352 Preview 08/21

352

PREVIEW

OCALA’S GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN

AUG 2021

a shuckin'

GOOD TIME HIT THE WATER WITH THE INDIAN RIVER OYSTER COMPANY

Just Listed

Income-Producing Farm - 39 +/- Acres

150 +/- Acres - NW Ocala

39 acres in the sought-after area of NW Marion County. Located just 5-10 minutes from WEC or HITS. Two 3/2 double-wide mobile homes, fenced paddocks, run-in sheds and stable with 10 stalls with space for 12. $2,200,000

150 +/- acres of beautiful rolling acreage in NW Ocala with frontage on Hwy 326. Property features lush green pastures and two barns.

Bring your horses and build your dream farm. Just minutes to HITS and WEC. $4,000,000

29.88 +/- Acres – Close to WEC

Turn-Key Training Center - 147 +/- Acres

Looking for a property to build your dream home or farm on?

This acreage has a tree-lined drive with existing well, paddocks and fences. Hwy 326 road frontage. Located minutes from the World Equestrian Center. $1,494,000

Training center - 5/8 +/- mile racetrack, 4 barns with metal roofs and a total of 54 stalls, covered Euro exerciser, tack rooms and farm office. Main residence is 3/2 and guest home is 2/1 with attached 1/1 in-law suite. Recently installed new fencing. $2,350,000

Let Joan Pletcher, Realtor, list and/or sell your property.

Sold in 2020 - $36,612,498 Sold in 2021 - $78,411,300 Pending Sales - $22,221,500 For these and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos and more choices.

Call or Text: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates and land available that are not advertised.

Let Me Show You Ocala!

Greenway Crossings

Country Club of Ocala

Looking for a great building site with easy access to the Florida Greenways and Trails? This 4.38 +/- acres is located in Greenway Crossings. You can ride to the Florida Greenways and Trails. Bring your plans for your dream home or dream farm. $169,000

Beautiful lot in the Country Club of Ocala overlooking the 12th hole. Bring your plans! Country Club of Ocala features: private golf course, tennis courts, clubhouse, restaurant and Jr. Olympic-size pool. 1.04 +/- Acres. $220,000

Equestrian Springs

14 Acres – No Deed Restrictions

5.07 +/- acres in gated Equestrian Springs in NW Marion County.

Lot with great building sites for your dream home or farm. 2,400 SF minimum on homes. Equestrian friendly community. Call today for your private showing. $84,000

Centrally located between Ocala and The Villages. This parcel is zoned A-1 and ready to build your dream home or farm. Property has no deed restrictions and is close to shopping and restaurants.

Just minutes to the Florida Horse Park. $331,650

If you’re considering buying or selling, give us a call today!

List your property with Joan Pletcher... Our results speak for themselves.

For these and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos and more choices.

Call or Text: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates and land available that are not advertised.

to to death. death.

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CONTENTS // AUG 2021 6 // TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 A handy guide to get you going and keep you busy this month.

WATCH 8 // A COLLAGED LIFE

Jessica Carter, a mixed media collage artist, is making strides within Ocala’s art community while also preparing for a major change in her teaching career.

Sam Hunt photo courtesy of Red Light Management; Colt Creek State Park photo courtesy of Florida State Parks; Epcot International Food & Wine Festival photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

9 // SHOW US YOUR SELFIE

Reader selfies from around town and at home.

10 // GO TEAM!

After a weird 2020 season, college football teams around the state are ready to hit the field.

12 // CONCERT SPOTLIGHT

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Last-minute tickets and local shows you won’t want to miss.

14 // SUMMER IN THE SUN

A new exhibit opened at the NOMA Gallery in June.

EXPLORE 16 // REL A X IN RE A L FLO RIDA

Colt Creek State Park features more than 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitat.

18 // RE A DY, A IM, S H O OT

In a joint collaboration between Marion County Parks & Recreation and the Silver Springs Archers, the Silver Springs Archery Range has opened.

20 // TA K E A DIVE

Now’s the perfect time to get in the water.

22 // T H E N EED FO R N AT URE

The North Central Florida Outdoor Expo is back for another year and making its debut at the World Equestrian Center.

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FEATURE 24 // A S HUC K IN ’ G O O D T IME

At Indian River Oyster Company, oyster farming is a family affair.

CRAVE 28 // TAST E T H E WO RLD

Embark on a taste-testing tour across six continents at the 2021 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

3 0 // A DOW N TOW N BO O M

New restaurants are popping up throughout downtown Ocala, with many thanks going to the Brick City Hospitality Group.

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THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 : A HANDY GUIDE TO GET YOU GOING AND KEEP YOU BUSY THIS MONTH.

BACKSTAGE TOUR // AUGUST 10

FRIDAY THE 13TH, NIGHT AT THE HAUNTED HERLONG MANSION // AUGUST 13

Spend the night investigating the unknown at Micanopy’s Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast. There are a limited number of tickets and rooms available, so book today. By booking a room you agree to have it included as part of the “investigation.” The official investigation will be held from 7-10pm with professional tour guides, but you are welcome to continue on for as long as you like.

The room rental includes equipment rental, snacks, soda/water and breakfast. For questions and reservations, contact the mansion at (352) 466-3322.

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LIVE & LOCAL CONCERT SERIES // AUGUST 19

THREE

Take the short trip north to Gainesville to experience some of the area’s best and most entertaining live music. The event takes place the third Thursday of every month from 6:30-8:30pm at Bo Didley Plaza. The concert series is brought to you by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department and MusicGNV and is a family-friendly event. Bring your own dinner and snacks, plus a comfy blanket or chair to sit on. The August 19 show will be Dion Dia Presents, highlighting raph, RAKHU, Amindi w/Valleyz, Casey Jones II (with Hezekiah Fraizer, Justin Bartholomew, Alex Backman and Edmondson). Jeremiah Lucicrous will provide DJ services, and FARO will MC the event.

The September show will take place on September 16 and include new favorites. For more details on this and upcoming shows, visit musicgnv.com.

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA OUTDOOR EXPO // AUGUST 14 Sponsored by K Country and Wind-FM, in association with Russell’s Fencing & Woodworks and Mid-Florida Agencies, this much-anticipated free expo will be held at the World Equestrian Center from 9am-3pm. Although the event is free, there is a suggested $1 gate donation, which will go to the 10Can organization. The event will feature dozens and dozens of exhibitor displays and educational booths related to everything outdoorsy and beyond. For more information, visit 937kcountry.com/events/ncfoutdoorexpo.

Circle Square Cultural Center photo courtesy of On Top of the World; The Works Image courtesy of City of Ocala

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Join Master the Possibilities on a backstage tour of the popular Circle Square Cultural Center.

The center offers seating for more than 830 guests and showcases top-name entertainment acts every year. The tour runs from 12-1:30pm and will take guests through the “green” room where performers do makeup and costuming. You’ll learn about the ticketing system and how the various shows are selected, plus backstage equipment and the front of the house. The tour will run you $3 for members and $8 for non-members. For more details or to register, visit masterthepossibilities.org.

