Discover Ocala

In this episode of Discover Ocala , host Valerie Dailey is joined by guests Buddy Oswald and Greg Harrell of the Marion County Braver Angels , a national organization dedicated to reducing political polarization and strengthening civic conversation across America. Founded on the belief that Americans don’t have to agree on everything to work together, Braver Angels creates opportunities for people...

In this episode of Discover Ocala , host Valerie Dailey is joined by Karla Grimsley-Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services (IES), to spotlight the organization’s impact in Marion County and take a deeper look at one of their most beloved annual events—the 10th Annual High Tea. IES serves as a critical safety net in the community, offering programs that provide food, clothing, job support,...

In this episode of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey sits down with Jon Tyler, owner of Meeple Movers Board Game Cafe, to explore one of Ocala’s most unique and community-driven gathering spaces. More than just a game shop, Meeple Movers is a board game café experience offering a welcoming environment where friends, families, and newcomers alike can unplug, connect, and play. With a vast library...

In this episode of Discover Ocala , host Valerie Dailey sits down with Jim Boyer, Director of Research Operations at the University of Florida IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, to explore one of North Central Florida’s most impactful research facilities. Spanning 1,100 acres along the southern shores of Orange Lake, the Plant Science Research and Education Unit supports rese...

In this episode of Discover Ocala , host Valerie Dailey is joined by Jason Reynolds , Executive Director, and Kim Van Der Walt , Director of Events & Sponsorships, from the Florida Horse Park —a premier 500-acre facility at the heart of Florida’s equestrian landscape. Situated along the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, the Florida Horse Park is a year-round venue that serves all br...

In this episode of Discover Ocala , host Valerie Dailey is joined by Jacob Dorland , Campus Manager at the College of Central Florida’s Vintage Farm, to highlight the upcoming Marion County Farm City Week , taking place November 15–22, 2025 . Started in 1955 and observed nationwide the week before Thanksgiving, Farm City Week honors the essential partnerships between farmers, consumers, community...

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

In this episode of Discover Ocala , host Valerie Dailey welcomes Tamara Fleischhaker , Interim CEO and Chief eXperience Officer of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), for an inside look at the Leadership Ocala Metro (LOM) program. Now in its 39th class, this nine-month immersive experience is designed for imminent leader– those already on a leadership trajectory– who are read...

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

In this episode of Discover Ocala , host Valerie Dailey is joined by Emily Andrews, President of Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), and Natalie McComb, CFRE, Executive Director of the Reilly Arts Center, to share the story behind one of Ocala’s most anticipated annual events—Symphony Under the Stars. First held in 1988, this beloved spring concert has since found a special place on Mother’s Day weekend,...

In this episode of Discover Ocala , host Valerie Dailey sits down with Truman Magley, District Director of Scouting America – North Florida Council, to explore how the newly rebranded organization (formerly Boy Scouts of America) is shaping the future for both boys and girls. With 31 active scout groups in Ocala and growing, Scouting America offers youth a safe, fun, and enriching environment focu...

In this episode of Discover Ocala , we sit down with Tod Wojciechowski, Director of Sales at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. (OBS), to explore the rich history and operations of this world-class thoroughbred auction house. Founded by Marion County farm owners looking for a local venue to sell their thoroughbreds, OBS has grown into a multi-faceted hub of equine excellence. It currently operates: 🏇 The...

Join host Valerie Dailey in Episode 20 of the Discover Ocala podcast as she sits down with Jon Garner, Horse Show Manager at the World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC), for an inside look at the equestrian action happening this season!  As one of the largest equestrian complexes in the world, WEC Ocala is a premier destination for riders, trainers, and horse enthusiasts located at the heart of Ocala&...

In Episode 19 of the Discover Ocala podcast, host Valerie Dailey welcomes Morgan Measey from Brooke USA and ABT Consulting, along with Jessica Howington, REALTOR® with Showcase Properties of Central Florida and accomplished USDF Gold Medalist, for an inspiring conversation about Brooke USA’s mission and the upcoming Divertimentos & Dressage event on January 30th at the historic Bridlewood Farm...

