OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Another busy month for business openings and expansions across North Central Florida is in the books as new retailers, service providers and public facilities continued to take shape in Marion and Alachua counties. Here’s a look at some of the most notable openings in April 2026.
Ace Hardware of East Ocala
Ace Hardware of East Ocala held its grand opening celebration April 11-12, bringing a new full-service hardware store to east Ocala. 2015 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. 352-512-9467
Blo Hair Lounge
Blo Hair Lounge, a luxury spa and hair lounge, officially opened April 29 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bringing a modern wellness-focused salon experience to northwest Ocala. 3900 NW Blitchton Rd., Ocala. 352-421-5544
College of Central Florida – Bld. 19
The College of Central Florida held a ribbon-cutting April 2 for its newly renovated Bld. 19 on the Ocala campus, home to the college’s Emergency Medical Services program. 3001 SW College Rd., Ocala. 352-873-5800
Egyptian Cafe
The Egyptian Cafe opened in late April in Gainesville’s downtown area, introducing Middle Eastern cuisine and a hookah bar experience to residents. 21 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville. 352-451-4386
Freedom Public Library
The Marion County Public Library System celebrated the grand reopening of the expanded Freedom Public Library, which more than tripled in size and now offers expanded reading areas, study rooms and community meeting space. 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala. 352-438-2580
Ocala Psychology
Ocala Psychology officially opened its practice with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held April 6, providing outpatient mental health counseling and evidence-based therapy services for adults in Marion County. 2100 SE 17th St., Ste. 801, Ocala. 352-425-4280
Ocala Tractor
Ocala Tractor hosted a grand opening and open house April 10, featuring equipment sales and service for agricultural and construction machinery. 5841 N. U.S. HWY 441, Ocala. 352-732-8585
Planet Smoothie
Planet Smoothie (finally) opened April 3, offering smoothies and bowls made with fruit-based blends, protein options and wellness-focused ingredients. 4414 SW College Rd., Ocala. 352-342-1105
Rotary Sportsplex Turf Field
Marion County officials cut the ribbon April 1 on new synthetic turf fields at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex, upgrading the facility for youth sports, tournaments and community recreation. 5220 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala.
Saucy! by KFC
Saucy! by KFC officially opened April 1 at Westgate Shopping Plaza, introducing a new sauce-focused fast-casual chicken concept focused on customizable sauce combinations, chicken tenders, sandwiches and fries. 3403 Wc. University Ave., Gainesville. 352-810-2524