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FOREVER STYX // AUGUST 15

The five members of Forever Styx take great pride in their precise renditions of Styx’s greatest hits, including songs like “Mr. Roboto,” “Lady,” “The Best of Times” and “Come Sail Away.” With a combination of acoustic guitar, hard rock guitar, synthesizers and an acoustic piano, you’ll feel like you’re front and center at an actual Styx concert. John D’Agostino’s vocals only add to the concert experience. Showtimes are Sunday, August 15 at 4pm and 7pm, and tickets can be purchased at thevillagesentertainment.com. The Savannah Center is located on Buena Vista Boulevard in The Villages.

Visit thevillagesentertainment.com for details.

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DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS // OPENS AUGUST 26

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Based on a popular 1988 Steve Martin comedy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will open the Ocala Civic Theatre’s 2021-2022 season and follows Lawrence, a man who cons wealthy ladies and Freddy, a thief who cons women into giving him money by making up stories. When they find themselves in the same town, they realize the town is too small for two successful con men. The duo makes a deal that the first person who successfully cons heiress Christina Colgate into giving them $50,000 will get to stay, while the loser has to leave. The back-and-forth cons that follow will keep the audience guessing and laughing. Show times and prices vary. Contact Ocala Civic Theatre at (352) 236-2274 for details and ticket information or visit ocalacivictheatre.com.

TITANS OF ROCK: JOURNEY & BON JOVI TRIBUTE // AUGUST 28 Brought to you by Wind-FM Rocks the World, the Titans of Rock show will bring the Circle Square Cultural Center to life with two great names in rock music. Some of the most iconic rock songs have come from Bon Jovi and Journey, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Wanted Dead or Alive” and much more.

This is the concert you wish you would have seen live! Tickets start at just $15 each. For more information, visit windfm.com and click on events.

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OCALA SHRINE RODEO // SEPTEMBER 3-4

Now in its 38th year, the Ocala Shrine Rodeo is proud to present Broncs, Bulls & Bullfighters.

Taking place Friday, September 3 and Saturday, September 4, the rodeo will include a variety of traditional rodeo events, including barrel racing, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle riding, team roping, tie down roping and more. Tickets are just $25 at the gate, and children ages 5 and under are free. On Friday evening, kids ages 6 to 11 will receive admission for $10 with a paying adult. Tickets can also be purchased online at a discounted price by visiting ocalashrinerodeo.com. The gates open at 5:30pm, and the action begins at 7:30pm.

READY SET GO // THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25 This new Discovery Center exhibit explores the various modes of transportation that transport people and goods throughout the world. Hands-on experiments and activities will include a toy engine auto garage where children can learn mechanic skills, a child-sized drag race strip with foot-powered, kidsized cars, a model train, a working traffic light and more.

This exhibit is sponsored by Marion Rotary Duck Derby, Ocala Electric Utilities, Burnyzz Speed Shop and the Discovery Center Foundation. General admission to the center is $8 per person or $28 for a family of four. Annual memberships are also available for purchase. StarLab Planetarium shows are held Saturdays at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, and tickets are $30 per 10-person group. Guests are encouraged to call ahead to book a reservation for the planetarium. An alternative planetarium-like show, NASA Solar System Exploration, is also available for a $3 add-on to the price of general admission. For details, visit mydiscoverycenter.org.

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A Brand New Day, Aliye Cullu

THE WORKS EXHIBIT // THROUGH OCTOBER 2 Stop by the Recreation and Parks Administration building on NE Eighth Avenue to check out Works by Aliye Cullu. A painter and graphic designer, Aliye comes from an extensive family of talented artists, including her mother, grandmother and great grandfather. Aliye graduated from the University of Florida in 2005 with a degree in visual studies. The exhibit will be on display through Thursday, October 2, and is free to the public. The building is open Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm. For more information, visit ocalafl.org/recpark.

AUG ‘21

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

A Collaged Life Jessica Carter, a mixed media collage artist, is making strides within Ocala’s art community while also preparing for a major change in her teaching career. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N

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Photo courtesy of Jessica Carter

J

essica Carter has been a teacher for 26 years. She’s taught everything from reading to math and science to kindergartners and first-, second- and third-graders at Dr. NH Jones Elementary, as well as in Seminole County.

This school year, however, she has taken on a new role: art teacher at West Port High School.

As an artist herself, the change isn’t a huge leap for Jessica.

“My success as a teacher is not based on what I teach each day,” says Jessica, “but rather the relationships I build with the students. I am honored to be a part of their journey.”

Her experience as an artist has undoubtedly led to this shift in her teaching journey.

After taking a collage workshop in 2010, she immediately fell in love with collage art.

However, at that time, her son was 2 and she had two older children, leaving her no time for creating art. She eventually picked it back up in 2019, when her O’Lily Down Art Studio was born.

“Moving to Ocala in 2016, I immediately gravitated to downtown, Marion Cultural Alliance, the Appleton Museum, the MAX and the First Friday Art Walk,” says Jessica. “I loved attending the openings and seeing all the art.

I would show up at events as a spectator, not knowing anyone, and it continued that way until 2019. [A friend] encouraged me to apply for FAFO’s emerging artist program, to which I was accepted and went on to create 25 pieces in five months. I was working 12- to 18-hour days to meet this deadline as an elementary teacher and artist. This art form is labor intensive, and I average 20 to 100 hours per piece.”

Her art focuses on hand-painted, handtorn, found papers along with a wide variety of textured and patterned paper. The process involves sketching a design and transferring it to a cradled wooden panel, painting the composition on the panel using acrylic paint, painting the

papers to match the color and adding texture and patterns, ripping and tearing tiny paper pieces and adhering them according to the design and, finally, sealing the piece with varnish.

“The process is layered as deeply as the painting itself,” explains Jessica.

The paper used for her collages comes to her in a variety of ways, many times from “extinct” items, like maps, atlases, dictionaries, wallpaper and books.

“These things are all easily found online and at everyone’s fingertips, leaving these artifacts to fall by the wayside,” says Jessica.

“I collect them up whenever I come across them or always accept them when given to me by friends. If I am creating a commission for a client, I am able to include personal memorabilia and themes that represent their loved ones or art piece that they share with me.”

While her ideas often come from nature, she finds pleasure in putting together things you would not typically expect.

“Exploring colors and veering away from what is expected in nature has been my latest exploration,” she says. “Expect the unexpected

is what I think as I begin creating my next piece.”

Her work has now hung at Art House Ocala, Marion Cultural Alliance and NOMA Gallery, and she was featured in Artistry in Motion on Gainesville’s PBS and NPR stations. Currently, her piece titled “Summer Lovin’” was chosen by jury and is hanging at NOMA Gallery through the end of August, and she will have art at both MCA’s Brick City Center for the Arts and NOMA Gallery in the coming months. She also plans to show at FAFO’s Ocala Arts Festival in 2022.

