Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of September 19, 2025

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Listen to the Latest Episode:  

Hey friends –  it’s Kevin Davis from the Ocala Sizzle—and this week, we’re firing up the flavor! From slow-smoked brisket to tangy sauces that’ll make your mouth dance, we’re taking a tasty tour of Ocala’s best barbecue joints. Whether you're a backyard pitmaster or just chasing the scent of smoked ribs down the street, this episode is dripping with Southern charm, local legends, and enough pulled pork to make your heart skip a beat. Trust me—you don’t want to miss this sizzlin’ adventure!

Get this weeks Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes

 Bonus Bites with Kevin...

1. That One Time I Tried to Smoke a Turkey...
Let’s just say it turned into more of a charcoal art piece. Moral of the story? Leave the low and slow to the pros—like Big Lee’s!

2. Barbecue Sauce Showdown
Did you know Florida BBQ blends Carolina vinegar with a bit of Georgia sweetness? Ocala pitmasters often create their own secret blends, with just a hint of citrus to rep our sunshine state.

3. Secret Menu Alert
Rumor has it that at Brick City Southern Kitchen, if you ask nicely, they’ll hit you with a special off-menu smoked sausage that locals rave about. Shhh… you didn’t hear it from me.

4. Pitmaster Playlist
I always say the best ribs are made with the right tunes. Word on the street is that Big Lee smokes his meats while jamming to Al Green and Otis Redding—soul food meets soul music!

5. Kevin’s BBQ Pro Tip
If the smoke smells like bacon and wood heaven from five blocks away, follow it. It usually leads to something unforgettable—or at least a nap-worthy lunch.

Get ready for a river tour to see manatees in Ocala!

Senior citizens are invited to join this special event and enjoy a relaxing day on the water while spotting these gentle giants.

The tour promises a memorable experience and a chance to connect with nature in a unique way.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness these amazing creatures up close and learn more about their habitat and behavior.

Sign up for the tour today and prepare for a day filled with excitement and wonder.

19th - Talk Like A Pirate Day
20th - Big Whopper Liar Day
21st - Wife Appreciation Day
22nd - Ice Cream Cone Day
23rd - Checkers Day 
24th - National Professional Baseball Day
25th - National Quesadilla Day

The  College of Central Florida will be hosting a farm field day to showcase the latest innovations in agriculture.

Attendees can learn about cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to improve farm operations.

The event will feature interactive workshops, demonstrations, and networking opportunities for farmers, students, and industry professionals.

Participants will have the chance to explore new equipment, try hands-on activities, and connect with experts in the field.

This event promises to be an informative and valuable experience for anyone interested in advancing their knowledge of modern farming techniques.

One insider tip for Ocala, Florida is to check out the local farmers markets for fresh produce and unique artisanal goods.

It's a great way to support local businesses and get a taste of the vibrant community in the area.

National POW / MIA Recognition Day

• 📅 Date: Friday, September 19, 2025

• 🕒 Time: 9:00 AM

• 📍 Location: Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park
  2601 NE 26th Terrace

• 🎟️ Admission: Free

• 📄 Details: POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September, on September 19 this year, to recommit to full accountability to the families of the more than 80,000 veterans captured or still missing from wars that the United States has participated in. According to accounts, during the first ceremony of POW/MIA Day at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., fighter airplanes from the military base in Virginia flew in the ‘missing man formation’ in their honor.

Ocala Comic Con

• 📅 Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 20th & 21st, 2025

• 🕒 Time: Saturday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

• 📍 Location: World Equestrian Center Expo 1 Building

• 🎟️ Admission: Click Here

• 📄 Details: Ocala Florida's LARGEST convention returns on September 20th-21st, 2025 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL!   Kids 10 and under are FREE! Ocala Comic Con uses the entire 135k sqft of the Expo Center! Come enjoy an awesome weekend full of Comicbooks, Video Games, Cosplay, Props, and More!

• “Go Into the Woods” — Free Book Club / Talk

  • 📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

  • 🕒 Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

  • 📍 Location: Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 

  • 🎟️ Admission: Free; RSVP requested

  • 📄 Details: A “no reading required” book club with R.J. Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council. Exploring fairytales and the stories behind them.

Annual Ocala Recovery Festival

📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: Tuscawilla Park, Ocala, FL 

🎟️ Admission: Likely free / community festival 

📄 Details: Community vendors, resource providers, raising awareness & support around recovery. 

The Market of Marion — Belleview

📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

🕒 Time: 8:00 AM

📍 Location: 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview, FL 

🎟️ Admission: Free (farmers market / community market setting) 

📄 Details: Regular market with vendors, produce, crafts. Good for early shoppers.

"The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the possibilities are endless here in beautiful Ocala, Florida. Let's make today amazing, folks!"