Ocala's 352 Preview Magazine 03/25

352 PREVIEW OCALA’S GUIDE TO E NTE RTA INMENT, NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN

celebrate

SPRING

Add these fun & flowery events to your must-do list!

03.25 VOLUME 6

NO.06

MOTIVATED SELLER

MOTIVATED SELLER

On Top Of The World – Williamsburg

Golden Hills

This premium lot and home overlooks the 13th hole at The Tortoise & The Hare golf course at OTOW. This 2-BR, 2-BA home has $10,000 in upgrades with beautiful views and $243,000 unmatched privacy.

Experience luxury with this exquisite home overlooking the Ocala National Golf Course. 3 BR, 3 BA, office, and 3-car garage. Enjoy open living with coffered ceilings and a gourmet kitchen perfect for entertaining. Located near WEC and Golden Ocala. $949,900

JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED

16+/- Acres - Near Florida Greenway & Trails

Luxury Living 10+/- Acres

Located near the Florida Horse Park is this incredible 16 +/- acre property with 2 BR, 2 BA plus office with open floor plan and loft.

Wraparound porch welcomes you home to this beautiful log cabin.

New HVAC, roof, floors, generator and propane tank. $1,225,000

4-BR, 3.5-BA pool home with cathedral ceilings, stunning gas fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen. Equestrian amenities include an all-weather arena, and fenced paddocks. Enjoy deeded access to the Florida Greenway trail system. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! $2,200,000

JUST LISTED

Equestrian Estate - 48.5 +/- Acres Charming 4-BR, 4-BA residence boasts abundant natural light thanks to ample windows and a delightful screen-enclosed wraparound porch. It includes a 16-stall barn, 7 large paddocks, three covered equipment buildings, and riding trails, all situated on fully fenced land adorned with beautiful mature oak trees. Enjoy the serene country lifestyle while benefiting from the conveniences of The Villages, just minutes away. $2,789,000

Let Me Show You Ocala!

190+/-, 210+/- or 400+ Acres of Premier Equine Facilities

NW Marion County Equestrian Estate. Meticulously designed for both functionality and elegance. This remarkable property is available in its entirety or divided into two options: 190+/- acres or 210+/- acres. Option 1: 190+/- acres, this exceptional farm features a 5 ,400+/- square foot breeding barn with six premium stalls, a holding stall, and a dedicated observance/vet/office area. West wing includes a spacious 40’x40’ breeding shed with a cushioned concrete floor. Adjacent to the breeding barn are two stallion barns each with seven spacious 16x16 stalls, wash areas with protective rubber matting and tack/feed areas. The general manager’s residence includes 1,884 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and two baths. Includes maintenance workshop, ample parking space, and elevated loading docks near barns. Fiber optic internet ensures modern connectivity amidst nature. A separate 3-bedroom, 3-bath employee residence rounds out this extraordinary property. Option 2: 210+/- acres, includes an elegant 3,984-square-foot office area with a lobby, private offices, and meeting rooms. The broodmare barn features 27 stalls in 9,618 square feet, along with luxury training barn with 23 stalls. Two additional homes on 18+/- acres each also for sale. With its wealth of amenities and unmatched quality, this exceptional equestrian property is a must-see. Call For Pricing

If you’re considering buying or selling, give us a call today!

List your property with Joan Pletcher... Our results speak for themselves.

For these and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos and more choices.

Call or Text: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates and land available that are not advertised.

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352 PREVIEW OCALA’S GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN

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* CONTENTS 03.25

OCALA’S GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT

NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN

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IN BLOOM CELEBRATE THE SPRING SEASON

BY ADDING THESE FAVORITE FESTIVALS TO YOUR CALENDAR.

06 | TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 & MORE

Orchid photo courtesy of National Parks System; Bite-Sized Bits photo courtesy of CAVA

A handy guide to get you going and keep you busy this month.

WATCH 12 | CONCERT SPOTLIGHT

Last-minute tickets and local shows you won’t want to miss.

14 | CHAOS UNDER CONTROL

Artist Cara VL brings unique perspective to her work.

16 | BANJOS & BLUEGRASS The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hosted the second annual Brick City Bluegrass Festival in downtown Ocala.

18 | HISTORY AT HAND

Celebrate Florida’s storied past at these historical forts.

CRAVE

24 EXPLORE 20 | ON SAFARI!

Hands-on interactions make Giraffe Ranch a one-of-a kind adventure.

22 | TEE TIME

The Ocala Open delivers an outstanding experience for players and spectators alike.

24 | BEYOND THE SWAMP

A trip to Everglades National Park will open your eyes to all the natural beauty South Florida has to offer.

28 | ONCE UPON A TIME

The mayor of Belleview invites local kids to enjoy Storytime with the Mayor.

36 | CRAFTED WITH CARE Savor a spirited adventure at Fish Hawk Spirits Distillery tours.

38 | BITE-SIZED BITS TODAY, HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION, LESS THAN HALF OF THE HISTORIC EVERGLADES ECOSYSTEM REMAINS DUE TO DECADES OF DRAINING WETLANDS AND RECLAIMING LAND FOR AGRICULTURE AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.

Restaurant news and foodie fun to keep your palate up to date.

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TOP TEN 03.25

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RETRO

ONE OCALA RV SHOW MARCH 6-9 Looking for your new recreational vehicle? Head to the Florida Horse Park for North Central Florida’s largest RV show. The event will showcase campers from multiple dealers from all over the state. The show takes place from 9am-5pm on Thursday-Saturday and 10am4pm on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, and kids under 16 are free.

Parking is also free. Learn more at frvta.org/show/ocala-rv-show.

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SOUNDS

AT FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK

MARCH 7

This free event features live performances by talented tribute artists and bands, taking you through the decades with all your favorite classic hits. The evening begins with a lively 1920s dance performance featuring Dance by Sheila from 6-6:30pm. Next, from 6:30-7pm, the Arthur Murray Dance Center will offer free themed dance lessons, where you’ll learn how to dance the Charleston and more.

Then, Vivacity will take the stage for a razzle-dazzle two-hour performance of Roaring ‘20s Gatsby Jazz.

Attendees will enjoy over 40 visual art displays along the downtown sidewalks, with free activities featuring a 1920s theme hosted by local arts organizations on the downtown square.

Additionally, the event will feature a vintage car show by the Ocala Street Cruisers.

For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/retrosounds.

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MARION COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS’ SPRING FESTIVAL MARCH 8-9

The UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardeners host the Spring Festival at the Southeastern Livestock Pavillion in Ocala from 8am-4pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. The main event of the festival is the plant sale, featuring Florida-Friendly and tropical trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables and herbs. The festival also includes educational seminars, garden décor for sale, food trucks, a mobile plant clinic, a kidzone featuring a butterfly tent and certified vendors. Learn more at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu.

Butterfly photo courtesy of Master Gardener Festival; Levitt Amp photos by Ralph Demilio, courtesy of City of Ocala; Marion County Day photo by Brandon Kalloo

A HANDY GUIDE TO GET YOU GOING AND KEEP YOU BUSY THIS MONTH

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LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL MARCH 13-16

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KENYA’S KIDS EXHIBIT

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MAY 10 Families are invited to embark on an exciting cultural adventure at the Discovery Center’s newest exhibit, Kenya’s Kids. Running through May 10, this immersive experience provides a window into the daily lives of children in Kenya, a country where modern advancements blend seamlessly with rich traditions. Through five engaging, hands-on environments, visitors of all ages can explore and compare the similarities and differences between their lives and those of children in East Africa. For more information, visit mydiscoverycenter.org.

Celebrating 34 years of equestrian excellence, Live Oak International returns as America’s largest combined driving and show jumping tournament.

Event takes place at Live Oak Stud in Ocala and anticipates over 200 horses from more than 20 countries, showcasing top talent in both equestrian disciplines. Single-day tickets are $15, or get a four-day pass for $45. Learn more at liveoakinternational.com.

OCALA BUYERS BAZAAR MARCH 15-16

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Featuring over 100 sellers offering an incredible array of antique and collectible items, this event takes place at the World Equestrian Center from 9am-4pm on Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday. Early bird admission gets you into the event at 8am on Saturday and must be purchased online in advance.

Regular admission is $7. Children 12 and under are free, and parking is free. Learn more at bmgevents.com/sale.html.

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LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES MARCH 14 This free, outdoor concert series will bring 10 weeks of live music to the community, offering a family-friendly experience. Concerts will take place every Friday through May 16 at Webb Field from 6-8pm. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the performances in a relaxed outdoor setting. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/levittamp.

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SOUTHEASTERN PRO RODEO MARCH 14-15 Get ready for two jam-packed performances filled with exciting competition in breakaway roping, saddle and bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, the most dangerous eight seconds in any sport, bull riding and more. Performances begin at 7:30pm, gates open at 5:30pm. Tickets are $25.

Children 5 and under are free. Friday, kids ages 6-11 are $15 with an adult.

Learn more at ocalarodeo.com.

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS MARCH 20-APRIL 6 In 1934, the famed Orient Express is hurtling through wintry western Europe with iconic detective Hercule Poirot among the passengers.

Performances take place on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Purchase tickets at ocalacivictheatre.com.

MARION COUNTY DAY MARCH 29

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Celebrate Marion County’s 181-year history at Marion County Day, featuring food trucks, local arts and crafts vendors, fun activities and more.

Admission is free, so bring your friends and family and listen to presentations from local historians and view artifacts from Marion County’s history. The event takes place from 10am-2pm at the McPherson Governmental Complex.

Visit marionfl.org for more information.

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& MORE 03.25 CF WEBBER GALLERY ART EXHIBIT THROUGH MARCH 12

The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery invites the community to explore the unique qualities of navigating life in the American Southeast at the Michael Mallard: Recent Work exhibition on view through March 12. Mallard’s colorful pieces blend everyday objects and symbolic imagery to tell layered stories about identify, place and experience. The community is invited to the exhibition’s closing reception on March 12 at 12:30pm.

The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus. Hours are 10am-4pm Monday-Thursday, and admission is free. cf.edu/webber

celebrating Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-year milestone with the exhibition To the MAX: Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-Year Anniversary.

On view February 15-through May 18 in the second-floor Preview Gallery, the show includes MAX’s 2025 Resident Artists: Rod Acosta, Kendra Brazzel, Joan Elizabeth, Sarah Lajealle, Z Reyes and Tyrek Studivant. A Resident Art Talk will take place on March 1 from 11am12:30pm. Join MAX’s six Resident Artists in the Appleton auditorium on the March 1 Free First Saturday for a featured talk focusing on their work and inspiration as artists. Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. appletonmuseum.org

APPLETON MUSEUM ART EXHIBIT THROUGH AUGUST 3

2025 WINTER SPECTACULAR SHOW SERIES THROUGH MARCH 23 The World Equestrian Center 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series features world-class hunter/jumper competition sanctioned by U.S. Equestrian and the Fédération Equestre International. Slated to be the best winter circuit yet, exhibitors can expect exciting additions to the schedule and facility, with seven additional outdoor rings for schooling and exhibition.

