Episode 33 - Marion County 4H In our newest episode of Discover Ocala, we’re really happy and excited to welcome Crystal McCazzio, the UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Director, and Katie Davis, 4-H Youth Development Agent, to talk about what 4-H has to offer in Marion County, as well as at regiona

10 Florida House Hunting Tips For 2026   Florida’s housing market has been a buyer’s market over the past year, influenced by relatively high mortgage rates, rising insurance costs, and demand that cooled after a post-pandemic surge. Buying a home in Florida this year will require a strategic approa

The Most Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes in Florida (and How to Avoid Them in Central Florida) Buying a home is a huge undertaking, especially when buying your first home in Florida. For most people, it’s the biggest investment they’ll ever make. That’s probably why people frequently ask us: What m

  The Real Cost of 55+ Living in Central Florida: What to Budget in 2026   Marion County and Central Florida are a good place to retire because of the favorable weather, affordability, and plenty of amenities and activities for active seniors. In fact, the Economic Research Institute rates the cost

      The FAST (Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training) Complex rises from the Florida plain almost out of nowhere, its art deco-inspired design a monolith that practically beckons you for a closer look.   It’s a beautiful building; functional and practical without seeming static or stuffy. It’s a l

When it comes to tradition, the Thoroughbred industry is steeped in history. New faces and updated pedigrees continue to join the sport, but modern horsemen still value the lessons learned from owners and breeders of the past. Florida’s relatively young, but vibrant, history as a Thoroughbred breedi

Bridlewood Farm: Then and Now Written by Cynthia McFarland Ocala didn’t become Horse Capital of the World® overnight. It took the steadfast efforts of dedicated horsemen over decades to establish this area as a proven site for breeding, raising and training successful horses. Through the years, spec

“Wherever I go in America, I like it when the land speaks its own language in its own regional accent.” — Lady Bird Johnson, Wildflowers Across America (1993) Perfectly adapted to Central Florida’s often overwhelming conditions, native plants can withstand the barrage of drought, steady Florida sun,

Every state has bragging privileges for having some famous people either born or living within their respective regions; some more than others. Here in Ocala we’re not lacking in that department by any stretch. Being the Horse Capital of the World, this region has borne and draws a good chunk of act