Editing Ocala, Florida

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Ocala
| settlement_type    = [[City (Florida)|City]]
| nickname           = "Horse Capital of the World"<br>"Brick City"<ref name=BC/><ref name=BrickCity/>
| motto              = "God Be With Us"
<!-- Images --------------->| image_skyline      = OcalaFLMontage.png
| imagesize          = 275px
| image_caption      = Top, left to right: Downtown Ocala, horse on a farm, [[Marion Hotel (Ocala, Florida)|Marion Hotel]], Marion Theatre
| image_flag         = 
| image_seal         = ocala_seal.gif
<!-- Maps ----------------->| image_map          = {{maplink
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  | frame-align        = center
  | frame-width        = 280
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  | frame-coord        = {{coord|qid=Q918195}}
  | zoom               = 11
  | type               = shape
  | marker             = city
  | stroke-width       = 2
  | stroke-color       = #0096FF
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  | id2                = Q918195
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| map_caption        = Interactive map of Ocala
| pushpin_map        = Florida#USA
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_label      = Ocala
| pushpin_relief     = 1
<!-- Location ------------->| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Florida]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Florida|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Marion County, Florida|Marion]]
<!-- Government ----------->| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = [[Council–manager government|Council–Manager]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Ben Marciano
| leader_title1      = [[City Council|Councilmembers]]
| leader_name1       = Barry Mansfield,<br>Kristen Dreyer,<br>Jay Musleh,<br>James Hilty, Sr., and<br>Ire J. Bethea, Sr.
| leader_title2      = [[City Manager]]
| leader_name2       = Peter Lee
| leader_title3      = [[City Clerk]]
| leader_name3       = Angel B. Jacobs
| leader_title4      = [[City Attorney]]
| leader_name4       = William E. Sexton
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 1849
| established_title1 = Incorporated (town)
| established_date1  = February 4, 1869
| established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated (city)]]
| established_date2  = January 28, 1885
<!-- Area ----------------->| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2023">{{cite web|title=2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2023_Gazetteer/2023_gaz_place_12.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=February 21, 2024}}</ref>
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 122.42
| area_land_km2      = 122.40
| area_water_km2     = 0.01
| area_total_sq_mi   = 47.79
| area_land_sq_mi    = 47.78
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.01
<!-- Population ----------->| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_est     = 65478
| pop_est_as_of      = 2022
| pop_est_footnotes  = <ref name="USCensusEst2022"/>
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
| population_total   = 	63,591	
| population_density_km2 = 535.0
| population_density_sq_mi = 1386.0
| population_rank    = US: 586th<br>FL: [[List of municipalities in Florida|43rd]]
| population_urban   = 182647 (US: [[List of United States urban areas|202nd]])
| population_density_urban_km2 = 564.0
| population_density_urban_sq_mi = 1,460.9
| population_metro   = 396415 (US: [[Metropolitan statistical area|138th]])
| population_density_metro_km2 = 96.36
| population_density_metro_sq_mi = 249.6
<!-- General information -->| timezone           = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
| utc_offset         = −5
| timezone_DST       = EDT
| utc_offset_DST     = −4
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_m        = 21
| elevation_ft       = 69
| coordinates        = {{coord|29|11|16|N|82|7|50|W|region:US-FL|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = 34470-34483
| area_code          = [[Area code 352|352]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 12-50750
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 0288030<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|0288030}}</ref>
| blank2_name        = [[Sales tax]]
| blank2_info        = 7.0%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avalara.com/taxrates/en/state-rates/florida/cities/ocala.html|title=Ocala (FL) sales tax rate|access-date=February 16, 2024}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|https://www.ocalafl.gov/|ocalafl.gov}}
| footnotes          = 
}}

'''Ocala''' ({{IPAc-en|oʊ|'|k|æ|l|ə}} {{Respell|oh|KAL|ə}}) is a city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Marion County, Florida]], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> Located in [[North Central Florida]], the city's population was 63,591 as of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], up from 56,315 at the 2010 census and making it the [[List of municipalities in Florida|43rd-most populated city]] in Florida.<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Ocala_city,_Florida?g=160XX00US1250750 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=February 16, 2024}}</ref> Ocala is the principal city of the Ocala [[Metropolitan statistical area|metropolitan area]], which had a population of 375,908 in 2020.

Home to over 400 [[thoroughbred]] farms and training centers, Ocala is considered the "Horse Capital of the World".<ref>{{cite web|last=Hiers|first=Fred|url=https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2007/11/21/they-call-us-the-horse-capital-of-the-world/31229317007/|title=They call us the 'Horse Capital of the World'|work=[[Ocala StarBanner]]|date=November 20, 2007|accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Peters|first=Terri|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/florida-city-horse-capital-of-the-world-equestrian-182224275.html|title=This city in Florida is the Horse Capital of the World. Here's what it's like to stay in its luxury equestrian-themed hotel.|publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo Life]]|date=March 24, 2023|accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref> Notable attractions include the [[Ocala National Forest]], [[Silver Springs State Park]], [[Rainbow Springs State Park]], the [[College of Central Florida]], and the [[World Equestrian Center]].

