Marion County
By Matt McKoprmic
There’s something about downtown that makes networking feel a little more natural.
Maybe it’s the walkability. Maybe it’s the familiar faces. Or maybe it’s just that when you spend enough time here, conversations don’t feel like “networking” at all, they just feel like part of your day.
You run into someone grabbing coffee. You stop and catch up outside a storefront. One quick introduction turns into a longer conversation, and before you know it, you’ve made a connection you didn’t plan on, but you’re glad you did.
That’s the kind of environment downtown Ocala creates.
It’s not forced. It’s not overly structured. It just happens.
And those moments matter more than people realize.
Because while big events and formal meetings have their place, there’s something powerful about the everyday interaction, the unplanned conversations that build familiarity, trust, and over time, real relationships.
Downtown gives us that space.
It brings together business owners, professionals, creatives, and community leaders in a way that feels accessible. You don’t have to go far. You don’t have to overthink it. You just have to show up. Continue reading
DOH-Marion Cautions About Blue Green Algae at Lake Bryant – Resort Dock
Marion County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Bryant – Resort Dock on April 21, 2026. Water sample testing is underway. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
- Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, or discolored or water that smells unpleasant.
- Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative source of water when algae blooms are present.
- Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.
- Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly.
- Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
By Matt McCormick
If you ask ten people what drives Ocala’s economy, you’ll probably get ten different answers:horses, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing,small businesses, tourism, construction, or the arts and culture. And the truth is that every one of-those answers is right.But beneath the industries, the headlines, and the economic data, there’s something even more powerful at work.
People.
Ocala’s economy isn’t driven by a single
sector or a single success story. It’s driven by the entrepreneurs who take risks, the employers who invest here, the educators who prepare our workforce, and the leaders who choose collaboration over competition. It’s driven by the belief that this region’s best days aren’t behind us—they’re being built right now.
Yes, we are proud of our roots. Our equine industry is world-renowned and continues to anchor our global reputation. Our healthcare and manufacturing sectors are growing, creating new career pathways and strengthening our regional resilience. Our logistics advantages, central location, and quality of life make us increasingly attractive to companies looking to expand or relocate. Continue reading
By Tom James
‘We All Have Hidden Potential’
Mireyli Hernandez, Ameris Bank
Merriam-Webster describes art as “a personal, unanalyzable creative power” and “the faculty of executing well what one has devised.”
Art comes in an infinite number of forms, as Mireyli Hernandez proves.
“My artistic inspiration,” she says. “comes to life through welded metal art.”
A vice president and business banker with Ameris Bank, Mireyli describes using Fluxcore welding—a welding process using a continuously fed tubular electrode popular for its simplicity—to transform scrap metal into unique sculptures, most often working with stainless steel.
“I love incorporating materials like bearings, sprockets, bicycle chains, and everyday utensils—forks, spoons, and butter knives. Most of these pieces come from friends and others who pass along their leftover metal because they know I enjoy creating with it.” Continue reading
By Matt McCormick
When you’re new to a role, especially one rooted in community and connection, the best place to start is by listening. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with business leaders, partners, and stakeholders across Ocala and Marion County. Those conversations have been invaluable—not only in understanding where we are today, but in shaping where we’re headed next.
As we look toward 2026, the Ocala Chamber & Economic Partnership is entering the year with clarity around what matters most. Our work will be guided by three core priorities: growth, workforce development, and supporting our business community. These aren’t new ideas, but they are the right ones—and they are deeply connected.
Growth continues to be a driving force across our region. Businesses are expanding, new opportunities are emerging, and Ocala and Marion County are attracting attention for all the right reasons. The CEP’s role is to help support smart, sustainable growth—whether that’s through business attraction, expansion, or retention. It also means being a strong advocate on issues that directly affect growth, including transportation infrastructure and housing availability. These factors play a critical role in a company’s ability to invest, hire, and plan for the future. Continue reading
By TomL
I agree the county needs the money for infra structure. The only answer to the County tax is Impact fees, not for the builder but paid by newcomers.The newcomers are moving in… No Stampeding in here by the thousands. Crowding our roads and some times being disrespectful to current residents. The people wanting to move to Florida are here. The County needs County tax money to get ready for them and take care of the people already here. Stop trying to make your long time residents to pay for it!
IMPORTANT FACT: Actually the taxes is only a portion, as I have said to raise the taxes, the county raises is done by raising value of your home, the mortgage gets a great finance move they now have a house that is worth 3 times more than when they started and the insurance company’s pounces on it. They can charge more to insure this house that is now three times what it was value at when the mortgage started. They say they are charging replacement value. Guess who decides how much insurance you need on your home mortgage The Insurance company’s! With the county raising the value the insurance companies have a perfect storm to make a big profit. Board of County Commissioners please stop this! Turn your money raising efforts into a county assessment tax and don’t raise money on the back of the long time residents. Continue reading
By Tom James
‘Leadership In Its Purest Form’
Alex Sosa, B.B. Graphics
“Flying influences everything I do in life, including how I run my business.”
CEP partner Alex Sosa draws clear parallels between how he runs B.B. Graphics and how he approaches aviation.
“Being a captain teaches you leadership in its purest form,” he says, stressing the importance of details. “When people’s lives are in your hands, your decisions carry real weight. I approach business the same way—making sure our product is top-quality, our team is well-trained, and every client’s experience is seamless.”
Away from the office, it’s up, up, and away for Alex, who has built an unshakeable bond with the friendly skies starting the moment he received his high school diploma.
“I began my flight training right out of high school and aviation has taken me places I probably never would have seen otherwise.”
Flying runs deep in Alex’s family, as multiple family members have spent time in the cockpit. Continue reading
By Matt McCormick
It is a true honor to join the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership as your new president and CEO. During my visits to Ocala and my conversations with members of this remarkable community, one thing has become abundantly clear—this is a place defined by excitement, growth, energy, and collaboration. My family and I are beyond thrilled to make Ocala our new home.
The CEP’s mission is to be “the catalyst for a prosperous community.” At its core, our work is about helping businesses do business—and thrive—in a vibrant, growing region. We are also a “convener of collaboration,” because economic development never happens in isolation. It takes partnerships among business, government, education, and the broader community, all working toward shared success.
The CEP has a proud history of supporting businesses, driving growth initiatives, and serving as a strong advocate for this region. I’m eager to build on that legacy while staying partner-focused and mission-driven. Over the coming months, my focus will be on listening and learning—hearing directly from you about what matters most. What challenges are you facing? What opportunities excite you? And how can the CEP be a part of helping you achieve success? Continue reading
Tamara Fleischhaker has left the CEP Ocala Chamber for a great opportunity. Tamara has been hired by Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce as their President & CEO in Oak Ridge Tennessee.
She concluded her time with the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership after 19 and a half wonderful years. She said It has been an incredible journey serving the Marion County community and working alongside so many dedicated partners and colleagues.
Tamara ran the CEP Ocala as their Acting CEO while the Board was looking for a new CEO. The new CEO was chosen, after being announced he gave praise to Tamra for the great job she has done and thanked her. She will be missed.
Alex Sosa, B.B. Graphics
“Flying influences everything I do in life, including how I run my business.”
CEP partner Alex Sosa draws clear parallels between how he runs B.B. Graphics and how he approaches aviation.
“Being a captain teaches you leadership in its purest form,” he says, stressing the importance of details. “When people’s lives are in your hands, your decisions carry real weight. I approach business the same way—making sure our product is top-quality, our team is well-trained, and every client’s experience is seamless.”
Away from the office, it’s up, up, and away for Alex, who has built an unshakeable bond with the friendly skies starting the moment he received his high school diploma.
“I began my flight training right out of high school and aviation has taken me places I probably never would have seen otherwise.”
Flying runs deep in Alex’s family, as multiple family members have spent time in the cockpit. Continue reading
