Ocala Marion Specials, Coupons & Promotions

MARION COUNTY TO HOST UNIQUE "HERO RUSH" RACE

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Marion County, Fla. -- Hero Rush race organizers have selected Marion County as the site of their 2012 Central Florida event.

Hero Rush is a national event series that adds firefighting-inspired elements to traditional foot racing. Participants will race, slide, climb and get wet on a 5-8k course of "heroic" obstacles. In addition to the main race, children's activities, food, themed challenges, entertainment and more will round out the activities on the Inferno Midway.

The event will come to Marion County Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. Highway 475 in Ocala.

"This is another tremendous addition to our sports event roster in Marion County," said Matthew Dunn, Executive Director of the Ocala-Marion Sports Commission. "Hero Rush will bring some 6,000 runners to the area, stimulating the economy while adding a great activity to our community calendar."

"We've had a very enthusiastic response from our Florida Facebook fans, and we're excited to have Ocala on our itinerary," said Dave Iannone, President and Co-founder of Hero Rush.

Individual and team registration for Hero Rush will be available soon, with gift certificate purchases available for the holiday season. Visit HeroRush.com for the latest information about the event.

More information on Marion County athletic events and sports event planning is available at OcalaSportsEvents.com. A comprehensive listing of upcoming events and activities in the area can be found at OcalaMarion.com.

THE CANYONS TO BRING ZIP LINE ADVENTURE TO MARION COUNTY

Thursday, September 29, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Ocala, Fla. – Soon Marion County visitors and residents alike will be able to experience one of today’s fastest-growing outdoor activities: zip lining.

Construction is on schedule at The Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours at Northwest Gainesville Street in Ocala. Customers will sail through the air on zip lines, traveling through old growth of oaks and pines and enjoying views of the lakes and rock formations. Two professional guides will lead, instruct and entertain during the nearly three-hour trip through the course.

“This is a spectacular course uniquely suited to terrain you’d be surprised to find in Florida,” said Reid Burland, co-owner of Geronimo Construction, the builder of The Canyons.

The course will be one of the longest in the region: At almost 1,000 feet, The Canyon’s longest single zip line is nearly the length of the entire course at other Florida attractions. When complete, The Canyons is expected to include at least seven zip lines, two adventure bridges and a rappel.

“We believe this is the only zip line in Florida to offer a rappel,” stated Dave Walker, owner of The Canyons.

The Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours intends to open in mid-November. In addition to the zip line course, a welcome center/gift shop is also planned.

More information on The Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours can be found online at ZipTheCanyons.com, or by calling (352) 351-ZIPS (9477).

OCTOBER SPEAKER AT MARION COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Monday, September 26, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology: Speaker's Series, October 12th, 2011:
Dr. William Marquardt, Florida Museum of Natural History

Ocala, Fla. -- The Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology is pleased to announce its October speaker for the Museum's public education series, Dr. William Marquardt of the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.

Dr. Marquardt's talk will involve his own archaeological research in southwestern Florida, as well as the creation and maintenance of the Randell Research Center at Pineland. Admission to the lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m. and Dr. Marquardt will begin speaking at 7:00 p.m. Seating for this event is limited and priority will be given to members of the Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology, so please contact the Museum to confirm attendance and seating for the event.

The Museum is open seven days a week. All Museum programs are privately funded. Donations and support for the Museum's operating budget, displays and programs is encouraged. Anyone with an interest in the Museum, its programs, or wanting to volunteer should contact the Museum Curator, Dr. Willet A. Boyer, III at 352/236-5245 or by e-mail at landoftherivers@hotmail.com.

MARION COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY GRAND OPENING

Monday, September 12, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

MARION COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
GRAND OPENING - SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 - 3:00 P.M.

From the First Inhabitants in Marion County to the Industries that Shaped Marion County

Ocala, FL -- The newly renovated Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology explores the early history of Marion County's indigenous people through Spanish colonization, Seminole Indian War era, and the modern growth of the county and everything in between.