==History==
[[File:Fort King fortress reconstructed.jpg|thumb|left|The Fort King reconstructed fortress in Ocala Florida]] 

Ocala is named after [[Ocale]] (also Cale, Etocale, and other variants), a Timucua village and [[chiefdom]] recorded in the 16th century, the name of which is believed to mean "Big Hammock" in the [[Timucua language]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ocalafl.org/COO.aspx?id=584 |title=Historic Highlights |publisher=City of Ocala |access-date=November 19, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080114053631/http://www.ocalafl.org/COO.aspx?id=584 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=January 14, 2008}}</ref> Another possible meaning of the name is "song or singer of admiration or glorification".<ref>{{cite book|last=Hann|first=John H.|title=A History of the Timucua Indians and Missions|year=1996|publisher=University Press of Florida|location=Gainesville, Florida|isbn=0-8130-1424-7|page=166}}</ref> Spaniard [[Hernando de Soto (explorer)|Hernando de Soto]]'s expedition recorded Ocale in 1539 during his exploration through what is today the [[Southeastern United States]]. The site of Ocale has not been found, but historians believe it was located in southwestern Marion County, near the [[Withlacoochee River (Florida)|Withlacoochee River]].<ref name="Milanich Hudson">{{cite book|last1=Milanich|first1=Jerald T.|last2=Hudson|first2=Charles|title=Hernando de Soto and the Indians of Florida|year=1993|publisher=University Press of Florida|location=Gainesville, Florida|isbn=0-8130-1170-1|page=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Hann|first=John H.|title=A History of the Timucua Indians and Missions|year=1996|publisher=University Press of Florida|location=Gainesville, Florida|isbn=0-8130-1424-7 |page=29}}</ref> References to Ocale, Olagale, and Etoquale occur in 16th and early 17th century sources, but do not specify a location.<ref name="Milanich Hudson"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Hann|first=John H.|title=A History of the Timucua Indians and Missions|year=1996|publisher=University Press of Florida|location=Gainesville, Florida|isbn=0-8130-1424-7 |page=95}}</ref> A Spanish mission named San Luis de Eloquale was established by 1630. Milanich believes the mission was near the Withlacoochee River. Eloquale is not named in a 1655 list of missions, and Ocale (and its variants) disappeared from history.<ref>{{cite book|last=Milanich|first=Jerald T.|title=Florida Indians and the Invasion from Europe|year=1995|publisher=The University Press of Florida|location=Gainesville, Florida|isbn=0-8130-1360-7|pages=176, 189}}</ref>

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, [[Creek people]] and other Native Americans, and free and fugitive African Americans sought refuge in Florida. The [[Seminole people]] formed. After foreign colonial rule shifted between Spain and Great Britain and back again, in 1821, the United States acquired the territory of Florida. After warfare to the north, in 1827, the U.S. Army built [[Fort King]] near the present site of Ocala as a buffer between the Seminole, who had long occupied the area, and white settlers moving into the region. The fort was an important base during the [[Second Seminole War]] and later served in 1844 as the first courthouse for Marion County.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-i-z/recreation-parks/fort-king-national-historic-landmark/history-of-the-site|title=History of the Site|publisher=City of Ocala|accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref>

The modern city of Ocala, which was established in 1849, developed around the fort site. Greater Ocala is known as the "Kingdom of the Sun".<ref>{{cite book|last=McCarthy |first=Kevin |author2=Jernigan, Ernest |title=Ocala |year=2001 |isbn=0-7385-1377-6 |page=11 |publisher=Arcadia}}</ref> [[plantations in the American South|Plantations]] and other agricultural development dependent on [[Slavery in the United States|slave]] labor were prevalent in the region. Ocala was an important center of citrus production until the [[Great Freeze]] of 1894–1895.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hussey |first=Scott |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/29765147 |title=Freezes, Fights, and Fancy: The Formation of Agricultural Cooperatives in the Florida Citrus Industry |journal=The Florida Historical Quarterly |volume=89 |issue=1 |date=Summer 2010 |pages=85–86 |jstor=29765147}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1988/05/15/a-breed-apart-ocala-is-the-horse-capital-of-florida-but-can-it-last/ |title=A Breed Apart Ocala is the Horse Capital of Florida. But Can It Last? |date=May 15, 1988 |accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ocalafl.gov/our-city/live/historic-preservation/downtown-district/downtown-ocala-historic-context-and-history |title=Downtown Ocala Historic Context and History |publisher=City of Ocala |accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref> During the [[Reconstruction Era]], Ocala was represented by several African Americans in the Florida House of Representatives and on the local level.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ocala Black History Mural |url=https://www.oncell.com/sr/CU8rh/?lang=en |access-date=October 19, 2021|website=City of Ocala Recreation and Parks}}</ref>

[[Image:OcalaFL83.jpg|thumb|left|Downtown Ocala in 1883]]

[[Railroad|Rail service]] reached Ocala in June 1881, encouraging economic development with greater access to markets for produce. Two years later, much of the Ocala downtown area was destroyed by fire on [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]] Day, 1883. The city encouraged rebuilding with [[brick]], [[granite]], and [[steel]] rather than [[lumber]]. By 1888, Ocala was known statewide as the "Brick City".<ref name=BC>{{cite web|last=Hutchinson|first=Bill|url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2008/11/27/thanksgiving-in-ocala-stirs-up-memories-of-fire/28677961007/|title=Why Brick City? Because wood and fire don't mix|work=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]]|date=November 26, 2008|accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref><ref name=BrickCity>{{cite web|last=Mancil|first=Kathy|url=https://www.ocala.com/story/entertainment/local/2013/03/14/brick-city-presents-history-of-brick-city/31917156007/|title=Brick City presents history of 'Brick City'|work=[[Ocala StarBanner]]|date=March 14, 2013|orig-date=March 12, 2013|accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref>

