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!

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.

Mannequin with a bright idea

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.

Reflections - Kane's Furniture

Indoor reflections on a rainy night

Ocala's icon at the outdoor Heathbrook Mall

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.

A tower of strength

Watch your figure!

Rooms To Go - Another angle

Mall racers for rugrats

Flowers from Ocala

Buggies for the young and the old

Watching FAUX (Fox) News waiting for the doctor

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!

Reflecting at Rooms To Go

A celebration of Ocala at McAllister's restaurant

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.

You're so vain, and it's about time!

This one is for the vane man at Fort Lauderdale Daily Photo.

It's kayak season in Ocala

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

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.

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.

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."

Crepe myrtles in bloom

Drinks with friends at a local Chili's restaurant

Doggie rest area

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.