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"Guy Fieri's New Chicken Joint in Ocala Walmart Sparks Controversy at I-75 Flea Market Fair! Don't Miss This Week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes!"

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"Guy Fieri's New Chicken Joint in Ocala Walmart Sparks Controversy at I-75 Flea Market Fair! Don't Miss This Week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes!"

"Guy Fieri's New Chicken Joint in Ocala Walmart Sparks Controversy at I-75 Flea Market Fair! Don't Miss This Week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes!"
Explore Ocala's history, join the family at Ocala Sizzle Podcast, and experience Guy Fieri's new chicken joint in Ocala Walmart. Plus, don't miss the I-75 Flea Market Fair for a day of family fun! ๐ŸŒŸ

Wendell Carr

Oct 24, 2025

Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of October 24 2025

Want to see your photo on our newsletter, please share your photos with us and we'll pick one each week to feature!   Send photos to theocalasizzle@gmail.com

 

 From spicy Cajun boils to riverside catfish, Ocalaโ€™s seafood scene is sizzling! Join me this week on The Ocala Sizzle Podcast as we highlight seven local seafood favorites that prove fresh flavor isnโ€™t just for the coast. 

Trivia Questionโ“

In what city in Central Florida can you find the world's largest collection of Tiffany glass at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

 Bonus Bites with Kevin...

Red Crab Juicy Seafood (Ocala)

 What to Expect: Cajun-style seafood boils piled high with crab legs, shrimp, sausage, and cornโ€”spiced and sauced your way.

 Vibe: Messy, festive, and full of beach-party energy.

 Kevinโ€™s Pick: Snow crab legs with Cajun-garlic butterโ€”roll up your sleeves and dig in.

 Website: redcrabseafood.com

 Address: 2600 SW 19th Ave Rd, Ocala, FL 34471

Bonus Bite:  Red Crabโ€™s secret Cajun butter mix keeps diners coming back for more.

Graffiti Seafood & More (Ocala)

 What to Expect: Street-style seafood favoritesโ€”fried oysters, mussels, crab legs, and their famous Red Snapper Combo.

 Vibe: Bold colors, creative plates, and a touch of urban attitude.

 Kevinโ€™s Pick: Red Snapper Combo with hushpuppiesโ€”crispy, flavorful, and full of local personality.

 Website: graffitiseafood.com

 Address: 1500 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Bonus Bite:  Graffiti Seafoodโ€™s bright red exterior and music-filled dining room create the ultimate seafood party.

Seafood Seller & Cafรฉ (Ocala)

 What to Expect: Authentic Louisiana Cajun cooking from a family-run kitchen that sources its own catch.

 Vibe: Warm, lively, and as close to New Orleans as youโ€™ll get in Ocala.

 Kevinโ€™s Pick: Blackened redfish with hushpuppiesโ€”spicy, flaky, and full of bayou soul.

 Website: seafoodsellerandcafe.com

 Address: 3500 SE 14th St, Ocala, FL 34471

Bonus Bite:  Seafood Sellerโ€™s fish is literally boat-to-tableโ€”caught by their own crew.

Samโ€™s St. Johnโ€™s Seafood (Ocala)

 What to Expect: Family-owned favorite serving shrimp baskets, frog legs, gator tail, and classic Southern seafood plates.

 Vibe: Friendly, casual, and a longtime local tradition.

 Kevinโ€™s Pick: Fried shrimp basketโ€”golden, crunchy, and perfect with a splash of lemon.

 Website: www.lovethatseafood.com

 Address: 710 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Bonus Bite:  Samโ€™s St. Johnโ€™s Seafood has been serving families for decadesโ€”some regulars have โ€œtheir table.โ€

Lenaโ€™s Seafood (Silver Springs area)

 What to Expect: New England classics like lobster rolls, fried clams, and creamy clam chowder.

 Vibe: Coastal nostalgia served in a cozy roadside setting.

 Kevinโ€™s Pick: Lobster roll with onion ringsโ€”New England flavor right in Marion County.

 Website: www.facebook.com/lenasseafood.florida

 Address: 5330 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Bonus Bite:  Lenaโ€™s hand-battered onion rings are legendary among locals.

Stumpknockers On The River (Dunnellon)

 What to Expect: Catfish, frog legs, and blackened grouper served with Old Florida flair.

 Vibe: Relaxed riverside dining with local wildlife and friendly staff.

 Kevinโ€™s Pick: Blackened grouperโ€”fresh, flavorful, and best enjoyed with a river view.

 Website: Stumpknockers-on-the-River

 Address: 13821 SW Hwy 200, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Bonus Bite:  Stumpknockersโ€™ patio is dog-friendlyโ€”yes, pups love it too!

Harryโ€™s Seafood Bar & Grille (Downtown Ocala)

 What to Expect: Creole-style dishes with a Southern twistโ€”shrimp & grits, jambalaya, she-crab soup, and chargrilled oysters.

 Vibe: New Orleans spirit meets Ocalaโ€™s downtown charm.

 Kevinโ€™s Pick: Shrimp & gritsโ€”itโ€™s creamy, savory, and downright unforgettable.

 Website: hookedonharrys.com

 Address: 24 SE 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Bonus Bite:  Harryโ€™s Seafoodโ€™s banana crรจme brรปlรฉe is worth saving room for.

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This Week In Ocala History

October 24, 1854 โ€“ The first recorded fishing competition was held near Silver Springs, with locals catching catfish and bass by handโ€”proving Marion Countyโ€™s love for fresh seafood goes way back.

Be Part of the Family

Weโ€™d love to meet your friends and family! Share this newsletter so they can enjoy it too. If youโ€™re new here because someone sent it your way, click below to sign up and stay connected.

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri has opened a new chicken joint in an Ocala Walmart.

The restaurant features Fieri's popular chicken dishes, as well as a variety of other menu items.

This marks Fieri's second location in a Walmart store, with the first being in Kansas City, Kansas.

The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, providing customers in Ocala with a new dining option.

Fieri's signature flavors and creative dishes are sure to attract food enthusiasts and fans of his cooking style to this new location.

Read More...

Get ready for some fun at the I-75 Flea Market Fair.

This event is jam-packed with exciting rides, tasty food, and loads of games for the whole family to enjoy.

With a variety of vendors and activities, you'll be sure to have a blast.

Make sure to mark your calendar and bring your friends and family for a day full of laughter and good times.

Don't miss out on this carnival event that promises to be a memorable experience for everyone.

See you there!


Read More...

This Week

Fun Holidays

Q/A Questions

Q: Q: What are some popular recreational activities in The Villages?

A: A: Residents of The Villages can enjoy golfing, tennis, swimming, and various social clubs and events.


Q: Q: Are there healthcare facilities available in The Villages?

A: A: Yes, The Villages has multiple healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialists to meet residents' medical needs.


Q: Q: How is the transportation system in The Villages?

A: A: The Villages provides shuttle services, golf cart paths, and numerous roadway options for residents to easily navigate the community.

Day Trips from Ocala

Head to Crystal River, about 65 miles from Ocala, for a day trip full of fun activities for the whole family.


Visit Three Sisters Springs for a chance to see manatees up close in their natural habitat.

You can also take a boat tour to explore the crystal-clear waters of the area, perfect for snorkeling or swimming.

Don't forget to stop by the nearby Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to see even more amazing wildlife and learn about the local ecosystem.

It's the perfect way to spend a day enjoying nature and making memories with your family.

Browns Adventure Farm - FIVE WEEKS OF FALL
Falloween Fest - A Halloween Party

 

๐Ÿ“… Date: Saturday/Sunday, October 25th&26th

๐Ÿ•’ Time: Sat 10am-8pm  Sun  11am-6pm

๐Ÿ“ Location: Browns Adventure Farm; 13940 US-301, OXFORD FL, 34484
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Admission: $17.95 online special  $21.95 at gate

 

EagleMania โ€“ The Worldโ€™s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band

  • ๐Ÿ“… Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Time: 7:00โ€ฏpm โ€“ 9:00โ€ฏpm

  • ๐Ÿ“ Location: Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St, Ocala, FL 

  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Admission: (check web site)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ Details: A tribute concert paying homage to The Eagles with live performance of their hits.