In December 1890, the [[Farmers' Alliance|Farmers' Alliance and Industrial Union]], a forerunner of the [[People's Party (United States)|Populist Party]], held its national convention in Ocala. At the convention, the alliance adopted a platform that would become known as the "[[Ocala Demands]]". This platform included abolition of national banks, promoting low-interest government loans, free and unlimited coinage of silver, reclamation of excess railroad lands by the government, a graduated [[income tax]], and direct election of United States senators. Most of the "Ocala Demands" were to become part of the Populist Party platform. {{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

[[Image:Fort King Street, Looking West, Ocala, FL.jpg|thumb|left|Fort King Street, ''circa'' 1920]]

In the last decades of the 20th century, the greater Ocala area had one of the highest growth rates in the country for a city its size.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2025 |title=U-Haul Growth Metros and Cities of 2024: Dallas Top Metro for In-Migration |url=https://www.uhaul.com/Articles/About/U-Haul-Growth-Metros-And-Cities-Of-2024-Dallas-Top-Metro-for-IN-Migration-33084/ |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=U-Haul}}</ref>

===Ocala Historic District===
Many historic homes are preserved in Ocala's large residential [[Ocala Historic District|Historic District]], designated in 1984. East Fort King Street features many excellent examples of [[Victorian architecture]]. Ocala structures listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] include the [[Coca-Cola Bottling Plant (Ocala, Florida)|Coca-Cola Building]], [[E. C. Smith House]], [[East Hall (Ocala, Florida)|East Hall]], [[Marion Hotel (Ocala, Florida)|Marion Hotel]], [[Mount Zion A.M.E. Church (Ocala, Florida)|Mount Zion A.M.E. Church]], [[The Ritz Apartment (Ocala, Florida)|Ritz Historic Inn]], and [[Ocala Union Station|Union Train Station]]. The original [[Fort King]] site was designated as a [[National Historic Landmark]] in 2004.

==Geography==
[[File:Ocala Silver River Park - River01.jpg|thumb|A portion of the [[Silver River (Florida)|Silver River]] located in [[Silver Springs State Park]]]]

Ocala is located at {{Coord|29.187704|-82.130613|type:city_region:US-FL|format=dms|display=i}}.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html| archive-date=October 19, 2021|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|47.79|sqmi|km2|1}}, all land. The surrounding farms are famous for their [[Thoroughbred horse|Thoroughbred Horse]]s<!-- breed names are capped -->, in terrain similar to [[Kentucky bluegrass]]. Ocala is also known for nearby [[Silver Springs, Florida|Silver Springs]], site of one of the largest [[Artesian aquifer|artesian]] spring formations in the world and [[Silver Springs Nature Theme Park]], one of the earliest tourist attractions in Florida.

The {{convert|110|mi|km|adj=on}} long [[Ocklawaha River]] passes {{convert|10|mi|0|abbr=on}} east of Ocala, flowing north from [[Central Florida]] until it joins the [[St. Johns River]] near [[Palatka, Florida|Palatka]].

Marion County is also home to the [[Ocala National Forest]], which was established in 1908, and is now the second-largest national forest in the state. The [[Florida Trail]], also known as the [[Florida National Scenic Trail]], cuts through Ocala National Forest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/crossflorida/trails/ocala_nat_forest.htm| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/crossflorida/trails/ocala_nat_forest.htm| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=The Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest |publisher=[[Florida Department of Environmental Protection]] |access-date=November 17, 2007}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Silver Springs State Park]] was formed as Silver River State Park in 1987, from land the state purchased around the [[Silver Springs (attraction)|Silver Springs]] attraction to spare it from development. The state took over Silver Springs itself in 1993 and incorporated it into the park in 2013.<ref name=FOSR>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefriendsofsilverriver.org/discoversilverriver.htm |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.thefriendsofsilverriver.org/discoversilverriver.htm |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=History |date=2014 |website=Thefriendsofsilverriver.org |publisher=Friends of Silver River |access-date=April 8, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Climate===
Ocala has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa''), with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
{{Weather box|width=auto
|location = Ocala, Florida, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present
|single line = Y

|Jan avg record high F = 81.9
|Feb avg record high F = 84.0
|Mar avg record high F = 87.3
|Apr avg record high F = 90.8
|May avg record high F = 95.1
|Jun avg record high F = 96.8
|Jul avg record high F = 96.6
|Aug avg record high F = 95.8
|Sep avg record high F = 94.2
|Oct avg record high F = 90.8
|Nov avg record high F = 86.3
|Dec avg record high F = 82.3
|year avg record high F = 98.0

| Jan high F = 70.6
| Feb high F = 73.7
| Mar high F = 78.6
| Apr high F = 83.9
| May high F = 88.9
| Jun high F = 91.0
| Jul high F = 92.0
| Aug high F = 91.6
| Sep high F = 89.5
| Oct high F = 84.3
| Nov high F = 77.2
| Dec high F = 72.2
|year high F = 82.8
|Jan mean F = 58.1
|Feb mean F = 61.0
|Mar mean F = 65.3
|Apr mean F = 70.7
|May mean F = 76.4
|Jun mean F = 80.7
|Jul mean F = 82.1
|Aug mean F = 82.0
|Sep mean F = 79.9
|Oct mean F = 73.5
|Nov mean F = 65.4
|Dec mean F = 60.3
|year mean F = 71.3
| Jan low F = 45.6
| Feb low F = 48.4
| Mar low F = 52.1
| Apr low F = 57.4
| May low F = 63.9
| Jun low F = 70.4
| Jul low F = 72.2
| Aug low F = 72.5
| Sep low F = 70.3
| Oct low F = 62.7
| Nov low F = 53.5
| Dec low F = 48.3
|year low F = 59.8

