Ocala News
OCALA, Fla. – The Reilly Arts Center welcomes a variety of national and local artists for performances of rock, blues, jazz, classical and more this holiday season. Unless otherwise indicated, events are held at the Reilly Arts Center located at 500 NE 9th St. Ocala, FL 34470. Tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or by contacting the Reilly Arts Center box office at (352) 351-1606. Box office hours are 10 AM – 2 PM, Tuesday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Reilly Arts Center during box office hours.
Phantasmagoria XVI: Hauntingly Whimsical Tales
Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 7 PM | in the NOMA Black Box
Tickets: $25
Join Phantasmagoria as they celebrate Edward Gorey’s 100th Birthday Year with a hauntingly whimsical journey through his most iconic tales. Featuring storytelling, dance, puppetry, music, and more, this Halloween season production brings Gorey’s eerie yet enchanting worlds to life on stage.
CMC Fall Recital
Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM & 4 PM | AdventHealth Mainstage
Tickets: GA: $5 | 10 & Under: Free
Cheer on CMC students as they showcase their semester’s skills and talents in an engaging recital! This showcase will feature instrumental soloists and group class performances, with ticket proceeds supporting the CMC scholarship and programming fund.
Reilly Noir Series: Nesto’s Jazz Quartet
Friday, November 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM | in the NOMA Black Box
Tickets from $28
Experience the vibrant sounds of Nesto’s Jazz, led by bassist and bandleader David Ernesto Vanegas, blending North and South American rhythms with modern jazz. From hard bop to bossa nova, this ensemble delivers an unforgettable fusion of world grooves and timeless jazz traditions. Continue reading
Ocala, FL The Reilly Arts Center and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra are proud to announce a transformative $300,000 commitment from Stan and Martha Hanson to establish the “Adam Hanson Bringing Music to the Community Fund.”
This newly created fund will ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of age, background, or financial means, can experience the joy and power of live music. Through the fund, community members will have the opportunity to attend orchestra rehearsals and performances, and participate in educational programs that bring the music beyond the stage of the Reilly Arts Center and directly into schools, neighborhoods, and community spaces.
“Stan and Martha have been friends of the Ocala Symphony and the Reilly since we first walked through the old city auditorium together more than 11 years ago. I am so happy that their support through establishing this important fund will advance and create music education and entertainment opportunities throughout our community” shared Music Director and Conductor, Matthew Wardell.
“The Adam Hanson Bringing Music to the Community Fund beautifully reflects our mission to connect people through music and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can experience the magic of live performance,” said Natalie McComb, Executive Director. “We are deeply grateful to Stan and Martha Hanson for their extraordinary commitment to sharing the power of music.”
The fund will support several key organizational goals of the Ocala Symphony and Reilly Arts Center: 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.
Field trips to Discovery Center are a great way to enhance classroom lessons! We offer field trips for schools, home school groups, day care centers and summer camps.
The Discovery Center hosts field trips Tuesdays through Fridays, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The average field trip runs about two hours. All field trips include 45 minutes of free play in the current exhibit with the option to one of our add-on programs. Each program is approximately 45 minutes long. Students are put into a group rotation between the exhibit hall and classroom programs.
Group capacity is 90 people per day. Groups over 90 people will be booked for two or more days. Large groups will be booked for the closest consecutive days available at time of booking.
The Discovery Center serves over 35 schools and organizations in Marion County by providing engaging, hands-on science programming correlated to Florida State Standards. Continue reading
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
Following a comprehensive national search led by the CEP’s Executive Committee, McCormick was selected for his proven leadership, deep expertise in business and community development, and strong commitment to advancing the Ocala Metro.
McCormick brings 27 years of chamber and economic development leadership experience, most recently serving as President and CEO of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce in Columbia, Missouri. During his tenure, he championed workforce development initiatives, strengthened advocacy efforts at both the local and state level, and expanded the economic impact of the business community.
“On behalf of the board, we are thrilled to welcome Matt McCormick as the next leader of the CEP,” said Charisse Rivers, Chair of the Board. “What excites us most is not only his vision and energy, but his heart for people and community. We believe Matt will inspire collaboration, champion innovation, and carry forward the CEP’s mission of making Ocala and Marion County a place where families, leaders, and businesses can thrive for generations to come.”
