Stogies & Stooges Comedy Show

Local athletes compete strong against elite competition as national powerhouses visit Marion County

Elite distance running training and coaching program based in <a href="/location/ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala, Florida</a>, dedicated to developing runners of all ages and abilities through comprehensive training, professional coaching, and a supportive community environment. Founded and led by head coach Darrin DeTorres, the Ocala Distance Project combines decades of distance running expertise with modern training methodologies to help athletes achieve their personal goals, from recreational fitness to competitive excellence at state and national levels. Comprehensive training programs cater to diverse runner needs through structured membership levels designed to accommodate varying commitment levels and athletic goals. The Starter membership provides an excellent introduction to organized training with one practice session per week, perfect for beginners or recreational runners seeking structure and community support. Core Training membership offers three weekly practice sessions, providing substantial training volume and coaching interaction for runners serious about improvement and consistent development. Elite Performance membership delivers personalized training plans, advanced coaching techniques, and individualized attention for competitive athletes pursuing racing goals and maximum performance potential. Professional coaching expertise stems from Darrin DeTorres' extensive background in distance running, beginning his own running journey in third grade and continuing through decades of competition, coaching, and race organization throughout Central Florida. This authentic understanding of runner development, training progression, and competitive psychology ensures that coaching methods are grounded in real experience rather than theoretical approaches, providing athletes with practical guidance that translates directly to improved performance and running satisfaction. Coach DeTorres also operates <a href="/businesses/radical-runs" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Radical Runs LLC</a>, Central Florida's premier race timing and event management company, providing comprehensive understanding of both training and competitive racing logistics. Youth development focus demonstrates the program's commitment to building Central Florida's future running community by introducing young athletes to proper training techniques, racing strategy, and the lifelong benefits of distance running participation. Through structured coaching and mentorship, young runners develop not only athletic abilities but also discipline, goal-setting skills, and confidence that benefit all areas of their lives while potentially qualifying for Florida State meets and USATF National competitions. Community building extends beyond individual training to create a supportive network of runners who encourage each other's progress, share training experiences, and participate together in local racing opportunities throughout <a href="/location/marion-county" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Marion County</a> and Central Florida. This community aspect ensures that athletes find motivation, friendship, and accountability within their training group, making the running journey more enjoyable and sustainable over time. Local expertise provides invaluable knowledge of Central Florida running conditions, including optimal training routes through <a href="/parks/silver-springs-state-park" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Silver Springs State Park</a> and other scenic locations, seasonal weather considerations, local racing opportunities, and connections to the broader running community throughout Ocala, Gainesville, and surrounding areas. This local knowledge ensures that training plans and racing strategies are perfectly suited to regional conditions and opportunities. Racing preparation encompasses comprehensive support for athletes pursuing competitive goals, from local 5K races through marathon distances, including technical guidance on pacing strategy, racing tactics, and mental preparation that maximizes race day performance. This racing expertise, combined with professional race timing services through Radical Runs, helps athletes achieve personal records while enjoying the competitive racing experience. Flexible training approach accommodates the diverse schedules and commitments of working adults, students, and families by offering multiple training times and adaptable training plans that fit real-life circumstances while maintaining training effectiveness and progression toward athletic goals. The Ocala Distance Project represents the perfect combination of professional coaching expertise, community support, and local knowledge, creating an environment where runners can achieve their goals while developing lasting friendships and a lifelong appreciation for the sport of distance running in the heart of <a href="/living-in-ocala-florida" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Central Florida</a>.

