Newbridge Town Council

Ocala is a city in Marion County, Florida with a population of 55,000. It is the county seat of Marion County. Ocala is surrounded by some of the most beautiful horse farms in the world, the Silver Springs Attraction with its famous glass-bottom boats, and the Ocala National Forest. It is about an hour's drive to either coast or to the attractions in Orlando. Ocala enjoys a moderate climate, diverse economy and an excellent public education system. Although it is a growing community it has maintained a warm and friendly hometown atmosphere with beautiful historic districts.

Horse Capital of the World

One can not come to Ocala/Marion County without becoming aware immediately that this is the "Horse Capital of the World". The U.S. Department of Agriculture in early 1999, put its seal of approval on promotions using that label.

Furthermore, the county ranked third nationally (behind two counties in Kentucky) in total value of horses sold. Horses are big business in Marion County. Between 45 and 50 different breeds are represented in the area. Nearly 29,000 residents are employed in the county's thoroughbred industry alone. More than three-quarters of Florida's 600 thoroughbred breeding and training facilities are located in the Ocala area. The county is one of only four major Thoroughbred centers in the world, and is equal to Lexington, Kentucky; Newmarket, England; and Chantilly, France.