In Episode 17 of the Discover Ocala podcast, host Valerie Dailey sits down with Crystal McCazzio, Extension Agent III, and Katie Davis, Extension Agent I, to explore the impact and opportunities of the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program in Marion County. Serving over 1,800 youth annually, the 4-H program offers engaging experiences for young people ages 5 to 18, helping them develop leadership skills, pursue their interests, and connect with peers and mentors across the community.

Marion County’s 4-H is a standout on both state and national stages, with participants earning recognition and scholarships, traveling the country, and gaining hands-on skills through a diverse range of clubs and programs. From leadership and scholarship opportunities to national competitions and community involvement, the program provides invaluable experiences that extend well beyond the classroom and the county.

Discover how youth in Marion County are building futures through this dynamic, volunteer-supported program and learn how to get involved, whether as a member or a mentor!

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You can learn more about the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at their website:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/marion-county-4-h/

To learn more about Discover Ocala, watch the video companion of this episode, or listen to older episodes, visit our website at:
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

In episode 18 of the Discover Ocala podcast, host Valerie Dailey welcomes Emily Andrews, Vice President of Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), for a captivating conversation about the organization’s mission, history, and impact on our local arts scene. FAFO, a volunteer-driven organization, is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the fine arts and enriching art education in Ocala.

Best known for its signature events—the Ocala Arts Festival and Symphony Under the Stars—FAFO has become a cultural cornerstone in the community. Tune in to learn more about the organization’s journey and its efforts to bring art to life in Ocala.

Mark your calendar for the upcoming 2024 Ocala Arts Festival on October 26th & 27th from 10 AM to 5 PM. Free and open to the public, the festival will feature over 155 artists from across the country, student art exhibitions, emerging artist showcases, live performances, and a variety of local food trucks. Don't miss this incredible celebration of art right here in Ocala!

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You can learn more about Fine Arts for Ocala at their website:
https://fafo.org/

For more information on the upcoming Ocala Arts Festival, visit:
https://fafo.org/festival

To learn more about Discover Ocala, watch the video companion of this episode, or listen to older episodes, visit our website at:
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey sits down with Natalie McComb, Executive Director of the Reilly Arts Center, for an in-depth discussion about Ocala’s vibrant (and growing!) arts scene. Natalie shares the fascinating history and exciting future of the Reilly Arts Center, the home of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, and a cornerstone of live entertainment in our community.

Discover the vision behind the Reilly's growth, including the restoration of the Historic Downtown Marion Theater and the launch of the Community Music Conservatory. From local performances to nationally recognized acts, Natalie offers insights into how the Reilly Arts Center is shaping the cultural landscape of Ocala and creating opportunities for artistic engagement for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Join us as we explore the heart of the arts in Ocala and the ongoing commitment to make the Reilly Arts Center an accessible and thriving venue for all ages!

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You can learn more about The Reilly Arts Center and take a look at upcoming events right at the organization's website:
https://www.reillyartscenter.com/

To learn more about Discover Ocala, watch the video companion of this episode, or listen to older episodes, visit our website at:
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

In episode 15, our host Valerie Dailey and guest host Samantha Dailey sit down with guest Ashley Wheeler-Gerds, Director of Strategic Engagement for the Community Foundation of Ocala / Marion County, to discuss Give 4 Marion.

Run by the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County, Give 4 Marion is giving event fueled by the power of collaboration and social media with the goal of raising funds for local non-profit organizations.

Throughout their 33 hour event, Give 4 Marion hosts a variety of mini-events aimed to keep things exciting and the donations flowing, including matched donation hours, social media challenges, and hours of donation aimed specifically towards both large and small non-profit organizations. We also discuss pre-event training sessions that equip participating organizations with essential skills in goal setting, storytelling, audience engagement, and day-of strategies– a huge resource for non-profits who may be new to Give 4 Marion.

Don't miss out on this year's exciting event! This year, over 115 non-profit organizations have registered for the 2024 Give 4 Marion Event, which takes place September 17th - 18th, 2024. 

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You can learn more about Give 4 Marion at:
https://www.give4marion.org/

To learn more about Discover Ocala, watch the video companion of this episode, or listen to older episodes, visit our website at:
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

Get ready for an exciting episode of Discover Ocala! In Episode 14, host Valerie Dailey dives into another staple here in the Horse Capital of the World®– the Ocala Farm Ministry. Serving over 500 horse farms in Marion County, the Ocala Farm Ministry aims to support and connect farm workers and their families throughout the area.

Join Valerie as she sits down with Chaplain Bob Miller and his wife,  Dee Miller, as they discuss the organization's past, how their efforts have impacted local families, and how they plan to expand their services and organization in the future.

A registered 501(C)3 division of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America (RTCA), the Ocala Farm Ministry has the unique distinction of being the only RTCA division not associated with a public racetrack, instead forming a farm-base chaplaincy program. Their organization offers a variety of services, including after school programs, scholarship programs, assistance in connecting to medical care, translation help with school, work, and immigration processes, and much more.

