In the late 1960s Walt Disney came calling with plans to build the Disneyland of the east here. However, the people of Marion County declined this once in a century opportunity to put our area on the map. Fortunately, once in a century opportunities arise more frequently in Ocala.

For over a century our equine industry has been putting Ocala on the map by foaling and training champions, including Triple Crown winners. The last two Triple Crown winners, Affirmed and American Pharoah, came from our horse farms. Therefore, it is not surprising that Ocala has earned the title, “Horse Capital of the World”. 

Fortunately, in so doing, the city attracted it’s second “once in a century” opportunity. This time the city accepted and authorized the construction of the World Equestrian Center. It cannot be overstated how much of an economic game changer this world class facility truly is. 

The center is already creating jobs, both directly and in supporting endeavors. Of course, the influx of people to fill these jobs will drive our economy to even greater heights than the center itself. It will require the expansion of every element necessary to lifestyle, expansion in the areas of transportation, education, housing, health care, and much, much more. These are indeed exciting times in our City of Ocala.