Learn more about the events at worldequestriancenter.com.

MAX 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EXHIBIT THROUGH MAY 18 The Appleton Museum of Art announces its participation in 8

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The Appleton Museum of Art presents What If Eye: Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid Eitharong, on view through August 3 in the first-floor Edith-Marie Gallery. As a young man visiting the Kennedy Space Center with a friend, Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong remarked of an impressive wall mural, “I bet I could draw that.”

Winning that bet was the genesis of a long and successful career in art. Through more than 50 works, visitors can experience Eitharong’s artistic evolution that has resulted in three distinct bodies of work: pencil portraits and figure drawings, mixed-media assemblages and explosively colorful and magnetic acrylic paintings. Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. appletonmuseum.org

HABITAT OCALA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL MARCH 1 The 11th annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival is coming to the McPherson Governmental Complex.

The festival begins at 9am with free admission and ends at 5pm. The festival features over 230 unique and exciting vendors, live music, a kids’ zone with a petting zoo, strawberry food items that melt in your mouth, a bigger-than-ever car show, a pieeating contest, nonprofit vendor booths and a BMX show. All proceeds raised at the annual Strawberry Festival will be used to build a new home for a low-income family. habitatocala.org/strawberry

DOGGONE GOOD READING MARCH 1 Children grades first through fifth are invited to come read to a Humane Society of Marion County dog at 11am and 1pm. Class is for one hour and starts promptly. A parent/guardian must accompany the child and stay at the shelter (in a separate area) while the child reads.

Register in advance at thehsmc.org/ doggone-good-reading-program.

FREE FIRST SATURDAY MARCH 1 Visit the Appleton Museum of Art for Free First Saturday. Admission to the museum is free from 10am-5pm.

Explore the permanent collection and special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. Head to the auditorium at 11am for a talk by Magnolia Art Xchange’s 2025 Resident Artists, whose works are featured in the exhibition To the MAX. The Casita Luna and Donut Express food trucks will be on-site throughout the day, as will Humane Society of Marion County. Saturday hours are 10am5pm. appletonmuseum.org

FLORIDA LINEMAN COMPETITION MARCH 1 Ocala Electric Utility, in collaboration with the Florida Municipal Electric Association, will once again host the 2025 Florida Lineman Competition at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. This prestigious event will

bring together skilled line workers from across Florida and beyond to compete in a series of rigorous challenges that showcase their expertise, dedication to safety and commitment to powering our communities. The event begins with opening ceremonies at 8am, and competitions will run until approximately 3pm. Admission is free, and the event will feature family-friendly activities, local food trucks and information about careers in the electric utility industry. flpublicpower.com

NIGHT AT THE FARM MARCH 1 The College of Central Florida Foundation will host its annual Night at the Farm fundraising gala from 6-8:30pm at the CF Vintage Farm Campus, located at 4020 SE Third Ave., Ocala. All proceeds from this party with a purpose create scholarship opportunities for College of Central Florida students.

Over the past five years, the CF Foundation has raised more than $423,000 through the Night at the Farm event. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres featuring the flavors of Florida and live music by Michael Smith (The String Smith). Cocktail attire is recommended for this upscale event. nightatthefarm.org

PROGRAMS IN THE PARKS: ASTRONOMY NIGHT MARCH 1 Meet up with some of the Central Florida astronomy clubs to stargaze and learn about our night skies. The director and associates from Gainesville’s UF Observatory will bring out telescopes. Bring your chairs and blankets. The event takes place at the Ocala Regional Sportsplex from 6-9pm. ocalafl.gov/recpark

OCALA SPRING CRAFT FAIR MARCH 1-2 Step into a world of creativity and

craftsmanship at the 2nd Annual Ocala Spring Craft Fair. Taking place at the World Equestrian Center in Expo Center 2, this exciting twoday event will feature over 200 of the region’s finest artisans and crafters showcasing their talents.

The fair will take place from 10am5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Advance tickets are $6.09 from ages 13-59 and $5.01 for seniors over 60. Day-of tickets are $7 and $6. Children 12 and under are free, and parking is free. bmgevents.com/springcraft.html

SANTOS FAT TIRE FESTIVAL MARCH 6-9 The festival is hosted annually each March by Ocala Mountain Bike Association in partnership with the Florida State Parks and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The festival features the Epic 50 Ride on Saturday, camping at the adjacent Santos Campground, a huge vendor village with bike booths and food trucks, and skills clinics. Proceeds from the festival benefit trail maintenance and building, safety patrol training and equipment. santosfattire.com

CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT MARCH 7 The Greater Ocala Woman’s Club will host a charity golf tournament to benefit Arnette House and Hands of Mercy Everywhere at the Ocala Golf Club. All net proceeds from this event will go directly to these two organizations, helping them continue their life-changing work. Registration and lunch start at 11am with a shotgun start at noon and awards and light refreshments at 5pm.

Registration is $70 for one player and $250 for a foursome. gowc.org

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION MARCH 7 Ollin Women International will be celebrating International Women’s

Day to honor women in law and government. The luncheon event will be from 11:30am-1pm at the CF Klein Center. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased on eventbrite.com.

PIONEER WOMEN’S HISTORY DAYS MARCH 7-8 Celebrate the contributions of 1800’s women and their impact on society today. Head to Fort King National Historic Landmark and Visitor Center for live demonstrations by fiber artisans, tea masters, fashion showcases, games and a special presentation on Lady Lighthouse Keepers. The event takes place from 10am-3pm both days. The event is free and open to all ages. fortkingocala.com

YOUTH, TRICKSTERS, AND METAMORPHOSIS MARCH 8 & 9 Join the Ocala Symphony Orchestra for an exhilarating evening of music and talent, featuring performances by two exceptional young concerto competition winners. The night will showcase the playful mischief of Richard Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel, a musical romp that captures the adventures of the legendary German trickster with thrilling orchestration.

The program continues with Paul Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber, a masterpiece of transformation that weaves Weber’s melodies into a rich tapestry of modern sound. An open rehearsal will take place on March 7 at 7pm.

The Saturday show takes place at 7:30pm, and the Sunday show takes place at 3pm. reillyartscenter.com

COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA PREVIEW MARCH 11 The College of Central Florida invites anyone thinking about college to attend this preview event on from 5-7pm at the Ewers Century

Center on the CF Ocala Campus.

Representatives from admissions, financial aid, student services, clubs and organizations will help attendees plan their successful college experience. The $30 application fee is waived for anyone who applies at the event. Attendees who complete a survey will get a CF T-shirt and will be entered to win free tuition for one three-credit undergraduate class at the in-state tuition rate. cf.edu/preview

FINANCIAL EDUCATION WORKSHOP SERIES MARCH 11 The City of Belleview is proud to announce a new partnership with Mid-Florida Credit Union to present “Smart Money: Empowering Through Financial Education,” a monthly workshop series designed to provide essential financial knowledge and skills to the community. These workshops will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Belleview Community Center and are open to the public. This educational initiative will cover a wide range of topics critical to financial well-being, including paying for college (March 11), senior planning (April 8) and workplace transition (May 13). For more information, please contact Robert Vass at rvass@belleviewfl.org.

HOMESCHOOL HUB PROGRAM MARCH 12 The City of Belleview recently launched the Homeschool Hub: Community Connection Series, a new monthly program tailored to meet the needs of homeschooled children and their families. The program will take place on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to 2pm at the Belleview Community Center.

The March event centers around civic engagement and community service. Homeschool families are

invited to join this free program.

Space is limited, and registration is required to ensure materials are available for all participants.

To register, email Robert Vass at rvass@belleviewfl.org.

CHOPPER COPS BEHINDTHE-SCENES TOUR MARCH 12 Join Master the Possibilities Education Center behind-thescenes tour of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office hangar featured in the Paramount+ program Chopper Cops. Have you wondered what it takes to fly a helicopter and do that while actively pursuing a suspect?

Cost for Master the Possibilities members is $5 or $10 for the general public. Register in advance at masterthepossibilities.org.

STEVE HOFSTETTER MARCH 12 One of YouTube’s most popular comics with over 225 million views and half a billion more on Facebook, Hofstetter was the host and executive producer of Laughs, and he has been on CBS’ The Late Late Show, E! True Hollywood Story, and more. He’s sold out shows in hundreds of cities and dozens of countries. Now is your chance to find out what the fuss is about during this no-holds-barred standup performance, featuring some of his unfiltered observations about life. Tickets for the show start at $25, and the show takes place at the Marion Theatre at 7pm. mariontheatre.org

PI DAY CELEBRATION MARCH 14 How many numbers of pi can you recite? Join the Discovery Center for a day of pi-filled activities and an extra special scavenger hunt. The event takes place from 10am-4pm, with a special “pieing” at 3:14pm.

The event is free with admission. mydiscoverycenter.org MAR ‘25

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BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING SLOW ABOUT OCALA & MARION COUNTY

TWIST & SHOUT ‘50S SOCK HOP PARTY MARCH 14 Dress to impress in your ‘50s best, and get ready to rock around the clock at the Twist & Shout ‘50s Sock Hop Party. The event features live music by The Holy Rocka Rollaz, food at the Fat Tiki Food Truck, milkshakes and ice cream at Mr. B’s Big Scoop, and a cruise-in car show. The event takes place at Circle Square Commons from 5-9pm. circlesquarecommons.com

SIT DOWN FOR STAND UP MARCH 14 You won’t want to miss this live stand-up comedy event featuring three talented and hilarious comics. The event is headlined

by JJ Curry, and the featured comedian is Farzin Moradi, a comedian based out of New York City. The event is hosted by comedian Sierra Layko and takes place at the Marion Theatre. Tickets start at $15, and guests must be 21 and over. reillyartscenter.com

TEE UP FOR TLC CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT MARCH 15 Join Transitions Life Center on the green at the Country Club of Ocala for a day of golf, fun, prizes and more.

A fundraiser for TLC, Transitions Life Center provides a safe, caring and enriching community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30am with a shotgun start at 9am. Team registration for a foursome is $750 and includes a continental breakfast, prizes and raffles, green fees, lunch ceremony, four drink tickets and swag gear. Additional mulligans are $20. tlcocala.org/golf

BUNCO FOR A CAUSE MARCH 15 Join the Pilot Club of Ocala for an afternoon of fun, food and friends 10

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while rolling the dice for a cause.

The event takes place at the Ocala Golf Club, located at 3130 East Silver Springs Boulevard. The doors open at 12:45pm, and dice roll happens at 1:30pm. Wear green for St. Patrick’s Day! There will be raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing and door prizes. Proceeds benefit the group’s community projects. The group is also collecting dog and cat food, treats, litter, training pads and toys for Marion Senior Services. You’ll receive an extra raffle ticket for every two items donated. Tickets are $25 and available for purchase at PIP Printing, Holder Insurance or by calling (352) 875-5352.

PROGRAMS IN THE PARKS: GATORS, GOPHERS AND GECKOS MARCH 15 The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host this event at the Heritage Nature Conservancy from 11am-12pm.

