13 Facts About Ocala

1.

Ocala is a city in and the county seat of Marion County within the northern region of Florida, United States.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,212
2.

Home to over 400 thoroughbred farms and training centers, Ocala was officially named the Horse Capital of the World in 2007.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,213
3.

Ocala is the principal city of the Ocala, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated 2017 population of 354,353.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,214
4.

Ocala is located near what is thought to have been the site of Ocale or Ocali, a major Timucua village and chiefdom recorded in the 16th century.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,215
5.

Ocala is one of only five cities permitted under Chamber of Commerce guidelines to use the title, "Horse Capital of the World", based on annual revenue produced by the horse industry.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,216
6.

Ocala structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places include the Coca-Cola Building, the E C Smith House, East Hall, the Marion Hotel, Mount Zion AM E Church, the Ritz Historic Inn, and Union Train Station.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,217
7.

Ocala is known for nearby Silver Springs, Florida, site of one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world and Silver Springs Nature Theme Park, one of the earliest tourist attractions in Florida.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,218
8.

Ocala has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,219
9.

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

FactSnippet No. 1,839,220
10.

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.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,221
11.

Several major highways pass through Ocala, including Interstate 75, US Highway 27, US Route 301, and US Highway 441.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,222
12.

Ocala was on the western leg of the historic Dixie Highway.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,223
13.

Ocala Suntran provides bus service throughout select parts of the city.

FactSnippet No. 1,839,224