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"Love, Bears, and Symphonies: This Week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes!"
"Love, Bears, and Symphonies: This Week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes!"
"Love, Bears, and Symphonies: This Week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes!"
Check out this week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast featuring love, giving back, and music celebration! 🌟 #ShareTheSizzle
Wendell Carr
Feb 13, 2026
Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala |
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Valentine’s Weekend is here, and I'm is serving up local inspiration! In this sweet and heartfelt episode of The Ocala Sizzle Podcast, I'll highlight local gift shops, romantic dessert spots, and fun date ideas all around Ocala, The Villages, and nearby areas. Whether you’re planning a thoughtful present, a romantic outing, or simply want to surprise someone with treats and experiences — We'll lay out the best places to visit, what to pick up, and how to make this Valentine’s unforgettable. |
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Extra Tidbits from Wendell |
Starfish & Company (Ocala)What to Expect: A charming local boutique with jewelry, candles, décor, and thoughtful gifts perfect for Valentine’s. |
Sweet! A Candy Shop (Ocala)What to Expect: Sweet candy, chocolates, and nostalgic treats — ideal for Valentine’s gifts or date dessert. |
Cafe Latte (Ocala)What to Expect: Cozy café with artisan pastries, desserts, espresso, and seasonal sweets — great for date treats. |
Kilwins of The Villages (The Villages)What to Expect: Classic handmade chocolates, fudge, caramel apples, and heart‑themed Valentine’s treats. |
Donut Kingdom (Ocala)What to Expect: Fun donut shop with specialty and seasonal sweet creations (great for Valentine’s morning treats). |
Fort King National Historic Landmark (Ocala)What to Expect: Historic park with shaded oaks — perfect for a Valentine’s picnic with sweets + gifts. |
Silver Springs State Park (Ocala)What to Expect: Picturesque park for scenic strolls and riverside moments paired with local treats. |
Bistro 41 (The Villages)What to Expect: Intimate dinner spot ideal for date nights around Valentine’s. |
Latitude 29° Dining & Dockside (Ocala)What to Expect: Waterfront dinner destination for romantic evenings and sunset dates. |
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Lake County Animal Shelter is hosting a Valentine's Day adoption event to help pets find forever homes. The event will take place on February 13th and 14th, with discounted adoption fees and giveaways. Potential pet parents can meet the animals and hopefully make a love connection. The shelter hopes to find loving families for as many pets as possible during this special event. If you have been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, this could be the perfect opportunity to find your new companion. Read More... |
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A local radio station in Florida hosted their 27th annual Bear-a-Thon event to raise funds for children in need. Listeners were encouraged to donate teddy bears and other items to benefit kids in hospitals and shelters. The event featured a live broadcast and special guests, including children who have directly benefited from the donations in the past. This initiative showcases the power of community support and generosity in making a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate. Overall, the Bear-a-Thon was a successful event that brought joy and comfort to children in need. Read More... |
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The article discusses the 50th anniversary of the Ocala Symphony, celebrating its rich history and impact in the community. The Reilly Arts Center serves as a home for the symphony and plays a vital role in promoting arts and culture in Ocala. The article highlights the growth and achievements of the orchestra over the past five decades, emphasizing their commitment to providing high-quality performances and music education to audiences of all ages. The symphony and the Reilly Arts Center continue to be integral parts of the cultural landscape in Ocala, enriching the lives of residents through the power of music. Read More... |
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13th - National Wingman's Day 14th - National Have A Heart Day 15th - National Hippo Day / Daytona 500 16th - President's Day 17th - Mardi Gras 18th - Hockey is for Everyone Day 19th - National Arabian Horse Day |
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📜 February 14, 1844 — Marion County Established
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Cirque Ma’Ceo LIVE — Traveling Circus & Performance Troupe |
Ocala Valentine’s Day 5K — Vanguard High School XC Team Fundraiser |
Film Music Spectacular — Ocala Symphony Orchestra |
LIVE ON STAGE: Little Shop of Horrors — Ocala Civic Theatre |
Winefest 2026 — Lakeridge Winery Weekend Celebration
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🌟 Charity Spotlight of the Week: Break Barriers 🌟
This issue, we’re proud to highlight Break Barriers, a local nonprofit with a powerful mission: to reduce homelessness, unemployment, and recidivism by supporting individuals recently released from incarceration as they rebuild their lives.
Break Barriers understands that a successful reentry into society starts with stability and opportunity. Their comprehensive support programs are designed to give participants the tools they need to thrive, not just survive. These include:
Thanks to this holistic approach, Break Barriers not only helps individuals find work and housing but also fosters self-confidence, resilience, and community belonging — key ingredients for reducing the cycle of incarceration and homelessness.
Your support can make a meaningful impact. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, helping Break Barriers continue its life-changing work strengthens both individuals and our broader community. |
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