Learn about all the reptiles found in our parks, encompassing both native and invasive species that have originated from the pet trade. ocalafl.gov/recpark

IRISH EYES ARE MILE’ING 5K MARCH 15 This race is presented by the local youth running club the Ocala Distance Project. Race day registration is $40 cash or check only and may not include a shirt.

Medals will be presented to the first 200 finishers. The race takes place at Citizens’ Circle from 8-9:30am. irisheyesaremileing.itsyourrace.com

ART FOR ANIMALS TATTOO CHARITY EVENT MARCH 15 Humane Society of Marion County and Fist City Tattoo are hosting this fundraiser, with 100 percent of shop proceeds helping animals in need at our local Humane Society of Marion County. Pre-selected tattoo designs start at $50. Fist City

Tattoo is located at 1905 SW College Road, and the event starts at 12pm noon. The event also includes plenty of food and pet adoptions. thehsmc.org/events

HUMANE SOCIETY OF MARION COUNTY SPRING CAMP MARCH 17-21 Children in grades first through fifth are welcome to learn all about reptiles, amphibians, mammals, aquatic animals and birds. The camp will also feature activities, games, movies, crafts, animal interactions, guest speakers and more. Morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack will be provided. Camp hours are 8am-4pm with extended hours of 7:30am-5pm for an extra $25. The cost is $225 for five days. If you have questions, email aryan@thehsmc.org or call (352) 873-7387, ext. 202.

DOWN FOR DONUTS MARCH 22 Head to Iron Legion Strength + Combat from 8am-5pm for a day of fitness, fun and fundraising.

Compete in various challenges, meet like-minded individuals and support a wonderful cause. Ticket proceeds and donations will benefit Down syndrome awareness programs and GiGi’s Playhouse, a fantastic organization supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. ironlegionsc.com

KING OF THE WING MARCH 25 Join the Marion County Building Industry Association for its signature annual fundraiser, supporting The Arc of Marion. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere filled with delicious wings, live music and opportunities to connect with the community.

Your $25 ticket includes wing samplings from every competitor and two refreshing beverages. The event takes place from 5-8pm at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. facebook.com/mcbia.kow

ANNUAL YARD SALE MARCH 29 All are invited to downtown Ocala’s Big Spring Fling Yard Sale to shop quality preloved items for your garden and home from 8am-2pm, at the Grace Episcopal Church Parish Hall located at 503 SE Broadway Street. Proceeds benefit local women and children in need. To donate items or for more information, call Elaine at (704) 840-6897.

AUTHOR TALK MARCH 29 Wrap up Women’s History Month with a special presentation by author Betty Jean Steinshouer that examines the Jim Crowera friendship between two of Florida’s most celebrated authors: Majorie Kinnan Rawlings and Zora Neale Hurston. The talk takes place at the Headquarters of the Ocala Public Library at 11am. friendsoftheocalalibrary.org

KIDFEST & CAMP FAIR MARCH 29 The KidFest & Camp Fair heads to the Paddock Mall from 10am-3pm.

This event is loaded with important information from family-friendly resources and fun summer programs. Kids can participate in hands-on activities that vendors will offer. Free weeks of camp along with other prizes will be given away by vendors. Learn more and RSVP for free at ocalakidfest.eventbrite.com.

ODE TO JOY: BEETHOVEN’S 9TH SYMPHONY MARCH 30 Matthew Wardell leads the Ocala Symphony Orchestra with the College of Central Florida Patriot Singers and Ocala Symphony Chorus, led by the talented Joshua Mazur, will join forces with four world-class soloists to bring this epic work to life. The show takes place at 3pm at the Reilly Arts Center. reillyartscenter.com

ABOARD! L L A

Agatha Christie’s

RATED PG

Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig

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WHAT IF EYE

Fifty Years of Exploration with Ummarid Eitharong

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WHAT IF EYE opportunity college-with Ummarid Eitharong Fifty Years-anofequal Exploration

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL | AppletonMuseum.org “What If Eye” is sponsored by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO).

WHAT IF EYE

MAR ‘25

11

WATCH

TICKETS

PLEASE

LIVE & LOCAL STAYIN’ ALIVE – ONE NIGHT OF THE BEE GEES

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MAR SUNSET SONGS SERIES: CLOVER'S REVENGE

12

DOWNTOWN SQUARE

The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host the free Spring Sunset Songs Series at the downtown square from 6-8pm.

The March show features Clover’s Revenge. The group combines the acoustic traditions of pub music with the raw energy of Celtic punk rock. This trio delivers intricate harmonies, complex rhythms and original lyrics at breakneck speed. Learn more and see upcoming shows in the series at ocalafl.gov/sunsetsongsseries.

HEARHER E TIM HARGIS

MARCH 6 CIRCLE SQUARE COMMONS

KATHLEEN KANE

MARCH 7 YELLOW PONY

JAMES CAROTHERS MARCH 8 THE BLACK SHEEP ON BROADWAY

BECKY BABY

MARCH 13 CANTINA TEX MEX TEQUILA BAR

ZAC PETTY

MARCH 16 EATON’S BEACH SANDBAR & GRILL 12

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CLIFF DORSEY

MAY 10 MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE AT THE FL STATE FAIRGROUNDS, TAMPA

SHAKIRA

JUNE 4 CAMPING WORLD STADIUM, ORLANDO

METALLICA

JUNE 6 & 8 RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM, TAMPA

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JUNE 10 CAMPING WORLD STADIUM, ORLANDO

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MARCH 19 YELLOW PONY

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MARCH 22 CHARLIE HORSE

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MARCH 22 BANK STREET PATIO BAR

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MARCH 23 HORSE & HOUNDS

SANDRA & ALEX LEKID MARCH 28 INFINITE ALE WORKS AT MIDTOWN STATION

JUNE 20 MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE AT THE FL STATE FAIRGROUNDS, TAMPA JUNE 23 DAILY’S PLACE, JACKSONVILLE

SHANIA TWAIN

JULY 29 DAILY’S PLACE, JACKSONVILLE

KATY PERRY

AUGUST 22 AMALIE ARENA, TAMPA

MAR 1 | CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER

Stayin’ Alive offers their audiences the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees playlist, singing blockbusters such as “Night Fever,” “Jive Talkin’,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “Nights on Broadway” and “Stayin’ Alive.”

MAHARAJAH FLAMENCO TRIO

MAR 21 | REILLY ARTS CENTER Maharajah Flamenco Trio delivers a moving and dynamic expression of Flamenco Nuevo (new or modern Flamenco) by blending traditional Spanish rhythms with jazz, classical and world music.

RHONDA VINCENT

MAR 23 | ORANGE BLOSSOM OPRY

Hailed the “Queen of Bluegrass” with her powerful voice, impeccable musicianship and infectious personality, Rhonda Vincent and her band The Rage offer a unique and dynamic sound that is both classic and contemporary with classic bluegrass standards and original music.

ALEX CUBA

MAR 28 | PHILLIPS CENTER, UF PERFORMING ARTS Alex Cuba’s sweet melodies, popsoul hooks and powerful guitar riffs abandon the conventional stereotype that is found in much of the Latin music landscape.

Born in Cuba and now residing in Canada, he effortlessly blends the rich melodies of his Cuban roots with North American influences.

Photo courtesy of Clover's Revenge

BILLY IDOL

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Good Neighbor

SPOTLIGHT

newlyweds, Stephen and Joy Zedler found their love for caring for A schildren through their work together at a children’s center. Their passion

for parenting and their heart for children sparked their calling to serve as foster parents. Joy’s background in social work and Stephen’s in education prepared them for complex parenting situations and tending to the emotional needs of children. In 2018, the couple created The Pearl Project, a nonprofit local to Ocala, to support families with children who are impacted by trauma, train parents to be better equipped to manage emotional distress and foster connection, resilience and healing in the home. Some of the therapeutic services offered include mindfulness classes for parents, community-based nights where parents and children can participate in connection activities, in-home coaching programs, training in regulation skills, nurture groups and a Circle of Security class. The Pearl Project also holds a contract with Marion County’s Early Childhood Court, which allows them to aid in the reunification of biological families. The nonprofit has experienced significant growth since its inception, as businesses, churches and other nonprofits have generously donated their time and resources to further its mission, and Joy and Stephen express their gratitude for the citizens of Ocala and local community leaders who recognize the importance of their work. For more information and for ways you can get involved, visit thepearlproject.org.

To nominate a Good Neighbor for next month’s highlight, please email carlie@angielewis.com.

AUTO · HOME · RENTERS · LIFE · HEALTH · COMMERCIAL 416 E Fort King Street, Ocala 352.291.2444 angielewis.com

MAR ‘25

13

WATCH

CHAOS UNDER CONTROL ARTIST CARA VL BRINGS UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE TO HER WORK. WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

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Photos courtesy of Cara Van Leuven

A

ddictions are usually considered negative.

But artist Cara Van Leuven considers her obsession with horses a lifelong addiction with positive ramifications.

Growing up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Cara rode hunters and jumpers and competed. Her first show horse was a Thoroughbred who, ironically, was bred in Ocala.

When her career as a graphic designer and photojournalist took her around the country, she didn’t own a horse for many years. She was living in St. Louis when the 2008 financial crisis upended life as she knew it.

“I was laid off from my marketing job, had to short-sell my house and lost everything. I lived in an artist loft, and the only work I could find was as a carriage driver, which reunited me with horses,” she relates.

Although she’s never taken an art class, she was always creative, so she started drawing and painting her favorite subject—horses.

“My life did a 180 with the horses and art,” says Cara, who’s known in the art world as Cara VL. “When I lived in the loft, there were canvases everywhere,” says Cara. “We’d gesso over them, so you were always painting on top of texture.

Now I start all my paintings with a base coat, and they are highly layered and textured.”

Although she started painting with acrylics, today her work is all oils.

Her subject matter is always equine, but

these horses are more magical and ethereal than realistic.

“When I first started painting, my horses had huge eyes,” she notes. “Then the legs started getting longer, reflecting the fragility of the horse and of life in general. I’m inspired by the horses themselves.

Part of my job is just looking at horses and daydreaming.”

Cara first visited Ocala in 2012; she started wintering here in 2018 and moved to Marion Country to live full time in December 2023.

She lives in the Williston area and shares life with multiple animal friends: Ares, an AngloArab gelding; Easel, a miniature horse; Chill, a 3-legged Kelpie-Border Collie cross; and two cats named Coon Dog and Bird Dog.

Every inch of Cara’s artwork is original. She buys antique frames, restores them and then mounts her paintings, which range in size from 5x7 inches to 6x6 feet.

She’s the VIP artist in the dressage lounge at Wellington and was VIP artist at the 2024 Live Oak International where she’ll appear again March 13-16, 2025.

Cara sells many of her pieces online through social media. Locally, her work is displayed at Marion Cultural Alliance, The Juniper General Store and Good Apple Tack Shop.

She did a show in Amsterdam last year, and this summer she plans to hit the road and exhibit at horse shows.

“I have very big dreams, and each step I take I try to get a little closer to those dreams,” says Cara.