“Although I have always considered myself clever and talented, I would not have said, ‘I am an artist,’” says Jessica. “I come from a long line of artisans and feel genetically I have the ability to accomplish many things. I think my greatest strength is that I am not afraid to try things and usually do not quit until I have mastered what I set out to accomplish. I have worked diligently for the past two years and wear the title ‘artist’ with honor today.”

Jessica Carter // You can see Jessica Carter’s work on Instagram and Facebook by following @o.lilydownart.

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

SHOW US YOUR

SELFIE!

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Out and about around the 352? Send us your selfie shots from any live entertainment or local events and you just might find yourself in our next issue.

The Cornerstone School’ s High Adventure Camp

@ Black Rock Mountain

State Park, GA

Jordan, Kaylin, Nora & Nate @ Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel

Jackson, Brian and Vicki Baker in the Florid

a Keys Koby and Khalil @ Atlanta Braves game

Caleb, Jace & Ryan boo

gie boarding @ Daytona

Beach

Addison & Caroline @ Olympic Development Program

Region Identification Camp in Murfreesboro, TN

Want to see your selfie in print? Email your event photos with names and a description to editorial@352preview.com.

AUG ‘21

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Go Team!

After a weird 2020 season, college football teams around the state are ready to hit the field. // W R I T T E N & C O M P I L E D B Y MELISSA PETERSON

L

et’s face it. The 2020 college football season was less than exciting. Concerns over spectators in the stadiums and wonky schedules due to Covid left many fans ready for a do-over season. Thankfully, college football is making a comeback. Check out news and schedules for your favorite Florida teams, as well as a great tailgating recipe if you’re keeping the party at home this year.

Florida football is back in the Swamp, and now fans can add VIP experiences to their game days. On top of the return to tailgating and the Gator Walk, Swamp Moments will take your Gator pride to the next level.

Swamp Moments can get fans on the field as the team warms up, a meet-and-greet with Coach Spurrier, the chance to share a special message on the video board and much more. To learn more about this program, search Swamp Moments on floridagators.com.

Tickets are still available for the 2021 season. Purchase tickets online, or call the Gators Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm. You can also follow the Gator Ticket Office on Twitter at @GatorsTix for all the latest information.

Check out the schedule below for a list of home games happening in the Swamp.

Florida Atlantic // September 4 Alabama // September 18 Tennessee // September 25 Vanderbilt // October 9 Samford // November 13 Florida State // November 27 10

352PREVIEW.COM

FSU SEMINOLES This year marks the 75th season of Florida State football, as well as basketball, baseball, golf, swimming and diving, and tennis. Marking the 75th intercollegiate season (prior seasons were before Florida State made the transition from Florida State College for Women to co-ed Florida State University in 1946), FSU played its first football game on October 18,

1947 against Stetson at Centennial Field in Tallahassee.

“We are looking forward to recognizing the significance of Florida State University’s 75th season of intercollege athletics, and I think our fans will enjoy our season-long effort to honor our history at the games,” said FSU Vice President and Director of Athletics David Coburn in a press release on the Seminoles.com website. “We will look back over the legendary players, historically significant coaches and championship teams

Florida Gator Football photo courtesy of the University of Florida; Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium photo courtesy of FSU Sports Information, photo by Jeremy Esbrandt

UF GATORS

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

UCF KNIGHTS HOME GAMES Boise State // September 2 Bethune-Cookman // September 11 East Carolina // October 9 Memphis // October 22 Tulane // November 6 UConn // November 20 South Florida // November 26 Learn more and purchase tickets at ucfknights.com.

USF BULLS HOME GAMES Florida // September 11 Florida A&M // September 18 Tulsa // October 16 Temple // October 23 Houston // November 6 Cincinnati // November 12 Stay up to date on all the USF happenings and purchase tickets at gousfbulls.com.

MIAMI HURRICANES HOME GAMES Appalachian State // September 11 Michigan State // September 18 Central Conn. State // September 25 Virginia // September 30 NC State // October 23 Georgia Tech // November 6 Virginia Tech // November 20 Purchase single game tickets at miamihurricanes.com.

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BUFFALO-PECAN PIMENTO CHEESE DIP Visit AmericanPecan.com for more recipes.

over the years.”

FSU Athletics and Seminole Boosters are finalizing plans to include fans and former players in recognition of the historic seasons.

Single game tickets are on sale for the following home games and can be purchased online at seminoles.com.

Notre Dame // September 5 Jacksonville State // September 11 Louisville // September 25 Syracuse // October 2 UMass // October 23 North Carolina State // November 6 Miami // November 13

• • • • • • • • •

1 cup raw pecan pieces 1/2 pound (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 jar (4 ounces) sliced pimentos 2 tablespoons red hot sauce 2 tablespoons mayo 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper 1 tablespoon chives, freshly chopped veggies & crackers, for serving

Preheat oven to 350°F. On baking sheet, spread pecans and roast 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant, tossing once halfway through. Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely. In bowl, combine cheddar cheese, pimentos with juice, hot sauce, mayo, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Add 3/4 of pecan pieces and mix until combined. Place dip in serving bowl and top with remaining pecan pieces and freshly chopped chives. Serve with veggies and crackers.

Sources: seminoles.com, floridagators.com, miamihurricanes.com, gousfbulls.com, ucfknights.com;

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

LOCAL LISTENS

CONCERT SPOTLIGHT

COUCH SESSIONS CrossFit Iron Legion // August 6

BRANDON DULL Ocala Downtown Market // August 7

HOUSTON KEEN Charlie Horse // August 8

THEO MOON Sam Hunt

ALICE COOPER

SAM HUNT

Daily’s Place, Jacksonville // October 9 MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds, Tampa // October 11

Daily’s Place, Jacksonville // September 10

KISS

DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds, Tampa // October 9

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds, Tampa // September 20

ZAC BROWN BAND

Amway Center, Orlando // September 17

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds, Tampa // October 10

MAROON 5

PITBULL

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds, Tampa // September 24

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds, Tampa // October 13

TLC’S CELEBRATION OF CRAZY SEXY COOL WITH BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY

MODEST MOUSE

SANTANA

St. Augustine Amphitheatre // September 25

ERIC CLAPTON Amalie Arena, Tampa // September 25

HARRY STYLES Amway Center // October 7 Amalie Arena, Tampa // October 10

BROOKS & DUNN MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds, Tampa // October 8

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JEFF JARRETT

352PREVIEW.COM

Hard Rock Live Orlando // October 14 St. Augustine Amphitheatre // October 17

JONAS BROTHERS MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds, Tampa // October 16

WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE Daytona International Speedway // November 12 & 14

JIMMY BUFFET Amalie Arena, Tampa // December 4 Amway Center // December 11

Locos Grill & Pub // August 20

GEORGE DUNHAM & COMPANY Circle Square Commons // August 21

RUSHOUR: THE ASTONISHING TRIBUTE TO RUSH Circle Square Cultural Center // September 25 Part of the Wind-FM Rocks the World series, Rushour plays all the hits, note for note, live and up close.

