Hopefully, at some point you have heard someone discuss or read about “The CEP.” While we sometimes assume everyone knows who we are and what we do, we are reminded that is not always the case. The CEP is an acronym for the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (now you know why we use CEP!). We are the community’s chamber of commerce as well as its official economic development organization. The CEP was formed just over five years ago with the merger of the former Chamber and Economic Development Council. While this version is only five years old, our roots go back 130 years to the founding of the Ocala Board of Trade in 1887. Continue reading

MARION COUNTY, Florida (December 24, 2017)- Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives are currently investigating an early morning shooting in Ocala that left one man dead. At approximately 12:00 a.m., on Sunday, December 24, 2017, MCSO deputies were dispatched to the Queens Garden Resort located at 3330 South Pine Avenue in Ocala in reference to a shooting. When deputies arrived on scene, they found a black male victim lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies began performing life-saving measures on the victim until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Continue reading

(NewsUSA) – Hearty stews and belly-warming soups are coming out of the kitchens; frost is sparkling, and winter jackets are coming out of hiding. Families are craving slow-cooked, savory meals that yield health benefits and leftovers.
Delicious, savory winter-recipe ingredients that will surely satisfy are white beans and Oso Sweet Onions, an onion grown at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Onions are not only believed to be a cancer preventative, their low-salt, low-fat health benefits are the proactive equivalent to superhero powers. Onions have 25 compounds that lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent thrombosis, inhibit strokes and battle heart disease, says the American Heart Association. Continue reading

(NewsUSA) – Tired of the same boring dinner, night in and night out? Don’t let dull, tasteless meals become the norm. Instead, try this catfish recipe that is sure to spice up your night.
Catfish with Peppercorns on a bed of Sautéed Spinach and Matchstick Vegetables subjects taste buds to flavors that are sure to entice any lover of spice. The U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish has a pleasing, mild taste that blends flawlessly with the pepper and vegetable flavors.
This simple catfish recipe boasts a long name with a simple preparation: Continue reading

(NewsUSA) – The aerospace industry is getting a boost in manufacturing its parts, making them safer and stronger, through a revolutionary new approach called 3D printing or “additive” manufacturing – a process which was invented at MIT in the late 1980s.In the traditional method, companies start with a hunk of metal (or other material). Using milling machines and other tools, they cut or drill away material in order to create the desired part.In contrast, 3D printing builds parts layer by layer, adding material in just the right places to create the precise shapes needed.For aerospace companies, this 3D printing or “additive” manufacturing offers the promise of making parts that are better and stronger, enabling them to build airplanes and rockets that are safer, more reliable, and better performing. GE uses 3D printing to build jet engine fuel nozzles, for instance, instead of welding together 20 small pieces. Continue reading

Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce held their monthly Nothing But Networking Luncheon. That is when 40 to 50 business people assemble and learn about each other’s business. This last month it was held at Demshars Restaurant  on the square. Good food / good company / good business! Thanks Lady Lake Chamber. Remember, don’t keep your Chamber a secret.

Lady Lake Chamber holds Ribbon Cuttings for their members. This ribbon cutting was for Clear View Optics. Good luck Clear View Optics!

12/08/2017

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit wrapped up a two-month operation yesterday evening that targeted illegal gambling establishments throughout the county. During the investigation, which detectives dubbed Operation Jackpot, detectives obtained search warrants for 10 business and made 4 arrests on various charges.

The investigation was initiated after receiving multiple citizen complaints about several of the businesses possibly being illegal gambling establishments, as well as similar tips received through Central Florida CRIMELINE.

As the investigation progressed, detectives were able to establish that all 10 locations were engaging in illegal gambling activities, and as a result, search warrants for each location were obtained. Continue reading

The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala Friday, Jan. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m.

OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2017) – The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala Friday, Jan. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include the following special performances and activities:

  • 6 to 9 p.m. – Live music by Jeff and the Jarretts on the main event stage located at the downtown square near the gazebo. Jarrett is a singer/songwriter who was recently named “Best Local Musician” by Ocala Magazine.
  • 7 p.m. – Contemporary dance performance by West Port High School’s MCCA (Marion County Center for the Arts) Dance Program.
  • Free hands-on art activities for all ages will be provided throughout the event by the Appleton Museum of Art, Painting with a Twist, Marion County Public Library, Karate America Ocala, Animis Foundation and the Discovery Center.

Local artists will be working throughout this event creating artwork and portraits at Ocala Homes and Farms Realty located at 108 E Fort King St. Live caricatures will be available near Gause & Son Jewelers located at 14 SE Broadway St. Continue reading

Did you know Cirque Italia has TWO traveling shows?! For the first time ever, The NEW GOLD UNIT IS COMING TO OCALA, FL with the state of the art water show you DON’T WANT TO MISS!!!

Cirque Italia has grown to the point where the next logical step can only be to expand operations and double our presence at the national level. In response to our wonderful fans all over the U.S., and with over 90% of shows being sold out, NOW is the perfect time for a substantial investment.

Beginning in 2017, Cirque Italia, the first traveling Water Circus, introduced a second unit, the Gold Unit: a luxurious experience where technology and preforming arts are mixed to create a one-of-a-kind show. Now for 2018, a brand-new performance has been created.

This new performance will feature an ultra-modern water curtain that controls every droplet of water meticulously. Audience members can expect to see words and beautiful patterns as the water falls to the ‘lagoon’ below. Cirque Italia is ready to provide a breathtaking experience. This new stage by itself is enough to amaze the most demanding audience, and synchronized with the most creative display of superhuman talent – the result is simply out of this world! Continue reading

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CEP – Click to learn more

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