Welcome To Marion County Florida- Source for news, events, things to do in Ocala, Dunnellon, Belleview, Reddick, Silver Springs, Marion Oaks
Marion County is quickly becoming a great place to adventure. With plenty of things to do in Ocala, Dunnellon, Belleview, Reddick, Silver Springs, Marion Oaks. Marion County was created in 1844 from portions of Alachua, Mosquito (Orange), and Hillsborough counties. Until 1853, Marion County included most of what are now Lake and Sumter counties. The county is named after General Francis Marion of South Carolina, a guerilla fighter and hero of the American Revolutionary War. Many of the early settlers of Marion County were from South Carolina. The county motto is "Kingdom of the Sun." Farms in the county are known for breeding champion race horses such as Affirmed and Needles.
History Of Marion County
Marion County is generally composed of rolling hills, some high and some low. The majority of its trees consist of live oaks, pine, and palm trees. Marion County is considered the southernmost county in North Central Florida, and the northernmost county in Central Florida. It is about a two hour drive from many of Florida's major cities, Orlando is 75 minutes to the southeast while Daytona Beach is about 90 minutes to the east. Tampa is about 75 minutes to the southwest. Jacksonville is roughly a two hour drive northeast. Miami is about five hours to the southeast. Fort Lauderdale is about a four-hour drive from Marion County. Marion County also has three large lakes at its opposite borders. Orange Lake is in the far northern part of Marion County, near the border with Alachua County. Lake Kerr is in the northeastern part of the county, near the town of Salt Springs, which is near the border with Putnam County. Lake Weir, the largest of the three, is in the far southern region near the border with Lake County. Part of Lake George is in Marion County also. Marion County is inland, centered between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Because of this, Marion County is not affected as much by hurricanes as the more coastal counties to its east and west are. Although Marion County is not near either of Florida's coasts, it is situated slightly to the west. Therefore, it takes a little less than an hour to get to the Gulf of Mexico while it takes about half an hour longer to get to the Atlantic Ocean.
Marion County Florida hosts an assortment of things to do. Recently, there has been some concern from those who control Marion County. There is concern regarding the Moody family and their intention to bring a water bottling plant to central Florida.
Things to Do
Marion County is in the center of the State and offers Eco tours, Guided tours, Hunting and Fishing trips, all within a short drive from anywhere in the county.
Visit Whats Up Ocala.com to view things to do in Ocala and Marion County.
Ocala Event Calendar
Post and view events in Ocala!
Ocala is filled with things to do. Many locals and vacation seekers alike wonder, "What is there to do in Marion county?". There are plenty of things to do. Ocala has it own theme park that boast the Slogan, Silver Springs, "Natures Theme Park". Marion County is home to many local attractions from Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, to Wild Waters Theme Park. You can visit our Event Calendar for a list of upcoming events in the Ocala-Marion County area. There is a good selection of nightlife with many bars and clubs. The Ocala Entertainment Complex, hosts "Urban Cowboy and Ocala's ultimate dance club "Platforms". Midnight Rodeo and Club Zanzabar are just off Hwy. 441 in the heart of Ocala, located next to the Ocala Police Department. There are plenty of places to eat in Marion County. Some of the best restaurants in Ocala are featured in our "Local Restaurants" section. In each issue of the magazine we highlight all of the lifestyles in Marion County that make it such a great place to live. Ocala's music scene is back on the upswing with a new concert series that will be hosted right Downtown by the City of Ocala.
Friends of Marion County
Links in Marion