Downtown Ocala was once again filled with a different kind of horsepower on Saturday, October 10, as the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership’s Equine Initiative hosted the annual All-Breed Horse Parade, presented by Pat Myers Electric. The Equine Initiative, presented by Pyranha Animal Health, works to strengthen connection between Marion County’s equestrian community, local businesses, and residents.
The parade brought Marion County’s equine community into the heart of our downtown, showcasing the horses, riders and traditions that have helped shape our region’s identity. More than just a parade, the event serves as a reminder of the important connection between our equine industry, local businesses and the community we call home.
For those of us at the CEP, bringing this event downtown is intentional. Our historic downtown represents the heart of Ocala, and the equine industry is an essential part of what makes this community unique. Bringing the two together creates an opportunity for residents, visitors and business owners to experience a piece of Marion County’s heritage while supporting the continued vitality of our downtown. Continue reading
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2026) — Tom Wells, former Democratic congressional candidate and longtime progressive advocate in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, has endorsed Independent candidate Mike Klein, joining the growing coalition supporting Klein’s campaign to unseat Republican incumbent Kat Cammack in the November 3 general election.
Wells, who challenged Cammack as the Democratic nominee in 2024 and has campaigned for the congressional seat since 2016, brings years of political activism, grassroots organizing, and a commitment to progressive causes.
Could your home equity help you enjoy a more financially comfortable retirement? Dan Kapellen, known as “Your Loan Navigator,” helps homeowners 55 and older explore reverse mortgages and other home equity solutions to improve financial flexibility and retirement lifestyle. As a Mortgage Loan Officer with Prime Path Lending Team, his CMA, CREV, and CVLS credentials reflect specialized training in mortgage planning, retirement home equity strategies, and helping clients make informed financial decisions. Dan is also the author of the Amazon bestselling book The Housing Wealth Advice That Retirees Never Get and hosts educational Lunch & Learn seminars.
As demand for missile defense interceptors continues to rise around the globe, the US Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $9.8 billion contract for Patriot missiles, the largest in the company’s history.
It is the largest order ever of Patriot missiles, covering close to 2,000 missiles and related hardware. Lockheed is manufacturing the newest version of the interceptors that arm the Patriot, known as PAC-3 MSE, which costs about $4 million each, according to Army budget documents.
The Navy also anticipates integrating the Lockheed Martin-made missiles with ships’ air defenses.
The defense contractor will quadruple production of its high-end Thaad missile-defense systems
Dear Neighbor,
It was another busy week in Florida’s Third District, focused on supporting our local businesses, strengthening American innovation, and fighting for our hardworking communities!
This week, I had the opportunity to visit local businesses, connect with some of North Central Florida’s brightest minds in agriculture and healthcare, and see the exciting innovations happening right here in our backyard. I also traveled to Cedar Key to hear firsthand about the community’s continued recovery from devastating hurricanes and the challenges still facing our hardworking seafood producers.
Every stop was an opportunity to listen, learn, and better understand the needs of our communities. I’m taking those conversations back to Washington and continuing to fight for more opportunities, stronger communities, and a brighter future for North Central Florida.
As always, thank you for the trust you place in me to serve as your voice in Washington.
————————
Standing with Cedar Key as Florida’s Rural Coast Rebuilds Continue reading
Dear Neighbor,
It was another busy week in Florida’s Third, and I spent it with the people who make North Central Florida such a special place to call home.
This week, I secured more than $3 million to keep homeless veterans in Ocala and Gainesville housed, fought for greater accountability in the People’s House, and called attention to the challenges facing Florida’s farmers as we work to break through gridlock in the Senate.
From celebrating leaders for their dedicated service to our community to bringing healthcare leaders together and enjoying some Friday night football, this week was all about showing up, listening, and fighting for the people I’m proud to represent. I was also honored to send veterans from North Central Florida to D.C. for the First Coast Honor Flight, a chance to recognize the heroes who sacrificed so much in service to our nation.
Whether I’m in Washington or on the road across North Central Florida, my job is the same: get results for the people I represent and make sure your voices are heard.
As always, thank you for the trust you place in me to serve as your voice in Washington.
Dear Neighbor,
This week was all about bringing more opportunities home to North Central Florida and hearing from the hardworking folks who make Florida’s Third District the best in the nation!
We helped deliver $3 million for Florida Gateway College’s new construction trades center and kept up the push for water infrastructure funding for our counties. I also sat down with community leaders and business owners to hear what’s holding them back. I’m taking that straight to Washington.
In the news, I talked about H.Res. 500, my resolution to require background checks for House staff, and my work as Chair of the Republican Women’s Caucus to combat sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill. The People’s House should set the standard for accountability.
Whether I’m helping create opportunities here at home or fighting to clean up Congress, my mission is clear: deliver results for North Central Florida and make sure Washington works for you.
As always, thank you for the trust you place in me to serve as your voice in Washington.
There were 50 vendors and around 100 attendees. We had a good mix of vendors and several new businesses. Carrabba’s provided lunch for everyone. Thank you to our host, Water Oak Country Club Estates. Thank you to our sponsors, Campus USA Credit Union and Leaf Filer. Thank you to James Floyd from WQBQ 1410 for running the event.
Ocala city leaders and the Ocala Metro and Economic Partnership (CEP) highlighting the new O-Line Trolley service in Downtown Ocala
- Route time: A full loop takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Cost: Completely free for riders.
- Schedule: Operates Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Stops: Connects public parking areas (including Garage One), local shops, restaurants, and key city landmarks.
- How to ride: Board at designated stops or wave down the driver along the route.
More parking and a new way to explore downtown give people even more reasons to visit our shops and restaurants. Can’t wait to take a ride!
Look 
at the Marion County Youth achievements so far. Six students at Vanguard High School are competing in the seventy second Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. They are semifinalist!
Good Luck Marion County Youth. TomL
