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 Auction House – Hosting five major sales per year, including the upcoming March Sale of Two-Year-Olds (Under Tack: March 5-8, Sale: March 11-13).
? OBS Feed Mill – Producing fresh, high-quality equine feed for horses throughout the region.
? Ocala Bets & Poker Room – An inter-track wagering facility and poker room located right along the race track at OBS.

Some of racing’s biggest stars have passed through OBS, including multiple Derby winners and Eclipse Award champions. With Marion County standing alongside Lexington, Kentucky as one of the premier centers for top horsemen, trainers, and breeders, OBS continues to shape the future of thoroughbred racing.

Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, an equestrian professional, or just curious about Ocala’s thriving horse industry, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

? Tune in now!

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For more information about Ocala Breeders’ Sales:
www.obssales.com/

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 Ocala, FL.

Brooke USA is dedicated to improving the welfare of working equines worldwide, focusing on reducing the suffering of vulnerable horses, donkeys, and mules across the world. Their efforts address critical issues such as disaster response, economic development, education, food security, and access to clean water. Through strategic fundraising, Brooke USA directs resources to areas of greatest need, making a lasting impact on both the animals and the communities that depend on them.

Divertimentos & Dressage makes its Ocala debut after successful events in Tryon and Wellington, blending the artistry of dressage with live orchestral music for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy and performance. The event will feature six talented riders, including Jessica Howington, performing musical freestyles set to a live orchestra. Guests can also enjoy a silent auction, VIP areas, animal ambassadors, educational booths, and the Brooke USA lounge — all in support of this meaningful cause.

Tune in to learn more about the remarkable work Brooke USA is doing and how events like Divertimentos & Dressage help raise awareness and support for equines worldwide.

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Visit BrookeUSA.org for more information on their ongoing projects, future events, or to make a direct donation!

Get more info on the Divertimentos & Dressage event by clicking the link below:
www.brookeusa.org/events-1/2025/2/20/3rd-annual-divertimentos-amp-dressage-wellington-fl-w4hcj

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 leadership skills, pursue their interests, and connect with peers and mentors across the community.

Marion County’s 4-H is a standout on both state and national stages, with participants earning recognition and scholarships, traveling the country, and gaining hands-on skills through a diverse range of clubs and programs. From leadership and scholarship opportunities to national competitions and community involvement, the program provides invaluable experiences that extend well beyond the classroom and the county.

Discover how youth in Marion County are building futures through this dynamic, volunteer-supported program and learn how to get involved, whether as a member or a mentor!

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You can learn more about the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at their website:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/marion-county-4-h/

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 local non-profit organizations.

Throughout their 33 hour event, Give 4 Marion hosts a variety of mini-events aimed to keep things exciting and the donations flowing, including matched donation hours, social media challenges, and hours of donation aimed specifically towards both large and small non-profit organizations. We also discuss pre-event training sessions that equip participating organizations with essential skills in goal setting, storytelling, audience engagement, and day-of strategies– a huge resource for non-profits who may be new to Give 4 Marion.

Don’t miss out on this year’s exciting event! This year, over 115 non-profit organizations have registered for the 2024 Give 4 Marion Event, which takes place September 17th – 18th, 2024. 

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You can learn more about Give 4 Marion at:
https://www.give4marion.org/

To learn more about Discover Ocala, watch the video companion of this episode, or listen to older episodes, visit our website at:
http://www.ShowcaseOcala.com/DiscoverOcalaPod

Discover Ocala is presented by Showcase Properties of Central Florida.  For over two decades, Showcase has helped customers throughout the Central Florida region achieve their unique real estate goals. You can learn more about Showcase at: https://www.showcaseocala.com/

In episode 13 of Discover Ocala, host Valerie Dailey learns more about AdventHealth Ocala Foundation’s latest initiative– Harnessing Health, an Equine Worker Health Initiative. Harnessing Health is a brand new initiative that plans to reduce the barriers to health care for equine workers throughout Marion County.

Join Valerie as she sits down with Amy Mangan, the Executive Director of the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation, to share the inspiring story behind Harnessing Health. We also get into the intention behind the initiative, plans for the future, and how YOU can get involved in supporting this worthwhile cause.

Tune in to Discover Ocala as we take a closer look at Harnessing Health!

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Learn more about Harnessing Health Equine Worker Health Initiative or donate today at:
www.HarnessingHealthOcala.com

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 an invaluable wealth of expertise to local residents.