ARTIST CARAVL caravl.com liveoakinternational.com

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WATCH

BANJOS & BLUEGRASS PHOTOGRAPHED BY JUSTIN MACDONALD

AMY & CHRIS BIGGS

JOEY & JESSICA PARRIS

FEB 1 | CITIZENS’ CIRCLE

T

he City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hosted the second annual Brick City Bluegrass Festival in downtown Ocala. This festival offered attendees an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of live bluegrass music from a selection of well-known national and regional bands in a family-friendly outdoor setting.

The 2025 lineup included The Wandering Hours, Unspoken Tradition, East Nash Grass, Pert Near Sandstone and Arkansauce.

These performers are recognized across the bluegrass community for their unique takes on traditional and modern bluegrass, blending intricate instrumentation and vocal harmonies. Learn more about the festival at ocalafl.gov/brickcitybluegrass.

PERT NEAR SANDSTONE

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WATCH

HISTORY AT HAND CELEBRATE FLORIDA’S STORIED PAST AT THESE HISTORICAL FORTS. WRITTEN BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

F

lorida has a rich history that’s worth exploring, and one of the best ways to do that is to visit one of our state’s historic forts. Here’s a few we recommend to get you started on your historical journey.

CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS No roundup of Florida forts would be complete without the most famous one, the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. At more than 300 years old, it’s the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Construction on the fort was completed in 1695, and it came under attack for the first time in 1702 when the British tried to take the city from the Spanish. Eventually the city was placed under British control with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, and the fort was used as a military prison.

Florida was returned to Spain in 1784 became a U.S. territory in 1821. The fort was taken off the active list of fortifications in 1900 and was recognized as a national monument in 1924.

On any given day about 3,000 people visit the fort, which is situated on 2.5 acres on the Atlantic Coast. The $15 admission for ages 16 and over (free for 15 and under) will allow visitors to explore the fort with self-guided tours. Maps and brochures are available and will take you through prison cells, casements, the courtyard and more. Men and women in period dress share presentations of daily life and experiences of the colonists who lived in the area. Time your visit to take in a chest-pounding cannonball firing or weapons demonstration on Saturdays and Sundays. Firings take place on the gundeck, weather permitting, in the morning at 10:30am and 11:30am and again in the afternoon at 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm. Throughout the day, park rangers give interpretive talks on the fort’s history.

Plan to spend between two and three hours exploring the intricate nooks and crannies of this historical. Check out nps.gov to learn more.

FORT CLINCH STATE PARK FERNANDINA BEACH

With construction starting in 1847, Fort Clinch was designed to protect the deep-water port of 18

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Fernandina from being invaded by foreigners.

Even though no battle was ever fought at the fort, it was garrisoned during both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. The fort was abandoned and began to deteriorate in the years that followed.

In the midst of the Great Depression and looking THIS PAGE, TOP: CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS, ST. AUGUSTINE for ways to put men BOTTOM: FORT CLINCH STATE PARK, FERNANDINA BEACH back to work, President NEXT PAGE, TOP: FORT PICKENS,PENSACOLA BOTTOM: FORT Roosevelt initiated the JEFFERSON, DRY TORTUGAS Civilian Conservation admission includes museum entry where you’ll Corps program in 1933. Organized to protect the find historical artifacts related to Fort Clinch, nation’s cultural and natural treasures, the Corps historical displays and photos, and a short video cleared the fort of tons of sand and debris that collected over the years. They also constructed the detailing the history of the fort.

In addition to the fort, visitors to the park museum, campground and roads leading in and can spend the rest of the day hiking, swimming, out of the park. geocaching, biking, bird and animal watching, Visitors to Fort Clinch State Park today will get and more.

Visit floridastateparks.org/fortclinch a glimpse at what the fort may have looked like in to learn more.

1864. Volunteers and staff members dressed in period attire depict daily life from the era. Visitors FORT TAYLOR can also tour a prison, guard rooms, the men’s KEY WEST barracks, a hospital, kitchens, galleries, bastions and more. The spaces are furnished and designed Key West, the country’s southernmost city, is known for its beautiful blue waters, but it also to look as they would have in 1864. While there, holds a significant amount of history. Construction make your way up one of the ramps to access the rampart and gun deck with a 10-inch smooth-bore on the fort began in 1845 shortly after Florida became the 27th state, and it was named Fort cannon. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions Taylor in 1850 after President Taylor died while and interact with the soldier on duty each day as in office. During the Civil War, the fort’s job was he goes through his daily work duties. Entrance to serve as headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s East to the fort is just $2.50 per person, and the

Castillo de San Marcos photo by Daron Dean, courtesy of Daron Dean; Fort Clinch photo by Scott Barnett, Fort Pickens photo by CycleHere Media, Fort Jefferson photo by Scott Barnett, all photos courtesy of VisitFlorida.com

ST. AUGUSTINE

Over the following years the fort underwent many changes due to hurricane damage and the unforgiving corrosive nature of the tropical climate. No longer proving useful as a military installation, the park was upgraded to national park status in 1992 by President George Bush.

The only way to reach the fort is by boat, and the Yankee Freedom is a state-of-the-art, high-speed catamaran that shuttles visitors back and forth to the islands via a relaxing two-hour trip from Key West Harbor. The ferry is built for comfort with a spacious sundeck, air-conditioned cabin, DVD monitors, a cocktail bar and a complimentary breakfast snack and box lunch served at Fort Jefferson. Included with your trip on the ferry is a 45-minute fully narrated tour of the fort and complimentary snorkeling equipment. The islands are perfect for swimming, relaxing, wandering and bird watching.

While visiting Fort Jefferson, make it a point to explore the West Martello Towers. These towers, now home to the Key West Garden Club, once served as part of the island’s fortifications system during the Civil War. The Towers feature beautiful gardens and fantastic ocean views, making it a worthwhile stop. Find more information at nps.gov.

FORT PICKENS PENSACOLA

Gulf Coast blockade squadron. Fort Taylor never saw hostile action, and it’s largely credited with not allowing the War of Rebellion to continue any longer than it did. The three-mile range of the fort’s cannons helped to keep intruders at bay. The fort was once again used in the Spanish-American War, and by the late 1940s, the Army turned Fort Taylor over to the Navy to maintain. Fort Taylor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 after the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the United States was discovered during excavations of the historical site.

The park surrounding the fort, Fort Zachary Historic Taylor Park, is 54 acres and visitors to the historic site can enjoy a narrated tour of the fort to learn the role it played throughout history. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach has been voted Best Beach in Key West, and beach-day activities include swimming, snorkeling, wildlife viewing and more.

Wooden nature trails offer a fun respite from the summer sun. The Cayo Hueso Café on-site is open from 10am to 6pm daily, and Chickee Hut Beach

Rentals is there for all your beach and water needs.

Plan to stay the day and enjoy one of the best sunset views in the state of Florida! Learn more at fortzacharytaylor.com.

FORT JEFFERSON DRY TORTUGAS

Following the War of 1812, a series of forts from the Texas coast all the way up to Maine were proposed to protect the United States. Fort Jefferson was built on the Dry Tortugas off Key West to protect the country’s southern coastline along with commerce to and from the Mississippi River. Made of 16 million handmade bricks, Fort Jefferson is a six-sided fort and was designated a national monument in 1935 by President Roosevelt. In its heyday, the fort’s peak military population was close to 2,000, including soldiers, cooks, a civilian doctor and more. The fort was also used as a military prison, mainly for military deserters, and during the Civil War, there were a significant number of convicts held at the fort.

Constructed almost entirely by slaves, Fort Pickens on the coast of Pensacola Harbor was completed in 1843. The fort, known as the Guardian of the Gulf, was at the center of several Civil War conflicts and is one of only four Southern forts to be held by the North. Named for Brigadier General Andrew Pickens, and eventually freedom-seeking African Americans made their way to Fort Pickens via the Underground Railroad to emancipate themselves.

After the Apache Wars ended in the 1880s, the Army concentrated Chiricahua Apache at Fort Pickens. One of the prisons of war was Geronimo, who stayed at the fort for 1.5 years. As technology improved the fort became outdated and was no longer suitable for wartime service. The fort joined the National Park Service’s Gulf Islands National Seashore in 1971.

For history buffs wanting an official experience, knowledgeable park volunteers will walk you through the fort, sharing details on the historical significance. You’re also able to explore on your own using a mobile app to take in the complex system of tunnels and historical weaponry displays of the fort. The surrounding area features beautiful beaches, camping opportunities, bird watching, nature trails and more. The visitor center at the fort is currently closed for renovations, but the rest of the area remains open. For details, visit nps.gov.

MAR ‘25

19

EXPLORE

ON SAFARI! HANDS-ON INTERACTIONS MAKE GIRAFFE RANCH A ONE-OF-A KIND ADVENTURE. WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

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Photos courtesy of Giraffe Ranch

F

eed a giraffe, ride a camel, spend time amidst a herd of exotic animals? Yes, please!

All the above and more are possible at Giraffe Ranch in Dade City.

Owner Lex Salisbury has spent his life focused on animal conservation. What started as a 47-acre horse and cattle farm 25 years ago morphed into a wildlife preserve. Today, it’s known as an environmental education center where you can experience some of the same animals you would encounter on an African safari. But you need only drive to Dade City—not fly around the world.

Giraffe Ranch isn’t a zoo but rather a working ranch licensed by the USDA, Florida Department of Agriculture and FWC where animals roam in open, natural settings.

Lex generously shares this remarkable world with guests through multiple safari tours.

“It’s very one on one; there are no lines,” says Chris Landry, ranch manager, noting that all tours require reservations with advanced booking.

The Custom Vehicle Safari is the most popular tour and includes a giraffe feeding.

You’ll ride in a customized, shaded safari truck and encounter a variety of wildlife as you travel through live oak hammocks, pastures and wetlands. Enjoy viewing giraffe, Grant’s zebra, blackbuck antelope, axis deer, warthog, ostrich, red river hog, Père David’s deer, pygmy hippopotamus, camels, Watusi cattle, ring-tailed and red-ruffed lemurs, and more. Expect handson encounters, as you have the chance to feed animals from the safari truck.

As of the first week of February, the ranch had a new baby giraffe, two baby zebras and

baby hippos. Three cheetahs and over 20 different species of primates also call the ranch home.

The Camel-back Safari is a popular two-hour tour, limited to four people at a time. You’ll ride in a houdah (not a saddle) atop either a dromedary (one-hump) or Bactrian (two-hump) camel. You’re led by an experienced guide, so your only task is to enjoy the ride and amazing surroundings.

“The camel-back tour includes a giraffe encounter where you get to touch them, not just feed them,” says Chris.

The Segway Safari is a 90-minute tour that puts you at eye-level with many of the animals and includes a giraffe feeding.

Guests taking the Drive-thru Safari stay in their

own vehicle and follow a lead vehicle with a guide who shares commentary via your car’s FM radio.

The Cybertruck Safari is led by ranch owner Lex himself and is limited to four people daily. It’s an up-close-and-personal encounter that covers the whole ranch and includes interactions with many animals, including feeding them.