In his new role, McCormick will lead the CEP’s strategic initiatives, partner engagement, advocacy efforts, and economic development programs to support businesses across the region.
“I am honored to be named President and CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership and to have the opportunity to serve this organization, the business community, and the region,” said McCormick. “The CEP has a tremendous foundation of supporting business growth and development, and I look forward to working with our team, partners, and community leaders to build an even stronger economic future for the region.”
The CEP also extends its deep appreciation to Interim CEO and Chief eXperience Officer Tamara Fleischhaker for her leadership and guidance throughout the transition.
Photo by Mabe Media
Ocala, FL The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership’s (CEP) Equine Initiative, presented by Pyranha Animal Health, is proud to announce the All-Breed Horse Capital of the World® Parade, taking place Saturday, October 4, at 10 a.m. in Downtown Ocala.
Presented by Pat Myers Electric, the parade will bring together horses of all breeds and disciplines to showcase the heart of the community and highlight one of the many reasons why Ocala/Marion County is recognized as the Horse Capital of the World®.
Spectators are encouraged to line the official parade route—which will include the Downtown Square and Citizens’ Circle—to enjoy a unique and family-friendly celebration of the equine industry.
“Being the only Chamber in the world that we know of that has an initiative like this is pretty special and we believe that this All-Breed Horse Parade through the downtown of ‘the horse capital’ best showcases the diversity of breeds who call Ocala/Marion County home. While always keeping the goal in mind of introducing non-horse people and the next generation to as many of the over 70 breeds in our community, who make up a 4.3-billion-dollar industry, we are almost certain to also provide the best in equine edutainment,” said Louisa Barton, Director of Equine Engagement at the Ocala Metro CEP.
The Ocala Police Department is partnering with the CEP to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
The All-Breed Horse Capital of the World® Parade is part of the CEP’s Equine Initiative, presented by Pyranha Animal Health, which works to strengthen the region’s position as a global equestrian hub. The CEP would also like to thank
Wilmek Construction for their support of this event. Continue reading
Ocala, FL –The Reilly Arts Center is proud to announce that the Country Club of Ocala’s Turnpike Cup Awards has raised $15,000 in support of the Reilly’s mission to bring world-class performances, music education, and cultural opportunities to Marion County.
The Turnpike Cup has grown from a friendly competition of eight players into a highly organized event with 28 members competing annually in a spirited Ryder Cup-style format. Founded by Bill Searcy, the Turnpike Cup is more than just a golf tournament – it has become a community of players and families who rally together year-round for camaraderie, competition, and philanthropy.
“I am so proud of the whole Turnpike Cup Family,” said Searcy. “TPC is all about competition, camaraderie and giving back. This was our 7th season and we have no signs of slowing down. I’m already planning next year’s season, we are heading to The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.” Continue reading
Suspect Arrested in Mall Shooting
A suspect was identified and arrested in the December 23, 2023, Paddock Mall shooting in Ocala.
Details on the suspect and the case:
– Suspect: was arrested on January 8, 2024, after a 16-day manhunt. He is charged with premeditated first-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.
– Victim: The shooting resulted in the death of 40-year-old man. Two other people were also injured.
– Motive: According to police,The suspect and the victim knew each other and had an ongoing conflict, suggesting the shooting was targeted.
– Capture:Suspect was apprehended at a home southwest of Ocala after a standoff with law enforcement, which included the Ocala Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service.
– Status of the case: Suspect has pleaded not guilty, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. His trial is currently scheduled to begin in June 2025.
Ocala, FL – (Sep. 10, 2025) – The Reilly Arts Center is proud to announce that the Country Club of Ocala’s Turnpike Cup Awards has raised $15,000 in support of the Reilly’s mission to bring world-class performances, music education, and cultural opportunities to Marion County.
The Turnpike Cup has grown from a friendly competition of eight players into a highly organized event with 28 members competing annually in a spirited Ryder Cup-style format. Founded by Bill Searcy, the Turnpike Cup is more than just a golf tournament – it has become a community of players and families who rally together year-round for camaraderie, competition, and philanthropy. Continue reading
