a feel-good pageant where every contestant shines, no experience needed, and everyone leaves with a tiara and trophy. Low stakes, high sparkle, perfect for the kids, the grandkids, and your camera roll.

🎲 Bunco Party @ Ocala Golf Club | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – Roll dice for a good cause with the Pilot Club of Ocala, and if Bunco’s new, they’ll teach you before the snacks disappear. Bring socks, toiletries, and snacks for Isaiah 117 House to earn raffle entries, then enjoy food, drinks, more prizes, and a 50/50.

🥚 Easter Egg Hunt @ Silver Springs Shores Community Center | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – Whether your crew still believes in the Bunny, or you’re just here for good eats, this free Easter egg hunt packs games, music, and Ocala’s food trucks on Silver Road. Expect heaps of eggs, photo ops, and a sugar rush that pairs with a nap.

🚗 Car Show @ El Patron Ocala | Saturday (3/21) at 5:00 PM – Roll into El Patron for a no-fee car show where every ride’s welcome, chrome or car seat crumbs. There are 12 trophies, including Best Modern GM, Ford, and Mopar, plus random cash envelopes and a Bucket of Bucks to maybe fund tacos, gas, and bragging.

👥 SNAP – Social Circle @ Brick City Adventure Park | Tuesday (3/24) at 4:00 PM – SNAP’s Social Circle is a drop-in hangout for kids with special needs, packed with adaptive, supportive activities that meet them where they are. Expect games, sensory-friendly play, and easy social time, led by folks who actually get it, while you trade notes with other grown-ups.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Ocala report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 67°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 0%

Areas of frost before 9am. Sunny. High near 67, with temperatures falling to around 66 in the afternoon. North wind 2 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy. Low around 42, with temperatures rising to around 44 overnight. Northeast wind 3 to 7 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 72°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny. High near 72, with temperatures falling to around 71 in the afternoon. North wind 5 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 42, with temperatures rising to around 45 overnight. Northeast wind 1 to 8 mph.

This house is wild

On 64.76 fenced acres, 10 minutes to WEC and 5 to HITS, this equine reproduction and foaling center pairs function with polish. The 4-bed, 4-bath main home offers an open plan, high ceilings, and a screened pool and spa. A 3-bed guest house adds a cobblestone fireplace and its own pool, plus 40 stalls, round pen, and RV hookups.

Take a peek inside →