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"Florida's License Plate Crackdown + Christmas Parade Photos + Teacher of the Year Finalists!"
"Florida's License Plate Crackdown + Christmas Parade Photos + Teacher of the Year Finalists!"
"Florida's License Plate Crackdown + Christmas Parade Photos + Teacher of the Year Finalists!"
Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes: FL cracking down on license plate frames, festive photos from Christmas parade, Teacher of the Year finalists announced! 🔥🎄🏆
Wendell Carr
Dec 19, 2025
Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala |
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Ready to elevate your next night out? This week I’m sharing Ocala’s top date-night destinations — the restaurants that set the mood with soft lighting, stunning menus, and that perfect “this feels special” ambiance. Whether you're celebrating something big or just want an evening to reconnect, these five standout spots offer experiences that make memories. |
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Bonus Bites with Kevin... |
🍷 La Cuisine French Restaurant (Downtown Ocala) What to Expect: French onion soup, escargot, beef bourguignon, duck magret — classic French comfort done beautifully. |
🥩 Mark’s Prime Steakhouse (Ocala) What to Expect: Prime cuts, wood-fired steaks, seafood, rich sides, and an elegant wine list. |
What to Expect: Comfort-food favorites elevated — meatloaf, short rib stroganoff, shrimp & grits, and creative house specials. |
🔥 Ipanema Brazilian Steak House (Ocala) What to Expect: Churrascaria-style service with gauchos carving meats tableside, plus a full salad and sides bar. |
🍸 Ivy on the Square (Downtown Ocala) What to Expect: Southern-inspired dishes, great cocktails, and a beautifully decorated space with indoor and outdoor seating. |
🍨 Sweet Ending Suggestion – La Dolce Vita What to Expect: Artisan gelato, European pastries, rotating flavors from pistachio to dark chocolate. |
This Week in Ocala Flavor December 19, 1988 – The Ocala Downtown Square hosted its first “Holiday Couples’ Night,” an evening of late-night dining and carriage rides that helped inspire today’s romantic downtown atmosphere. |
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In Florida, some license plate frames could now be considered illegal if they obscure the words or numbers on the plate. The state law requires all parts of the plate to be visible and unobstructed. Drivers with frames that cover any part of the plate may face fines or citations. While there has been confusion about the legality of license plate frames in the past, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is now enforcing the law more strictly. It's important for drivers to ensure their frames do not block any important information on their license plates to avoid potential penalties. Read More... |
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The article showcases photos from downtown Ocala's 70th Annual Christmas Parade, featuring a variety of festive floats and performances. The parade included appearances from various local organizations, businesses, and community groups, all decked out in holiday decorations. Spectators lined the streets to enjoy the festivities and cheer on the participants. The photos capture the spirit of the event, showcasing the colorful costumes, bright lights, and joyful atmosphere of the Christmas parade. Overall, it was a successful and exciting celebration that brought the community together to kick off the holiday season in style. Read More... |
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A total of four teachers were selected from over 50 nominees, with the finalists being recognized for their dedication and exceptional teaching abilities. Read More... |
This Week | ||
Fun Holidays |
Dec 19 – Oatmeal Muffin Day 🧁 |
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The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party — Ocala Civic Theatre
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Ocala Winter Wonderland — World Equestrian Center
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A Beautiful Christmas with Eirinn Abu — Cultural Center
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Behind the Curtain Tour — The Sharon (Villages)
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Scooter’s Christmas Pajama Bash — The Villages
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