Ocala Civic Theatre stands as the second largest community theater in Florida and one of the finest community theaters in the Southeast, celebrating 75 years of exceptional theatrical excellence since its founding as The Marion Players on March 3, 1950, when a group of passionate young people decided <a href="/location/ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala</a> needed a "little theatre" that would provide the highest quality entertainment for local audiences. Located in the prestigious Appleton Cultural Center at 4337 E Silver Springs Boulevard, this remarkable non-profit organization has evolved from its humble beginnings into <a href="/location/marion-county" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Marion County's</a> only community playhouse, serving over 65,000 local residents and visitors each season through professional-quality live performances that rival the nation's finest regional theaters. Rich theatrical history spans three distinct eras of growth and development, beginning with the nomadic early years when The Marion Players held meetings in Hotel Ocala's coffee shop and performed in various downtown venues including the old Armory building, Ocala High School, and spaces above the Ocala Bakery. In 1953, the organization purchased the Osborne Theatre on East Silver Springs Boulevard, providing a permanent home for 35 years before relocating in 1988 to their current magnificent $1.4 million facility built on 28 acres leased from the City of Ocala, creating a state-of-the-art venue that accommodates the growing audiences drawn to OCT's exceptional productions. Professional-quality productions showcase the remarkable talents and dedication of volunteers, staff, and guest designers who collaborate to present more than twelve fully-staged live performances each season, featuring an impressive diversity of classic dramas, contemporary comedies, beloved musicals, and innovative theatrical works that appeal to audiences of all ages and theatrical preferences. Each production receives meticulous attention to detail in direction, set design, costume creation, lighting design, and sound engineering that creates immersive theatrical experiences comparable to professional theaters while maintaining the intimate, community-centered atmosphere that distinguishes exceptional community theater. Comprehensive educational programs reach over 1,000 learners annually through The Academy's year-round theatre education initiatives that offer skills classes and performance classes for students ages 5 through 105, providing structured learning opportunities that develop artistic abilities, build confidence, and foster lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. These educational offerings include acting techniques, vocal training, stage craft, technical theater skills, and comprehensive performance preparation that serves both aspiring professionals and enthusiastic amateurs seeking creative expression and personal growth through theatrical arts. Community engagement excellence includes the beloved Golden Troupers program for performers ages 55 and older who bring live theater directly to community venues throughout Marion County, extending OCT's cultural impact beyond the main theater walls while providing performance opportunities for senior artists. This innovative outreach demonstrates the theater's commitment to accessibility and community service while celebrating the wisdom and talent of experienced performers who enrich the broader community through their artistic contributions. Volunteer-driven operations reflect the grassroots spirit that has sustained OCT for seven decades, with dedicated volunteers contributing countless hours to every aspect of theater operations from performance and technical production through administrative support and fundraising activities. ACT 4, the theater's volunteer support organization established in 1988, has donated over $200,000 to support OCT's mission while fostering a strong sense of community among theater enthusiasts who share passion for live performance and cultural enrichment. Professional facilities and services include group sales accommodations for parties of 10 or more, theater rental opportunities for special events and performances, convenient box office operations Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM, and comprehensive ticketing services through the Arts People system that ensures easy access to all productions and events. Cultural leadership throughout Central Florida positions Ocala Civic Theatre as an essential community institution that not only entertains but educates, inspires, and unites residents through shared appreciation for live theatrical performance. As OCT celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, affectionately known as "The Civic," this remarkable organization continues building upon its legacy of artistic excellence while adapting to serve contemporary audiences seeking meaningful cultural experiences in the heart of the Horse Capital of the World. Ocala Civic Theatre represents the perfect fusion of artistic excellence, community spirit, educational commitment, and cultural leadership, where 75 years of theatrical tradition, professional-quality productions, comprehensive educational programming, and dedicated volunteer service combine to create an extraordinary cultural destination that enriches lives, builds community connections, and celebrates the transformative power of live theater throughout Marion County and beyond.

Not-for-profit, member-owned credit union providing banking, loans, mortgages, checking and savings accounts, and credit cards. East Ocala branch with full-service lobby, drive-thru, and ATM services.

