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A Downtown
The heart of Ocala is now the perfect blend of old and new. BY DEAN BLINKHORN
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evin Sheilley, the president and CEO of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, is on a mission. On most days, he can easily be seen striding off from the CEP’s downtown office to some favorite place for lunch with clients or co-workers, dinner with friends and family, or to the City of Ocala headquarters on some official business. His tall, thin, well-dressed frame is hard to miss. On these jaunts he’s visibly and genuinely in his element, an active participant in the rebirth of Ocala’s core district—and he’s seen many redevelopment efforts in a three-decade career that brought him to this Central Florida city seven years ago. “A downtown of any city, regardless of the size, is its heart and soul,” he explains. “The revitalization of Downtown Ocala is symbolic of the tremendous growth of this community and all the expansion we’ve seen over the last couple of years.” Ask him about his favorite and it changes all the time, sometimes with the seasons, but often by an enticing tweet or Facebook post. “Our downtown has a wide mix of entertainment,
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
shopping, and restaurant options,” he says. “No other city is going to have the Reilly Arts Center, Marion Cultural Alliance, or our historic first-run movie theater. And they certainly won’t have our award-winning restaurants.” Over the last few years, city government has invested millions to ensure that Downtown Ocala is welcoming, well-lit, and has easier-than-ever access from the large parking garage near the new hotel. If you haven’t been in a while, a lot has changed. Peruse an art show, drop in for an early happy hour at Harry’s or Mark’s, or get a ticket for a budget-priced matinee, and you’ll quickly realize that this is the true heart of the city. “It’s hard to choose my favorite spot,” Kevin concludes. “And isn’t that the best thing about Downtown Ocala?” 4