If you think history is boring, the Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology, opening in historic East Hall at the McPherson Governmental Complex on September 18th, will have you shelving that notion right alongside the dust-covered history textbooks banished to the attic. On Sunday, September 18, 2011, the 3,622 square-foot, cultural institution opens its doors to the public and brings to life the complex, colorful and legendary stories of Marion County, stories that began long before the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower for American shores.   The Museum is an active research and education institution, dedicated to helping the people of this region "discover their own history" through active participation in historic and archaeological research. All -- from those with longtime roots in Marion County to new residents to first-time tourists -- will find this renovated museum compelling.

Marion County's incredible past and heritage -- 13,000 years of human history -- will be on display as visitors travel along the time line of Marion County's historic and archaeological past. Thirteen periods ranging from the Paleo-Indian Era to the modern day are explored in three main areas -- the Pre-Contact Period, covering 13,000 years before the present to 1539 AD; Marion County's Colonial Period, from 1539 to 1821 AD; and, the American Historic Period, from 1821 to the present.

Whatever a person's interest, the museum has sections which cover it. Major historic events such as the Hernando de Soto expedition's crossing this region, the founding of Spanish mission towns in this area, the forts and battles of the Second Seminole War and the modern growth of Marion County will be included in the Museum's displays.

The Museum contains a series of initial displays covering each of the periods. An additional "marquis" display area, which features topics of special interest for areas of the County and historic events, will host a series of rotating collections for public view. The initial marquis displays are from the Henderson Collection, which was discovered at Silver Glen Springs, featuring a series of unique and spectacular artifacts uncovered in the early 1930's and a 1,200 year old dugout canoe. A special enclosure fronted by a 25 foot long glass wall, protects the fragile canoe while providing maximum visibility to visitors. The chamber's lighting, mechanical, and security systems as well as the display case upon which the canoe rests are designed to work together to ensure the long-term care of the canoe and collections.

One of the Museum's central programs will be the archaeological field school, which will provide high school and college students, as well as the general public, the opportunity to "do" archaeology by participating in professionally supervised digs at active sites in Marion County.   A new laboratory and research facility has been constructed within the Museum to allow artifacts and field notes to be professionally prepared for conservation, display and research. A series of public lectures will keep residents and visitors informed as to the progress of finds, as well as the incredible history and heritage of this region. An oral history program will be producing interviews and recordings of Marion County residents who have important life stories highlighting the experiences and tribulations of the past which will allow the future generations to appreciate and share in this heritage. The Museum will also serve as a repository where local artifacts can be used to interpret and study county history

Under construction renovation since early 2011, the Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology is located at 307 Southeast 26th Terrace, Ocala, which is easily accessible from Fort King Street. East Hall was built in 1936 by the Public Works Administration and housed the jail facilities for the Florida Industrial School for Girls until it was closed in 1984. The building was restored originally in the early 90's through the efforts of the Marion County Historical Commission with additional help from the Marion County Historical Association. In 1995, East Hall was listed was on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum will have ten levels of membership. For those who join before September 30th, their names will be entered into a drawing to win a place on a guided tour of the Ocklawaha River. The membership categories are:

Individual -- $25
Student (14 with ID) -- $15
Senior (55 plus) -- $20
Family (2 adults & any children) -- $40
Friend -- $100
Supporter -- $300
Sponsor -- $600
Associate -- $1,000
Patron -- $3,000
Benefactor -- $9,000 +
Life-Time Benefactor -- $50,000+

The Museum will be open seven days a week. All Museum programs are privately funded. Donations and support for the Museum's operating budget, displays and programs is encouraged. Anyone with an interest in the Museum, its programs, or wanting to volunteer should contact the Museum Curator, Dr. Willet A. Boyer, III at 352/236-5245 or by e-mail at landoftherivers@hotmail.com.

NCAAs teeing off at Golden Ocala

Thursday, May 19, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

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Golf Tournament a Hole-in-One for Economy

Monday, March 07, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The City of Ocala is hosting the Harley Davidson of Ocala Classic, part of the NGA/Hooters Golf Tournament, at the Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club.
As 168 golfers get ready to compete, City and County officials hope the event will help boost the local economy.
More than one thousand spectators are expected to attend along with golfers, caddies, tournament staff and supporting vendors.
The Classic will have an economic impact of well over half a million dollars, according to Matthew Dunn of the Ocala/ Marion County Sports Commission.
The 72-hole championship will tee off on March 10th and will last through Sunday. Admission is free. For more information visit www.NGAHooterstour.com.

