In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey sits down with Jim Boyer, Director of Research Operations at the University of Florida IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, to explore one of North Central Florida’s most impactful research facilities.

Spanning 1,100 acres along the southern shores of Orange Lake, the Plant Science Research and Education Unit supports research on more than 140 agricultural commodities and works with nearly 100 UF faculty members annually. From blueberries and peanuts to turf grass, flowers, and even cold-tolerant coffee, the work happening in Citra helps farmers stay sustainable, profitable, and prepared for the future!

Jim shares how plant breeding plays a critical role in feeding a growing global population, how new technologies are improving water use and soil health, and how partnerships with Extension offices across Florida ensure research makes its way directly to farmers and homeowners.

Beyond research, the unit supports food security by donating harvested produce to local food banks and UF’s Field & Fork Pantry, ensuring its work benefits both local communities and producers across the state. The facility also hosts more than 100 tours each year and participates in community events like Farm City Week, offering the public a chance to see agricultural innovation firsthand.

Whether you’re curious about the future of food, plant breeding breakthroughs, or the science behind what grows in your own backyard, this episode offers an inside look at how Marion County and UF are helping shape agriculture for generations to come.

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🌱 Learn more about the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit at their website: wwww.plantscienceunit.ifas.ufl.edu

🎧 Listen to more episodes:
ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

🏡 Presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida
Helping you Love Where You Live | ShowcaseOcala.com

In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey is joined by Jason Reynolds, Executive Director, and Kim Van Der Walt, Director of Events & Sponsorships, from the Florida Horse Park—a premier 500-acre facility at the heart of Florida’s equestrian landscape.

Situated along the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, the Florida Horse Park is a year-round venue that serves all breeds and disciplines, while also offering space for community events, ag education, training, and more. From international competitions to grassroots fundraisers, the park reflects the values of both performance and public service.

Jason and Kim share how the Horse Park continues to grow as a community-focused venue, offering free access to most events and even emergency stabling during hurricanes. With cutting-edge facilities and a passion for accessibility, the Florida Horse Park is helping shape the future of equestrian sport and ag outreach in Marion County and beyond.

Whether you're a rider, a community supporter, or just curious about Ocala’s equine heritage, this episode offers a glimpse into one of the state’s most dynamic and welcoming venues!

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🔗 More info and full event calendar: Visit the Event Calendar
🔗 Discover more about the Florida Horse Park | Visit the Website

🎧 Listen to more episodes: ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod
🏡 Presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida | ShowcaseOcala.com

In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey is joined by Jacob Dorland, Campus Manager at the College of Central Florida’s Vintage Farm, to highlight the upcoming Marion County Farm City Week, taking place November 15–22, 2025.

Started in 1955 and observed nationwide the week before Thanksgiving, Farm City Week honors the essential partnerships between farmers, consumers, community leaders, and everyone in between.

Jacob shares how Marion County brings this tradition to life through a full week of community events focused on education, appreciation, and agriculture—with CF’s Vintage Farm playing a central role in connecting students and residents with the land and local food systems.

📅 Highlighted Events Include:

• 🐴 Vintage Farm Field Day
  Monday, Nov. 17 | 2–6 PM – Explore CF’s equine and ag programs with demos, networking, and a farm tour
  
  
• 🌱 Plant Science Research & Education Unit Open House
  Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 9 AM–12 PM – Farm tours, ag exhibits, and kids’ activities in Citra
  
  
• 🎖️ Ag Hall of Fame Banquet
  Thursday, Nov. 20 | 6 PM – Celebrate local ag leaders (sponsorships available)
  
  
• 📸 Photo Contest, Scavenger Hunt, Proclamation & More
  Follow Marion County Farm City Week on Facebook for full details.

Farm City Week isn’t just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to build understanding and gratitude for the people and systems that make our food and communities strong.

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🔗 More info and full event calendar: Visit Marion County Farm City Week on Facebook
🎧 Listen to more episodes: ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod
🏡 Presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida | ShowcaseOcala.com

In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey is joined by Caitlin Justesen, Livestock Agent with UF/IFAS Extension, Marion County, to discuss the 70th Annual Ocala Graded Bull Sale—a long-standing event that supports Florida’s cattle industry and connects producers across the region.

Caitlin shares how the sale helps improve herd quality, fosters strong community relationships, and ties into the broader mission of UF/IFAS Extension and the Marion County Cattleman's Association: to provide education and support to local ranchers and ag professionals.

Bulls are graded and scored before the sale to help buyers make informed decisions, and the event features bulls from multiple breeds and regions. It’s more than just a sale—it’s a cornerstone of Ocala’s agricultural calendar.

📅 Event Details

70th Annual Ocala Graded Bull Sale
📍 Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
🔍 Grading: Monday, October 13 at 8 AM (open to the public)
💼 Sale: Tuesday, October 14 at 1 PM
🌐 Details: www.OcalaBullSale.com

Whether you’re part of the ag community or just want to learn more about the people and programs shaping Marion County’s rural roots, this episode offers a thoughtful look at a vital tradition.

