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to Florida Tourism officials, those of us who live in Florida have a
number of special benefits. All the things that make our wonderful
state so attractive to millions of visitors from all over the world, are
right here in our own backyard.
That statement is more true about Ocala/Marion County than in almost any other place in the state. Our own backyard includes the Ocala National Forest, the rolling green fields of horse farms, historic districts and city streets canopied by 100-year old trees, outstanding golf courses, friendly communities, crystal clear rivers, and fresh water springs. Much of the region's natural beauty remains unspoiled and residents enjoy a quality of life that has little equal. Even new developments proudly keep many century-old oak trees, and retain open space for the pleasure of their residents. Here the pace of life is moderated by the tranquility of the setting, but has lost none of today's freshness and vitality that attracts new residents and industries, making Marion County one of the nation's fastest growing counties. Ocala/Marion County won national distinction when Ocala was named an "All-American City" by the National Civic League, and the nation's fifth most desirable place to live by Money Magazine in 1995. With nearly perfect weather year-round, the outdoors offers and endless panorama of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and man-made diversity, which are a constant source of pleasure and recreation for resident and visitor alike. The county is a successful blend of past and present. Many Indian artifacts have been found along the Silver River through the years. Most of the Silver River is a state park, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the water and the surroundings. Archaeologists are exploring the historic cultural material found in a study of a site within Ocala city limits which is believed to be where the military post of Fort King was established. Evidence has been found that suggests the presence of a historic Seminole encampment. Twelve thousand years ago, man hunted the mastodon, which came to drink from the waters of Silver Springs. Today, a National Natural Landmark, Silver Springs and the county's countless other wonders attract more than 3-million visitors each year! Before Columbus discovered the New World, the Timucua Indians put down roots in a spot they called "Ocali". In the centuries that followed, Spanish explorers, Seminole Indians, and settlers from South Carolina and Georgia discovered the area's artesian springs, bountiful land, and gentle climate. In 1845, when Florida became a state, the land of the Timucua became a county, which the settlers named for Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox", who led a guerrilla band that helped keep the British from conquering the South. Proud of its heritage, Marion County preservation groups keep history alive. Many homes and buildings in the county are on the National Register of Historic Buildings. The scene of impressive economic growth and development over the past three decades, Marion County continues to offer the climate and room in which to grow. Nationally recognized prize-winning horse and cattle come from Marion County farms. In addition to farming and raising livestock, industry and manufacturing provide the basis for a strong and healthy economy with a strong job market to support the area's steadily growing population. Economic Development Corporation statistics show the creation of approximately 5,016 jobs since 1990, with a combined payroll of over $82 million. Beyond Ocala, scattered amid crop lands, horse farms, and acres of national forest, lie new communities where residents enjoy all the conveniences of contemporary living. A drive of just minutes takes them from pastoral countryside to modern shopping centers and malls, restaurants, cultural events, nature-based attractions, and educational opportunities. There are over 3,000 miles of roads within the 1,579 square miles of Marion County that are maintained by the county. Many community organizations adopt a portion of these roads to help keep them clean and litter free through an "Adopt-A-Road Program". The SunTran public bus system, initiated in late 1998 in Ocala grows as residents find its convenience, routes, and low cost suit their needs. The presence of more than 275 churches and three synagogues attest to the importance of religion in the life of Ocala and Marion County. From the most modern church, to houses of worship that have served congregations for a century or more, area churches work together through the Marion County Ministerial Association to support a variety of community outreach programs. Individual churches offer a wide range of adult and youth activities. Marion County continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in the state. The county's population has grown more than 83 percent in the past 15 years, from 122,488 in 1980, to an estimated 258,916 in 2002. The unincorporated areas of the county have experienced practically all of the growth in population with 93 percent of the growth for the last five years. Nearly 95 percent of the increase is from migration from other states, mainly from the Northeast, Midwest and South. Only five percent of the increase has been through births. The median age of Marion County has steadily increased during those 15 years from 36 in 1980 to 40 in 1990 and 43.8 in 2000. Of the 67 Florida counties, Marion County is 19th largest in population, and 34th in per capita income. Visitors to Florida continue to increase. Many of those visitors drive through Ocala on the state's outstanding highways, and are struck by the beauty of the rolling hills, trees, springs, and lush pastures. Ask any number of permanent residents, and they will tell you they were "just driving through," and decided to stay a little longer. Crossed by picturesque spring-fed rivers and etched with a patchwork of forests, farms and quiet towns, Marion County offers a unique lifestyle. Forward looking and as modern as tomorrow, Ocala is at the county's very center, the heart of a growing region whose natural beauty, history, and easy-going pace of life have not been lost to the years. This article is courtesy of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce. Feel free to ask for additional information by filling out a brief form on the "Contact Us" page. Visit the Ocala/Marion Co. Chamber of Commerce website, Marion County Public Schools, or Check out the Local News at the Ocala Star Banner.
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