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"Ocala Skate Park Controversy, Adult Egg Hunt Thrills, & Top Flea Markets Revealed!"

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"Ocala Skate Park Controversy, Adult Egg Hunt Thrills, & Top Flea Markets Revealed!"

"Ocala Skate Park Controversy, Adult Egg Hunt Thrills, & Top Flea Markets Revealed!"
Discover the latest Ocala Sizzle podcast show notes, a new skate park in Ocala, an exciting adult egg hunt in Wildwood, and the top flea markets in Central Florida! ⚑️

Wendell Carr

Mar 27, 2026

Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of March 27, 2026

This week, I’m diving into one of Marion County’s most hotly debated favoritesβ€”pizza! In Slice of the Sizzle: Ocala’s Pizza Showdown, I explore everything from foldable New York-style slices to artisan brick-fired creations, highlighting some of the most loved spots across Ocala and The Villages. Whether you’re planning a family night, a downtown date, or just chasing that late-night craving, I’ll help you find your next great slice. One thing’s for sureβ€”there may not be one β€œbest” pizza, but our local scene definitely knows how to deliver.

Extra Tidbits from Wendell

Brooklyn’s Backyard (Ocala)

What to Expect: Authentic New York–style pizza with that perfect fold, generous toppings, and a neighborhood pizzeria atmosphere.
Vibe: Casual, family-friendly, sports-on-TV energy with classic pizza-shop charm.
The Sizzle Favorite: White pizza with ricotta and mozzarella β€” creamy, cheesy perfection.
Website: https://www.brooklynsbackyard.com
Address: 5400 SW College Rd Suite 105, Ocala, FL 34474

Formaggio Pizza & Italian Restaurant (Ocala)

What to Expect: Traditional Italian-style pizzas with balanced sauce and perfectly textured crust.
Vibe: Warm, welcoming, β€œSunday dinner” comfort β€” even on a weeknight.
The Sizzle Favorite: Classic pepperoni pie or the signature Formaggio pizza.
Website: https://www.formaggiopizzaocala.com
Address: 3430 SW College Rd #101, Ocala, FL 34474

Pi on Broadway (Ocala)

What to Expect: Artisan-style pizzas with bold flavor combinations and blistered crust.
Vibe: Downtown chic with creative energy β€” great before events or a night out.
The Sizzle Favorite: Margherita pizza β€” simple, fresh, and perfectly executed.
Website: https://www.pionbroadway.com
Address: 110 SW Broadway St, Ocala, FL 34471

Flippers Pizzeria – The Villages

What to Expect: Brick-fired pizza with fresh ingredients and a light, slightly charred crust.
Vibe: Casual, lively, and consistently packed for dinner.
The Sizzle Favorite: Fresh mozzarella and basil brick-fired pie.
Website: https://flipperspizzeria.com/locations/the-villages/
Address: 2598 Burnsed Blvd, The Villages, FL 32163

Sammy Joe’s Pizzeria CafΓ© (Belleview)

What to Expect: Big, bold New York–style pies built for sharing.
Vibe: Local hangout where regulars are greeted by name.
The Sizzle Favorite: Buffalo chicken pizza and legendary garlic knots.
Website: https://sammyjoespizzeria.com
Address: 9668 SE 58th Ave, Belleview, FL 34420

Five Star Pizza (Ocala)

What to Expect: Reliable, crowd-pleasing specialty pizzas with strong delivery presence.
Vibe: Game-night dependable and perfect for feeding a crowd.
The Sizzle Favorite: The Five Star specialty pizza or loaded veggie options.
Website: https://www.fivestarpizza.com/ocala-fl/
Address: 11100 SW 93rd Ct Rd #10, Ocala, FL 34481

Milano Italian Grille (Ocala)

What to Expect: Traditional Italian-style pizzas served in a full-service dining setting.
Vibe: Elevated sit-down experience with wine and appetizers available.
The Sizzle Favorite: Traditional Italian-style crust with classic topping combinations.
Website: https://www.milanoitaliangrille.com
Address: 5400 SW College Rd #207, Ocala, FL 34474

Did you know Crystal River is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with manatees?  Each winter, hundreds of manatees gather in the warm spring waters there.

Enjoying the Sizzle?

If you enjoy discovering great restaurants, local events, and hidden gems around Ocala and Central Florida, be sure to share the Ocala Sizzle Newsletter with a friend.

Every week we bring you the best food spots, experiences, and community highlights worth checking out.

πŸ‘‰ Subscribe and stay in the loop.