|Jan avg record low F = 27.1
|Feb avg record low F = 29.3
|Mar avg record low F = 33.5
|Apr avg record low F = 42.7
|May avg record low F = 52.8
|Jun avg record low F = 64.5
|Jul avg record low F = 68.6
|Aug avg record low F = 68.4
|Sep avg record low F = 61.9
|Oct avg record low F = 46.4
|Nov avg record low F = 35.8
|Dec avg record low F = 30.4
|year avg record low F = 24.7

|Jan record high F = 88
|Feb record high F = 90
|Mar record high F = 97
|Apr record high F = 98
|May record high F = 102
|Jun record high F = 105
|Jul record high F = 104
|Aug record high F = 103
|Sep record high F = 101
|Oct record high F = 98
|Nov record high F = 94
|Dec record high F = 90
|year record high F =
|Jan record low F = 11
|Feb record low F = 12
|Mar record low F = 23
|Apr record low F = 30
|May record low F = 44
|Jun record low F = 48
|Jul record low F = 58
|Aug record low F = 60
|Sep record low F = 52
|Oct record low F = 32
|Nov record low F = 22
|Dec record low F = 15
|year record low F =
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 3.38
| Feb precipitation inch = 2.94
| Mar precipitation inch = 3.68
| Apr precipitation inch = 2.22
| May precipitation inch = 3.53
| Jun precipitation inch = 7.41
| Jul precipitation inch = 6.94
| Aug precipitation inch = 7.07
| Sep precipitation inch = 6.49
| Oct precipitation inch = 3.21
| Nov precipitation inch = 2.09
| Dec precipitation inch = 2.68
|year precipitation inch = 51.64
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 8.6
| Feb precipitation days = 7.7
| Mar precipitation days = 7.2
| Apr precipitation days = 6.3
| May precipitation days = 6.9
| Jun precipitation days = 15.6
| Jul precipitation days = 16.8
| Aug precipitation days = 18.0
| Sep precipitation days = 13.1
| Oct precipitation days = 8.2
| Nov precipitation days = 6.1
| Dec precipitation days = 6.9
| year precipitation days = 121.4
|Jan snow inch =
|Feb snow inch =
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|unit snow days = 0.1 in
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|source 1 = NOAA<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=jax
| title = NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| accessdate = June 2, 2021
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00086414&format=pdf
| title = Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| accessdate = June 2, 2021
}}</ref> }}

<!-- ==Crime==
{{Infobox UCR
|city_name= Ocala
|year= 2022
|violent_crime= 223
|homicide= 2
|rape= 32
|robbery= 38
|aggravated_assault= 151
|property_crime= 1,353
|arson= 6
|burglary= 157
|larceny_theft= 1,190
|motor_vehicle_theft= 0
|source_url= https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/crime-trend
|source_name= 2022 FBI UCR Data
|notes= 2022 population: 65,478
}} -->

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1850= 243
|1870= 600
|1880= 803
|1890= 2904
|1900= 3380
|1910= 4370
|1920= 4914
|1930= 7281
|1940= 8986
|1950= 11741
|1960= 13598
|1970= 22583
|1980= 37170
|1990= 42045
|2000= 45943
|2010= 56315
|2020= 63591
|estyear=2022
|estimate=65478
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=February 16, 2024|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020–2022|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=February 16, 2024}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref><br>2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
}}

Ocala first appeared in the 1850 U.S. Census, with a total recorded population of 243.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1850 Census of Population: Florida|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1850/1850a/1850a-32.pdf|access-date=March 18, 2023}}</ref> Ocala did not report separately in 1860.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1860 Census of Population: Florida|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1860/population/1860a-09.pdf|access-date=March 18, 2023}}</ref>

===2010 and 2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Ocala racial composition'''<br> (Hispanics excluded from racial categories)<br> (''NH = Non-Hispanic'')<br>
!Race
!Pop 2010<ref>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Ocala city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2010.P2?q=Ocala+city;+Florida+|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
!Pop 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Ocala city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P2?q=Ocala+city;+Florida+|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
!% 2010
!% 2020
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH)
|35,623
|35,478
|63.26%
|55.79%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH)
|11,497
|11,909
|20.42%
|18.73%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH)
|117
|104
|0.21%
|0.16%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH)
|1,455
|2,436
|2.58%
|3.83%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]] (NH)
|9
|17
|0.02%
|0.03%
|-
|[[Other races (U.S. Census)|Some other race]] (NH)
|118
|255
|0.21%
|0.40%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Two or more races/multiracial]] (NH)
|910
|2,499
|1.62%
|3.93%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|6,586
|10,893
|11.69%
|17.13%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''56,315'''
|'''63,591'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|-
|}

As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]],  63,591 people, 23,893 households, and 13,239 families were residing in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES – 2020: Ocala city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Ocala+city;+Florida+&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1101|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]], 56,315 people, 21,722 households, and 12,945 families lived in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES – 2010: Ocala city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Ocala+city;+Florida+&tid=ACSST5Y2010.S1101|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]],  45,943 people, 18,646 households, and 11,280 families resided in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,189.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The 20,501 housing units had an average density of {{convert|530.7|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the city was 72.9% White, 22.1% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 1.8% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 5.7% of the population.