ROCK THE OBO CONCERT SERIES Orange Blossom Opry // Dates in October and November From October 1 through November 6, seven great tribute bands take the stage, celebrating The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, Santana, Journey and Paul McCartney.

LET IT BE: THE BEATLES TRIBUTE Circle Square Cultural Center // October 30 This tribute show features professional costume changes and instruments actually used by The Beatles.

AC/DC’S BACK IN BLACK Reilly Arts Center // November 11 Experience Classic Albums LIVE as they perform the music of AC/DC. *Editor’s Note: Tickets were available for all concerts as of date of publication. Dates are subject to change at the discretion of the venue.

Sam Hunt photo courtesy of Red Light Management

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AUG ‘21

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Summer In The Sun A new exhibit opened at the NOMA Gallery in June. // W R I T T E N A N D P H O T O G R A P H E D

BY JESSE JAMES

S

ummer is officially upon us! What better way to celebrate than with a true celebration of the season?

In June, NOMA Gallery hosted the opening reception for its latest exhibition, Summer In The Sun. From the art on display to the choice of summer-inspired costumes worn by guests, this was an experience packed with color and creativity.

Summer In The Sun features an array of brilliant artwork that embodies and embraces everything that comes with summer. The opening reception saw the theme brought to life by the guests in attendance, who wore their finest tacky tourist outfits for the night.

Summer In The Sun was another terrific showcase from NOMA and Ocala’s growing art community.

David and Lisa Midgett opened NOMA Gallery in 2020, at which time artists and non-profit arts organizations were able to show, perform and sell their works with no fees or commissions. NOMA was then renovated and reopened in February 2021 as a traditional fine art gallery. However, David and Lisa stay dedicated to their charitable background, offering a free event to a select non-profit monthly. For more information, visit NOMAocala.com or stop by NOMA Gallery at 939 North Magnolia Avenue in Ocala.

Leighton Okus, Victoria Billig

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Holly Yocum

Barbara Fitos

Art by Jordan Shapot

David and Lisa Midgett

Leslie Hammond

Jessica Rairie Carter

Art by Kyle Corley

David Kellner, Ryan Neumann, Leslie Jean

Isaiah Pepper

Diane Cahal

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Relax In Real Florida Colt Creek State Park features more than 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitat and endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the Real Florida. // B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

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Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks

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olt Creek’s rich history dates back to 1940 when brothers Stanley Chick Overstreet and Charlie Mack purchased the property and used the land for beef cattle production and for growing and harvesting pine trees.

By the 1990s, the brothers began a lime rock mining operation, and the lakes created by the operation ultimately provided fresh habitats for a variety of new species to live and thrive.

“On May 31, 2006, the 5,067acre parcel of land was purchased from the Overstreet family to become Florida’s 160th state park,” says Alexandra Kuchta, press secretary for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“This acquisition was a joint purchase between the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Polk County Natural Resources division, with the Florida Park Service taking the role as the lead managing agency.

“The land was primarily purchased for the important role it plays within the floodplain of the Green Swamp region since the water that flows off the property eventually makes its way to four of Florida’s major rivers: Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, Peace and Ocklawaha,” she adds.

The beautiful park features a variety of habitats, including lakes, creeks, pine flatwoods, cypress domes and open areas,

and visitors to Colt Creek may see white-tailed deer, American alligators, otters, bobcats, bald eagles and more, including such threatened species as the gopher tortoise and the Sherman’s fox squirrel.

“Shortly after sunrise and shortly before sunset are the best times to view wildlife,” says Park Manager Scott Duncan.

In 2007 the park was also designated on the Great Florida Birding Trail by the Lake Region Audubon Society, and it’s plain to see why when you notice the abundance of birds and butterfly species that call the park home.

“During the day, visitors can enjoy more than 12 miles of multi-use trails that tread through the pine flatwoods, natural creeks and wetlands,” says Alexandra. “These trails can be explored by foot, bike or even horseback.

Park lakes afford the perfect place for anglers to cast their line lake side, or from the 75-foot accessible dock on Mac Lake.”

Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the ranger station, and when it’s time to stop

and enjoy lunch, there are four picnic pavilions throughout the park.

“Although the unmatched views and endless recreational opportunities make Colt Creek the perfect place for a day trip, visitors can also stay overnight on the campgrounds,” says Alexandra. “Colt Creek State Park has 27 full-facility campsites and six tent-only sites nestled in the pine flatwoods. Camping at the main grounds on a leveled concrete pad includes an accessible bathhouse and the perfect spot for recreational vehicles.”

If you’re more into roughing it, two primitive campsites are available 2 miles into the flatwoods. The sites have no running water, restrooms or electricity, and they are only accessible by foot, bike or horseback.

Colt Creek State Park also offers a selection of interpretive programs, including guided hikes and tram tours, fishing clinics and wildlife programs.

“Interpretive programs are a great way to learn about the park or be introduced to new activities,” Duncan says. “Park rangers are always happy to answer your questions.”

Colt Creek State Park // 16000 Florida-471, Lakeland // floridastateparks.org // (863) 815-6761

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Ready, Aim, Shoot

In a joint collaboration between Marion County Parks & Recreation and the Silver Springs Archers, a nonprofit organization, one of Marion County’s newest recreational facilities, the Silver Springs Archery Range, has opened. // B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

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he impressive Silver Springs Archery Range offers a wide selection of archery targets, including targets between 20 and 50 yards and a four-target, Olympic-style range at 100 yards and beyond.

The range also boasts two complete 3D ranges, each containing highTHE SILVER SPRINGS quality foam targets. As ARCHERY FACILITY IS YET a matter of fact, these are the official targets ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF used by the Archery MARION COUNTY PARKS & Shooters Association, a national group that RECREATION PARTNERING organizes tournaments tournament-ready and WITH MEMBERS OF THE and operates in 3D targets available at 30 states. the facility.”

COMMUNITY TO CREATE The newly opened And speaking of A GREAT OUTDOOR center is user friendly tournaments, the facility and can accommodate has already hosted OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR beginners to advanced several, including a state RESIDENTS AND VISITORS. archers, plus speed bow qualifier tournament in and crossbow shooting.

JIM COUILLARD, MARION COUNTY late June that brought PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR in more than 100 The shorter-range targets feature concrete talented archers. shooting lines, making much of the park The range is co-managed by the Silver handicap accessible.

Springs Archers and Marion County Parks & “The Silver Springs Archery Facility is yet Recreation, with parks and rec providing general another example of Marion County Parks oversight, including the cost for mowing the & Recreation partnering with members of fields and completing general repairs. The the community to create a great outdoor Archers take on the costs for water, power and opportunity for our residents and visitors,” says waste removal, plus the fees associated with Marion County Parks & Recreation Director Jim maintaining and replacing targets as needed.