Ocala Homes Online stands as <a href="/location/ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala's</a> premier real estate brokerage operating under LPT Realty, led by Broker Associate Andrew Kruglanski who brings over 30 years of licensed real estate expertise since 1993 with NAR certification and an exceptional Google Business Rating of 5/5 stars, dedicated to making dream lifestyles real throughout <a href="/location/marion-county" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Marion County</a> and Florida through comprehensive home search services, property valuation expertise, and seamless transaction management. This innovative brokerage leverages LPT Realty's revolutionary platform designed to grow real estate business while providing clients with cutting-edge technology, advanced marketing systems, and personalized service that transforms the home buying and selling experience into positive, successful outcomes. Exceptional Google rating achievement of 5/5 stars reflects Ocala Homes Online's unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, professional excellence, and superior service delivery that consistently exceeds client expectations throughout every aspect of real estate transactions. This outstanding rating demonstrates the brokerage's ability to provide exceptional customer experiences, responsive communication, and successful outcomes that generate enthusiastic client testimonials and referrals from satisfied homebuyers and sellers who appreciate the personalized attention and professional expertise they receive. Comprehensive home search services utilize advanced technology platforms and extensive market knowledge to help homebuyers identify properties that match their specific criteria, budget requirements, and lifestyle preferences throughout <a href="/location/ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala</a> and surrounding areas. Andrew Kruglanski's home search expertise includes understanding local neighborhoods, market trends, pricing dynamics, and property characteristics that enable clients to make informed decisions about their real estate investments while ensuring they find homes that truly meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Professional property valuation services provide accurate market analysis and pricing guidance for both buyers and sellers through comprehensive comparative market analysis, current market condition evaluation, and strategic pricing recommendations that optimize outcomes for all parties involved in real estate transactions. This valuation expertise includes understanding market trends, recent sales data, property characteristics, and economic factors that influence property values while providing clients with realistic expectations and strategic guidance. Seamless transaction management ensures that every real estate transaction proceeds smoothly from initial contract through final closing, with comprehensive coordination of inspections, financing, appraisals, title work, and all other aspects of real estate transactions that require professional oversight and expert guidance. Andrew Kruglanski's transaction management expertise includes understanding complex contract terms, financing requirements, regulatory compliance, and problem-solving strategies that overcome obstacles while protecting client interests throughout the transaction process. NAR certification demonstrates professional commitment to maintaining the highest standards of real estate practice through continuing education, ethical conduct, and adherence to National Association of Realtors guidelines that ensure clients receive professional service backed by industry best practices. This certification reflects ongoing investment in professional development and industry knowledge that enhances service quality while maintaining current expertise in evolving real estate laws, market conditions, and professional standards. LPT Realty platform advantages provide clients with access to revolutionary brokerage technology, comprehensive marketing systems, and innovative tools designed to enhance real estate experiences while supporting agent success and client satisfaction. This platform includes advanced marketing capabilities, lead generation systems, transaction management tools, and educational resources that enable more effective service delivery while maintaining competitive advantages in the dynamic real estate marketplace. Three decades of real estate expertise since 1993 provides clients with the benefit of extensive market knowledge, proven transaction experience, and deep understanding of real estate cycles, market trends, and industry changes that affect property values and transaction outcomes. This extensive experience includes navigation of various market conditions, regulatory changes, and technological advances that have shaped the real estate industry while maintaining consistent focus on client success and satisfaction. Personalized service approach ensures that each client receives individual attention and customized solutions tailored to their specific circumstances, objectives, and timeline requirements rather than generic services that fail to address unique needs and preferences. Andrew Kruglanski's personalized approach includes understanding client motivations, family situations, financial circumstances, and long-term goals while providing honest guidance and realistic expectations that support informed decision-making. Local market expertise encompasses intimate knowledge of <a href="/location/ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala's</a> neighborhoods, communities, schools, amenities, and market dynamics that help clients understand the advantages and characteristics of different areas while making informed decisions about where to live based on their lifestyle preferences and family needs. This local knowledge includes understanding development plans, infrastructure improvements, and community changes that affect long-term property values and quality of life. Dream lifestyle realization philosophy drives every aspect of service delivery, ensuring that real estate transactions serve broader life objectives rather than simply completing property purchases or sales. This lifestyle-focused approach includes understanding how housing decisions affect family happiness, financial security, and long-term satisfaction while helping clients achieve their vision of ideal living situations that support their personal and professional goals. Technology integration enhances client experiences through online home search tools, virtual tours, digital marketing, electronic transaction management, and communication systems that provide convenient access to real estate services while maintaining personal relationships and professional guidance that characterize exceptional real estate representation. Client advocacy and protection ensure that all representation prioritizes client interests above all other considerations, providing honest market assessments, realistic pricing guidance, and strategic advice that protects client investments while achieving optimal outcomes. This advocacy includes thorough contract review, negotiation expertise, and problem-solving capabilities that address challenges while maintaining focus on client success and satisfaction. Ocala Homes Online represents the perfect combination of experience and innovation, where over 30 years of real estate expertise, 5-star client satisfaction, NAR certification, and revolutionary LPT Realty technology combine to provide <a href="/location/ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala</a> residents with real estate services that transform property transactions into lifestyle achievements while delivering exceptional value through personalized service, market expertise, and genuine commitment to making dream lifestyles real in Central Florida's most desirable communities.