Of the 18,646 households, 40.9% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were not families. About 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.91. The city's age distribution was 23.2% under 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

==Economy==
The median income for a household in the city was $30,888, and for a family was $38,190. Males had a median income of $29,739 versus $24,367 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $18,021. About 13.2% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 28.6% of those under 18 and 9.8% of those 65 or over.

Ocala is the headquarters of Emergency One, a worldwide designer and manufacturer of fire-rescue vehicles.

===Top employers===
According to the City's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ocalafl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/23162/638188161310500000|title=City of Ocala 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report|page=205|date=February 16, 2024}}</ref> the largest employers in the city are:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! Type of business
! Number of employees
! Percentage
|-
| 1
| [[Marion County School Board|Marion County Public Schools]]
| Education
| 7,000
| 4.70%
|-
| 2
| Ocala Health
| Health care
| 2,712
| 1.82%
|-
| 3
| [[AdventHealth Ocala]]
| Health care
| 2,648
| 1.78%
|-
| 4
| [[Government of Florida|State of Florida]]
| Government
| 2,600
| 1.74%
|-
| 5
| [[Walmart]] (five locations)
| Retail
| 2,583
| 1.73%
|-
| 6
| [[Lockheed Martin]]
| Aerospace
| 1,600
| 1.07%
|-
| 7
| [[FedEx]]
| E-Commerce
| 1,500
| 1.01%
|-
| 8
| [[Publix]]
| Retail grocery
| 1,488
| 1.00%
|-
| 9
| Marion County Board of Commissioners
| Government
| 1,368
| 0.92%
|-
| 10
| E-One, Inc.
| Manufacturer
| 1,200
| 0.81%
|-
|—
|'''Total'''
|—
|'''24,699'''
|'''16.57%'''
|}

==Culture==
[[File:Gypsy Gold Farm, Gypsy Vanner.jpg|thumb|Gypsy Gold Farm, Ocala]]

Horses have a prominent role in Ocala's cultural makeup.<ref>{{cite web|last=Streit|first=Katie|url=https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/07/18/equestrian-athletes-attracted-to-ocala-s-growth|title=Equestrian athletes attracted to Ocala's growth as the horse capital of the world|website=[[Spectrum News 13|mynews13.com]]|publisher=[[Spectrum News]]|date=July 18, 2023|accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref> The first [[Thoroughbred]] horse farm in Florida was developed in Marion County in 1943 by Carl G. Rose. Other farms were developed, making Ocala the center of a horse-breeding area. Local horses have won individual races of the Triple Crown series; in 1978, [[Affirmed]], bred and trained in Marion County, won all three races, boosting interest in the industry there.

Ocala is one of only five cities (four in the US and one in France) permitted under [[Chamber of Commerce]] guidelines to use the title, "Horse Capital of the World",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goldenocala.com/blog/living/makes-ocala-horse-capital-world/|title=What Makes Ocala the Horse Capital of the World?|publisher=Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club|date=August 5, 2015|accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref> based on annual revenue produced by the horse industry. About 44,000 jobs are sustained by breeding, training, and related support of the equine industry, which generates over $2.2 billion in annual revenue. Postime Farms and Ocala serve as host to one of the largest horse shows in the country: H.I.T.S or "Horses in the Sun", a [[dressage]]/jumper event lasting about two months. It generates some $6 to 7 million for the local economy each year. The show features classes for over 100 different breeds, including [[Tennessee Walker]], [[Paso Fino]], [[Morgan horse|Morgan]], [[Saddlebred]], and [[American Quarter Horse]], as well as some draft breeds. Other equine events in the area include mounted shooting by the Florida Outlaws, as well as endurance rides, barrel races, extreme cowboy events, jumper shows, trick shows, parades, draft pulls, and rodeo events. In 2022, Ocala was the site of the inaugural point-to-point Florida Steeplechase at the Florida Horse Park.<ref>{{cite web|last=Compton|first=Michael|url=https://www.ocalagazette.com/steeplechase-racing-returns-to-florida/|title=Steeplechase Racing Returns to Florida|work=[[Ocala Gazette]]|date=February 25, 2022|accessdate=September 19, 2023}}</ref>

==Government and politics==
Ocala is governed by a five-member board of councillors and a mayor, all of whom are elected on a nonpartisan basis. It has a [[council-manager]] form of government, relying on a manager hired by the city. The mayor sets policy, but has few powers other than vetoing legislation passed by the council and tending to some duties involving the police department. The current mayor is Ben Marciano.<ref>{{cite news |last=Delgado |first=Jeremiah |url=https://www.ocala-news.com/2019/09/17/polls-closed-winners-elected-in-race-for-mayor-ocala-city-council-seat/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/https://www.ocala-news.com/2019/09/17/polls-closed-winners-elected-in-race-for-mayor-ocala-city-council-seat/| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=Winner elected in race for Ocala mayor; November runoff for council seat |work=Ocala-News |date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=April 28, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The city manager handles most administrative and financial matters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ocalafl.org/uploadedFiles/Support_Services/City_Clerk/Elections_Information/Mayor_Duties.pdf |title=Ocala City Charter |publisher=City of Ocala |access-date=February 3, 2010 |format=XLS |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613054859/http://ocalafl.org/uploadedFiles/Support_Services/City_Clerk/Elections_Information/Mayor_Duties.pdf |archive-date=June 13, 2010}}</ref>