Couillard. “We’ve already piqued the interest Although the facility is most often used by of archers needing a practice spot during the archery club members (both individual and snowy winters of the north who are drawn by the family memberships are available), the range is 18

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open to the general public on Thursday evenings.

“The facility was designed to give people access to the park, from beginners to advanced archers,” says Justin Periko, president of the Silver Springs Archers. “If you’re an archer and have your own equipment and are looking for someplace to shoot other than your backyard, we welcome you out to the range to see what it’s all about.”

Justin adds that a club member is always in attendance during open hours to answer questions and offer guidance. If you’re new to the sport or don’t yet own your own bow and arrow, you’ll want to stop by Jerry’s Indoor Archery first, located just off of 441. There you can get your feet wet trying out and purchasing quality equipment. Justin will be happy to assist!

Silver Springs Archery Range // 5227 NE 35th Street, Silver Springs // Silver Springs Archery Club // silverspringsarchers.org or (352) 351-3766

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Take A Dive

Now’s the perfect time to get in the water. // B Y C Y N T H I A M C F A R L A N D

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water, you should be a better than average swimmer—able to tread water for 10 minutes, swim 200 yards without stopping and swim underwater for 50 feet while holding your breath.

TAKE A CLASS Depending on the class and instructor, you can typically obtain your basic scuba certification in about 30 to 40 hours.

Classes are broken down into academics and time in the water, first in a pool and then at open water dive sites.

“Most everyone uses online academic materials now, which is about five to six hours of online training,” explains Foote. “This streamlines the course, and you can do it on your schedule.”

Dive photo by Alan Youngblood via Unsplash; Group photo courtesy of Aquatic Center of Ocala

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any sports and recreational activities suffered in 2020 due to Covid-19 shutdowns. Scuba diving wasn’t one of them.

Think about it.

Participants are wearing masks, breathing purified PEOPLE COME FROM ALL air and in an underwater environment removed OVER THE WORLD TO DIVE from threat of respiratory FLORIDA’S WATERS. WITHIN viruses. Not to mention, having a blast.

A ONE-HOUR DRIVE OF “Our business MARION COUNTY, DIVERS doubled last year, and it looks like we will even WILL FIND WELL OVER 20 surpass that this year,” SPRINGS WITH CRYSTALobserves Bill Foote, owner of Ocala Dive CLEAR WATER, ANCIENT Center, who’s been a rooms of America and ROCK FORMATIONS, certified diver since 1971. was a turning point for “The pandemic CAVERNS AND A VARIETY OF the dive industry,” says turned out to be better Clark, noting that it was AQUATIC LIFE. for business than I his inspiration to get thought it would, and into the sport. business this year is considerably better than last year,” adds Craig Clark, owner of WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Aquatic Center of Ocala and a diving instructor Many scuba classes require students to be since 1999. at least 12 years old. For minors, it’s strongly Originally the acronym for “self-contained recommended that a parent be already underwater breathing apparatus,” SCUBA is certified or take the class at the same time. now an actual word. The sport has come a long There’s no upper age limit, but you do have way since 1959 when the YMCA organized the to fill out a statement of health. Conditions like first national scuba diving training program in asthma, epilepsy and some heart conditions the United States. are deal breakers, as they would make diving “The television series Sea Hunt, filmed here too risky. at Silver Springs, brought scuba into the living In addition to being comfortable in the

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“You’ll get an online ebook when you register for class, and we’ll go over the material in class before you first get in the pool,” notes Clark. “Then we take what you’ve learned to open water sites.”

Beyond the physical lessons, a class teaches you the science and physiological aspects of diving, as well as safety techniques and how to respond in the event of an emergency.

Expect to spend approximately 10 to 12 hours in a pool setting before the instructor takes you to open water. Fortunately, the Ocala area is blessed with an abundance of springfed locations for this training.

Aquatic Center of Ocala classes usually head to Blue Grotto or Devil’s Den for their first dive open water dive experience. Ocala Dive Center takes students to the Rainbow River

for their first open dives and then to another area spring, rotating between Blue Grotto, Troy Springs, Blue Springs or Ginnie Springs.

You’ll typically have four open water dives on two different days (two dives per day), with each dive lasting about one hour.

To obtain certification, you must pass the academic portion of the test and satisfactorily complete a minimum of four open water dives under supervision of your instructor.

DOLLARS & CENTS Expect to spend about $300 to $400 for a beginner’s class and another $300 to 400 for personal equipment.

“Personal equipment” includes mask, fins, booties and snorkel, all of which are uniquely fitted to your size and shape. Since the advent of Covid-19, many people now add a wetsuit to that list, so they don’t have to rent one.

The instructor provides air tanks, regulator, buoyancy device (BD) and instrumentation (pressure gauge, computer and compass) to use during classes.

Fees for open water sites aren’t included in class cost and can be $40 or more per site.

When you’re ready to buy your own equipment, the average price for scuba gear runs in the neighborhood of $2,500.

DIVING HAVEN People come from all over the world to dive Florida’s waters. Within a one-hour drive of Marion County, divers will find well over 20 springs with crystal-clear water, ancient rock formations, caverns and a variety of aquatic life.

We also have the world’s largest artificial reef, The USS Oriskany, a decommissioned aircraft carrier that was intentionally sunk in May 2006 south of Pensacola. “The “Mighty O,” as it’s known by divers, has become one of the country’s most popular dive sites.

Connecting with a local dive shop can introduce you to diving opportunities around Florida and even in international waters.

If you’ve toyed with the idea of learning to scuba dive, there’s no better time to get in the water.

Learn more // aquaticcenterocala.com // ocaladive.com AUG ‘21

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The Need For Nature The North Central Florida Outdoor Expo is back for another year and making its debut at the World Equestrian Center. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N

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re you into camping, boating or shooting? What about conservation, biking, hiking or archery? If so (or if you want to learn more about one of these activities), the North Central Florida Outdoor Expo is the perfect event to indulge that outdoorsy lifestyle. And with approximately 150 vendors, attendees can learn all about how to enjoy nature in North Central Florida to its fullest.

“This is our third year holding the event,” says Lisa Varner, director of business development and events with K-Country and Wind-FM, who are the event’s hosts. “It started in 2018 and was held again in 2019, both times at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. We had to skip 2020 due to Covid.

Moving the event to World Equestrian Center in the air conditioning is something we are excited for. The new expo hall at the World Equestrian Center gives us a safe and comfortable place to hold the event.”

Activities at the event include a wide range of vendors (check out the full list online) but also outdoorsy activities such as axe throwing, casting, target practice, knot tying and bbgun shooting. Presentations on geocaching, conservation, gun safety, bow-hunting basics, dog hunting, Boy Scouts, bass fishing and inshore fishing are also happening. Another event of note includes speaker Aaron Phillips, who survived the 21-day challenge on Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid Season 6.

Concessions at the event are provided by WEC, and attendees can visit one of the restaurants on the WEC property afterward or walk to one of two equine events taking place that weekend.