“Plan on being here three to four hours if you do the Cybertruck Safari. It includes everything at the ranch,” says Chris.

Walk-ons are not accepted, so book online at girafferanch.com to reserve your tour.

GIRAFFE RANCH 38650 Mickler Road, Dade City (352) 760-6701 info@girafferanch.com girafferanch.com

BE WELL. MCHD HELPS MAKE IT HAPPEN

Our mission is to improve the overall quality of the lives of Marion County Residents and services in our community through health and wellness initiatives which recognizes the importance of establishing a sustainable system of care through a unique multidisciplinary network of providers.

OUR PROGRAMS Connects individuals with substance use recovery & behavioral health. Marion County residents receive ondemand access to integrated primary, dental, and behavioral health care services, regardless of the ability to pay.

Assists families with employment, educational tutoring and continuing education, healthcare navigation and dental clinics, fitness and nutrition classes (diabetes education, grocery orders) and much more.

Focusing on workplace wellness and community health education. AMP acts as a challenge to Marion County residents to get moving towards a healthier lifestyle through fun step challenges, and workplace wellness initiatives.

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Photo courtesy of Ocala Open

EXPLORE

GOLF FORE GOOD THE OCALA OPEN DELIVERS AN OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCE FOR PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS ALIKE.

A

favorite spring tradition returns, as Candler Hills Golf Club hosts the 20th Annual Ocala Open Professional Tournament from March 19-21.

The action tees off on Tuesday, March 18, with a Charity Pro-Am that benefits local charitable organizations. Each amateur golfer will be paired up with one of the professional players in town for the Ocala Open. It’s an amazing opportunity to play an awardwinning course and even get some golf tips from a pro, while helping two local not-forprofit organizations. Area golfers wanting to participate should register now, as the ProAm field is limited to the first 30 paid teams.

(Registration deadline is March 4.)

The Charity Pro-Am has raised over $1.09 million for local nonprofits. This year’s beneficiaries for the tournament are Empath Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Interfaith Emergency Services.

22

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WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND Empath Hospice of Marion County, Inc. has provided compassionate end-of-life care for area patients and families since 1983.

Interfaith Emergency Services provides food, shelter, clothing and emergency financial assistance for those in need and also offers free medical, dental and mental health services.

The Charity Pro-Am has a shotgun start at 9am, and players start their day with a fresh breakfast prepared by on-site chefs and can warm up on the course alongside the professionals competing in the Open.

The competition is followed by a Champions’ Round-up BBQ and Awards Presentation at 2pm in The Lodge at Candler Hills.

The first round of the Ocala Open is Wednesday, March 19, with the second round to be played on Thursday, March 20. The final round takes place on Friday, March 21.

Spectator admission and parking are

free. Food can be purchased on-site at the Candler Hills Restaurant, Sid’s Coffee Shop & Deli, Blazin’ Bites Food Truck and Mr. B’s Ice Cream. Guests with VIP tickets can enjoy access to the VIP tent from 10am to 5pm all three days. (VIP tickets can be purchased at the Candler Hills Golf Shop.)

“The Ocala Open isn’t just about great golf—it’s about bringing people together,” says Matt Hibbs, director of golf at On Top of the World. “Whether you’re competing for the title or cheering from the gallery, this event offers an amazing experience for everyone.

We’re proud to celebrate 20 years of this incredible tradition.”

CANDLER HILLS GOLF CLUB March 18-21 8137 SW 90th Terrace Road, Ocala (352) 861-9712 ocalaopen.com

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BEYOND THE SWAMP A TRIP TO EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK WILL OPEN YOUR EYES TO ALL THE NATURAL BEAUTY SOUTH FLORIDA HAS TO OFFER. WRITTEN BY MELISSA PETERSON

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and forested uplands. For thousands of years this intricate system evolved into a finely balanced ecosystem that formed the biological infrastructure for the southern half of the state.

However, to early colonial settlers and developers, the Everglades were potential farmland and communities. By the early

1900s, the drainage process to transform wetland to land ready to be developed was underway.

The results would be severely damaging to the ecosystem and the species it supported.”

To preserve the natural landscape and the animals and plants that call the area home, Everglades National Park was established in 1947 and dedicated

by President Harry S. Truman in Everglades City. Today, however, according to the National Wildlife Federation, less than half of the

historic Everglades ecosystem remains due to decades of draining wetlands and reclaiming land for agriculture and urban development. The park and nearby Florida Bay have been cut off from Lake Okeechobee and no longer receive enough clean, fresh water. In 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed Everglades National Park’s conservation outlook as critical.

Restoration projects that allow for natural flow of clean water are in progress, but unless

these continue, more and more essential habitats within the park will continue to be lost.

THE BASICS Because the national park spans such a massive area, it’s important to have a basic idea of where within the park you would like to visit and thus plan which of three access points is best for your itinerary, especially if you have a limited amount of time or are stopping by the park on your way to points further south.

Lookout photo by Paradise Media Alligator photo by Chris Joy, both courtesy of Visit Florida; Orchid photo courtesy of National Parks System

I

f you’ve never visited the Everglades, you might assume you’re not missing much. It’s just swamplands and gators, right? We’re here to prove that Everglades National Park has much more to offer visitors than what you see on the surface. Florida’s largest national park (and the third largest national park in the continental United States) has a few surprises up its sleeve for those who take the time to explore it.

Everglades National Park spans 1.5 million acres across parts of Dade, Monroe and Collier Counties in South Florida and covers almost 20 percent of Florida’s overall area. Much more than just swampland, the park is actually home to nine distinct ecosystems, including cypress, freshwater prairie, coastal lowlands, mangrove, pinelands, marine and estuarine. It is also home to 39 native Florida species that are federally listed as threatened, endangered or are candidates for such under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

According to the National Park Service website, “water in South Florida once flowed freely from the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee and southward over low-lying lands to the estuaries of Biscayne Bay, the Ten Thousand Islands and Florida Bay. This shallow, slow-moving sheet of water covered almost 11,000 square miles, creating a mosaic of ponds, sloughs, sawgrass marches, hardwood hammock

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO WHILE VISITING THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

1 TAKE AN AIRBOAT RIDE.

A uniquely Florida adventure, a visit to the Everglades wouldn’t be complete without an airboat ride through the marshes and swamps. Some tour options are Coopertown Airboats, Gator Park Airboat Tours and Everglades Safari Park.

2 VISIT THE MUSEUM OF THE EVERGLADES. LOCATED IN

Everglades City, the museum’s permanent and rotating exhibits provide visitors with an in-depth look at over 2,000 years of human history.

AN EXCURSION WITH THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL 3 TAKE PARK INSTITUTE.

Explore the park through naturalist-led educational eco-adventures, including walking, van, kayak and boat tours on a variety of topics.

4 HOP ON THE TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS BOAT TOUR.

Begin your boat tour on the Barron River, viewing famous historic buildings of Everglades City, before cruising into Chokoloskee Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands.

The main entrance, located on State Road 9336 in Homestead, connects visitors to the Royal Palm and Flamingo areas of the park. The Shark Valley entrance is located on U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail in Miami. The water-based Gulf Coast entrance is located in Everglades City. These entrances do not interconnect within the park, and the Everglades City entrance to the Homestead entrance is a 90-minute trip or more depending on traffic, so a plan and itinerary is absolutely essential.

Before deciding what to do when you get there, the most important question is when to visit. Being from Florida, you’re not naive to the challenges of the hot, humid and sometimes rainy weather that comes with visiting South Florida. The dry season is typically December through April, but it also tends to be the busiest time of year in the park, as the warm winters attract not only visitors from up north but the largest variety of wading birds and their predators. The wet season—May to November—is obviously the hottest time of the year, and the rain can produce a lot of mosquitoes. Due to

5 GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH WILDLIFE.

Renting a kayak for a day is the best way to see marine life. From Flamingo, adventure out into the Florida Bay or paddle up the Buttonwood Canal into Coot Bay.

6 RENT A PONTOON BOAT.

Flamingo Adventures offers full-day boat rentals where you can spend the day with family and friends out on the pristine waters of the Everglades.

7 BIKE THE EVERGLADES.

Everglades National Park has five biking trails throughout the park: Shark Valley Tram Road, Snake Bight Trail, Rowdy Bend Trail, Long Pine Key Nature Trail and the L-67 Canal Road.

8 GO BIRD-WATCHING.

The preeminent birding destination of South Florida, stop at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center for maps/checklists and then head to Royal Palm Visitor Center, where two fun trails begin. The Anhinga Trail offers stunning close views of many birds and alligators, and the Gumbo Limbo Trail is good for songbirds during winter and migration.

9 9. SPOT THE AMERICAN CROCODILE.

While most people think of alligators in Florida, the Everglades is one of the only places in the United States to see the American Crocodile.

Some of the best places to see them in the park is the Flamingo Marina and in the shallow areas of Florida Bay.

10 10. GAZE AT THE STARS.

If you’re visiting on a clear, moonless night, check the calendar of ranger-led events for a star-gazing session. Away from the big city lights you’ll be surprised at how the sky lights up for your enjoyment.

the heavy rainfall this time of year, water levels rise and many animals disperse, making wildlife viewing more challenging. During this slower time of the year, many ranger-led programs are also not available, so you’ll either be on your own for exploring the park or you’ll want to look for guided tour options.

If you’re not just passing through the park, you’ll need to decide on the most convenient lodging spot for your itinerary.

Within the national park, Flamingo Lodge opened in 2023, offering 24 rooms overlooking Florida Bay. Flamingo also offers 42-foot houseboat rentals and glamping tents for both the summer and winter season. In addition, the park has two campground facilities: the Long Pine Key Campground located near the Homestead entrance and the Flamingo Campground, 38 miles south of the Homestead entrance. There are also numerous backcountry sites for wilderness camping. You can book these accommodations by visiting flamingoeverglades.com.

Please note, if camping, pets are not allowed on trails, in backcountry campsites or in wilderness areas. Leashed pets are allowed in parking lots and frontcountry campgrounds.

There are plenty of hotels and Airbnb homes in Homestead, if camping isn’t your vacation style, and this is probably the most popular home base for visitors to the national park.

Everglades City also has a handful of motels and inns but not as many as the Homestead area. If staying in Homestead, consider taking a daytrip to the west side of the park, especially to the Shark Valley Visitor Center and Observation Tower. This area is also a great place to book your airboat tour.

PLANNING YOUR ITINERARY However you decide to spend your time, make one of the park’s four visitor centers your first stop.

The four centers are: Everglades City’s Gulf Coast Visitor Center (currently under construction MAR ‘25

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and will be known as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center when it opens in fall 2025), Miami’s Shark Valley Visitor Center, Homestead’s Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo’s Guy Bradley Visitor Center.

The Gulf Coast area serves as the gateway for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands, a maze of mangrove islands and waterways that extends to Flamingo and Florida Bay. This region of the park is only accessible by boat. The original Gulf Coast Visitor Center was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, and the temporary center was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Staff is temporarily located at the Everglades Adventures Visitor Center in Everglades City while the new visitor center 26

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is under construction. Tour company Everglades National Park Adventures has contracted with the National Park Service to resume the popular Ten Thousand Islands boat tour, which explores the natural and cultural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands in addition to historical landmarks along the Barron River. Learn more about the tour and book your tickets at evergladesnationalparkadventures.com.

