Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of October 10, 2025

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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: Florida Heritage on a Plate

1. The Salted Brick — Hidden Flavor Tip

Next time you visit, ask if the chef has any off-menu specials. Locals say they sometimes feature a smoked grouper or a pork chop brined with Florida cane syrup — pure local craft. The restaurant’s kitchen partners with nearby farms during harvest season, so October often brings roasted squash or local greens as specials.

2. Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille — A Taste of History

Harry’s connects to Ocala’s horse-country past in an unexpected way — their original gumbo base recipe came from a Louisiana jockey who settled here in the 1990s. The secret? A deep, slow-cooked roux made with butter and bacon fat. If you’re a spice lover, ask for the “Cajun Hot” option — it’s not on the menu but still honored.

3. Southern Pig & Cattle Company — BBQ Tradition Lives On

Few know this, but the Tomlinson family traces its roots to Florida cattlemen from the early 1900s. Their pit technique combines hickory and citrus wood — giving a subtly sweet smoke unique to Central Florida. Order the pulled pork sandwich “Florida-style” with slaw on top of the meat and a side of fried okra for the true old-school experience.

4.  Metro Diner — Florida Citrus Upgrade

Metro’s Chicken & Waffles gets all the attention, but if you’re visiting this fall, try their seasonal orange-zest waffle special. It’s a nod to Florida’s citrus history and pairs perfectly with maple-bacon syrup. Want to make it brunch-perfect? Ask for a splash of their fresh-squeezed OJ in your mimosa.

5. Flying Biscuit Café — Sunshine in a Cup

Beyond their famous biscuits, Flying Biscuit makes one of the best “Sunshine Lattes” — a blend of espresso, honey, and orange peel. It’s not widely advertised, but locals in The Villages swear by it for a cozy fall morning. Pair it with their peach cobbler pancakes if you’re leaning sweet.

6. Miz Kathi’s Cotillion Café & Sweetery — Sweet Stories

Miz Kathi herself was known for collecting old family dessert recipes from The Villages’ residents, many of which came from Georgia and South Carolina plantations. The “Mississippi Mud Pie” and “Sweet Potato Pecan Cake” are direct descendants of those handwritten recipes. Ask about the “Heritage Desserts” rotation — it changes monthly and always comes with a story.

🥄 Extra Heritage Picks Around Marion County

• Big Lee’s BBQ (Ocala): Pitmaster Rashad Jones (of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl) keeps local smokehouse tradition alive. His brisket pairs beautifully with tangy mustard sauce — a nod to Florida’s fusion of Southern and Caribbean flavors.

• Latinos y Más: For a Latin-Caribbean twist, this Ocala favorite blends Dominican, Cuban, and Mexican flavors — plantains, picadillo, and citrus-marinated meats show the “New Florida” heritage in action.

• Sayulita Taqueria (Downtown Ocala): Not just tacos — they use locally grown herbs and feature Florida-caught fish in their Baja-style tacos. Ask for the “Citrus Slaw” version for a taste of Florida sunshine.

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The featured Dog of the Week is a shelter dog named Mango.

Mango is a friendly and energetic pup who loves to play and cuddle.

He is described as a sweet and affectionate dog who is looking for his forever home.

Mango is good with other dogs and enjoys going for walks and exploring new surroundings.

Mango has a lovable personality.  Consider giving him a loving home.

10th - National Cake Decorating Day
11th - National Motorcycle Ride Day
12th - National Farmers Day
13th - Silly Sayings Day
14th - Be Bald and Free Day
15th - I Love Lucy Day
16th - Global Cat Day

🍊 Did You Know?

• The term “Florida Cracker” comes from the sound of cow whips used by early cattlemen — many of today’s BBQ joints and Southern diners still honor those roots.

• Key Lime Pie wasn’t originally baked — the acid from the limes “cooked” the eggs in the filling before ovens were common in the Keys.

• Grits:  The earliest Florida settlers called grits “hominy porridge.” Today’s shrimp and grits trace that lineage — African, Indigenous, and Southern in one bite.

Explore the beauty of Ocala's natural springs by taking a refreshing swim or kayak trip.

Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and unwind in the peaceful surroundings.

Don't forget to bring some sunscreen and snacks for a perfect day out in nature!

Browns Adventure Farm - FIVE WEEKS OF FALL
Wine Your Way Around: A Fall Sip & Stroll

📅 Date: Saturday/Sunday, October 11th&12th

🕒 Time: Sat 10am-8pm  Sun  11am-6pm

📍 Location: Browns Adventure Farm; 13940 US-301, OXFORD FL, 34484
🎟️ Admission: $17.95 online special  $21.95 at gate

28th Annual Jeeptoberfest

• 📅 October 10–12, 2025

• 🕒 Gates open 9:00 am (obstacle courses close ~4:00 pm)

• 📍 Florida Horse Park, 11851 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, FL

• 🎟️ $10 parking for non‑registered vehicles

• 📄 This is a large Jeep-only show with vendors, merchandise, food, music, obstacle courses, show‑and‑shine events, raffles, etc.

Critter Meet & Greet

• 📅 October 10, 2025

• 🕒 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

• 📍 Discovery Center (Ocala)

• 🎟️ Free / public

• 📄 Meet a local animal or “critter” while a staff member shares fun facts about it.

Painting With a Purpose: Halloween Paint Party

• 📅 October 11, 2025

• 🕒 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

• 📍 Marion Cultural Alliance, “The Brick,” Downtown Ocala

• 🎟️ Likely free / low cost (check with organizers)

• 📄 A Halloween‑themed paint class where participants can create seasonal art, with proceeds or purpose tied to charity (The LILAC Foundation).

Crafting Connection (Halloween Mask & More)

• 📅 October 15, 2025

• 🕒 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

• 📍 Belleview Community Center, Belleview, FL

• 🎟️ Free / open to public

• 📄 Bring your own craft project or use provided materials to make a Halloween mask. Coloring books and Legos also available for kids.

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"Good morning Ocala! Remember, success is not just about reaching your goals, but about staying true to yourself along the way. Have a great day!"