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Families should definitely plan to attend with children. There will even be a bounce house for the kiddos.

“This is a very family-friendly event,” says Lisa. “It’s typical to see grandparents, parents and children attending together because there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Educational and nonprofit organizations in attendance include the Marion Audubon Society, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, Central Florida Dog Hunters Association, City of Ocala Recreation & Parks, Ocala Mountain Bike Association, Humane Society of Marion County and many more.

The expo takes place on August 14 from 9am3pm in Expo Center 1 at WEC. Parking is free, and there’s a suggested $1 donation requested

for entry. The money will benefit the charity sponsor 10 CAN Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps veterans, first responders and their families combat mental and physical disabilities related to their service. Attendees should enter the WEC property from SR 40 and follow signage to the event location.

“I am excited for the event because the response from vendors has been overwhelming,” says Lisa. “In 2019, we had about 80 vendors, so with about 150 vendors, the growth is huge, and I know there is great interest in the event from people in this area.”

North Central Florida Outdoor Expo // August 14, 9am-3pm // World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala // 937kcountry.com/events/ncfoutdoorexpo

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AT INDIAN RIVER OYSTER COMPANY, OYSTER FARMING IS A

FAMILY AFFAIR.

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ennis and Ilonka David are nature lovers at heart. The former Ocala residents now reside in nearby New Smyrna Beach, the call of the water taking them out to the coast. Eventually their daughter, Jessica, and her husband, Ryan, followed. The couple, along with their children and grandchildren, would spend hours exploring and kayaking the waters of the Indian River Lagoon.

“We enjoy kayak fishing,” Dennis says. “In the course of a half day or so we would end up with two or three fish. To make it a bit more exciting, we would always stop at the oyster bars on the way back in and gather oysters. They don’t escape on us like the fish do!”

Dennis and his son-in-law, Ryan Norris, would

BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY collect the oysters, throwing the smaller ones back into the water, usually in the same spot.

“We did this regularly, every week or two, and the oysters really took and began growing. It became known as our own little oyster garden,” Dennis recalls.

Fast-forward a few years and Dennis and Ilonka’s daughter and son in law, Jessica and Ryan, were interested in starting their own business venture.

After tossing around countless ideas with Dennis and Ilonka, the topic turned to those oyster gardens once more. The notion to turn this accidental discovery into a career took off, and in 2017 the Indian River Oyster Company was established.

A true family venture, Dennis, Ryan, Ilonka and Jessica all serve as co-owners, working together to accomplish the daily tasks of the farm.

“They eat algae and phytoplankton that collect at the surface of the water. There is a greater volume of food on the water’s surface, so we give the oysters optimal growing opportunity.

Plus, in between and all along the way, we are flipping the bags in the water, allowing them to dry out a little. If they aren’t flipped, algae and barnacles can grow on the shell.” At any given time, the family has 3,000 bags in the water, so

Photos courtesy of Indian River Oyster Company

The Indian River Oyster Company, IROC for short, leases a total of 7.5 acres of water bottom from the state. The oysters grown on the farm make their way to local restaurants and stores and are also sold in bulk to members of the general public. But not before being carefully tended to for nearly a year.

“It takes eight to 10 months, sometimes a year, for an oyster to grow to 3 inches from a seed,” Dennis says. “We purchase our seeds, about 600,000 to 1 million each year, from hatcheries.”

To protect the seedlings and give them the best opportunity to grow, IROC places the seeds in small mesh bags and floats them on the top of the water’s surface. As the seeds develop, they are split and placed in larger bags to allow ample room for the water to flow through the bag, encouraging the oysters’ growth. As they get bigger, they compete for both space in the bag and food, so they are once again split and placed in larger bags.

“We don’t feed the oysters,” Dennis says. you can imagine the amount of time it takes to hand flip each bag.

About a month into the process an aluminum tube known as a tumbler is used to turn and separate the oysters by size. The various tubes are 4 feet long and have different size holes drilled into them. The smaller oysters fall through the holes, and the larger oysters travel through the tube to a collection area below. The idea is to keep like-sized oysters together. The process is repeated several times before the oysters are harvested.

“Tumbling the oysters encourages them to grow deeper into their shell rather than outward by breaking off the ends of the shell,” says Dennis. “Oysters grow from the tips in, so growing deep rather than wide creates more meat inside the shell. Typically, an oyster should grow to 3 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep before being harvested.”

Once harvested, the oysters make their way to IROC’s state-certified processing facility.

A wildlife biologist for 30 years with the state of Florida prior to retiring and starting the farm, Dennis, along with the

rest of the family, is very ecologically and environmentally conscious. With that in mind, the team set out to not only provide quality shellfish to the community but to educate people on the benefits of growing and harvesting oysters.

“Adult oysters can filter about 50 gallons of water each day,” says Dennis. “If you have a million oysters, that’s 50,000,000 gallons of water getting cleaned and filtered every day. By controlling the algae and plankton growth, the oysters are encouraging a healthy ecosystem.”

Too much algae can create an algal bloom, which shades out the water, preventing sea grasses from growing and sometimes causing fish kills.

IROC really focuses on the ecological aspects of oyster farming, and one of the best ways to educate the public is to bring people to the farm to see it firsthand.

The farm’s first tour was offered in conjunction with Volusia County, which provides countless options for agritourism throughout the community.

THE ALMIGHTY OYSTER Did you know there were plenty of health benefits to eating oysters?

Oysters are high in vitamin D, copper, zinc & manganese.

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High in potassium and magnesium, oysters can help lower blood pressure and increase circulation & oxygenation.

Packed with iron, oysters help with formulating red blood cells, boost the body’s metabolic rate & help defend against conditions like anemia.

Oysters have been known to assist with testosterone production, and boost dopamine, a hormone that increases libido in both women & men.

“That first tour was a great success, and it got us thinking that this is something we could do every month or so,” says Dennis.

Today, IROC partners with a local nonprofit, the Marine Discovery Center, to offer paddling tours of their extensive underwater farm.

Interested parties can choose the tour they want, register and pay online streamlining the whole process. Guests are also welcome to bring their own kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

“Being a biologist, I explain the perils of living in the wild versus the life of luxury that our oysters enjoy,” laughs Dennis. “Along the tour we also explain the value of the estuaries of a wild reef. Just like a coral reef offshore,

and a half and three hours and even affords the opportunity for guests to get out of their kayaks if comfortable. Once to the farm, the water depth, depending on the tide, is about waist deep. You’ll see and learn about all the tools used in harvesting oysters, including the tumbler. Another fun aspect is watching the tour guide use a floating table to shuck fresh oysters. You can even try them if you’re feeling adventurous. If it happens to be wild oyster season, you could taste and compare the two right on the tour.

“People are usually pleasantly surprised and like them,” says Dennis. “I always ask would you eat another one, and usually the answer is yes.”

CARAMELIZED, BOURBON SMOKED OYSTERS

• Oysters • 1 sweet onion • 1/4 cup bourbon

an inshore oyster reef provides a habitat for a variety of species of shrimp, crab and more.

