|
Subscribe | Get featured
Happy weekend, Ocala! In today’s edition: World Equestrian Center’s new four-story venue, Peach Valley Cafe’s planned 10th location, a massive BJ’s mixed-use project, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
|
🏆 Most popular this week
Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.
Fresh momentum in dining: Peach Valley Cafe is set to open its 10th location at the former Bob Evans in Ocala, with opening expected around summer 2026, adding energy to the SR 200 corridor — get all the details.
Upscale gatherings take center stage: Ocala’s World Equestrian Center has unveiled a four-story event venue with over 300,000 square feet, featuring a 10,512-square-foot Grand Ballroom for up to 1,200 guests and new dining options — explore features and dining options.
Massive mixed-use project advances: Crews are working at the southwest Ocala site that will bring the city’s first BJ’s Wholesale Club, part of 960-acre Winding Oaks community with thousands of planned homes and apartments — explore the full project scope.
Residents face stricter conservation rules: Amid drought, The Villages now adds a 5% water surcharge and once-a-week watering rules, affecting Marion and Sumter counties, with measures set to last through July 1, 2026 — get details on new restrictions.
Mentorship sparks lasting change: Earlier this month, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano shared his addiction recovery story with teens at Silver Springs Youth Academy. The VERB Kind mentoring program helps at-risk youth and seeks mentors — see how to get involved.
Texas winery’s Florida expansion: Barons Creek Vineyards plans to open a tasting room in The Villages on May 1, 2026, featuring customer-guided tastings, bites, and events like trivia, music bingo, and paint and sip — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
|
📆 Sneak peek at next week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🚀 Grand Launch @ Midtown Station | Tuesday (3/3) at 8:30 AM – Morning stroller workout at Midtown Station. iStroll relaunches with a free stroller workout for moms of all fitness levels, because chasing a toddler counts, but this counts more, plus you meet local moms; space is limited, register, and bring a stroller, water, and a mat.
🚀 Grand Launch @ Ocala Downtown Market | Wednesday (3/4) at 9:30 AM – At the Downtown Pavilion, it is strollers and squats, Ocala-style. iStroll is hosting a free, full-body class for moms, think strength, cardio, core, and friendly crew while the littles ride shotgun. All levels welcome, modifications offered, bring a stroller, water, and a mat, registration required.
🎨 Beginner Watercolor Florals Class @ AR Workshop Ocala | Wednesday (3/4) at 1:00 PM – Dip a toe into watercolor at AR Workshop, where you’ll paint hydrangeas and peonies with step-by-step help, all materials, and a take-home set, for $49. No experience, just curiosity. BYO snacks and sips, then leave feeling artsy, relaxed, and mildly impressed with yourself.
🚀 Grand Launch @ Ocala Downtown Market | Friday (3/6) at 9:30 AM – Fresh air, squats, and a kid who thinks they’re your personal trainer. It’s the final free iStroll Ocala relaunch class at the Downtown Pavilion, a full-body stroller workout for moms of all levels while little ones roll along. Register ahead, and call it me-time.
📚 Friends of the Ocala Public Library Booksale @ Friends of the Ocala Library | Friday (3/6) at 1:30 PM – The Friends are unloading a mountain of reads at the Ocala Public Library, bigger than usual since December took a rain check. Members snag first dibs, join at the door. Hardcovers 50¢, paperbacks 25¢, kids’ books 25¢, in the meeting rooms to the left.
🎶 Retro Sounds @ Ocala Downtown Historic Square | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – First Friday is going full 1960s downtown, with free Motown vibes and O-Town Motown covering The Supremes and The Temptations. Come in your ‘60s threads, take a lesson, browse 40+ artists, and check vintage rides, while pretending your knees still do the Mashed Potato.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Ocala report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 75°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 45%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 75, with temperatures falling to around 72 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy. Low around 53, with temperatures rising to around 55 overnight. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
—
Tomorrow – High: 78°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 5%
Sunny. High near 78, with temperatures falling to around 73 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
Most popular house this week
This 5-bed, 3.5-bath retreat lines the 13th fairway in Golden Ocala, wrapped in privacy and resort-worthy outdoor living. Retractable sliders link tray-ceiling interiors to a brick paver deck with pool, spa, and grill. A chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry complements a dry bar and study. Split three-car garages and a drive add polish, with the World Equestrian Center nearby.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