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🎧 More episodes: ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

🏡 Presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida | ShowcaseOcala.com

In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey welcomes Tamara Fleischhaker, Interim CEO and Chief eXperience Officer of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), for an inside look at the Leadership Ocala Metro (LOM) program.

Now in its 39th class, this nine-month immersive experience is designed for imminent leader– those already on a leadership trajectory– who are ready to deepen their understanding of the Ocala Metro area while sharpening their personal and professional skills.

Participants take part in monthly sessions from September to May, including leadership simulations like Simulated Society (SimSoc), ropes courses, visits to local organizations and businesses, and discussions on key community issues. The goal? To cultivate a network of leaders who don’t just graduate, but reinvest in the community and help drive future growth in Marion County.

The CEP also extends its leadership ecosystem through:
• Leadership Ocala Metro Youth
• Young Professionals Ocala (YPO)
• Leadership Alumni Network

As Tamara shares in the episode: “You don’t graduate from leadership—you graduate into it.”

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🔗 Learn More About Our Guests:
👉 Ocala Leadership Metro: ocalacep.com/programs/leadership-opportunities
🌐 Learn more about the CEP: ocalacep.com/

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

In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey sits down with Joe Reichel, Director of the Belleview Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), to explore how the organization is playing a vital role in the growth of Belleview’s business community—and its impact on the broader Marion County region.

As an affiliate of the Ocala Metro CEP, the Belleview CEP focuses on being the leading voice for local businesses, emphasizing key areas like business attraction, retention, and creation. With over 100 active members and counting, they’re building a network of collaboration and opportunity in one of Marion County’s fastest-growing communities.

Interested in connecting with Belleview’s thriving business scene? The CEP hosts two monthly networking events:

• Belleview on the Rise – 4th Tuesday at Belleview High School (8 AM)
• Belleview After Hours – 4th Thursday, rotating locations

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🔗 Learn More About Our Guests:
👉 Event Calendar: belleviewcep.com/eventcalendar
🌐 Learn more or become a partner: belleviewcep.com

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

In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey is joined by Emily Andrews, President of Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), and Natalie McComb, CFRE, Executive Director of the Reilly Arts Center, to share the story behind one of Ocala’s most anticipated annual events—Symphony Under the Stars.

First held in 1988, this beloved spring concert has since found a special place on Mother’s Day weekend, offering families and friends a memorable way to celebrate together. A collaborative effort between FAFO, the Reilly Arts Center, and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, the event features an evening of live music, community, and a stunning fireworks finale—all set against the scenic backdrop of the Ocala Golf Club.

Now in its 49th season, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra brings together local musicians with an unforgettable energy to the stage.

Event Details:
📍 Ocala Golf Club
📅 Sunday, May 11, 2025
🕒 Gates open at 3 PM
🎶 Live music begins at 3 PM (featuring Becky Baby + more)
🎻 Symphony performance begins at 7 PM
🎆 Fireworks show at 9 PM

🎟️ General Admission: $20 in advance / $25 at the gate
🎟️ Free for ages 17 and under | VIP Tickets Available
🎫 Learn more or get tickets at FAFO.org

With its relaxed, picnic-style atmosphere and strong community spirit, Symphony Under the Stars is a shining example of the collaboration and creativity that defines Ocala’s growing arts scene.

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🔗 Learn More About Our Guests:
🎼 Reilly Arts Center – ReillyArtsCenter.com
🎨 Fine Arts For Ocala – FAFO.org
🎻 Ocala Symphony Orchestra – OcalaSymphony.com

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

In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey sits down with Truman Magley, District Director of Scouting America – North Florida Council, to explore how the newly rebranded organization (formerly Boy Scouts of America) is shaping the future for both boys and girls.

With 31 active scout groups in Ocala and growing, Scouting America offers youth a safe, fun, and enriching environment focused on character development, leadership, and outdoor adventure. From earning merit badges to learning survival skills at local camp properties, the program provides a lifetime of benefits to young participants.

🔹 Upcoming Event: 2025 American Values Dinner
📅 April 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM
🌟 Honorees: Valerie Dailey & Sheriff Billy Woods
💰 Funds raised will help bring scouting to more youth in Marion County. Sponsorships, including table sponsorships, are available—contact Truman.Magley@scouting.org for details.

Whether you're a parent, community supporter, or former scout, this episode is packed with insight into how Scouting America is creating future leaders right here in Ocala.

🔊 Tune in today!

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💡 Interested in joining? Kids can sign up as early as age 5 at BeAScout.org—there’s likely a group within 20 minutes of you!

🔎 You can find more information about the Central Florida Council at CFLScouting.org

✨ Interested in learning more about Scouting America? Visit their website at Scouting.org

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