Each of these are important prey items for medium- and large-size fish. The whole circle of life is occurring.

“The life cycle of an oyster is also shared,” adds Dennis. “They spawn in the water.

When one releases an egg, they all do. Those eggs spend 21 days floating up and down in the water column, near the surface during the day and down toward the bottom in the evening. After 21 days they are looking for a place to settle. The oysters actually grow a little foot out of the bottom of them that can taste calcium carbonate, which is what oyster shells are made from. It’s a good adaptation they developed because once they find other oysters it’s like realizing ‘hey, other oysters grew here, so I have the likelihood to have a good life here, too.’”

The tour takes, on average, between two

Of course, if you don’t like it, no one would fault you for spitting it out, either.

“Our flavor profile is one of the best out there,” he adds. “It’s briny and a little sweet. We offer plump, healthy oysters.”

Dennis says there’s been a growing trend in the seafood world to try oysters from various locations to taste the difference.

“Just like wine, oysters take on the flavor of their locale,” he says. “Even other farmers who taste our oysters comment on the great taste.”

Once the adventures at the farm have concluded, the guides take a different route back to shore to share the scenery, and it’s not uncommon to see dolphins playing in the water.

From time to time, guests are also greeted by a manatee or two.

Once on shore, make sure you pick up some fresh shellfish from IROC, which are typically available in 50- and 100-count bags. Jessica

Start with caramelizing your sweet onions. // Turn your smoker on medium heat (250°F at max heat). // Shuck your oysters, leaving the top shell off. Do not drain juice. // When onions are close to done, pour 1/4 cup of your favorite bourbon into the pan, and continue to cook less than 5 minutes. // Take this mixture and spoon onto each oyster. // Uncovered, smoke the oysters for 30-40 minutes. ENJOY!

says they would all likely agree that they like them “naked” the best, but they are always up for trying new recipes. Check out one of her favorites above.

“Raw, cooked, steamed, fried, they are delicious any way you eat them,” says Dennis.

“Ultimately, IROC’s goal is to provide the very best oysters possible while working to improve the water quality in the Indian River Lagoon,” he adds.

And that’s exactly what they’re doing.

Indian River Oyster Company // For paddle tours and shuck-at-home opportunities, contact Indian River Oyster Company // irocoysters.com // (386) 402-0492

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Taste The World Embark on a taste-testing tour across six continents at the 2021 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. // W R I T T E N & C O M P I L E D B Y K A R I N FA B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

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Photos courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

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he world-famous celebration kicked off in mid-July and will run through November 20. Following a Covid hiatus last year, the event’s food offerings are bigger and better than ever this year. In addition to the tastings, guests will enjoy live entertainment and a variety of fun, familyfriendly activities.

Epcot’s Global Marketplaces will serve up a tasty selection of international favorites throughout the 129-day festival. Some fanfavorite dishes will be making a return from Hawaii, Germany, Canada, Greece and Australia, and new dishes and marketplaces will be added to the lineup.

“Our festival chefs always focus on authenticity through ingredients, cooking techniques and presentation to honor the diverse cuisines,” says a Disney press release regarding the event.

“And our beverage team thoughtfully pairs wine and beer with the selections at each global marketplace, providing a fantastic variety for our guests.”

This year’s presenting sponsor is Corkcicle, and you’ll find exclusive keepsake Corkcicle beverage containers available for purchase at Shimmering Sips and several other locations.

A selection of other official event merchandise, including trading pins, home décor and apparel, will also be available.

This year’s live entertainment lineup will leave guests tapping their toes and dancing in their seats. Performers include Voices of Liberty, Mariachi Cobre and Jammin’ Chefs.

The America Gardens Bandstand, presented by

Florida Blue Medicare, is a live concert series that will take place Friday through Monday evenings. Local bands from throughout Central Florida will perform on the America Gardens Theatre stage, playing popular songs from yesterday and today.

If you’ve brought the kids to the festival, be sure to participate in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Seek. This scavenger hunt will send the little ones on a hunt to locate 15 Remy statues hidden throughout the park. When you spot a Remy, use your map and stickers to match the correct ingredient. Once the map is completed,

return to Disney Traders to collect your prize!

Another fun, family adventure is to partake in Emile’s Fromage Montage. I mean, who doesn’t love cheese? Guests will find new and delicious ways to taste cheese by purchasing five dishes from participating Marketplaces. Maybe try the passionfruit cheesecake with toasted macadamia nuts? Receive five stamps and head to Shimmering Sips to collect your prize.

Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival is available with regular theme park admission, but you also must have a valid park reservation for each person in attendance on the same date.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival // Through November 20 // disneyparks.disney.go.com

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MARVELOUS MENUS The 2021 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will feature seven new marketplaces. Check out the following new offerings at this year’s festival, shared by the Disney Parks Blog.

THE SWANKY SAUCY SWINE:

THE NOODLE EXCHANGE:

• Crispy Barbecue Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese ❋ • Roasted Porchetta with Pork-fat Roasted Rosemary Potatoes and Lemon-Parsley Salsa Verde ❋ • Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with Green Onions and Peanuts • Crispy Pig Ear Salad with Fire Roasted Tomatillo Sauce, Pickled Red Onions, Queso Fresco, Roasted Corn Salsa, and Avocado Cream ❋ • Parish Brewing Co. SIPS Pinot Noir Black Currant Sour, Broussard, LA • Rombauer Zinfandel, California • Bourbon Bloody Mary with Labrot & Graham Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

• Traditional Spicy Vietnamese Beef Pho with Shaved Beef, Enoki Mushrooms, and Thai Basil ❋ • Char Siu Pork Udon with Enoki Mushrooms, Bok Choy, and Soy Pickled Egg • Shrimp and Coconut Curry Rice Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Thai Basil ❋ • Tofu Pho with Enoki Mushrooms and Thai Basil ❋ ❥ • Playalinda Brewing Company Yaupon Brothers Green Tea Pale Ale, Titusville, FL • A to Z Riesling, Oregon

TANGIERINE CAFÉ: FLAVORS OF THE MEDINA: • Fried Falafel Pita with Tahini Sauce ❥ • Grilled Kebabs with Couscous, TomatoOnion Salad, and Garlic Aïoli • Lemon-Garlic Chicken • Moroccan Spiced Lamb • Harissa-marinated Beef Tenderloin Tips • Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with Hummus, Zaalouk, and Zhoug Dips • Pistachio Cake with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Candied Walnuts • Fresh Orange Juice (non-alcoholic) • Fresh Blood Orange Juice (nonalcoholic) • 3 Daughters Brewing Fig Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL • Bold Rock Ginger Turmeric Hard Cider, Nellysford, VA • Woodchuck Cinnamon Nutmeg Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT • Fig Cocktail with White-Cranberry Juice and Fig Vodka • Cider Flight

