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"Swimming at Silver Springs? Ocala's Growth Explodes! 🌊🔥"
"Swimming at Silver Springs? Ocala's Growth Explodes! 🌊🔥"
Catch up on the latest Ocala Sizzle Podcast news and hear why Marion County Commissioner is pushing for swimming to return to Silver Springs! Plus, find out why Ocala was named the fastest-growing city by U-Haul for the second year in a row. Share the Sizzle! Don't miss out, click here for more details.
Wendell Carr
Jan 16, 2026
Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala |
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Some places are more than just businesses — they are part of Ocala’s identity. In this episode of The Ocala Sizzle Podcast, host Wendell Carr celebrates the local legends that everyone knows, recommends, and keeps coming back to. From iconic restaurants to unforgettable community landmarks, this episode honors the businesses and places that helped shape Ocala into the community it is today. These are the names that come up again and again whenever locals talk about where to eat, gather, and make memories. |
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Extra Tidbits from Wendell |
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille (Ocala) What to Expect: Louisiana-inspired dishes, classic favorites, and a lively downtown dining experience. Vibe: Energetic, welcoming, and perfect for celebrations or casual meals on the square. The Sizzle Favorite: Classic Cajun-style entrées enjoyed while people-watching downtown. Website: https://www.harrysseafoodbarandgrille.com |
Big Man’s Cafe (Ocala) What to Expect: Southern comfort food served hot, hearty, and generously portioned. Vibe: Down-home, authentic, and proudly local. The Sizzle Favorite: Homestyle meals that feel like they came straight from the family kitchen. Website: https://www.bigmanscafe.net |
Ivy on the Square (Ocala) What to Expect: Refined American cuisine with attentive service and a polished menu. Vibe: Classic, elegant, and ideal for business lunches or special occasions. The Sizzle Favorite: Thoughtfully prepared entrées enjoyed in a calm, upscale setting. Website: https://www.ivyonthesquare.com |
La Cuisine French Restaurant (Ocala) What to Expect: Traditional French dishes served in an intimate dining room. Vibe: Quiet, cozy, and timeless. The Sizzle Favorite: Classic French favorites paired with a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Website: https://www.lacuisineocala.com |
Mark’s Prime Steakhouse (Ocala) What to Expect: Premium steaks, classic sides, and attentive service. Vibe: Upscale yet comfortable, perfect for celebrations and milestone dinners. The Sizzle Favorite: A perfectly cooked steak paired with a classic steakhouse experience. Website: https://www.marksprime.com |
Silver Springs State Park (Ocala) What to Expect: Natural beauty, crystal-clear springs, and the famous glass-bottom boat tours. Vibe: Iconic, scenic, and deeply rooted in Ocala history. The Sizzle Favorite: Experiencing the springs that generations of locals have grown up enjoying. Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/silversprings |
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A Marion County commissioner is pushing to bring swimming back to Silver Springs, arguing that the time is right for the popular activity to return. The commissioner cites the environmental improvements made in recent years as reasons why swimming could be reintroduced to the area. The goal is to create a family-friendly environment that brings more visitors to Silver Springs and boosts the local economy. The commissioner's proposal is currently being considered and will involve working with various agencies to ensure that swimming can be safely reintroduced to the springs. Read More... |
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Ocala has been named the fastest-growing city in the U-Haul Growth Index for the second year in a row. The city's high ranking is attributed to its affordability and strong job market, attracting people from within the state and across the country. U-Haul reports that more trucks are entering Ocala than leaving, indicating a high level of migration to the area. This growth is a positive sign for Ocala's economy and continued development in the future. Read More... |
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🌟 Charity Spotlight of the Week: Arnette House, Inc. 🌟
This week, we’re honored to spotlight Arnette House, Inc., a longtime local nonprofit providing safety, stability, and hope for children and families across Marion and surrounding counties.
Founded in nineteen eighty-one, Arnette House began as a small emergency shelter and has grown into a vital resource for youth facing crisis situations such as homelessness, family conflict, or unsafe living conditions. Their mission is simple but powerful: help young people build brighter, healthier futures while strengthening families and communities.
Arnette House offers a twenty-four hour emergency youth shelter for children ages ten through seventeen, along with counseling services, group homes for teens preparing for adulthood, and prevention programs that teach problem-solving and positive decision-making. All services are provided with compassion and dignity, at no cost to the families served.
Arnette House is participating in Give4Marion, making it easy for our community to come together and support this important work. Every donation helps provide essentials like clothing, school supplies, counseling, and life-skills programs for youth when they need it most.
✨ How You Can Help: Visit Arnette House’s Give4Marion page to donate, share their mission, or encourage others to get involved. Your generosity can make a lasting difference right here in our community. |
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