Ocala Downtown Market stands as the heart of <a href="/location/ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala's</a> vibrant agricultural community, bringing together farmers, artisans, craftspeople, and food entrepreneurs every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM in a beautiful open-air Market Pavilion that operates rain or shine throughout the year. Located just blocks from the historic <a href="/location/downtown-ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala Downtown Square</a> at the corner of SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue, this bustling marketplace serves as both a premier shopping destination and a vibrant community gathering space where residents and visitors connect, share stories, and celebrate local agriculture and craftsmanship. Comprehensive vendor diversity showcases the agricultural bounty and creative talent of <a href="/location/marion-county" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Marion County</a> and surrounding Central Florida regions, featuring over 80 vendors who offer an impressive array of farm-fresh produce, locally-sourced meats, artisanal breads, fresh seafood, farmhouse cheeses, handcrafted pasta, local honey, and freshly baked goods that represent the best of regional agriculture and culinary traditions. Multiple produce vendors ensure competitive pricing and diverse selection, while specialized vendors provide unique items like organic vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, seasonal fruits, and hard-to-find specialty crops that reflect Central Florida's year-round growing season. Artisan marketplace excellence extends far beyond agriculture to encompass an impressive selection of handmade crafts, custom jewelry, unique clothing, live plants, natural soaps, woodworking, pottery, and artistic creations that showcase the remarkable talent of local craftspeople and artists. These artisan vendors provide one-of-a-kind items perfect for gifts, home decoration, and personal enjoyment while supporting the creative economy that makes Ocala such a culturally rich community. Modern facility amenities ensure visitor comfort and convenience through permanent roof coverage, large overhead ceiling fans that provide natural cooling, handicapped-accessible restrooms, convenient water fountains, nearby ATM access, and ample parking that makes the market easily accessible for families, seniors, and visitors with varying mobility needs. The thoughtfully designed Market Pavilion provides protection from Florida's unpredictable weather while maintaining the open-air atmosphere that makes farmers market shopping such an enjoyable experience. Culinary destination appeal features diverse food trucks and semi-permanent food vendors that converge throughout the week and especially on Saturdays to showcase innovative menu items, ethnic cuisines, comfort foods, and specialty beverages that transform the market into a dynamic outdoor dining experience. A permanent coffee stand at the corner provides premium beverages, while rotating food trucks ensure variety and excitement for regular visitors seeking new culinary adventures. Family-friendly environment enhances the market experience through proximity to a children's playground and the Citizens Circle Splash Pad, creating an ideal weekend destination where parents can shop for fresh groceries and artisan goods while children enjoy recreational activities in a safe, supervised environment. This family-centered approach makes the Ocala Downtown Market a perfect Saturday morning tradition for households throughout Marion County. Community economic impact extends beyond individual transactions to support local agriculture, sustainable food systems, and the regional economy through direct farmer-to-consumer sales that eliminate middleman costs while ensuring maximum freshness and quality. Every dollar spent at the market contributes to local economic development, supports independent farmers and artisans, and strengthens the community bonds that make Ocala such a special place to live and visit. Historic growth and development since the market's relocation to its current location in 2016 demonstrates the increasing popularity and success of this community institution, with vendor participation expanding beyond the original pavilion to include spots along the O-Trak, Ocala's innovative multi-modal pedestrian and bike path that connects downtown destinations. This growth reflects both the market's quality and the community's commitment to supporting local agriculture and small business development. Ocala Downtown Market represents the perfect fusion of agricultural excellence, artisan creativity, community spirit, and family-friendly entertainment, where fresh local produce, handcrafted goods, culinary innovation, and neighborhood connections combine to create an authentic farmers market experience that celebrates the best of Central Florida's agricultural heritage while building lasting relationships within the Horse Capital of the World's vibrant downtown community.