THE ROTUNDA BISTRO: • Chilled Smoked Shrimp Salad ❋ • Wild Mushroom and Truffle Tart with Gruyère and Crème Fraîche • Chilled Crab and Avocado Parfait with Caviar ❋ • Domaine Carneros Cuvée Brut Rosé, California

LOBSTER LANDING (OPENING OCT. 1):

BREW-WING AT THE EPCOT EXPERIENCE: • Garlic-Parmesan Wings with Celery and Ranch ❋ • Barbecue Wings with Celery and Ranch ❋ • Teriyaki-Sesame Wings with Celery and Ranch • Traditional Buffalo Wings with Celery and Ranch ❋ • Mango-Habanero Wings with Celery and Ranch ❋ • Cheese Flatbread • Pepperoni Flatbread • Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company Pineapple Vibes Blonde Ale, Orlando, FL • Central 28 Beer Company Groveland Road Blood Orange IPA, DeBary, FL • Wicked Weed Brewing Watermelon Dragonfruit Session Sour, Asheville, NC • Bold Rock Honeycrisp Hard Cider, Nellysford, VA • Starcut Ciders Magpie Hard Cider, Bellaire, MI • Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Apple Lantern Roasted Pumpkin, Armada, MI • Beer Flight • Cider Flight

• New England Lobster Tail with Lobster Bisque Sauce • Lobster Chowder with Bacon, Corn, Potatoes, and Oyster Crackers • Baked Lobster Dip with Old Bay Chips ❋ • Coronado Brewing Co. Salty Crew Blonde Ale, San Diego, CA • Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa • Sean Minor Chardonnay, California • Cape Codder: Vodka with Cranberry, Pomegranate, and Lime

MAC & EATS (OPENING OCT. 1): • Traditional Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed Panko • Truffle Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed Panko • Cowboy Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Pork Belly, Brisket Burnt Ends, Pickled Peppers, and Onion Straws • Macaroni and Cheese with House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers ❥ • 81Bay Brewing Co. Lemon Hazy IPA, Tampa, FL • L’Ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Columbia Valley, WA • Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR ❋ gluten/wheat friendly ❥ plant based

AUG ‘21

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

A Downtown Boom New restaurants are popping up throughout downtown Ocala, with many thanks going to the Brick City Hospitality Group. // B Y C Y N T H I A M C FA R L A N D

J

says Caracciolo. “For the last year, I’ve had at least one project on every block of downtown, either as a builder or owner.”

In 2018, Brick City Hospitality Group opened The Lodge in the former Starbuck’s location. The entire building now features establishments owned by the group.

A gastro pub highlighting an ever-changing menu, The Lodge features specialty meats, including venison, bison, gator and more.

Weekend brunch is ideal for families, while the pub caters to the 21-and-up crowd at night.

With over 200 beers and a full bar, there’s literally something for everyone. Hours extended to include lunch beginning this past July 1.

One floor up is Loft, an upscale lounge 30

352PREVIEW.COM

Photos courtesy of Brick City Hospitality Group

ust two years ago, many of Ocala’s downtown storefronts were empty.

That’s not the case today.

A good deal of credit goes to Brick City Hospitality Group, the management/ ownership company owned by Ocala-born and -raised Bryan Caracciolo.

A general contractor with his own company, BWC Construction, Caracciolo is involved both in the conceptual and building aspect of numerous downtown establishments.

“We’re happy to be part of it, and really, we are one of the driving reasons for the growth,”

overlooking the square, complete with music, dancing and VIP seating.

Those in the know visit the Anti-Monopoly Speakeasy, modeled after the classic speakeasy of old, complete with specialty craft cocktails and a hidden location. To gain access you have to knock on the bookshelf (inside The Lodge) and say the password, which is posted new every week on Facebook.

This summer the Magnolia Room, also in the same building, became home to Bonkerz Comedy Club, which, for years, was located at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales facility. The first show was in late June and comedians perform every Friday and Saturday night. A full dinner menu is also offered.

“We’re bringing in comedians from across the country, with names from Vegas, HBO, Comedy Central and more,” says Caracciolo.

The venue can be rented for private parties with full catering available through The Lodge.

Coming soon is Cantina, an innovative TexMex restaurant with a full bar scheduled to open by September. Located in the old Bank

of America building on the corner across from Harry’s, Cantina is a multi-story restaurant with 40-foot ceilings.

The Tex-Mex menu includes over 100 specialty tequilas, and the unique atmosphere will give patrons the sense of a Mexican street market.

“The large murals and street lights will make it feel like you’re under the stars,” says Caracciolo. “It will be the first of its kind around here.”

A Mellow Mushroom pizza franchise will open in 2022.

Anyone who frequents downtown knows parking can be a challenge. Not to worry, Caracciolo is on it.

“We have partnered with several private parking lots to offer new parking solutions for downtown,” he notes. “Through Brick City Hospitality Parking LLC, we have an app you can use to find more parking options.”

As for the town’s old nickname, “Slo-cala,” Caracciolo just laughs. “There’s nothing slow about Ocala anymore!”

Brick City Hospitality Group // Stay up to date on news at brickcityhg.com or on their Facebook page at facebook.com/brickcityhospitality.

presents

oundtrack of your life Nate Rodriguez

Jordan Peterson

with Felix & Fingers dueling pianos & “The Paintman” an Evening of Entertainment Dance & Sing-along Thursday, October 7, 6 p.m.

Ext. Auditorium, SE Livestock Pavilion Tickets: $100 VIP/$35 General RSVP today to Cindy Moody

Dale Henry

cmoody@hospiceofmarion.com/(352) 291-5143

EL TOREO Two Locations: 3790 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala // (352) 694-1401 // Mon-Sun 11am-10pm // 3510 SW 36th Ave. (SR 200), Ocala // (352) 291-2121 // Mon-Sun 11am-11pm Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border!

Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere. On Sundays, children’s meals are $1.95.

Lunch specials: $5.45 Taco Salad Mondays, $5.45 Speedy Gonzalez Tuesdays, $7.95 Quesadillas Wednesdays, $6.95 Chimichangas Thursdays and $5.95 Burrito Supremes Fridays. Dinner specials: $10.95 Fajitas Mondays, $8.95 Chimichangas Tuesdays, $9.95 Alambre Wednesdays and $9.95 Tacos de Bistec Thursdays. Margarita specials: $1.95 margarita Mondays, 99 cent margarita Wednesdays and 2-4-1 margarita Saturdays.

LUNCH

WITH THE

ARCHAEOLOGIST

AUGUST 26 | 11 AM - 1 PM Pack a lunch, bring a lawn chair and join us to talk about Fort King and the artifacts that have been found on site as well as Q&A time with the archaeologists.

yoga IN THE fort

SEPTEMBER 18 | 9 - 11 AM All fitness levels and body types will benefit from this class. Pose modifications will be provided as needed.

Please bring your own yoga mat and a water bottle.

LEARN MORE AT

FORTKINGOCALA.COM AUG ‘21

31

3035 SE MARICAMP RD STE 104, UNIT 168 OCALA, FL 34471

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