In Episode 17 of the Discover Ocala podcast, host Valerie Dailey sits down with Crystal McCazzio, Extension Agent III, and Katie Davis, Extension Agent I, to explore the impact and opportunities of the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program in Marion County. Serving over 1,800 youth annually, the 4-H program offers engaging experiences for young people ages 5 to 18, helping them develop l...

In episode 18 of the Discover Ocala podcast, host Valerie Dailey welcomes Emily Andrews, Vice President of Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO), for a captivating conversation about the organization’s mission, history, and impact on our local arts scene. FAFO, a volunteer-driven organization, is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the fine arts and enriching art education in Ocala. Best known for its...

In this episode of Discover Ocala , host Valerie Dailey sits down with Natalie McComb, Executive Director of the Reilly Arts Center, for an in-depth discussion about Ocala’s vibrant (and growing!) arts scene. Natalie shares the fascinating history and exciting future of the Reilly Arts Center, the home of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, and a cornerstone of live entertainment in our community. Disco...

In episode 15, our host Valerie Dailey and guest host Samantha Dailey sit down with guest Ashley Wheeler-Gerds, Director of Strategic Engagement for the Community Foundation of Ocala / Marion County, to discuss Give 4 Marion. Run by the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County, Give 4 Marion is giving event fueled by the power of collaboration and social media with the goal of raising funds for...

Get ready for an exciting episode of Discover Ocala! In Episode 14, host Valerie Dailey dives into another staple here in the Horse Capital of the World®– the Ocala Farm Ministry. Serving over 500 horse farms in Marion County, the Ocala Farm Ministry aims to support and connect farm workers and their families throughout the area. Join Valerie as she sits down with Chaplain Bob Miller and his wife,...

Get ready for an exciting episode of Discover Ocala! In Episode 13, host Valerie Dailey dives into the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation's groundbreaking new project – Harnessing Health, an Equine Worker Health Initiative designed to break down barriers and provide healthcare access for equine workers throughout Marion County. Join Valerie as she sits down with Amy Mangan, the dynamic Executive D...

Join us in the latest episode of Discover Ocala, where host Valerie Dailey explores the captivating story behind one of the area's most distinctive institutions – Seminole Feed. Listen along to Valerie as she engages in a captivating conversation with David Stephens, VP of Sales & Operations, and Angie Crawford, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Seminole Feed. Together, they discuss the...

Join host Valerie Dailey in Episode 11 as she delves into the vibrant world of Marion County's UF/IFAS Master Gardeners. These dedicated volunteers, under the guidance of the Horticulture Extension Agent, are the backbone of green initiatives across the county. From nurturing youth education to crafting captivating landscapes rooted in Florida-Friendly principles, the Master Gardeners offer a...

In Episode 10 of Discover Ocala, we meet with Karen and Shannon Cobbs, co-owners of Grandview Clydesdales to discuss their numerous contributions to Ocala's equestrian excellence. Karen and Shannon are not only the co-owners of Grandview Clydesdale Farm, but also the creators and hosts of the only elite level draft horse show located right here in the Horse Capital of the World®. Featuring Cl...

In our latest episode of Discover Ocala, our host Valerie Dailey meets with Dawn Bowman, the current Director of the Ocala Downtown Market and REALTOR® with Showcase Properties of Central Florida. Dawn shares her experience with growing a successful weekly market, working directly with vendors, and the unique events and experiences available at the market. Dawn also shares with us some of the item...

Join us for the latest episode of Discover Ocala as our host, Valerie Dailey, sits with guest Jaye Baillie, the executive director of the Marion Cultural Alliance. In this episode, Valerie and Jaye discuss Jaye's Top 10 Cultural landmarks, Ocala's art community, giving back to area artists, and the impacts of local arts and culture. MCA is a local 501(c)3, which was established in 2001....