Original story: http://www.wcjb.com/news/8896/golf-tournament-a-hole-in-one-for-economy

TWO NEW MEMBERS JOIN MARION COUNTY TDC

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Ocala, Fla. – Local hoteliers Jeff Bailey and Navroz Saju recently joined Marion County’s Tourist Development Council.

“Both men bring extensive travel and tourism experience to the TDC,” said Ann Sternal, Executive Director of the Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau. “The VCB team and everyone on the Tourist Development Council looks forward to serving our community with them.”

Jeff Bailey is the new General Manager of the Hilton Ocala. With more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, he has held the position of General Manager at hotels in Texas, Nebraska and Missouri. He also served on the Visitor Improvement Council of Douglas County (Omaha), where he helped pass legislation providing a general fund allocation to tourism for the first time in more than 20 years in Nebraska.

Navroz Saju is President and CEO of HDG Hotels, which manages seven properties in North Central Florida. HDG Hotels in Marion County include the Howard Johnson Inn, Sleep Inn and Suites, and Holiday Inn Express Silver Springs. He is Co-Chair of the Wyndham Worldwide Green Committee, a Certified Hotel Administrator of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and active in other industry associations and committees.

The TDC was created in 2004, when a county ordinance established a two percent “bed tax” on transient accommodations to support and grow the local tourism industry. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners formed the nine-member volunteer TDC to oversee the application of these funds to attract leisure, group and business travel to the community.

The Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau functions as the TDC’s operational arm. Attending trade shows and sales conferences, working with community groups, responding to visitor and group-travel inquiries are some of the VCB’s key day-to-day functions.

Golden Hills creates buzz for upcoming tournament

Wednesday, February 09, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

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RUNNING TO EXTREMES: Ragin' Warrior Challenge Coming March 3 to Ocala

Wednesday, February 09, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Ocala, Fla. – There are runs, there are mud runs and then there is the Ragin’ Warrior Challenge. With its explosions, ice pits and 12-foot walls, this upcoming race event will ask participants one pointed question: What are you made of?

The Ragin’ Warrior Challenge is intended to be America’s most extreme obstacle challenge. Icy tunnels, electrified barbwire pits and fire jumps are but a few of the more than 20 intense obstacles that competitors will face. The punishing 8-12 mile courses will test participants both physically and mentally, forcing teammates to work together to maneuver through combat-like conditions.

“This Challenge is an experience, not just another boring mud run,” said event founder Don Jones. “It’s an adrenaline rush—imagine running with the bulls or going a few rounds with a grizzly. We are trying to revolutionize the world of mud runs and obstacle courses. That is our goal.”

The Ragin’ Warrior Challenge is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 3 at Florida Horse Park, located at 1008 South Highway 475 in Ocala. Participants are encouraged to form teams to tackle the Challenge together. Due to the intense physical nature of the competition, everyone racing must be 18 years old.

Event registration costs $100 per “recruit.” Online registration and more details are available at the Challenge’s official website, www.raginwarrior.com.

There will also be family activities before and after the race, with live music and food vendors on site.

NGA/HOOTERS TOUR TO SWING THROUGH OCALA FOR SECOND YEAR

Monday, February 07, 2011 12:00:00 GMT

OCALA, Fla. – The excitement of professional golf competition will return to Ocala’s sports events calendar with The Harley-Davidson of Ocala Classic March 7-13, 2011.

The event will be 2011’s second stop on The National Golf Association’s Hooters Professional Golf Tour. Players will compete on the challenging Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club course. The winner of the 72-hole tournament will receive a $30,000 first-place prize—part of a $200,000 total purse.

“We can’t wait to welcome The NGA/Hooters Tour to Ocala for the second year in a row,” said Matt Dunn of the Ocala-Marion Sports Commission and the Ocala/Marion County VCB. “We worked to built a strong relationship with the National Golf Association, and these efforts will benefit players, spectators and the local economy alike when the tournament returns to Golden Hills.”