A number of county offices are housed at the McPherson Governmental Complex.<ref>{{Cite web|title=McPherson Governmental Complex Map|url=https://www.marionfl.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=13131|website=Marion County, FL}}</ref>

As of 2020, Republicans outnumber Democrats in Marion County, roughly 112,000 to 80,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.votemarion.com/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/https://www.votemarion.com/| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=Marion County Supervisor of Elections > Home |publisher=Votemarion.com |access-date=March 1, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 presidential election]], [[John McCain]] carried both the city and the county, the latter by a landslide, although Florida as a whole voted for Democrat [[Barack Obama]] by a narrow margin.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.votemarion.com/ersummary.aspx?eid=29 |title=2008 General Election Results |publisher=Marion County Department of Elections |access-date=February 3, 2010 |format=XLS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713013624/http://www.votemarion.com/ersummary.aspx?eid=29 |archive-date=July 13, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Ocala Hist Dist - 8th St Elem01.jpg|thumb|Eighth Street Elementary School, located within the [[Ocala Historic District]]]]

The public schools in Ocala are run by the [[Marion County School Board]]. There are 30 elementary, ten middle and ten public high schools in Marion County, which include the following schools in Ocala:

===Elementary schools===
{{div col}}
*College Park Elementary School
*Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary School
*East Marion Elementary School 
*Eighth Street Elementary School
*Evergreen Elementary School (closed in May 2021)
*Greenway Elementary School
*Ward-Highlands Elementary School
*Wyomina Park Elementary School
*Emerald Shores Elementary School
*Fessenden Elementary School
*Fort McCoy School (K–8)
*Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School
*Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (magnet)
*Maplewood Elementary School
*Marion Oaks Elementary School
*Oakcrest Elementary School
*Ocala Springs Elementary School
*Reddick-Collier Elementary School
*Saddlewood Elementary School
*Shady Hill Elementary School
*South Ocala Elementary School
*Sparr Elementary School
*Sunrise Elementary School
 {{Div col end}}

===Middle schools===
{{div col}}
*Fort King
*[[Howard High School (Florida)|Howard]]
*Liberty Middle School
*Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks (5–8)
*Osceola Middle School
{{Div col end}}

===High schools===
{{div col}}
*[[Forest High School (Florida)|Forest High School]]
*[[Marion Technical Institute]]
*[[Vanguard High School]]
*[[West Port High School]]
*Francis Marion Military Academy (now closed)
*[[North Marion High School (Florida)|North Marion High School]]
{{Div col end}}


===Private schools===
{{div col}}
*Ambleside School Of Ocala grades K–8<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amblesideocala.com/Ambleside_School_of_Ocala/Home.html |title=A living education |website=Amblesideocala.com |access-date=December 17, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151214231112/http://amblesideocala.com/Ambleside_School_of_Ocala/Home.html |archive-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
*Blessed Trinity School grades K–9
*Children's Palace East & Academy grades K–2
*The Cornerstone School grades PK–8<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecornerstoneschool.org| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.thecornerstoneschool.org| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=Home |website=Thecornerstoneschool.org |date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=December 17, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*Crossroads Academy grades 3–12
*Grace Academy Grades K–2
*Grace Christian School grades PK–8
*Meadowbrook Academy grades K–12<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mbaocala.org| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.mbaocala.org| archive-date=2021-10-19 |title=Meadowbrook Academy : Home |website=Mbaocala.org |access-date=December 17, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*Montessori Preparatory School grades K–5
*New Generation School grades K–12
*Ocala Christian Academy grades PK–12<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocacrusaders.com| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.ocacrusaders.com| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=Home – Ocala Christian Academy |website=Ocacrusaders.com |access-date=December 17, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*Ocean's High School grades PK–12
*Promiseland Academy grades K–7
*First Assembly Christian School grades K–12<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocalafirst.org| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.ocalafirst.org| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=Ocala First Assembly of God – An A/G Church in North Central Florida – Ocala, FL |website=Ocalafirst.org |access-date=December 17, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*The Reading Clinic grades 2–6
*Redeemer Christian School grades K3–12
*The Rock Academy grades PK–9
*The School of the Kingdom grades 1–12
*Shiloh SDA Church School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antt40.adventistschoolconnect.org| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.antt40.adventistschoolconnect.org| archive-date=October 19, 2021|title=Shiloh SDA Church School : Home|website=Antt40.adventistschoolconnect.org|access-date=December 17, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*Belleview Christian Academy grades PK–12
*St John Lutheran School grades PK–12
*[[Trinity Catholic High School (Florida)|Trinity Catholic]] grades 9–12
{{Div col end}}