Shark Valley (named for the Shark River) is the heartland of the Everglades. Here you can walk, bike or ride a tram along a 15-mile loop road to see some of the park’s best wildlife concentrations. The Shark Valley Observation Tower offers a 360-degree view of the landscape and overlooks a life-filled water

Sources: nwf.org, nps.gov/ever, travel-experience-live.com, floridabirdingtrail.com; Airboat photo courtesy of VisitFlorida.com; Egret photo courtesy of National Park System

paved path through a hardwood hammock. On your car ride to Flamingo from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, there are many trails to explore off the main park road.

To the south, 38 miles from the main park entrance in Homestead, you’ll find Flamingo, the gateway to Florida Bay. The bay and its adjoining maze of mangrove waterways provide homes for thousands of birds and a wealth of fish, crabs, shrimp and other marine life. Facilities at Flamingo include a marina with boat launching areas and hiking and canoe trails. Kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals are available at flamingoeverglades.com.

The park offers a host of rangerled programs at each location.

From kayak trips, history talks and nighttime stargazing programs to boat tours and

hole where you can see alligators, turtles, fish and birds. Tram tours and bike rentals are available at sharkvalleytramtours.com.

The Homestead/Royal Palm area is the departure point for two interpretive walks: the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail. Expect to see plenty of wildlife along the Anhinga Trail, a world-famous boardwalk trail bordering Taylor Slough.

The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a

guided plant and bird walks, there are multiple ways to learn from the experts during your visit to the park. To see the calendar of events, click on Plan Your Visit on the National Park Service website.

No matter how you spend your days, a trip to Everglades National Park is sure to show you a side of Florida that many never see. With a solid plan in place, you can take in all this national treasure has to offer. Learn more: nps.gov/ever

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ONCE UPON A TIME

UPCOMING DATES MARCH 4

THE SHY LITTLE KITTEN Visit kittens from the Humane Society of Marion County.

APRIL 1

DO THE RIGHT THING

THE MAYOR OF BELLEVIEW INVITES LOCAL KIDS TO ENJOY STORYTIME WITH THE MAYOR.

Meet a police dog and decorate a potted plant.

WRITTEN BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

ALEXANDER, WHO USED TO BE RICH LAST SUNDAY

MAY 6

W

ho doesn’t love a good story? Listening to a story is a way for your mind to let go of the clutter and focus on the present and for your imagination to go into overdrive. Having children of her own made Belleview Mayor Christine Dobkowski a great proponent for reading aloud to children, once a celebrity participant in the storytime event at Friday Foodie Fest, the mayor suggested taking on the event and making it a permanent occurrence.

“Goodwill Bookworks used to come to the Friday Foodie Fest with their book trailer,” says Mayor Dobkowski. “I thought it would be nice to make this a recurring event, particularly after our new community center was completed.

I asked Goodwill if they would work with our staff to provide the books each month, and the event recently gained a new sponsor as well, SouthState Bank.”

Each month’s Storytime with the Mayor event features a theme, and the team works together to select books that fit the theme and events that tie into the books,” says Robert Vass, events and promotions manager for the City of Belleview.

All ages are welcome to these family-friendly events, and Robert says the books are appropriate for toddlers to middle schoolers to even teens. Many are classics, but others are newer publications.

“We also offer multiple activities 28

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Build and create with Snapology.

JUNE 3

LITTLE DAYMOND LOVES TO EARN Design your own T-shirt while exploring entrepreneurship

JULY 1

AMERICA ABC Celebrate Independence Day with crafts and meet Slice, the pizza guy.

AUGUST 5

CINDERELLA Meet Cinderella and Prince Charming.

SEPTEMBER 2

for all ages to enjoy,” he says.

“I enjoy meeting with the children each month and interacting with them as I read the story,” says Mayor Dobkowski. “The best part is hearing their answers to questions that I might ask—kids always say the most surprising, and usually hysterical, things.”

Each child who attends the event not only enjoys the story and associated activities, they also get to take home a free book to enjoy at home.

“The children get to see what is available and select a book to bring home,” says Robert. “It is a wonderful opportunity for the joy of reading to continue after the

event in the child’s home. Childhood literacy is incredibly important.

Reading engages the child’s mind, passion and creativity. Imagination is one of the most powerful aspects of life and reading taps directly into the ability of children to see a world of endless possibilities.”

The Mayor agrees.

Her favorite book to read to her own children? The Giving Tree.

STORYTIME WITH THE MAYOR The event takes place the first Tuesday of each month at 5pm at the Belleview Community Center. For more information about the program, visit belleviewfl.org or contact Robert Vass at rvass@belleviewfl.org.

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THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS Create a picture frame to display a treasured photo.

DECEMBER 2

JOY OF GIVING FOR LITTLE ONES Write a letter to Santa and create a holiday ornament.

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by Melissa Peterson

Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival March 1-2

Sunny days abound this time of year, as Florida comes to life in all its springtime glory. From craft markets, plant sales and strawberry festivals to juried art shows, music festivals and Earth Day celebrations, there are many ways to welcome the new season. Here’s our roundup of the best bets for this year’s spring festival season.

Florida Strawberry Festival Through March 9

Each spring, the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City rolls out the red carpet to welcome visitors from throughout the Sunshine State. Guests come from near and far to enjoy exhibits of agriculture, contests, livestock shows, youth development programs, top-name entertainment, parades, midway rides and, of course, strawberries!

At the Strawberry Festival, the berry is king, and you can enjoy everything from full flats of fresh Florida strawberries and strawberry shortcake to strawberry milkshakes, strawberry jam, strawberry kettle corn and even strawberry pizza (which is actually a dessert!). flstrawberryfestival.com 30

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Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival

Longwood Strawberry Festival

The Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival is once again coming to the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala. The festival begins at 9am with free admission and ends at 5pm. Parking is $5 per car and proceeds benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

The festival features over 230 vendors, a kids’ zone with a petting zoo, strawberry food items, a car show, a pie-eating contest, live entertainment and photo booths. The festival offers fresh strawberries from Plant City. habitatocala.org/strawberry

Visitors to the Longwood Strawberry Fest can expect to savor mouthwatering strawberry treats, from fresh-picked berries to decadent desserts. Live music will fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere. Children will delight in fun-filled activities like face painting, a huge kids’ zone for $5 per child and games. Local artisans will showcase their unique creations, offering plenty of shopping opportunities.The event takes place at Reiter Park from 12-5pm for a day filled with fun. Find the event on Facebook for additional details.

March 1

March 1

Mark your calendars for the third annual Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival, happening 10am-5pm each day. The park-like setting of the Shoppes at Thornebrook will be filled with talented artists, food truck vendors and live music.

Many of your favorite artists from the fall arts festival and some new faces are coming to enhance your enjoyment. Art on display includes painting, sculpture, photography, glass works, fiber arts, wood carvings, pottery, jewelry and more. The show is laid out to take advantage of the ambiance and convenience of the Shoppes at Thornebrook Village and its stores, restaurants and other amenities. shoppesatthornebrook.com

Floral City Strawberry Festival

March 1-2

This annual event features live entertainment, a kids’ area and a tasty pie-eating contest, held both days. All ages can compete, even the little ones, in age-appropriate categories. With strawberries being the star of the festival, hundreds of flats of strawberries made into delectable strawberry shortcakes for all to enjoy will be available, and flats of strawberries will be ready to take home. Free shuttles will be available in designated parking areas to bring you directly to the gate entrance at Floral Park. The festival takes place from 9am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. gostrawberryfest.com

Celebrate the spring season by adding these favorite festivals to your calendar.

Ocala Spring Craft Fair March 1-2

This two-day extravaganza brings together over 200 of the most talented artisans from across the region. Dive into a world where every stall holds a new surprise, from dazzling hand-blown glass creations and elegant jewelry to whimsical toys and rustic woven goods. The event takes place at the World Equestrian Center in Expo Center 2 from 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. General admission tickets are $6 if purchased online in advance or $7 on the day of the event.

Children 12 and under are free. bmgevents.com/springcraft.html

Santos Fat Tire Festival

draws thousands from all over.

Swamp Fest attracts vendors from all over the country, selling home-made items such as baskets, clothing, jewelry, wall art, jams and jellies, wreathes, lotions, soaps, pottery, paintings and much more. The event also features the Swamp Monster Contest, a yearly costume contest where contestants of all ages come dressed as their version of a swamp monster.

The event takes place at Linda Pedersen Park, located at 6400 Shoal Line Boulevard, Spring Hill, from 9am-5pm on Friday and Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids 6-12.

Kids 5 and under are free. swampfestweekiwachee.com

March 6-9

Florida’s most epic bike event of the year takes place at Ocala’s Santos Trailhead. Presented by Ocala Mountain Bike Association in partnership with the Florida State Parks and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The festival features the Epic 50 Ride on Saturday, camping at the adjacent Santos Campground, a huge vendor village with bike booths and food trucks, and skills clinics.

Proceeds from FTF benefit trail maintenance and building, safety patrol training and equipment. santosfattire.com

Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest March 7-9

Swamp Fest has grown from a small community fundraising festival to an annual event that

strawberry shortcake, strawberry cobbler, strawberry milkshakes and strawberry kabobs.

Admission tickets are available upon arrival: $12 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 3-12, and free for ages 2 and under. Your admission ticket includes access to U-pick strawberries, hayrides, farm animal petting, access to the play paddock, photo ops and access to food trucks and other vendors.

Animal feed for the farm animals is an additional cost. U-pick strawberries are $4.50 per pound. thebryerpatchfarm.com

Marion County Master Gardeners’ Spring Festival March 8-9

Join the Marion County Master Gardeners at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion for the largest plant sale and educational expo in the region. Around 100 plant, food, educational and non-profit vendors, including a large kids’ area of interactive activities and crafts will be on hand. Admission is $3, and kids 12 and under are free.

Bring your own wagon to haul all your finds. The event takes place 8am-4pm on Saturday and 9am4pm on Sunday. sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ marion/master-gardeners

Lake Mary – Heathrow Festival of the Arts Strawberry Festival at The Bryer Patch March 8

The festival will take place from 10am-5pm at The Bryer Patch farm in Newberry and feature live music, strawberry picking,

March 8-9

In its 38th year, the Festival of the Arts is a fine juried show featuring national and international artists and contemporary craftsman while raising scholarship money for graduating Seminole County High School Students. The event

also features craft exhibits, live entertainment and more. The festival takes place at Colonial TownPark, located at 950 Market Promenade Avenue in Lake Mary from 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. lakemaryheathrowarts.com

Williston Spring Fest

March 15

The Williston Chamber of Commerce is hosting the third annual Williston Spring Fest, a fun-filled, family-friendly day of strolling and enjoying arts and craft vendors, food vendors, local businesses, live music and a kids’ area, with a special visit from the Easter Bunny. The event is free and held at Heritage Park from 10am-3pm. Find the event on Facebook for additional details.

Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts March 15-16

Stroll through more than 250 craft and arts exhibitors, all set to sell their unique offerings on the streets of downtown Mount Dora. The event also offers face painting, wine tasting, food vendors and entertainment throughout the event. Beer, wine and cocktails can be purchased around the event area. The event takes place from 9am-5pm, and free shuttles run from 900 Lincoln Avenue. mountdoraspringfest.com

Brown’s Spring Craft Market March 22

Located at Brown & Brown Farms

in Oxford, this free craft market offers a variety of vendors selling their crafty creations. Attendees can expect everything from spring wreaths and decorations to handmade jewelry, wooden signs, home decor, accessories, homemade baked goods, plants and much more. The market begins at 10am and runs until 3pm. brownandbrownfarms.com

Spring Band Jam March 22

Come out to The Town Square at Circle Square Commons from 5-9pm for an evening of dancing, live music, food trucks, photo kiosk, car display and 50/50 raffle. Live bands include Ultimate Santana Tribute Band, Earth Beat and Relic Band.

This event is free and open to the public. circlesquarecommons.com

Kanapaha Gardens Spring Garden Festival

to attend this annual community festival, held from 10am-3pm at the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala. The event celebrates Marion County’s history and showcases everything that makes Marion County great.

Organizations from around the area will participate in telling Marion County’s story in a fun, informative and interactive way, and visitors will enjoy food, games and more, as well as free admission. marionfl.org

Spring Plant Swap & Sale March 29

Head to Swamp Head Brewery in Gainesville for the spring plant swap and sale from 12-4pm. You’ll find a variety of houseplants from rare to tried-and-true, native plants, orchids, carnivorous plants and some plant art and accessories. There will be beer by Swamp Head, local food trucks and music to enjoy. Find the event on Facebook for details.

March 22-23

The Spring Garden Festival features over 100 booths, including many where patrons can select from a variety of plants to add color, shade and beauty to their yards and gardens. Patrons can also purchase garden-related products, including tools, furniture and outdoor decorations. In addition, there are booths staffed by local gardening and environmental organizations where patrons can gather information about plants, ponds, pests, the environment at large and a variety of other topics.

The festival has a stage featuring local entertainers on Sunday. Young visitors will enjoy the free children’s activities area where they can pot plants, design newspaper hats and be involved in a wide variety of supervised activities. Bring a wagon or small pull cart if you plan to purchase large items. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children 5-13. Event takes place from 9am5pm both days. kanapaha.org/ spring-garden-festival

Marion County Day March 29

Marion County invites your family

for additional purchase. VIP tickets are also available. Must be 21 or over to enter festival grounds. hogtownbeerfest.com

Newberry Main Street Spring Festival April 5

The Newberry Main Street Annual Spring Festival will take place in downtown Newberry from 9am-4pm. The event will feature tons of craft and food vendors, live entertainment and shows, a food court and fun for the kiddos. newberrymainstreet.com

McIntosh Garden Show and Plant Sale April 5

This event is held in Van Ness Park, located at 5835 Avenue G in McIntosh. Garden- and plant-related vendors will bring a variety of plants, trees and flowers to this annual event.

Food and activities for children will be available, and drawings for garden items and décor will be held throughout the event. The McIntosh Seedlings Garden Club’s booth will feature herbs, shrubs, indoor plants, veggies, perennial plants, garden accessories and more.

Handmade garden decorations, signs and artwork will also be for sale. mcintoshseedlings.com

Hogtown Craft Beer Festival

City of Belleview Annual Youth Fishing Derby

Head to Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center in Micanopy from 1-5pm for amazing craft beer, mead and ciders from local and regional breweries for you to sample.

Best of all this benefits your local community by helping the charity partners, Friends of Cuscowilla and the Lubee Bat Conservancy. This annual festival is sure to sell out just like it has in past years, so get your tickets in advance. General admission tickets are $59 and include access to free samples of craft beers from all participating breweries and a tasting glass with the event logo. Food will be available

Fishing is fun, and whether your kids are beginners or pros, they will have a great time at the annual fishing derby. Lake Lillian is stocked yearly to prepare for this event by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with catfish and bass. Open to children ages 15 and under and held annually at Lake Lillian, this free event offers a morning of fishing with bait provided and prizes in two categories for biggest fish and most fish caught. We wrap the derby up with a free community cookout hosted by our Belleview Police Department. The event takes place

March 29

April 5

from 9am-1pm. belleviewfl.org

Spring Fever in the Garden Festival April 5-6

The 23rd annual Spring Fever in the Garden Festival, hosted by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society, will take place in downtown Winter Garden from 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Plant Street will be transformed into a delightful celebration of spring and all things gardening. You’re invited to experience the festival firsthand by strolling along Plant Street and indulging in all it has to offer. The event features a sidewalk art contest, a kids’ zone with free activities, vendor booths, live entertainment and more. springfeverinthegarden.org

Barberville Pioneer Settlement Spring Frolic April 5-6

The Barberville Pioneer Settlement will host its Spring Frolic featuring hundreds of musicians on eight stages; workshops; jam tents; living history demonstrations from blacksmiths, spinners, weavers and craftsmen; storytelling and arts and craft vendors. The event takes place from 9am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. pioneersettlement.org

Sebring Soda Festival

April 5-6

Soda lovers unite at the Sebring Soda Fest—where the world of bubbles comes alive at Florida’s Fizziest Festival. The festival features two days of fizzy fun, 200+ craft sodas to sample, festival food trucks, live music, family fun, the SodaCaddy Race and more. Indulge in a wide array of traditional and unique sodas, including flavors like caramel apple, prickly pear, espresso and candied bacon. Discover vintage favorites like Cheerwine, Moxie and RC Cola, along with small-batch creations made with real sugar or honey from renowned companies across the United States. The festival takes place from 10am-

5pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday. Festival admission is free to the public, but you will need to purchase a Soda Tasting Punch Card to participate in the tastings.

Punch card costs range from $6-$25 depending on number of tastings. sebringsodafest.com

digital art. Live performers, including music and dancers, will perform, and children and families will have an opportunity to play and learn with art-themed activities and events.

The event takes place from 10am5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. sfcollege.edu/spring-arts

Farmland Preservation Festival

Ocala Spring Craft and Vendor Market

The festival promotes the importance of our farmlands by showcasing locally grown farm produce, locally made and crafted farm products and cottage crafts, farm animals and equipment, and agricultural exhibits and demonstrations. The festival features a tractor parade, farmers market, local food, musical and dancing entertainment, a petting zoo and a hayride. This event takes place at Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, located at 4246 W Hwy 318 in Citra, from 9am-3pm.

Park is $5. farmlandfestival.org

Celebrate the season at the Ocala Spring Craft & Vendor Market, happening at the Paddock Mall from 10am-8pm on Saturday and noon-6pm on Sunday. The event features local vendors, seasonal treats and perfect finds for every occasion. Find the event on Facebook for additional details.

April 12

April 12-13

Reggae In The Gardens April 19

Saddle up for a rootin’ tootin’ good time! Step back in time to the roaring 1920s when Dunnellon experienced an explosive boom in development, all thanks to the discovery of phosphate mines. The event takes place from 9am-5pm and includes an art show and craft vendor corral, live music hoedown, Wild West food stalls, a cowboy show and the Little Buckaroos Kid Zone. dunnellonchamber.com/ event/boomtown-days-2024

Head to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens for an unforgettable celebration of reggae music, culture and community. Enjoy two stages of nonstop reggae vibes with live DJs from Easy Crew 352 playing from noon to 5pm. Doors open at 11am, giving you plenty of time to explore the stunning 20acre botanical gardens and event spaces. Explore a curated vendor market featuring unique arts and crafts, indulge in delicious offerings from on-site food trucks and enjoy a day filled with great music and natural beauty. Your ticket includes full access to the gardens and all event areas. Admission for adults is $15, children ages 6-13 are $10 and kids 5 and under are free. cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com

Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival

Brick City Beer and Wine Festival

Founded in 1969, this Gainesville landmark will be hosted on the Northwest Campus of Santa Fe College. The festival will feature juried national artists, community artists and SF students, showcasing jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, fiber arts, glass, wood, photography, mixed media, oil and watercolor paintings, printmaking, graphics and

The 11th Annual Brick City Beer and Wine Festival is back featuring over 40 beer and wine vendors, live music and food trucks. This annual family-friendly event is hosted by the Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club and the Ocala-Sunset Rotary. Proceeds benefit Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County Literacy Council and Kimberly’s

Boomtown Days and Art Show April 12

April 12-13

Center for Child Protection. The event takes place from 2-6pm at Citizens’ Circle Cultural Center. brickcitybeerandwinefest.com

April 19

Four trees will be planted for every beer purchased during Tree Fest, 20 trees for every Tree Fest T-shirt bought, and all sponsor donations will increase our tree planting. The trees are one-year-old longleaf pines and will be planted by the Alachua Conservation Trust at a local preserve in Hawthorne. Attendance is free, and the festival takes places from noon-11pm. treefestfl.com

Wildflower Festival at The Bryer Patch April 26-27

Earthfest: Celebrate Arbor Day April 19

The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host Earthfest, Ocala’s Arbor Day celebration, from 9am-1pm, at Tuscawilla Park. Earthfest will offer plenty of activities for adults and kids alike. The popular Youth Fishing Derby takes place 10am-12pm. This free event provides youth, ages 14 and under, the opportunity to catch and release fish at Lake Tuscawilla.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment and bait; however, a limited number of supplies will be available. The event also includes eco-friendly vendors, lectures on eco-friendly topics, animal rescues, food trucks and live entertainment including a yoga class and recycled clothing fashion show. Tree sapling giveaways are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. ocalafl.gov/earthfest

Tree Fest

April 26

Solar Impact, Inc. and Swamp Head Brewery have teamed up again for the 11th Annual Tree Fest, an event hosted at Swamp Head Brewery around Earth Day and Arbor Day each year. Tree Fest celebrates the environment by raising money to plant trees with the Alachua Conservation Trust in an event that features food trucks, family-friendly activities until 5pm, live music and, of course, Swamp Head beer.

Visit Newberry this season for the Spring Wildflower Festival at The Bryer Patch. The Wildflower Festival will be held from 10am-5pm both days. Admission is $12 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 3-12 and free for kids 2 and under. Admission includes access to the flower fields, access to U-pick flower patches, a hayride to see the cows and ducks, a farm animal petting zoo, access to the kids’ play paddock, photo ops and live music. thebryerpatchfarm.com

Festivals of Speed May 3

Over 200 exotic, classic and American muscle cars will be placed for display on the Grand Plaza of the World Equestrian Center.

Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, McLaren and others will make for an incredible display. Enjoy on-site restaurants, bars, luxury brand retail stores and horse competitions.

After the car show watch the Kentucky Derby on massive 100foot jumbotrons right in the Grand Plaza and after that enjoy a fabulous Arabian Horse competition in the Grand arena. The event takes place from 11am-3pm. Admission is $20, and children 12 and under are free. festivalsofspeed.com

Belleview Founder’s Day

May 3

The City of Belleview’s 5th Annual Founder’s Day will take place at Lake Lillian from 10am-3pm. Event attendees can enjoy a variety of craft, business and food vendors.

Free children’s activities include games, crafts and inflatables

vendors, farm animals and more.

The event takes place from 10am5pm both days. Admission is $12 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 3-12 and free for ages 2 and under. thebryerpatchfarm.com

Island Grove Blueberry Festival May 3

The annual Island Grove Blueberry Festival takes place at 21921 SE US Hwy 301, Hawthorne, and benefits the Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Department. The event features food trucks, artisan vendors, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and a fun kids’ zone.

The fun happens from 9am-4pm, and admission is free. While you’re there, plan a visit to Aunt Zelma’s U-pick blueberry field. facebook.com/IGBlueberryFest

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens Spring Festival May 3-4

With tons of colorful plants, several beautiful cascading waterfalls and countless breathtaking views, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is the perfect spot to bring your family and friends. Enjoy live music throughout the day, and visit with vendors from all over Florida selling plants, arts and crafts, and food. The event takes place from 9:30am-5pm on Saturday and 9:30am-4pm on Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children and free for kids 5 and under. cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com

Mother’s Day Sunflower Festival May 10-11

Visit The Bryer Patch in Newberry for the Mother’s Day Sunflower Festival where you can pick from the fields of sunflowers, zinnias and wildflowers.

This is a unique experience you can share with your mother, grandmother and family. There are always plenty of photo opportunities, hayrides, live music, food and craft

Palatka Blue Crab Festival May 23-25

Get ready to throw your claws in the air over Memorial Day weekend for the annual Palatka Blue Crab Festival. This event features national headliners, fullday concert lineups of regional musicians, dozens of vendors and food trucks, activities and entertainment for all ages and a massive kids’ zone. The event takes place in downtown Palatka and along the scenic waterfront.

The event takes place from 6-10pm on Friday, noon-10pm on Saturday and noon-9pm on Sunday. palatkabluecrabfestival.com

Florida Folk Festival May 23-25

Symphony Under the Stars May 11

This Mother’s Day, come enjoy the Ocala Symphony Orchestra directed by Maestro Matthew Wardell. Symphony Under The Stars is an outdoor concert held each Mother’s Day at the Ocala Golf Club. Gates open at 3pm where music-lovers can enjoy opening entertainment, with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra concert beginning at 7pm. Fireworks start around 8:45pm. Bring your own picnic— including alcoholic drinks—or purchase food and drinks from local food trucks. Both regular and VIP tickets available. Children under 17 years free. fafo.org

Sweet Berry Farms Blackberry Festival May 17

Join Sweet Berry Farms in Williston for their first annual Blackberry Festival, from 9am2pm. Celebrate the succulent and sweet blackberry amidst the scenic backdrop of the picturesque farm. The event features U-pick blackberries, blackberry slushees, irresistible blackberry cobbler, live music, and food and craft vendors. Admission is free. sweetberryfarmsllc.com

The 73rd annual Florida Folk Festival will be held Memorial Day weekend at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs. The festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes, contra dancing and root beer floats to the wide varieties of music of immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities.

The festival’s Folklife Area will feature performances and demonstrations celebrating the diverse living traditions of Florida. A three-day adult ticket purchased in advance online is $70. Single-day tickets purchased in advance are $35.

Kids ages 6-16 get in for just $5 for the length of the festival.

Children under 6 are free. Tickets are available at the gate for a slight upcharge. The festival gates open each day at 8am, performers go on stage at 10am and final performances end about 11pm. floridastateparks. org/FloridaFolkFestival

1st Annual Cannon Farms Watermelon Festival May 24

Cannon Farms in Dunnellon is

excited to host its first annual watermelon festival on the farm from 10am-4pm. The Cannon family has been growing watermelons on the farm for over 50 years. The festival will feature a watermelon-eating contest, watermelon crawl, line dancing, lots of vendors to browse and shop, live music, petting zoo, hayrides, face painting or caricature drawings, inflatables, flower picking and more. cannonfarms.net

Chiefland Watermelon Festival June 7

The 71th Annual Chiefland Watermelon Festival will be held from 8am-3pm at 23 SE 2nd Avenue in Chiefland. The parade will begin promptly at 11am. The event will feature over 150 vendors, including a variety of craft/retails, informational, food and kids’ activity vendors. chieflandwomansclub.org

Williston Watermelon Festival June 14

The second annual Williston Watermelon Festival will take place at Heritage Park from 10am-3pm.

The event will include plenty of local vendors, food options, entertainment, a silent auction and more, not to mention all things watermelon. Admission to the festival and watermelon samples are free. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

Symphony Under The Stars photo courtesy of Fine Arts For Ocala

as well as activities and booths focusing on the city’s history. The event will also include the Gregg Smith Automotive Car Show. With a variety of competition categories, this event is your chance to showcase your ride and support the United Way of Marion County. Plus, enjoy door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, trophies and more. belleviewfl.org

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MARCH 8

THE BIG CHEESE If you’re one of those ‘cheese makes everything better’ people (and who isn’t, right?), The Big Cheese is an event you won’t want to miss. Be there as Ocala business leaders square off and compete for their macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese to be named the best of the bunch.

Don’t forget to cast your vote for the people’s choice award. Adult wristbands are $20, and children’s wristbands are $5. Proceeds from this annual event will benefit the Arnette House, which is a local nonprofit that provides shelter and counseling services for youth in need. The fun takes place March 8 at Midtown Station from 11am-3pm. Visit theocalacheese.com for details.

MARCH 15

SHRIMPAPALOOZA This Mardi Gras-style event in Homosassa Springs is a yearly favorite for those who love their seafood mixed with a whole lotta fun! The festivities will include live music from the likes of Cajun Dave from 11am-12pm, The Westfall Band from 12:30-3:30pm and The Action Jackson Band from 4-6pm.

The Shrimpapalooza parade will begin at 10am at Old Mill Tavern and will head 36

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south on W. Yulee Drive before turning right onto S. Cherokee Way and ending at S. Boulevard Drive. Gates open to guests at 9am and the event runs until 6pm.

Visit shrimpapalooza.com for details.

MARCH 25

KING OF THE WING Head to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion from 5-8pm to see who is crowned the King of the Wing. The event also includes live music, giveaways and plenty of networking opportunities. A $25 ticket to this event, hosted by the Marion County Building Industry Association, will include a sampling of wings from participating contestants and a choice of two beverages. Kids’ tickets are $5 for ages 5-12 and include wing samples, one non-alcoholic drink and access to the fun Kid’s Zone. Visit mcbia.org/king-of-thewing/for more details.

PAW LICKIN’ GOOD 10473 S U.S. HWY 441 This past December, Salty Paws Ocala, an ice cream bar and bakery catering to our four-legged friends, opened its doors. With yummy flavors like birthday cake, maple bacon and cookie crumble, Salty Paws is sure to appease your pup’s or kitty’s sweet tooth.

In addition to treats and ice cream snacks, the shop also sells a variety of toys for dogs and cats, including those made by Warrior K9 Heroes. These strong toys are tough to chew through, and 10 percent of all sales goes to support our veterans in need. There is also a groomer and self-washing stations on-site, so go ahead and book your appointment today.

Find Salty Dog Ocala on social media to stay up to date on doggie date nights and more. Salty Paws is open Sunday and Monday, 10am-6pm; Tuesday through Thursday, 9am7pm; and Friday and Saturday, 9am-8pm.

Craving Cava photo courtesy of Cava

TASTY TO-DOS

CAVA recently opened on SW College Road and offers Mediterranean-style pitas, bowls, dressings, dips, salads and more.

“Our mission is to bring heart, health and humanity to food, and everything we do at CAVA is grounded in that spirit of generosity, to our guests, our team members, and our community,” said Scott Sheffield, Regional Director on the CAVA website. “We couldn’t be more excited to be in Ocala.”

The restaurant is described as fast casual and also offers a pick-up-by-car lane for app or online orders. One of our favorite bowls is the Falafel Crunch, which features plant protein from falafel, black lentils and hummus, plus Crazy Feta, Persian cucumber, pickled onions, cabbage slaw, romaine, tomato, onion and basmati rice. The bowl is topped off with pita crisps for a perfect crunch and spicy skhug. Catering is available, and don’t forget to join the Cava loyalty program when you visit. We’re sure you’ll return again and again! cava.com

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CRAFTED WITH CARE SAVOR A SPIRITED ADVENTURE AT FISH HAWK SPIRITS DISTILLERY TOURS. WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

WE’VE BUILT EVERYTHING HERE FOR PRODUCTION, SO WHEN PEOPLE COME, THEY GET THE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE OF AN OPERATING DISTILLERY. WE START WITH A HOUSE TOAST, DO THE TOUR AND END UP BACK AT THE TIKI BAR.

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Photo courtesy of Fish Hawk Spirits

G

iven the tucked away location down dirt roads, you don’t stumble on Fish Hawk Spirits Distillery by accident.

But when you plan to come for a tour, you’re rewarded with a memorable experience bolstered by award-winning spirits crafted with Florida ingredients and spring water.

“We are the oldest operating craft distillery in the state,” says owner and master distiller Matthew Bagdanovich.

Fish Hawk Spirits manufactures 26 types of vodka, rum, whiskey, brandy and absinthe. Some appreciation for are seasonal, like fine spirits, and Headless Horseman Matthew set his mind Whiskey, which is on opening a craft made with pumpkin distillery. But it had and pumpkin pie MATTHEW BAGDANOVICH, OWNER to be in just the right spices and is only spot. available in the fall.

In 2010, he ended up buying land about 6 Their spirits are sold in about 450 stores miles from downtown Dunnellon and launched across Florida and some 50 stores in and Fish Hawk Spirits, a farm-to-bottle distillery. around Chicago.

“The reason we’re on this property is Matthew is a Sunshine State native who the water. Rainbow Springs is just 2.7 miles grew up on Daytona Beach. He spent an southwest of us, so our wells are in the adventurous 13 years working overseas in 28 different countries before returning to Florida resurgence of Rainbow Springs, and our process water is spring water,” he explains. and settling in Marion County in 2005.

Tours are offered by reservation Thursday “During the course of my time overseas, I through Sunday and start at 3:30pm. was taught by a world-class master distiller “We’re not a Disney location,” says from a tequila distillery in Mexico,” he says.

Matthew. “We’ve built everything here for What he learned only enhanced his

production, so when people come, they get the actual experience of an operating distillery. We start with a house toast, do the tour and end up back at the tiki bar.”

Tours include all facets of production—from malting of grains, to distillation and hand bottling. Depending on how much people want to know about the chemistry and physics of production, tours range from 45 to 90 minutes.

The distillery also features a shooting range, archery targets and hatchet throwing.

Tastes are free and part of the tour. You can also buy a full-blown cocktail and, of course, a bottle of spirits to take home.

FISH HAWK SPIRITS 16350 SW 20th Lane, Ocala (352) 445-1292 fishhawkspirits.com

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