The National Golf Association’s Hooters Professional Golf Tour is where many professional golfers get their start. Jim Furyk, Lucas Glover and John Daly are a just a few of the well-known players who are NGA/Hooters Tour alumni.

Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club will be one of the longest courses on this year’s NGA/Hooters Tour. This Rees Jones championship course also hosted last year’s NGA/Hooters Tour event, as well as the 23rd US Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, the first USGA Championship held in the Sunshine State since 1993. Golden Hills was also recently named one of “Florida’s hidden gems” by Golf Magazine.

Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club is located at 4782 NW 80th Avenue in Ocala. Admission to the event will be free for spectators.

Details about the tournament and tour are available at ngahooterstour.com.

OCALA/MARION VCB MOVING TO NEW LOCATION

Thursday, December 09, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Ocala, Fla. – The Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau will be closed December 16-17 while the VCB readies its new office and Visitors Center. The new facility will be open on Monday, December 20.

Currently located at The Manse on Fort King Street, the VCB office and Visitors Center will move to the historic Ocala National Bank building at 112 North Magnolia Avenue, two blocks from the Downtown Square. Ample free parking is available in the public lots across the street.

The VCB is Marion County’s official destination marketing organization. Attending trade shows and sales conferences, working with community groups, responding to visitor and group-travel inquiries are some of the VCB’s key day-to-day functions.

The Visitors Center provides literature on county accommodations and attractions, assists guests with travel recommendations and serves as the point of welcome for travelers arriving in the area. And the VCB staff is eager to welcome vacationers and area residents at the new location.

“We look forward to continuing to serve visitors from our new downtown offices and Visitors Center,” said Ann Sternal, executive director of the Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau. “Also, we encourage locals to stop by and discover new things to see and do right here in Marion County.“

The VCB’s regular hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Mark Wilson’s Triathlon Training Camp to take place during the 2011 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit

Friday, December 03, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Mark Wilson’s Triathlon Training Camp to take place during the 2011 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit

OCALA, FL (December 3, 2010)--HITS is pleased to announce that Mark Wilson’s Triathlon Training Camp will take place during the 2011 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit offering exhibitors a unique chance to train with the accomplished athlete and stay in shape while on the road.
The camp will take place in the Horse Capital of the World from February 7-11 and feature a week of training with Wilson, who has an impressive resume of competing in triathlons all over the country and has trained several All-American Athletes. Currently, Wilson is the Founder/President-of The Hudson Valley Triathlon Club where he trains 40 athletes, including HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri and HITS Ocala’s Office Manger Kristen Vale. According to Wilson, Struzzieri and his wife Jane plan to attend the camp in the Sunshine State this winter.
"The main goal an athlete would hope to achieve at this camp is a sense of accomplishment, knowledge and understanding of the sport of triathlon which includes three phases swim, bike and run. Plus in a camp atmosphere, it’s always easier and way more fun when completed with others," said Wilson.
"This camp is for everyone at any fitness level," added Wilson. “I design my camps in such a way that everyone is challenged at their own level and yet always supported by the others in the group throughout each training session.”

Wilson said he chose Ocala as the destination for his camp this winter because of its location in Central Florida and boasts temperatures that are practically perfect for training. “It’s cool in the mornings for running, warm by mid-day for a bike ride and then by the afternoon the temperature is just right for swimming."

The camp experience will include five days of cutting-edge instruction in triathlon training all under the supervision of USAT All-American and professional coach Mark Wilson. For more information or to register for the Mark Wilson’s Triathlon Training Camp, please call Mark Wilson at 845.679.8602. The registration fee is $1,000 per person. The Host Hotel for Mark Wilson’s Triathlon Training Camp is Hilton Ocala and reservations can be made by calling 352.854.1400.
The Horse Capital of the World is proud to boast some of the best show jumping in the nation, as thousands of equestrians, friends and family flock to the Sunshine State each winter. HITS Ocala is honored to celebrate its upcoming 30th show season, with its continued tradition of offering the best experience to exhibitors.