===Colleges and universities===
Ocala is home to the [[College of Central Florida]], a member of the Florida College System, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. CF offers bachelor's degrees in business and organizational management, early-childhood education, and nursing, as well as associate degrees and certificates. The college offers specialty programs in equine studies, [[agribusiness]], and logistics and supply-chain management.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cf.edu/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.cf.edu/| archive-date=October 19, 2021|title=College of Central Florida |publisher=Cf.edu |access-date=January 2, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>  It also has one of 21 campuses of [[Rasmussen College]], a [[Higher Learning Commission]], regionally accredited [[post-secondary]] institution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rasmussen.edu/campus-locations/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.rasmussen.edu/campus-locations/| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=Rasmussen College Campuses |publisher=Rasmussen.edu |access-date=January 11, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rasmussen.edu/why-rasmussen/accreditation/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.rasmussen.edu/why-rasmussen/accreditation/| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=Accreditation |publisher=Rasmussen.edu |access-date=January 11, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Webster University]] offers on-site, regionally accredited graduate degree programs in business and counseling at their Ocala Metropolitan Campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.webster.edu/ocala| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.webster.edu/ocala| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=Webster University: Webster University: Ocala Metro Campus |publisher=Webster.edu |access-date=December 18, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Libraries===
Three of the eight libraries in the [[Marion County Public Library System]] are located in Ocala;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://library.marionfl.org/services/library-info/library-locations-and-hours|title=Marion County Public Library System library directory |publisher=Marioncountyfl.org |access-date=January 11, 2013}}</ref> they are:
* Freedom Public Library
* Marion Oaks Public Library
* Ocala Public Library – headquarters for the Marion County Public Library System

==Transportation==

===Major roads===
[[File:East FL SR 40 in Downtown Ocala.jpg|thumb|right|Eastbound SR 40 as it approaches [[U.S. Route 301 in Florida|US 27-301-441]] in Ocala.]]
Several major highways pass through Ocala, including [[Interstate 75 in Florida|Interstate 75]], [[U.S. Highway 27 (Florida)|U.S. Highway 27]], [[U.S. Route 301 in Florida|U.S. Route 301]], and [[U.S. Highway 441 (Florida)|U.S. Highway 441]]. Ocala was on the western leg of the historic [[Dixie Highway]].
{{See also|List of county roads in Marion County, Florida}}
*{{jct|I|75|state=FL}} (Interstate 75) runs north and south across the western edge of the city, with interchanges at SR 200 (exit 350), SR 40 (exit 352), and US 27 (exit 354).
*{{jct|US|27|state=FL}} runs north and south throughout Ocala. It is multiplexed with US 301 and 441 until it reaches SR 492(Northwest 10th Street), then makes a sharp turn onto NW 10th Street then curves northwest through Williston, Perry, Tallahassee, and beyond.
*{{jct|US|301|state=FL}} is the main local north and south road through Ocala. It is multiplexed with US 27 until it reaches Northwest 10th Street, and with US 441 throughout the city.
*{{jct|US|441|state=FL}} is the main local north and south road through Ocala. It is multiplexed with US 27 until it reaches Northwest 10th Street, and with US 301 throughout the city.
*{{jct|SR|492|state=FL}} runs east and west through the northern part of the city from the northern terminus of the US 27 multiplex with US 301–441 to SR 40 just southwest of the [[Silver Springs, Florida|Silver Springs]] city limit.
*{{jct|SR|40|state=FL}} runs east and west through Ocala. It spans from Rainbow Lakes Estates through [[Ocala National Forest]] to Ormond Beach in Volusia County, although a bi-county extension exists, spanning from Yankeetown in Levy County to Dunnellon, south of the western terminus of SR 40.
*{{jct|SR|464|state=FL}} runs east and west from SR 200 through the southeastern part of the city. Beyond the city limits, it continues southeast towards [[Florida State Road 35|State Road 35]], and continues as [[County Road 464 (Florida)|County Road 464]].
*{{jct|SR|200|state=FL}} runs northeast and southwest from Hernando in Citrus County through US 27-301-441 where it becomes a "hidden state road" along US 301 until it reaches Callahan, and is multiplexed with SR A1A into Fernandina Beach.

===Airport, bus, and others===
[[Ocala International Airport]] provides general-aviation services to the community. [[Ocala Suntran]] provides bus service through select parts of the city. One of the major hubs for Suntran is the former [[Ocala Union Station]], which served Amtrak trains until November 2004. Amtrak serves Ocala by bus connection to Jacksonville and Lakeland.

Ocala is also served by Greyhound Bus Lines. Marion Transit is the complementary ADA paratransit service for SunTran, the fixed route in the City of Ocala.  Marion Transit was established in 1976, and operates paratransit buses providing public transportation throughout Marion County for the transportation of the disadvantaged population.

==Healthcare==
Hospitals in Ocala include: [[AdventHealth Ocala]], HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ahd.com/states/hospital_FL.html|title=Individual Hospital Statistics for Florida|website=American Hospital Directory|access-date=July 17, 2023}}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!-- PLEASE RESPECT ALPHABETICAL ORDER -->
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* [[Antonio Allen]], NFL player
* [[Arthur I. Appleton]], businessman, racehorse owner
* [[Elizabeth Ashley]], actress
* [[Tony Beckham]], NFL cornerback
* [[Thelma Berlack Boozer]], journalist, publicist
* [[Brittany Bowe]], Olympic speed skater
* [[Emery N. Brown]], Anesthesiologist and Neuroscientist
* [[Farris Bryant]], former Governor
* [[Daunte Culpepper]], NFL quarterback
* [[James Dean (judge)|James Dean]], first African-American judge in Florida<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Brown|first1=Canter|last2=Rivers|first2=Larry E.|date=2008|title=The Pioneer African American Jurist Who Almost Became a Bishop: Florida's Judge James Dean, 1858-1914|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20700194| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/https://www.jstor.org/stable/20700194| archive-date=2021-10-19|journal=The Florida Historical Quarterly|volume=87|issue=1|pages=16–49|jstor=20700194|issn=0015-4113}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* [[Caydee Denney]], figure skater
* [[Haven Denney]], figure skater
* [[Drayton Florence]], NFL cornerback
* [[Dory Funk Jr.]], professional wrestler
* [[Don Garlits]], professional drag racer
* [[Santana Garrett]], professional wrestler
* [[Joey Gilmore]], blues musician<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/joey-gilmore-mn0000208510/biography| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211019/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/joey-gilmore-mn0000208510/biography| archive-date=October 19, 2021 |title=Joey Gilmore &#124; Biography & History |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=December 17, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* [[Troy Glaus]], former Major League Baseball player
* [[Mitch Harris (baseball)|Mitch Harris]], Major League Baseball [[pitcher]]
* [[Josh Hart (racer)]], professional drag racer
* [[Erin Jackson]], Olympic gold medalist speed skater
* [[Lee James (weightlifter)|Lee James]], Olympic weightlifter 1976 silver medalist
* [[Val James]], professional ice hockey player
* [[Eddie Johnson (basketball, born 1955)|Eddie Johnson]], NBA basketball player
* [[Frank Johnson (basketball)|Frank Johnson]], NBA basketball player
* [[John R. MacDougall]], [[Broadcast signal intrusion|broadcast hijacker]] best known for the [[Captain Midnight broadcast signal intrusion]]
* [[Buddy MacKay]], former governor of Florida
* [[Travis Mays]], NBA basketball player<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bohls|first1=Kirk|title=Travis Mays – Horns' 'home run hire' – has hit the recruiting trail running|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/sports/college/travis-mays-horns-home-run-hire-has-hit-the-recrui/nRnhd/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201190152/http://www.statesman.com/news/sports/college/travis-mays-horns-home-run-hire-has-hit-the-recrui/nRnhd/| archive-date=February 1, 2015|website=statesman.com|access-date=June 27, 2014|date=May 13, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Jeremy McKinnon]], musician
* [[Chris Meffert]], politician
* [[James Melton]], opera singer
* [[Eugene Milton]], NFL football player
* [[Maxey Dell Moody]], businessman
* [[Slomon Moody]], physician and farmer
* [[Steve Morse]], composer/guitarist
* [[Reid Nichols]], Major League Baseball player
* [[Martha O'Driscoll]], actress
* [[Patrick O'Neal (actor)|Patrick O'Neal]], actor
* [[Ted Potter Jr.]], professional golfer
* [[Kelly Preston]], actress
* [[Jason Schappert]], flight instructor
* [[Elisa Rae Shupe]], US Army sergeant, first in the US to obtain legal recognition of a non-binary gender
* [[Lamar Thomas]], NFL player and commentator
* [[Mava Lee Thomas]], All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
* [[John Travolta]], actor
* [[Jim Williams (Florida)|Jim Williams]], former lieutenant governor of Florida
* [[P. J. Williams]], NFL cornerback for the [[New Orleans Saints]]
* [[Walter Ray Williams Jr.]], professional PBA bowler
* [[Tyrone Young]], NFL wide receiver
{{Div col end}}

===Notable musical groups===
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* [[A Day to Remember]], pop-punk/metalcore band
* [[The Royal Guardsmen]], band originating in the 1960s
* [[Seventh Star (band)|Seventh Star]], Christian metalcore band
* [[Wage War]], metalcore band
* [[Underoath]], metalcore band
{{Div col end}}

==Sister cities==
{{See also|List of sister cities in Florida}}
Ocala has two [[Twin towns and sister cities|sister cities]]:
* {{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Newbridge, County Kildare]], in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Friends Across the Ocean|url=http://www.ocalafl.org/COO3.aspx?id=1009|publisher=City of Ocala|access-date=April 18, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311114542/http://www.ocalafl.org/COO3.aspx?id=1009|archive-date=March 11, 2012}}</ref> (2008)
* {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Pisa]] and San Rossore in [[Italy]]<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Thoroughbred Times|url=http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/international-news/2004/April/20/San-Rossore-officially-sister-city-to-Ocala.aspx|title=San Rossore Officially Sister City To Ocala|quote="This event is just the beginning of a nice relationship between the city of Ocala and the city of Pisa and San Rossore," Fontanelli said in Italian during the ceremony.|access-date=July 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819133145/http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/international-news/2004/april/20/san-rossore-officially-sister-city-to-ocala.aspx|archive-date=August 19, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>  (2004)

==See also==
* [[Appleton Museum of Art]]
* [[Emergency Medical Services Alliance]]
* [[Jumbolair Airport]]
* [[List of sites and peoples visited by the Hernando de Soto Expedition]]
* [[Ocala National Forest]]
* [[Sholom Park]]
* ''[[Star–Banner]]''
* [[United Hebrews of Ocala]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Ocala}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.ocalafl.org/ City of Ocala, Florida]
* [http://www.historicocala.org/ Historic Ocala Preservation Society]
* [http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00048734 ''Ocala Banner,''] the [http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00048737 ''East Florida Banner,''] and the [http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00048733 ''Southern Sun''], historical newspapers serving Ocala, Florida, full text and images openly online in the [http://ufdc.ufl.edu/fdnl1 ''Florida Digital Newspaper Library'']
* [http://www.ocalacc.com/ Ocala/Marion Chamber of Commerce]

{{Portal bar|North America|United States|Florida|Cities}}
{{Marion County, Florida}}
{{Florida}}
{{North Florida}}
{{Florida county seats}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ocala, Florida| ]]
[[Category:1836 establishments in Florida Territory]]
[[Category:Cities in Florida]]
[[Category:Cities in Marion County, Florida]]
[[Category:County seats in Florida]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1836]]