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You can learn more about Ocala Farm Ministry at:
www.OcalaFarmMinistry.org

To learn more about Discover Ocala, watch the video companion of this episode, or listen to older episodes, visit our website at:
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

Get ready for an exciting episode of Discover Ocala! In Episode 13, host Valerie Dailey dives into the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation's groundbreaking new project – Harnessing Health, an Equine Worker Health Initiative designed to break down barriers and provide healthcare access for equine workers throughout Marion County.

Join Valerie as she sits down with Amy Mangan, the dynamic Executive Director of the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation, to uncover the inspiring journey behind Harnessing Health. Discover the powerful motivation driving this initiative, the ambitious plans for its future, and the incredible ways you can be part of this transformative mission.

This episode is packed with visionary ideas and a closer look at how Harnessing Health is set to make a real difference in our community. Don't miss out on this captivating episode of Discover Ocala – and learn how YOU can make a difference! 

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Learn more about  Harnessing Health Equine Worker Health Initiative or donate today  at:
www.HarnessingHealthOcala.com

To learn more about Discover Ocala, visit our website at
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

Join us in the latest episode of Discover Ocala, where host Valerie Dailey explores the captivating story behind one of the area's most distinctive institutions – Seminole Feed.

Listen along to Valerie as she engages in a captivating conversation with David Stephens, VP of Sales & Operations, and Angie Crawford, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Seminole Feed. Together, they discuss the remarkable journey of this local gem, from its modest beginnings in Ocala to its growth into an almost nation-wide presence.

Delve into the history, development, and unique characteristics of Seminole Feed's products, alongside exclusive insights into their mill tours and much more. As a cherished part of Marion County's history and a recognizable landmark near Downtown Ocala, Seminole Feed holds a special place in the hearts of locals and beyond.

Tune in to Discover Ocala as we shine a spotlight on Seminole Feed, sharing the stories that make our community a place we love to live!

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Learn more about the Seminole Feed at:
https://seminolefeed.com/

To learn more about Discover Ocala, visit our website at
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

Join host Valerie Dailey in Episode 11 as she delves into the vibrant world of Marion County's UF/IFAS Master Gardeners. These dedicated volunteers, under the guidance of the Horticulture Extension Agent, are the backbone of green initiatives across the county.

From nurturing youth education to crafting captivating landscapes rooted in Florida-Friendly principles, the Master Gardeners offer an invaluable wealth of expertise to local residents.

Meet Dianne Busch, the passionate President and Youth Director, and Jeremy Rhoden, the knowledgeable Urban & Residential Horticulture Agent and Volunteer Coordinator, as they share the captivating history, mission, and involvement opportunities with the Master Gardeners. Plus, get a sneak peek at the exciting events lined up for the first half of 2024!

Tune in to cultivate your curiosity and learn how you can join this thriving green community!

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Learn more about the UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/master-gardeners/

See upcoming events with the Master Gardeners:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/master-gardeners/events/

To learn more about Discover Ocala, visit our website at
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

In Episode 10 of Discover Ocala, we meet with Karen and Shannon Cobbs, co-owners of Grandview Clydesdales to discuss their numerous contributions to Ocala's equestrian excellence. Karen and Shannon are not only the co-owners of Grandview Clydesdale Farm, but also the creators and hosts of the only elite level draft horse show located right here in the Horse Capital of the World®.

Featuring Clydesdales, Belgians, and Percherons, Grandview Invitational and Grandview World Nights are a thunderous, thrilling experience where power, grace, and spectacle collide. Since its inaugural year in 2019, Grandview Invitational has grown year after year, now spanning two events at both the Florida Horse Park (Grandview Invitational) and the World Equestrian Center (Grandview World Nights).

Grandview Invitational comes to the Florida Horse Park starting on Thursday, February 1st 2024 and runs through Saturday, February 3rd 2024.

The following week, spectators can enjoy Grandview World Nights at the World Equestrian Center starting on Thursday, February 8th and runs through Saturday, February 10th 2024.

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To purchase your tickets for Grandview Invitational or to learn more, visit: www.grandviewinvitational.com/
To purchase your. tickets for Grandview World Nights or to learn more, visit: www.grandviewworldnights.com
To learn more about Grandview Clydesdale Farms or to schedule a tour, visit: www.grandviewclydesdales.tours

To learn more about Discover Ocala, visit our website at
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

In our latest episode of Discover Ocala, our host Valerie Dailey meets with Dawn Bowman, the current Director of the Ocala Downtown Market and REALTOR® with Showcase Properties of Central Florida. Dawn shares her experience with growing a successful weekly market, working directly with vendors, and the unique events and experiences available at the market.

Dawn also shares with us some of the items on sale weekly at the market, courtesy of small business owners located right here in Central Florida. From cricket pancake mix to infused olive oils to hand crafted soaps and everything in between, there's truly something for everyone to discover!   

The Ocala Downtown Market takes place year-round at The Market Pavilion on every Saturday, rain or shine! Located on SE 3rd Street, the visitors can explore a huge variety of farmers, artisans, craftspeople, and food trucks! 

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For more information on the Ocala Downtown Market, visit their website at:
https://ocaladowntownmarket.com/

To learn more about Discover Ocala, visit our website at
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/