The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is loaded with an exciting schedule of classes and special events. The unrated pre-circuit begins January 19 for two consecutive weeks. After a week-off, the AA-rated circuit begins for six consecutive weeks from February 8 - March 20 and will once again be highlighted by the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group. This season, HITS Ocala will offer 14 Grand Prix qualifiers for the 2011 Pfizer Million and five Devoucoux Hunter Prix qualifiers for the $500,000 HITS 3'3" Hunt er Prix Final, on September 10-11 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, NY.

The prize list for the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit has been mailed and is available on-line at HitsShows.com. For more information on the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, or to request a prize list, please visit HitsShows.com or call 845.246.8833.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural $500,000 HITS 3'3" Hunter Prix Final, September 10 -11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.

Special events boost local economy

Friday, November 19, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

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Ride 2 Recovery to pass through County

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

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Golden Hills set to host 2011 Hooters Professional Golf Tour

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

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FOR INJURED VETERANS, THE “ROAD 2 RECOVERY” LEADS THROUGH OCALA

Thursday, November 11, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Ocala, Fla. – A large group of disabled veterans will bike into Ocala Wednesday, November 17 as part of the Ride 2 Recovery Florida Challenge.

In this event, 200 disabled veterans will cycle 350 miles from Tampa to Jacksonville in a challenge raising funds to support indoor Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at military and VA locations across America.

The Challenge begins Monday, November 15 at MacDill Air Force Base and ends Sunday, November 21 at the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. the Cleveland Browns game in Jacksonville. In between, the riders will enjoy a variety of stops and overnight stays, including Wednesday overnight accommodations at the Ocala Courtyard by Marriott, where participants also stayed last year for the Ocala portion of the event.

“The Ocala Courtyard by Marriott is honored to have been chosen again as the host hotel for the Ride 2 Recovery overnight stop in Ocala,” said Dava Crump, Senior Sales Manager of Ocala Marriott Hotel Group. “We were excited to welcome our veterans last year, and it is a great privilege to welcome them in 2010.”

More information about the Florida event and the Ride 2 Recovery program are available at Ride2Recovery.com. A full calendar of other Marion County events is available at OcalaMarion.com.

Ride 2 Recovery is presented by UnitedHealthcare.

State golf championships to unfold in Marion County

Tuesday, November 02, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

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Proctor chasing state championship

Tuesday, November 02, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

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Editorial: Batter up!

Thursday, August 05, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

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MARION COUNTY VISITORS KEEP COOL WITH AQUATIC SUMMER FUN

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Ocala, Fla. – More and more vacationers are turning to the inland aquatic activities the natural springs offer in Marion County, Florida, centrally located between I-75 and I-95.

Crystal clear waters, averaging a refreshing 72ºF year round, make the springs the ideal place to dive into outdoor fun this summer. Marion County boasts so many springs that it can be hard to choose where to begin. A great place to start is Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon. Tubing the Rainbow River is a popular summer activity. The park has a designated “tuber launch” at Southwest 180th Avenue where tubers can put in and drift off into a world of relaxing summer fun on the spring-fed river. From kayaking to camping, the area state parks offer a full complement of outdoor activities in and around the springs.

No discussion of Marion County’s marvelous springs would be complete without mentioning Silver Springs, Nature’s Theme Park. World famous for its glass-bottom boat rides, Silver Springs surrounds the scenic headwaters of the Silver River, with 350 acres of exhibits, rides, gardens, wildlife shows and family activities. Summer concerts at the park include the internationally known Rolling Stones tribute band “Sticky Fingers” and country music legend Lee Greenwood, both appearing on July 4, and the classic rock bands “Blue Öyster Cult” and “Foghat” appearing on August 21.

After you’ve explored all that the springs have to offer, enjoy the splash-a-second thrills of Wild Waters. Guests can cool off in the 450,000 gallon wave pool, the 220-foot Silver Bullet speed flume, the three-story Hurricane slide, the high-energy Alligator Ambush tube ride and the tot-friendly Cool Kids Cove, just to name a few of the park’s many attractions.

More information and seasonal special offers can be found at OcalaMarion.com, the official website of the Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau.