Ocala, Florida
Combining modern
amenities with a distinctive charm all its own, Ocala is Marion County’s
largest city and county seat and home to many of the area’s cultural
pursuits. Walk through its historic district, browse distinctive
shops, savor
unique dishes in locally owned
Ocala restaurants
or take in a
cultural event.
Ocala is surrounded by some of the most beautiful
horse farms in
the world, the Silver Springs
Attraction with its famous glass-bottom boats and the
Ocala National Forest.
All that's needed is you!
Some helpful links to
learn more about Ocala, Florida:
Did You Know?
Ocala is considered North Central
Florida
and is located one hour north of
Orlando.
For Florida, it is probably 10 degrees colder in the
wintertime than Orlando. There is not much difference in the
heat index; it's pretty much the same all over Florida. The
only difference being that Ocala does not get the ocean breeze
because it is located in the center of the state. It's usually in
the 90's during the summer months. February is the coldest
month and it does get an occasional freeze.
The population is close to 294,000.
Ocala is the county seat for Marian County, which was named
for Francis Marian. Ocala goes back to the early 1900's when
the city burned to the ground and was rebuilt in bricks. We
are sometimes called Brick City. We are also the racehorse
capital of the world. We have over 900 horse farms here, all
breeds of horses.
Ocala's land is rolling.
It looks a lot like
Kentucky.
A lot of people from the North do own homes here and spend
part of the year here.
Florida Community College plus Webster University
and Webster College are in Ocala.
Distances from Ocala:
35 miles to Gainesville
75 miles to Orlando
95 miles to Tampa/St. Petersburg
98 miles to Jacksonville
171 miles to Tallahassee
294 miles to Miami
377 miles to Atlanta, Georgia
The climate for Ocala is sub-tropical
Ocala average annual rainfall is 53 inches per year
The rich grazing, rolling hills, and year round pastures not available
in other states, contributed to the development of the Thoroughbred
industry in Marion County. The first Thoroughbred farm, "Rosemere", was
established in 1935. In 1956, an unknown three year old named "Needles"
won the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, and Marion County became
a focus for the racing world. Marion County boasts over 1,000 farms and
training centers including approximately 450 Thoroughbred farms, and is
home to nearly 50 different horse breeds. In 1999, Ocala/Marion County
was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture census as the
"Horse Capital of the World" and as having more horses and ponies than
any other county in the nation. Nearly 29,000 residents are employed in
the county's Thoroughbred industry alone. See many stately old southern
mansions here along with traditional mos-draped oaks. The area is known
as the heartland of Florida's thoroughbred horse industry.
Where is the best place to eat in Ocala, Florida and why?
Abbruzzi's Italian Ice and Legendary Heros. It's the only
store in Ocala that sells "Original" Italian ice, that's
shipped to Ocala from New Jersey. They make New York type
heros which are fully packed with all the trimmings. All
their hot heros are actually home made from family recipes.
If you'd like
to become more familiar with Ocala, Florida first hand, we would be
happy to
tour you around the area
without any obligation, or even
send you a package
with a map and magazines of Ocala.
Feel free to call
Percy Ransome now at 888-726-7863 for information on these prime
building lots in Ocala, Florida.
Shopping
Whatever your shopping
style, you’ll find something to suit your fancy in Ocala/Marion County.
Take a stroll around Ocala’s Historic Downtown Square and browse through
boutiques, gift shops and antique stores. All near restaurants and
entertainment venues.
Or soak up local charm in Belleview, Dunnellon or McIntosh and explore a
variety of antique shops where you never know what you might uncover.
Bargain hunters also enjoy the area’s flea markets, and a variety of
familiar stores can be found at the Paddock Mall and throughout Ocala.
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Ocala Restaurants
Ocala is large enough
to support a wide variety of restaurants including fine dining, ethnic
specialties and reasonably priced but hearty and wholesome
establishments suitable for the whole family. You’ll also find the major
chains. And by all means, give a barbecue restaurant a try. You’ll love
the informal atmosphere and generous portions.
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Cultural Events
Generous residents, in
conjunction with active assistance from local and county government,
support and enjoy a wealth of cultural activities. The lively arts are
on display all year, with more than 250 civic clubs and organizations
promoting festivals celebrating the cultural variety of Marion County.
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Horse Farms
Winners of the Kentucky
Derby, the Preakness Stakes and Breeders’ Cups have been raised, trained
and sold right here, as Marion County is one of only four major
thoroughbred centers in the world. Ocala’s 600 thoroughbred farms have
produced 45 national champions, 6 Kentucky Derby winners, 20 Breeders’
Cup champions and 6 Horses of the Year.
The Ocala Breeders’
Sales Company sells over $100 million worth of thoroughbreds a year in
its seven auctions. OBS also features an Inter-Track Wagering
Teletheater where fans can watch and wager on horse racing simulcasts
from around the country.
Ocala/Marion County is
home to thousands of national and world champions in nearly every equine
event and breed imaginable. And many famous farms, such as Petty Quarter
Horses, Rohara Arabians and Young’s Paso Finos contribute to our area’s
strong multi-breed presence.
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Silver Springs
Silver Springs Nature
Theme Park is perhaps Marion County’s most famous place to play.
Considered Florida’s original tourist attraction, the Silver Springs
achieved renown through its unique glass-bottom boats. These vessels
enable guests to view fish, turtles, alligators and more as the boat
glides over springs that are 99.8 percent pure and up to 80 feet deep.
Rich in indigenous
plants and Old Florida allure, the park’s grounds teem with wildlife
exhibits, rides, a petting zoo, concerts and more. All close to the
idyllic springs that give the park its name.
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Ocala National
Forrest
A slice of natural
Florida unlike anyplace else, the Ocala National Forest offers 389,000
acres of unique ecological sites, trails and natural springs for biking,
birding and more. Hundreds of campsites throughout the forest provide
diverse camping options.
The National Forests in Florida run two visitor centers in the Ocala
National Forest. Visit the
Ocala National Forest Web Site
for more information.
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Building
Lots in Ocala, Fla.
Scenic
Countryside
Luxurious
Living
Rich in
History
Contact us
to discuss the location of your dreams in Ocala, Florida on
one of our 5 prime building lots. Remember, owner financing
is available.
PERCY
RANSOME
888-988-5747
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