Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Ocala Fire-Rescue



Before 1885, Ocala had no professional firefighters. It took a devastating fire that destroyed most of downtown Ocala to set things in motion. Ocala Fire-Rescue was formed 125 years ago, in 1885.

Today there are six fire stations, fully equipped to handle any emergency. The firefighters are well-trained and must obtain Florida certification.

Firefighting and rescue can be very dangerous and these men and women are our first line of defense. They work 24 hours on and 48 hours off. Salary begins at $32,000 per year.

Kudos to all of our firefighters and rescue teams everywhere!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Police protection from ourselves


A police presence is sometimes necessary at a busy crossing to protect us from those who might run us down - accidentally or otherwise.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Fresh Produce


Fresh Produce is a clothing store. But the first time I saw the name, and every time I've seen the name since, I've thought of ... well, fresh produce. It may be "cute," but I think it's just plain dumb.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Dick's - for all your sporting goods needs


I hadn't heard of Dick's until they set up shop in Ocala about a year ago. Now it's one of my favorite stores.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Bagelicious - interior


Bagelicious, owned and operated by Steve Forest, is our favorite place for breakfast/lunch in Ocala. Their bagels are delicious, and the service is excellent and they make one heck of a cup of coffee!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Kotobuki's


Kotobuki's is a well-known Japanese restaurant in Ocala, having been in business here since 1986. It recently moved to this new location in a small shopping center near the Paddock Mall.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

It's kayak season in Ocala


These kayaks have been caught and keelhauled for your buying pleasure.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Entrance - On Top of the World


On Top of the World is a large, 55 plus community located about a mile south of Stone Creek in Ocala. This is one of the main entrances (where the sales offices are located) - an area that includes a theater venue, business offices, shops and restaurants.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Main Street and Preakness Drive


Keeping with Ocala's claim to be the Horse Capitol of the World, the planners of the Heathbrook outdoor mall crossed Preakness Drive with Main Street.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

One of the "Horse Fever" horses


We've posted a photo of this horse before. It is one of the 55 plus "Horse Fever" horses in and around Ocala; and is located in the downtown square. "Horse Fever" horses celebrate Ocala's status as "Horse capitol of the world."

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The Veranda Gallery & Tea Room - another view



These photos were taken at the rear of the Veranda Gallery in downtown Ocala. We've posted the front previously, here.
"Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again." — Henri Cartier-Bresson