Chris Funk โ€“ The Wonderist: Redefining Wonder (Magic / Comedy Show)

  • ๐Ÿ“… Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Time: 7:00โ€ฏpm โ€“ 9:00โ€ฏpm

  • ๐Ÿ“ Location: Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St, Ocala, FL csculturalcenter.com

  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Admission: (check CSCC for tickets)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ Details: A multimedia magic and comedy show โ€” part of Chris Funkโ€™s โ€œWonderistโ€ performance series

Ocala Arts Festival (FAFO / Fine Arts for Ocala)

  • ๐Ÿ“… Dates: Saturday & Sunday, October 25โ€“26, 2025

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Time: 10:00โ€ฏam โ€“ 5:00โ€ฏpm each day

  • ๐Ÿ“ Location: Historic Downtown Ocala

  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Admission: Free / open to public

  • ๐Ÿ“„ Details: This fall arts festival showcases works from 150+ artists, includes live performances, booths, food, and family-friendly art activities.

Monster Truck Tour at Ocala Speedway

  • ๐Ÿ“… Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Time: (check Speedway schedule)

  • ๐Ÿ“ Location: Ocala Speedway, 9050 NW Gainesville Rd, Ocala, FL

  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Admission: (check speedway)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ Details: Monster truck event โ€” part of the Speedwayโ€™s 2025 schedule listing โ€œ2ร— Monster Truck Tour.

โ€œTrucks & Tunesโ€ โ€” Live Music Concert

  • ๐Ÿ“… Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Time: (evening)

  • ๐Ÿ“ Location: Circle Square Commons, Ocala, FL AllEvents

  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Admission: (check local listing)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ Details: A concert event featuring local band Exโ€‘Squeez-It Lemonade & Never Never Band

Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest

  • ๐Ÿ“… Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Time: (check WEC event schedule)

  • ๐Ÿ“ Location: World Equestrian Center, Ocala, FL

  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Admission: (see WEC for ticket info)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ Details: A fun costume contest for dogs, part of WECโ€™s fall programming.

Trunk-or-Treat โ€“ Belleview (South Marion County)

  • ๐Ÿ“… Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Time: 4:00โ€ฏpm โ€“ 7:00โ€ฏpm

  • ๐Ÿ“ Location: Lake Lillian, Belleview, FL

  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Admission: Free

  • ๐Ÿ“„ Details: A familyโ€‘friendly trickโ€‘orโ€‘treating event with decorated trunks, games, hayrides, and community participation.

The Chiropractic Center of Ocala โ€” your go-to destination for holistic, patient-focused chiropractic care right here in the heart of Ocala. Whether youโ€™re dealing with chronic back pain, recovering from an accident, or simply seeking to improve your overall wellness, Dr. Brantley and his experienced team offer personalized treatments designed to get you moving and feeling your best. With a welcoming, modern office and a reputation for compassionate care, itโ€™s no wonder locals consistently rate them among the best in the area.

 

From spinal adjustments and therapeutic exercises to advanced services like decompression therapy and cold laser treatments, the Chiropractic Center of Ocala takes a full-body approach to healing. No cookie-cutter solutionsโ€”just real results, backed by years of expertise and a passion for helping people live pain-free. Visit chiropracticcentersofocala.com to book your appointment and take the first step toward better health today.

Secret Little Hack

Ah, here's a little tip for you in The Villages, Florida: if you want to avoid the crowds at the popular restaurants, try dining during off-peak times like mid-afternoon or early evening.


You'll likely have a more peaceful dining experience and maybe even snag a table with a nice view!

Joke Of The Day

Why do the cows in Ocala, Florida always know the latest gossip?

Because they herd it through the bovine!

๐Ÿ’ก Answer to Trivia Question:
Winter Park
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ยฉ 2026 The Ocala Sizzle.

The Ocala Sizzle is your go-to guide for everything happening in Ocala and The Villages. From neighborhood news and standout events to restaurant picks, local gems, and fresh stories from the community, we bring the heat and the heart of Central Florida straight to your inbox. Whether you're a lifelong local or just settling in, The Ocala Sizzle keeps you connected to the buzz and beauty of life in horse country.

ยฉ 2026 The Ocala Sizzle.