In today's Digest:
🖥️ Marion County's planning board unanimously backed a 12-month data-center pause
🚋 Ocala replaced its temporary downtown shuttle with the permanent free O-Line trolley
🚲 Twenty-five new ranger e-bikes debuted at Silver Springs State Park
🍚 Korean Lunch Inside an Ocala Gas Station
At 3045 SE 3rd Avenue, Haeorum Foods is a family-run Korean restaurant inside an Ocala gas station, serving lunch and early dinner Monday through Saturday.
The menu runs from bibimbap, kimbap, and japche to bul bob, kimchi fried rice, and sweet-and-spicy wings. A small seating area shares the convenience store with shelves of Korean snacks, while the counter also handles takeout orders.
Read more here.
🖥️ Planning Board Backs 12-Month Data-Center Pause
The Gist: Marion County's Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Aug. 31 to recommend a moratorium of up to 12 months on new data-center and cryptocurrency-mining applications. Staff said no application is pending, and the pause could end early if county commissioners adopt new land-use rules.
Why It Matters: The county would gain time to study groundwater, wastewater, power-grid, springs and neighborhood impacts before a project enters the approval pipeline.
What's Next: County commissioners hold the second public hearing Sept. 15, followed by a data-center workshop Sept. 21.
Read more here.
🚋 Ocala's Permanent O-Line Trolley Hits Downtown
The Gist: Ocala unveiled its permanent O-Line trolley Aug. 28 after nearly a year of running the downtown loop with a temporary SunTran shuttle. Rides are free, the loop takes about 30 minutes, and service runs Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
Why It Matters: The circulator links public parking with downtown shops, restaurants and landmarks while reducing the need to move a car between stops.
Read more here.
🚲 25 Ranger E-Bikes Debut at Silver Springs
The Gist: The Florida State Parks Foundation debuted 25 Velotric Nomad 2 fat-tire e-bikes at Silver Springs State Park on Aug. 27 for distribution across Florida. Each has a 750-watt motor, 65-mile range and 500-plus-pound payload; Ocala's Carousel E-Bikes handled the purchase, assembly and delivery.
Why It Matters: The zero-emission bikes help rangers reach remote terrain quietly while giving an Ocala company a role in a statewide park upgrade.
Read more here.
🐎 WEC September Dressage | World Equestrian Center | Ocala | Friday-Sunday, September 4-6, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | More Watch national dressage combinations compete in USEF/USDF classes and championship qualifiers.
🤠 Ocala Shrine Rodeo | Southeastern Livestock Pavilion | Ocala | Friday-Saturday, September 4-5, gates 5:30 p.m.; rodeo 7:30 p.m. | More See bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and roping.
🧺 Ocala Downtown Market | Ocala Downtown Market | Ocala | Saturday, September 5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | More Shop produce, crafts, and food trucks under the covered pavilion, rain or shine.
🎨 Free First Saturday | Appleton Museum of Art | Ocala | Saturday, September 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | More Explore exhibitions, make art, and hear a noon Florida Lore program for free.
🖌️ First Saturdays at The Brick | Marion Cultural Alliance | Ocala | Saturday, September 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | More Make art for free and see The Brick's newest gallery exhibit.
😂 Sit Down for Stand Up | Marion Theatre | Ocala | Friday, September 4, 7:30 p.m. | More Myke Herlihy headlines a three-comic showcase for ages 18 and older.
🏇 Ocala Polo Fall Season: Pre Season Prep | Florida Horse Park | Ocala | Saturday, September 5, 6 p.m. | More Bring a picnic for polo, tailgate views, a food truck, and leashed dogs.
🎤 Doug Stone | Orange Blossom Opry | Weirsdale | Saturday, September 5, 7 p.m. | More Hear the baritone behind In a Different Light and other country hits.
🍽️ 3rd Annual Taste of the Town | Ocala Downtown Market | Ocala | Thursday, September 10, 5-8 p.m. | More Sample local dishes, beer, and wine while supporting affordable healthcare in West Ocala.
🎬 Marion Theatre's 85th Birthday Celebration | Marion Theatre | Ocala | Thursday, September 10, doors 5 p.m.; program 6 p.m. | More Celebrate 85 years with remarks, the theatre's 1941 opening film, and an after-party.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
Thanks for reading our publication! We'll have more updates for you next week!
Business owners: Want to reach thousands of local readers? Reply to this email for info.