Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of September 12, 2025

Listen to the Latest Episode:  

Hey friends – Kevin Davis here, and this week, we’re taking a flavorful detour off the main roads to uncover some of Ocala and The Villages’ best-kept secrets—local sandwich shops! We’re talking about handcrafted subs, old-school delis, and neighborhood gems that serve up love between two slices of bread. From toasted Italian classics at Albelo’s to fresh-picked garden vibes at Ocala Fresh, and even a crab cake surprise in Inverness—you won’t want to miss this delicious tour. Tune in and bring your appetite!

Get this weeks Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes

1. The Secret Sauce at Albelo’s?
Word on the street (and from a friendly employee I chatted with) is that Albelo’s makes their vinaigrette in-house. It's tangy, garlicky, and gives their Italian sub that extra zing. Ask for a little extra next time—trust me.

2. Southside’s Unsung Hero:
They may be known for their pastrami, but don’t sleep on their egg salad sandwich. Yep—egg salad. I know, I know... not usually top of mind. But this one’s got a dash of paprika, chopped dill pickles, and just the right level of chill. Perfect for a light lunch.

3. A Tip at Ocala Fresh:
Want your sandwich ultra-fresh? Hit up Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli right after 11am, when their first bread batch comes out. One of the team told me that's when the sliced sourdough still has a warm, just-baked chew.

4. Gio’s Hidden Market Finds:
After your sandwich at Gio’s Deli & Mercato, take a look near the register—they’ve got imported sodas and Italian candies you won’t find anywhere else in The Villages. Try the Sanpellegrino Chinotto if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s bitter, bold, and very old-school.

5. Irene’s Sweet Sandwich Surprise:
They’ve got a “secret menu” item some locals whisper about—a PB&J with crushed pretzels and banana slices. Ask nicely and they just might make it. Follow it up with a scoop of their birthday cake ice cream and you’re golden.

6. The Crab Cake Controversy at Green Valley Amish Market:
A customer once asked if it was “really Amish” to serve crab cakes. The answer? Maybe not—but the owner’s cousin is from Maryland. That recipe’s a family hand-me-down, and it’s been embraced with open arms—and hungry mouths.

Sept 12 - Chocolate Milkshake Day
Sept 14 - Hug Your Hound Day
Sept 15 - Make a Hat Day
Sept 16 - Guacamole Day
Sept 17 - International Country Music Day
Sept 18 - Rice Crispy Treat Day

Check out the weekly farmer's market in downtown Ocala for fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts!

It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy a fun outing.

An Ocala native, Jackie Graves, has been selected as one of the 100 contestants on FOX's new game show, 99 to Beat.

Premiering on Sept.24, the show features participants competing in various challenges for a chance to win a $1 million prize.

Graves will be showcasing her skills in a series of fun and light-hearted tasks, striving to avoid being the last one standing.

The debut episode airs at 9 p.m. on FOX, followed by availability on Hulu.

Friends, family, and community members are invited to join Graves for a local watch party at The Lodge in Ocala to cheer her on.

6th Annual Charlie Horse Charity Golf Tournament

• Host & Beneficiary: Hospice of Marion County

• Date: Friday, September 12, 2025

• Location: Ocala Golf Club (with post‑tournament gathering at Charlie Horse Bar & Grill, 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd)

• Details: A day of golfing to support Hospice of Marion County, followed by refreshments and fellowship at Charlie Horse Bar & Grill. Proceeds go toward supporting hospice care services

2nd Annual “Taste of the Town” Fundraiser

• Host & Beneficiary: Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center (supporting improved access to affordable health care in Greater West Ocala)

• Date & Time: Friday, September 12, 2025 · 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Location: Ocala Downtown Market (403 SE Osceola Avenue)

• Details: A festive evening of tastings from 19+ restaurants, food trucks, and beverage vendors—alongside wine and beer options. Funds raised through this event contribute to the Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center's mission. Ticket pricing: $50/person, $90/couple, $30 (10 & under)

• September 11, 1916 — The Ocala Carnegie Library opened its doors for the very first time. Funded in part by Andrew Carnegie, it was the city's first permanent, public library building—though, on opening day, it was not yet fully furnished.

• The librarian who would oversee it for decades, Louise Gamsby, began her tenure that year (1916) and led the library through generations of growth, before eventually becoming a library consultant long after her retirement in 1951.

Visit the Silver Springs State Park early in the morning to have the best chance of spotting wildlife such as alligators, manatees, and turtles in the crystal-clear waters.

Ocala, FL

1. LIVE ON STAGE:  INTO THE WOODS

   • 📅 Date: Thursday, September 18th-21st, 2025

   • 🕒 Time: 7:30 p.m.

   • 📍 Location: 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

   • 🎟️ Admission: $35-$40 for adults / $17-$20 for ages under 18 

   • 📄 Details: Fairytales tell the truth: Everyone is wishing for something. Curses can last for generations. No one is alone. And children will listen. This magical musical weaves together the tales of Jack and his beanstalk, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red, a baker and his wife, and a powerful witch. But be careful what you wish for… even a storybook ending isn’t what it seems. From once upon a time to the last midnight, it’s an enchanting journey.

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!

"Embrace the beauty of Ocala, where every sunrise brings new opportunities and every sunset brings peace."