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Ghosts Among the Oaks - Our Halloween Special Edition
Ghosts Among the Oaks - Our Halloween Special Edition
Don't miss out on this week's podcast episodes, holiday events, and fundraisers in Marion County! 🎉
Wendell Carr
Oct 31, 2025
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Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala |
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When the sun sets and the oaks start whispering, Ocala’s history comes alive in a whole new way. Join me this Halloween for Ghosts Among the Oaks — a chilling journey through haunted cemeteries, forgotten towns, and eerie legends from Central Florida’s shadowy side. |
Trivia Question❓In Ocala, Florida, what is the name of the historic cemetery rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl named Sarah? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Bonus Bites with Kevin... • Evergreen Cemetery (Ocala) What to Expect: Ocala’s oldest cemetery, dating to the 1850s, known for its moss-covered tombstones and haunting atmosphere. Vibe: Somber, historic, and timelessly eerie. Legend: Locals report cold drafts, whispers, and shifting shadows between the graves. Address: 803 NE 8th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470 Bonus Bite: Evergreen Cemetery is still active today and filled with beautiful funerary art — a quiet walk through Ocala’s history. |
• Kerr City (Marion County Ghost Town) What to Expect: A long-abandoned citrus town left frozen in time after the Great Freeze of 1894–95. Vibe: Still, haunting, and historically fascinating. Legend: Visitors speak of a ghostly woman named “Grace” who roams the old cemetery after dusk. Location: Off Highway 316 near Salt Springs, Marion County, FL Bonus Bite: Kerr City’s remaining structures are privately owned — ghost hunters, admire respectfully from afar! |
• The “Dark Man” of Ocala National Forest What to Expect: Campers and rangers alike have reported the shadowy figure of a man in a hat, silently watching from the trees. Vibe: Unsettling, mysterious, and undeniably local folklore. Legend: Known as “The Dark Man,” he’s said to vanish if approached — leaving only the sound of rustling leaves. Location: Deep woods near Salt Springs, Ocala National Forest Bonus Bite: The “Dark Man” legend has endured for more than 50 years — one of Marion County’s longest-running ghost stories. |
• Hull-Smith Cemetery (Ocala National Forest) What to Expect: A small, hidden 19th-century burial site deep within the woods, often visited by paranormal enthusiasts. Vibe: Isolated and peaceful, yet undeniably haunting. Legend: Floating orbs of light are said to appear around twilight — spirits searching for rest, or tricks of the forest light? Location: Near Forest Road 88, Ocala National Forest Bonus Bite: Hull-Smith Cemetery rewards the quiet and patient — ghostly orbs often appear only when you least expect them. |
What to Expect: A collection of historic homes, churches, and gardens where the city’s early residents once lived — and perhaps still do. Vibe: Charming by day, chilling by night. Legend: Residents report footsteps in empty hallways, flickering lights, and music from silent rooms. Location: Around SE Magnolia Avenue, Downtown Ocala Bonus Bite: The Historic District hosts guided ghost tours each fall through the Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS). |
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Halloween in Central Florida is usually celebrated in warm weather, but some years have brought an unexpected chill to the festivities.
In 1993, Orlando recorded its coolest Halloween with temperatures peaking at just 66 degrees. This was a marked contrast to the typical high of 81 degrees for late October.
In 2017, trick-or-treaters enjoyed a cool 76 degrees, making for a refreshing evening.
Leesburg also stood out in 2012 when Halloween highs reached only 70 degrees, setting a local record.
Though these chilly Halloweens are rare, they’re fondly remembered for bringing a crisp, autumn feeling to local celebrations.
