Calesa Township is a master-planned community in Ocala that features a variety of move-in-ready homes. Sorrel Glen is the latest addition, with an array of stylish, affordably priced, three- to five-bedroom homes that come replete with high-end finishes, state-of-the-art technology and are in close proximity to the community's myriad of amenities. Properties feature anywhere from 1,600 to 3,800 square feet and range in price from the $300s to $500s.
Homes in Sorrel Glen include access to Calesa Township’s resort-style amenities, including a dog park, access to Roan Hills Park, a state-of-the-art aquatics center, and a charter school!
It’s that time of year when fireplaces and firepits add to the ambiance of the holidays. Here are some facts and tips for health and safety regarding firewood.
A new exhibit by popular local artist Newy Fagan will be open from December 1 - 28, 2023. This highly anticipated display explores over 53 years of art created by a pioneer in the kiln-formed glass art movement. This exhibit will be up December 1-28 at the Marion Cultural Alliance’s Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala. Artist's Open Reception will be 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 1.
KPOT is “a unique, hands-on, all-you-can-eat experience that merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors,” according to the chain’s website. Boasting approximately 80 locations across the nation, with 11 in Florida (and 6 more on the horizon), KPOT is all the rage for social diners and food adventurers.
Located at 2621 SW 19th Avenue, Ocala’s KPOT is ideally positioned to be a popular dining spot for families, groups, and foodies.
Conservationist Carlton Ward, Jr. of National Geographic, will speak at the fourth annual “Conversations About Conservation” on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 7:00 PM EST at Ocala Breeder’s Sales (1701 SW 60th Avenue).
Fall is a great time to tidy up around the outside of your home, and pressure washers offer a powerful tool for an instant clean. But there are several things around the house that should never be pressure washed. Here’s a list:
HCA Florida recently opened Silver Springs Emergency, a standalone emergency room located at 3741 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala. The facility has 11 exam rooms, a trauma room, a lab, and full service radiology with CT, X-ray and ultrasound capabilities. HCA estimates the facility will serve about 10,000 patients a year. It is now the closest emergency room to the Ocala National Forest, and has created approximately 50 new jobs.
Depersonalize!
Removing personal items from your home may seem counterintuitive, but most experts agree that it is the first step. It’s not personal—family photos, wedding pictures, and children’s art can detract from your house’s value so it’s best to put them away temporarily.
A 260-unit potential new build apartment complex will be under consideration by the Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission on September 11, 2023 at it’s regularly scheduled meeting. It is proposed at the northwest corner of the Southeast 31st Street/Southeast 24th Road intersection in Ocala. The potential developer is seeking rezoning for land on 14.67 acres that is currently wooded, sitting between the Brookdale Chambrel Pinecastle senior living community to the north and the South Point subdivision to the south.
It’s the peak of summer and the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing summer Southern staple—the satisfying watermelon!
National Watermelon Day on August 3 recognizes the refreshing summertime treat enjoyed at picnics and fairs across the country. This vine-like flowering plant originated from southern Africa. While the watermelon fruit is loosely considered a type of melon, unlike other melons, it’s not in the genus Cucumis. The smooth exterior usually produces a dark green rind with stripes or yellow spots. Watermelons produce a juicy, sweet interior flesh ranging from deep red to pink, and are 92% water.
It will soon be even easier to keep your car shiny in Ocala. The Tennessee-based company, Modwash, recently paid $1 million for land at the southwest corner of East Silver Springs Boulevard and Southeast 16th Avenue. The street address is 1544 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and the future site of Ocala’s next car wash. The city has already approved the site plan.
Applications are being accepted until Tuesday, August 1 for the 2023-24 First Friday Art Walk season in Ocala. According to it’s website, “The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, September through May from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations and extended shopping hours. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, live performances, and downtown shops and restaurants.”
Mosquito control has been a concern for weeks in across the state with an increase in pests breeding in places where water tends to collect. To date, no malaria cases have been reported in Marion County. However, last week’s severe storms and subsequent flooding have raised concerns.
Several public parks in Ocala have reopened after being closed due to flooding last week. Severe storms brought major flooding to parts of Ocala last week and several parks were closed for safety. Areas including Tuscawilla Park and the Letty Towles Dog Park have been closed for over a week.
The Florida Legislature recently proposed a conservation bill totaling $1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. If passed, the Ocala to Osceaola Wildlife Corridor (O2O) could receive upwards of $800 million.
Buc-ee's has paid $8.62 million for land sold by Baldwin Angus Ranch Inc. located on the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and Northwest 49th Street, near where the new I-75 interchange will be built. Buc-ee’s intends to build its Ocala store on the spot.
Construction has started on the new HCA Florida Foxwood Emergency facility in northwest Ocala. The $11 million project is located at 4361 NW Blichton Road, west of I-75. It is scheduled to open in winter 2023.
HCA Florida Healthcare states that the new one-story facility is, “in response to the growing healthcare needs of Marion County…”
The world saw Ocala-born Erin Jackson win a gold medal at the 2022 Bejing Olympics in the 500-meter speedskating event, and this spring she will return home to deliver the commencement address at her alma mater’s graduation ceremony.
The university-wide commencement ceremony will take place Friday, May 5 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (EDT) at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. UF’s president will emcee the event as degrees are conferred, then Ms. Jackson will deliver the commencement address.
Those looking for relaxation and pampering this time of year have several options in the Ocala area. There are many hair and nail salons and barbers scattered around town, but here’s a look at three day spas that offer a more extensive menu of services.
Florida LLC Domach just purchased the building located at 210 W. Silver Springs Blvd. near Ocala Downtown Square for $2 million. Domach is related to the head of HDG Hotels, Navroz Saju.
The property was sold by Enoc Industrial, LLC who owned the building for about a year after purchasing it for $1.8 million.
What exactly is the weather like in Ocala? People possibly looking to move to Central Florida often wonder.
Ocala is inland, not located on the Gulf of Mexico nor the Atlantic Ocean. According to WeatherSpark.com, the hot season lasts around four to five (from May to September) with an average daily high temperature above 86°F. The hottest month of the year in Ocala is July, with an average high of 90°F and low of 72°F. The cool season lasts for nearly three months (from December to February) with an average daily high temperature below 72°F. The coldest month of the year in Ocala is January, with an average low of 46°F and high of 68°F.