Meet Dianne Busch, the passionate President and Youth Director, and Jeremy Rhoden, the knowledgeable Urban & Residential Horticulture Agent and Volunteer Coordinator, as they share the captivating history, mission, and involvement opportunities with the Master Gardeners. Plus, get a sneak peek at the exciting events lined up for the first half of 2024!

Tune in to cultivate your curiosity and learn how you can join this thriving green community!

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Learn more about the UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/master-gardeners/

See upcoming events with the Master Gardeners:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/master-gardeners/events/

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 with directly vendors, and unique events and experiences available at the market.

Dawn also shares with us some of the items on sale weekly at the market, courtesy of small business owners located right here in Central Florida– a perfect option for those looking to get some holiday shopping done ahead of December! The Ocala Downtown Market takes place year-round at The Market Pavilion on every Saturday, rain or shine! Located on SE 3rd Street, the visitors can explore a huge variety of farmers, artisans, craftspeople, and food trucks!

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For more information on the Ocala Downtown Market, visit their website at: https://ocaladowntownmarket.com/

In the latest episode of the Discover Ocala podcast, we delve into the heart of community empowerment and engagement! Join our guest host, Samantha Dailey– a dedicated member of the Junior League of Ocala and REALTOR® at Showcase Properties of Central Florida– as she leads an insightful conversation about The Junior League of Ocala. Joining her are two remarkable guests, Sara Lambert, the current President of the league, and Ashlee Anderson, the current Community Impact Director. Tune in as they illuminate the inspiring journey of The Junior League of Ocala, an assembly of women committed to guiding women’s leadership towards genuine community transformation through volunteer initiatives, dynamic collaborations, and purposeful training. This episode delves deep into their mission, shedding light on the league’s impact, upcoming events that promise to shape the local landscape, and diverse pathways for engagement. The Junior League of Ocala equips local women with the tools and training they need to channel their talents and passion into tangible change. The efforts of this unique organization continues to help improve lives throughout Marion County and leaves a lasting influence on the local landscape. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to Samantha, Sara, and Ashlee for their valuable time and insights. Their shared perspectives cast a brilliant spotlight on the multifaceted dimensions of the Junior League, offering a glimpse into the many opportunities that await community members ready to make a difference. Don’t miss this engaging episode – a tribute to women’s leadership and the boundless potential of collaborative community action. For more information on the Junior League of Ocala, visit their website at: https://ocala.jl.org/

In the latest episode of Discover Ocala, join our host Valerie Dailey as she sits down with Jim Couillard, the Director of Parks and Recreation for Marion County, and Roxanne Free, a REALTOR® with Showcase Properties of Central Florida. Together, they delve into the plethora of incredible outdoor opportunities that Marion County has in store for its residents and visitors alike! They also discuss the many Camp opportunities that the Parks and Recreation department offers throughout the Summer season, how to get involved, upcoming improvements, and much more! We’re incredibly excited to bring more attention to the many parks and recreation options that the Ocala and Marion County area has to offer– a true gem for our area! Let us know which park is your favorite! For more information on the Parks and Recreation of Marion County, visit their website at: https://parks.marionfl.org/

Join our host, Valerie Dailey, in the third episode of our podcast series Discover Ocala as she sits down with some of the creative forces behind Katya Vineyards, a local family-owned restaurant and winery focused on good food, great company, and incredible wine– all based right here in Ocala, Florida! In this episode, Valerie is joined by three esteemed guests: Patricia Sokol, CFO and founder of Katya Vineyard and member of the Ocala Royal Dames, her daughter Katherine “Kat” Deras, the managing director and owner of Katya Vineyards, and Jody Micilcavage, close family friend, fellow Royal Dame, and REALTOR® with Showcase Properties of Central Florida. Together, they discuss the concept and history of Katya Vineyards– and what the future holds for this unique fine-dining option in Downtown Ocala. Whether you’re a foodie looking for a new spot to try, or a wine enthusiast looking to taste a true Ocala vintage, this episode is a fascinating exploration of truly unique Ocala staple. — For more information on Katya Vineyards, visit their website at: https://katyavineyards.com/

In our first episode of the Discover Ocala podcast, our host Valerie Dailey sits down with guests Molly Rowe, Clayton Wagner, and Samantha Dailey to discuss the Southeastern Youth Fair, the largest all-youth show in the country! The SEYF is a unique organization that provides Marion County youth the opportunity to learn the importance of agriculture and related industries through competition, exhibition, and enhanced educational opportunities. — For more information on the Southeastern Youth Fair, visit their website at: https://seyfair.com/