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.
One of Ocala’s premier cultural attractions, Ocala Civic Theatre, will turn 73 on March 3rd. Tickets are available and on sale now for a diverse array of plays and musicals.
There is still time to see “Into the Breeches” playing through February 5. George Brant’s dramatic comedy is set in Ocala! The program description reads “YES WE CAN, say Ocala’s women of the arts as they roll up their sleeves to do battle with Shakespeare! The firm conviction of theatrical troupe director Maggie Dalton and other local ladies is that even with all the boys overseas, they can still put on a first-rate, (almost) all-female production of Henry IV & V.”
Pembroke Pines LLC’s New Times Development is under heat for a proposed planned unit development that includes 336 apartment units (consisting of 11 buildings on 22.57 acres) a common area with clubhouse, pool, playground and dog park; and a commercial element featuring a hotel, two restaurants, a gas station, and 37,400 square feet of retail space, according to a summary from Marion County government.
With major plans already in place to improve the County Road 484/I-75 interchange, the recent sale of 69 acres of prime land on the south side of CR 484 west of I-75 to Ocala 484 Investment LLC could mean large growth in that area in the near future. The buyer paid $8.75 million to purchase the land from Marco Polo Builders, who already has a plan approved by the County Commission for a 320-unit apartment complex and 2.2 million square feet of commercial development.
More than a mile of Christmas light displays can be seen this holiday season for the Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular. The event is open to all, and is sponsored by St. John Lutheran Church and School.
From France to Brazil, Ocala has fine dining covered. Cuisine has risen to peak popularity during the last decade with countless cooking shows and popular celebrity chefs. From elegant French dishes to prime steakhouse cuts, Ocala has it all.
According to data and statistics compiled by MoveBuddha, the city of Ocala is the most popular place to move to in the Sunshine State.
Ocala officially has a new name in affordable housing to take note of.
The Oak Valley Senior Apartments held their grand opening in mid-September. And thus marked the beginning of a new day in the affordable housing world in Marion County.
