Ocala News
The REC Marion County Monthly Meeting, will be held at Ocala Golf Banquet room located at 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470 FL, Monday July 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 6 PM. Next Month’s meeting at Ocala Golf Banquet Room on Monday Aug. 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 6 PM.
Forward Momentum
By Tamara Fleischhaker
In Ocala, horses are more than just a backdrop—they’re the rhythm of daily life, the foundation of local identity, and the lifeblood of a multi-billion-dollar economy. But thanks to the CEP’s Equine Initiative, they’re also becoming a source of inspiration for the next generation. What began as a simple effort to educate business partners about the equine industry’s scope has grown into something far greater, a community-wide movement that reaches classrooms, sidewalks, and civic events.
Where Hooves Meet Literacy: In a county with more than 80,000 horses, not every child has the chance to meet one. But that’s exactly what happens through the CEP’s literacy outreach, developed in partnership with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. These tiny, trained therapy horses visit schools to promote reading, kindness, and confidence. The result is a heartwarming experience where children, some reading aloud for the first time without fear, share books with a patient four-legged listener by their side. This unique program doesn’t just teach literacy—it fosters empathy, curiosity, and a newfound love of horses among students who may never have had that opportunity otherwise. Continue reading
By TomL
I love the CEP series about the schools interview with Lori Conrad. Many years ago while Obama was in office the Obama team led by Micheal Obama decided every child needed a college education.
So meanwhile while they were going through high school some passed algebra or trigonometry. I took a poll of people and ask 20 people if they had ever used either of these subjects in their lives. 99% said no never used it, one said he did, he was a pilot. They said that students had to pass algebra to graduate. They were stuck, who do they go to if they can’t do a math problem. “Their parents? Their parents had never had it in school so many children got discouraged and just quite. They were left behind only to finish their high school education outside the school system. Are beginning to get the point. Then COVID hit!
Back then I started saying we needed to look at the curriculum, it was then I started saying in my papers that it would not work. Boys and Girls or men and women graduate from college and there was not enough jobs requiring a college education. Who is going to drive trucks? Who is going to do jobs that you does not require a college degree. Of course the college graduate does not want to drive a truck or work in construction so they don’t take a job that back then for $5 or $6 per hour. After all they were a college graduate so the one’s without jobs floundered for a while until they had to take a job they did not want or starve. They applied their learning skills and wound up OK! Continue reading
Friends of the Ocala Public Library is holding its next clearance book sale beginning on Friday, August 1 for Friends members only, (but memberships are available at the door) from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm, and then opens to the general public on Saturday, August 2, 10 am-2 pm. Sale is held in the Ocala Public Library headquarters meeting rooms, 2720 Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
Proceeds of the sale benefit children and adult programs, materials, audio and ebooks, and staff development at Ocala main, Reddick, Ft. McCoy, and Sankofa branches of the Marion County Public Library system.
All childrens books and all paperback books are 25 cents each, and all hardbacks are 50 cents each. Cash and checks only.
Ocala Business Leaders is a group of local professionals who provide a wide range of quality goods and services to our community. Each business strives to maintain the highest level of professional integrity and customer satisfaction. When you’re looking for goods or services, call a member of Ocala Business Leaders
Friday, July 4, 2025 | 6 -10 p.m. | Free to attend
Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave.
Celebrate Independence Day with an unforgettable evening at Patriotic Skies! Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky, live music to keep you dancing, and a fun-filled Kids Zone featuring games and activities for the whole family. Satisfy your cravings with a variety of delicious food from local food trucks, offering everything from savory snacks to sweet treats. Whether you’re relaxing with loved ones or enjoying the entertainment, this free event is the perfect way to celebrate America’s birthday in style. Don’t miss out – bring your chairs, blankets, and your patriotic spirit!
Entertainers
Bryce Mauldin, originally from Webster, FL, is bringing serious Florida fire to the Nashville country scene. As a fully independent artist, he’s racked up over 20 million streams on his original music and built a massive following across social media with a sound that appeals to fans of both classic and modern country.
From high-energy hits like “City Limits”—channeling the rock-influenced edge of Jason Aldean—to the heartfelt, steel-guitar-driven “Seeing Somebody Else,” Bryce’s music spans generations and styles while staying true to his roots. His songwriting is personal yet universally relatable, giving a voice to fans through real-life storytelling.
With his distinctive style and growing momentum, Bryce Mauldin is quickly carving out his place as one of country music’s rising stars.
Emma Forgette
In the world of country music, few voices shine as brightly and authentically as Emma Forgette’s. Born in New Jersey but rooted in Ocala, Florida, Emma is quickly making her mark on the contemporary country scene.
She began her musical journey just three years ago at age 17, exploring opera, rock, pop, and theater, but always returning to her first love—country music. Her powerful voice and wide range draw comparisons to some of the genre’s greatest female artists, and her dream of performing at the Grand Ole Opry feels well within reach.
Emma’s musical foundation runs deep. She played first-chair flute through school and is now learning guitar, adding to her already impressive artistry. Offstage, she’s a true country girl—living on a family farm, collecting cowboy boots, and embracing the simple joys of rural life. Continue reading
Ocala, FL — The Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership has been named a finalist for the 2025 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Va., with over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.
The award, sponsored by GrowthZone, is the most prestigious and competitive award in the chamber industry, recognizing excellence in operations, member service and community leadership. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and impacted key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life.
“This year’s finalists represent excellence in the chamber industry,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Each has shown how chambers can lead as community partners, forward-thinking leaders and problem solvers to drive growth and make a lasting impact on regional prosperity. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.” Continue reading
June 2025
All About Joel: A Tribute to Billy Joel
Friday, June 13, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Tickets from $34
Join us for an unforgettable night of music as David Clark brings his acclaimed tribute show ALL ABOUT JOEL to the stage — a stunning celebration of Billy Joel’s greatest hits! With uncanny piano playing, spot-on vocals, and the charisma of the Piano Man himself, this Long Island native delivers a performance full of energy, storytelling, and nostalgia. Don’t miss this heartfelt homage by a lifelong fan and seasoned performer who’s shared the stage with members of Billy Joel’s original band.
Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $28
Get ready for an electrifying night of boundary-pushing jazz as the Daniel Bennett Group takes the stage! Hailed as one of the most original voices in modern music, New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett blends jazz, folk, and minimalism into a sound that’s both quirky and captivating. Joined by dynamic drummer/keyboardist Koko Bermejo and electric bassist Jeff Dingler, this award-winning trio delivers high-energy performances filled with inventive compositions and unexpected twists. Don’t miss the chance to experience their 10th studio album Mr. Bennett’s Mind live—an evening of music unlike anything you’ve heard before! Continue reading
This picture was taken by Tammy Griffin at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park while Nick Navetta and his wife Diana were honoring two of his Soldiers who were killed in action while serving in Iraq. Sergeant Rodney Alan Murray and Sergeant Arthur Stacey Mastrapa were killed on two separate incidents. Nick Navetta is listed as the Commander of the 317th Military Police Battalion. Nick expresses his deep condolences and prays for their families.
Nick and Diana have called Marion County their home for over 50 years. Their roots in Marion County are far reaching. Nick and his wife are part of many outreach programs they are proud to be a part of. They live by the same motto as one of the organizations they belong to, the Military Officer’s Association of America —“Never Stop Serving”. Colonel Navetta Nick served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia; multiple tours of Iraqi Freedom; and Enduring Freedom.
Nick has never stopped serving. On Veteran’s Day in 2009, Nick coordinated the SOCOM Parachute Team from MacDill Airforce Base to fly in and parachute into the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, landing in the middle of the crowd. They were men who worked under Nick at SOCOM. Enthusiastically Nick states, “That’s what these guys do. They’re that good!” His last duty position was the Training Division Chief for all Special Operations Worldwide at the United States Special Operations Command, or SOCOM for short. Continue reading
Pictured from left, Agent Gary Smith, Agent MacKenzie Sutton, Connie Ann Sivesind Pendleton.
What a team they won a number of award “the Million Dollar Plus sales award” “McKenzie won the #1 Top Co-Broker for the North Florida Division of the BBF” (Business Brokers of Florida).awards. Congratulations from TomL publishing!
