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Rise and shine, Ocala! Mayor Ben Marciano’s recovery talk, Peach Valley Cafe’s expansion, a glass bottom boat ride, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
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.
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.
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.
Signature drinks and what’s next: Swig, a national drink chain known for dirty sodas, has opened a Leesburg shop at 914 N 14th Street in former HTeaO space. Ocala and Cape Coral locations are planned — see menu highlights and plans.
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 per 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.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Upcoming road changes overview: At the Feb. 17 commission meeting, engineer Steven Cohoon updated commissioners on Marion County road projects. SW 66th Street detours are being improved, and Phase Two will add message boards on SR 200. Ocala approved a SW 43rd Street turn lane extension and design is underway at U.S. 27. Get all the details.
National contenders take the spotlight: Big-league dirt late models hit Ocala Speedway as the Wieland Winter Nationals kick off today, February 23, and run all week. Expect full programs nightly with time trials, heats, B-Mains, and an A-Main at Florida’s longest-running dirt track, open since 1952. Get all the details.
Cue the smoke signal: Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ serves handcrafted, small-batch barbecue with Quality Food, Genuine Hospitality… the kind that brightens a Tuesday. Not cooking tonight? This Ocala staple brings smoky comfort and easy joy, turning weeknights into a low-key celebration.
One-on-one hair zen: If your roots are pleading and your mind needs a pause, Kosmerika Organika offers by-appointment, relaxed hair care with organic products and a head-spa vibe. Expect personalized attention that smooths, shines, and soothes… and might have you texting friends about your low-key glow-up.
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.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this 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.
🏛 Museum Happening: February 24 @ Appleton Museum of Art | Tuesday (2/24) at 10:30 AM – Homeschoolers and independent students ages 6 to 9 take over the Appleton for a quest through the galleries. Meet an educator in the lobby, snag an activity sheet, and let them discover art while you practice the parent art of nodding thoughtfully, then reading labels.
🎨 Love Blooms Here Paint Party @ 1890 Tea House | Wednesday (2/25) at 4:00 PM – If your walls are begging for something sweeter than another family photo, head to the 1890s Tea House for a relaxed paint night and make a Love Blooms Here floral worth hanging. $35 covers supplies, a pre-traced 11×14 canvas, step-by-step help, and tea for purchase.
💭 Descriptions of Dreams-Disaster-Decisions: An Ocklawaha Retrospective @ Marion Cultural Alliance | Wednesday (2/25) at 5:00 PM – Take a cruise down the Old Ocklawaha with Captain Karen Chadwick, local artist, explorer. She’ll unpack the region’s history, from bold decisions to soggy disasters, including nearly 10,000 acres of wetlands and springs buried by floodwaters backed up by Rodman, sorry, Kirkpatrick Dam.
🎗 HUGS Annual Fundraiser @ Ocala Downtown Market | Thursday (2/26) at 6:00 PM – Ocala Downtown Market hosts a benefit with music, hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine included, plus a silent auction where competitive streaks grow a halo. Honoring Whitney Batsel Griffith and College of Central Florida Nursing Program, with 100% staying in Marion County; tickets $75 at HugsCharities.org.
🚤 Silver Springs State Park & Glass Bottom Boat Ride @ Silver Springs State Park | Friday (2/27) at 7:30 AM – Let someone else drive while you play tourist in Old Florida. Bus from PSL or Vero, stroll Silver Springs, grab lunch, then a 90-minute glass bottom boat ride that turns the river into your aquarium. Limited seats, bragging rights, and $125 well spent.
👢 Kids Central Boot Scootin’ Boogie 2026 @ Ocala Downtown Market | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Pull on your boots and two-step for good, a countrified shindig raising funds for abused and neglected kids right here at home. Expect toe-tapping tunes, line dancing, and that old-friend feeling, where your dance card doubles as a donation receipt. No rodeo skills required.
🦢 Swan Lake @ Reilly Arts Center | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Trade your usual routine for Swan Lake with Dance Alive National Ballet, a classic tale of princes, swans, and one very dramatic sorcerer. Principal Rosemary Deiorio rules as the Swan Queen, the stage blooms with beauty and artistry, and yes, it is family friendly.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Ocala report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 54°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 54. Northwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Later: Clear. Low around 28, with temperatures rising to around 30 overnight. Wind chill values as low as 26. Northwest wind 3 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 59°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 59, with temperatures falling to around 57 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 6 mph. Later: Areas of frost after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 33.
This house is wild
Peninsula Farm spans 316+ acres on a high and dry hillside along Highway 441, anchored by a renowned 5/8 mile training track that trained Kentucky Derby champion Silver Charm. It offers 14 barns and 223 stalls, a breeding shed, a covered arena with viewing deck, and 90 paddocks, plus three residences and proven rental income near WEC and HITS.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 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.
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