Each time the temperatures drop, it gives families a chance to experience Halloween in a new, memorable way. Read More... |
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Marion County Gears Up for Safe and Fun Trunk-or-Treat Events |
As Halloween approaches, Marion County is gearing up for multiple trunk-or-treat events to provide a safe and fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. These events are hosted by various organizations and businesses across the county and offer entertainment such as games, music, and costume contests. One of the largest trunk-or-treat events is held at the Marion County Sheriff's Office, featuring not only decorated vehicles but also emergency vehicles for children to explore. Other events in the area include trunk-or-treats at local churches and businesses. These events provide a supervised environment for children to collect candy and enjoy the Halloween festivities. Additionally, some organizations are using trunk-or-treats as a way to give back to the community, such as a car dealership that will be collecting canned goods for a local food bank during their event. Overall, the trunk-or-treat events in Marion County offer a safe and enjoyable way for families to celebrate Halloween and connect with their community. Read More... |
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The Rotary Club of Impact Ocala is continuing their tradition of giving back through their Gobbler for Good fundraiser. Read More... |
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Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Appleton Museum with the upcoming exhibition "A Dickens Christmas 2025." Step into the world of Charles Dickens' classic tale, "A Christmas Carol," as it comes to life through intricate vignettes and immersive displays. Delight in the festive decor and period costumes that transport visitors to 19th century England. Enjoy interactive experiences and special events that celebrate the timeless message of compassion, redemption, and joy. Join us for a heartwarming journey through the spirit of Christmas past, present, and future at this enchanting exhibition. Read More... |
This Week | ||
Fun Holidays |
• 31st – Halloween 🎃 • 1st – National Brush Day • 2nd – Deviled Egg Day • 3rd – National Sandwich Day • 4th – King Tut Day • 5th – National Doughnut Day • 6th – Saxophone Day |
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Bringing the Frontier Back to Life!
Saddle up for action, comedy, and cowboy heroics! Legacy of the Wild West is Florida’s premier wild-west performance troupe, thrilling audiences across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama with high-energy gunfights, hilarious storytelling, and authentic frontier flair.
This season, the cowboys and outlaws have taken over Brown’s Adventure Farm in Oxford, Florida, wrapping up nine straight weeks of performances—that’s 14 shows every weekend of shoot-outs, showdowns, and family-friendly fun!
Whether it’s a fall festival, county fair, or dinner theater, Legacy of the Wild West brings the Old West roaring back to life for audiences of all ages. Interested in booking? Contact them through their Facebook page.
📸 Follow the adventure and see where they’ll ride next: |
Q/A Questions |
Q: Q: Are there any famous haunted locations in Ocala, Florida? A: A: Yes, there are several haunted locations in Ocala, including the Ma Barker House and the Ocala National Forest. Q: Q: What are some popular Halloween events in Ocala? A: A: Some popular Halloween events in Ocala include the Ocala Pumpkin Run and the Ocala Harvest Fest. Q: Q: Are there any local ghost stories that are well-known in Ocala? A: A: Yes, one well-known ghost story in Ocala is the legend of the Ocala Ghost Girl, who is said to haunt a local cemetery. |
This Week In Ocala History |
October 31, 1889 – Locals first reported seeing “mysterious lights” near Evergreen Cemetery, inspiring Ocala’s earliest recorded ghost story in the Evening Star. |
Tip of The Day |
Explore the Santos Mountain Bike Trail for a thrilling adventure through Florida's scenic nature! Just be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen for a day of fun in the sun. |
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Browns Adventure Farm
📅 Date: Friday, Saturday, Sunday - October 31-November 2nd 🕒 Time: Fri: 3-9pm Sat 10am-4pm Sun 10am - 4pm 📍 Location: Browns Adventure Farm; 13940 US-301, OXFORD FL, 34484
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MCSO Annual Safe & Spooktacular Halloween Party📅 Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 |
Halloween Celebration at World Equestrian Center📅 Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 |
“Tuesday Tales” Story‑Time at Tuscawilla Park📅 Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 |
Sazon Saturdays at LOFT – Downtown Ocala📅 Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 |
Secret Little Hack |
One secret hack for Ocala, Florida is to visit the Ocala Historic District for a charming stroll through Victorian-era buildings and quaint shops. It's a hidden gem that many tourists overlook, but locals know it's the perfect spot for a leisurely day out. |
Joke Of The Day |
Why did the scarecrow win an award in Ocala? Because he was outstanding in his field! |
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Quote Of The Day |
"Good morning Ocala! Remember, success is not about doing everything perfectly—it's about always striving to do your best. Let's make today great!" |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Evergreen Cemetery |
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