A new skate park in Ocala recently had its grand opening, featuring a documentary on skateboard legend Rodney Mullen.

The expansion of the park aims to provide additional opportunities for skateboarders in the area.

The event included a competition, live music, food trucks, and more.

The park is now open for skaters of all levels to enjoy and is a great addition to the community for those who love the sport of skateboarding.

Read More...
The article discusses the upcoming fourth annual Adult Egg Hunt in Wildwood, where participants can enjoy a night of searching for eggs filled with prizes.

This year's event will feature over 4,000 eggs hidden throughout Lake Miona Recreation Center, offering a fun and competitive experience for attendees.

The event will also include food trucks, drinks, live music, and entertainment to enhance the overall experience.

The article highlights the growth and success of the event over the years, making it a highly anticipated and enjoyable activity for adults in the Wildwood community.

Read More...

Looking for some great flea markets in Central Florida?

Here are five top picks, including ones in Daytona Beach, Sanford, Orlando, Kissimmee, and Tampa.

Each market offers a unique shopping experience with a variety of vendors selling everything from antiques and collectibles to fresh produce and handmade crafts.

Whether you're looking for a specific item or just enjoy browsing, these flea markets are worth checking out for a fun day of shopping and exploring.


Read More...

Mar 27 – World Theatre Day

Mar 28 – Barnum & Bailey Day

Mar 29 – Mom & Pop Business Owners Day

Mar 30 – World Bipolar Day

Mar 31 – Tater Day

Apr 1 – April Fools’ Day

Apr 2 – Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

March 29, 1935 – Florida’s Horse Industry Expands

By the 1930s, horse farms around Ocala were gaining national attention. Wealthy breeders began relocating their operations to Marion County. The region’s natural environment proved ideal for raising champion horses.

🎭 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series β€” Webb Field

πŸ“… Friday, March 27
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
πŸ“ Ocala, FL
🎟️ Free
πŸ“„ Kick off the weekend with a free outdoor concert featuring live music, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Ocala.

🎨 First Friday Art Walk

πŸ“… Friday, March 27
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
πŸ“ Downtown Ocala, FL
🎟️ Free
πŸ“„ Explore local artists, live performances, and pop-up vendors throughout downtown in this monthly celebration of creativity.

πŸ“ Ocala Downtown Market

πŸ“… Saturday, March 28
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
πŸ“ Ocala Downtown Market
🎟️ Free
πŸ“„ Fresh produce, handmade goods, local food vendors, and live entertainment make this a must-stop Saturday tradition.

πŸ›οΈ Ocala Spring Craft Show

πŸ“… Sunday, March 29
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
πŸ“ Circle Square Commons
🎟️ Free
πŸ“„ Browse handmade crafts, seasonal dΓ©cor, and unique gifts from local artisans.

πŸŽ₯ Movie Night in the Park

πŸ“… Monday, March 30
πŸ•’ 7:30 PM
πŸ“ Webb Field
🎟️ Free
πŸ“„ Bring a blanket and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars.

🎢 Open Mic Night

πŸ“… Tuesday, March 31
πŸ•’ 7:00 PM
πŸ“ Mutiny Ocala
🎟️ Free
πŸ“„ Local talent takes the stageβ€”music, comedy, and spoken word in a laid-back setting.

πŸš— Crystal River – Manatee Capital of the World
Crystal River is one of Florida’s best places to experience nature up close. During the winter months, hundreds of manatees gather in the warm spring waters of Kings Bay. Visitors can kayak the clear waterways, walk the boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs, or explore the charming coastal town. It’s a peaceful destination full of wildlife and natural beauty β€” and that's this week's one tank trip.

352 Local – Discover the Best Businesses in the 352 Area Code

 

Looking for great local businesses in Ocala and across the 352 area code?


Visit 352 Local, a growing online directory designed to help residents quickly find trusted restaurants, services, and shops throughout our community.

 

From home services and professional providers to local dining and retail, 352 Local makes it easy to connect with the businesses that keep our area thriving.

 

πŸͺ Local Business Owners:

Your business may already have a complimentary listing waiting for you.

 

Claiming your listing allows you to:

βœ” Update your business information
βœ” Add photos and services
βœ” Improve your visibility online
βœ” Help more local customers find you

It only takes a minute to claim and verify your listing.

 

πŸ‘‰  CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR LISTING

 

Support local. Discover local.
352 Local β€” Your guide to businesses in the 352.

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The Ocala Sizzle

Β© 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.

Β© 2026 The Ocala Sizzle.