WHAT'S GOING ON IN 2026? // What's Up Ocala?

Freedom Public Library Expansion

The Freedom Public Library, located at 5870 SW 95th Street in Ocala, expanded from 8,100 square feet to 32,000 square feet — nearly four times its original size. This was the library's first major renovation since it opened in 2000. Groundbreaking & TimelineMarion County officials broke ground on November 12, 2024. The library briefly closed from March 23 through April 12, 2026, to allow construction crews to safely complete interior work and transition materials into the newly expanded facility. Grand ReopeningA ribbon cutting was held on April 13, 2026, with many Marion County dignitaries in attendance. New FeaturesThe expansion added more shelving for books and materials, comfortable study rooms and spacious work areas, a dedicated children's area with a storytime room, a larger meeting room for events and voting, and a bookstore supporting library programs. The Friends of the Freedom Public Library operate the new bookstore, which sells gently used books, CDs, and other materials, with all proceeds supporting the library and its initiatives.Design & ConstructionArchitectural design was provided by Rispoli and Associates Architecture, Inc., in partnership with Harvard Jolly Architecture, and construction was coordinated by Charles Perry Partners, Inc.

Community Foundation of Ocala Marion County

MissionIts mission is to enhance the quality of life for all residents by fostering philanthropy and stewarding charitable resources, identifying and addressing pressing community needs, and supporting innovative solutions that create positive, sustainable change. Candid [https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=COM1122] What It DoesIts services include fund management, donor advised funds, designated agency funds, endowments, scholarships, grant services, nonprofit professional development, charitable giving guidance, community collaboration, and estate planning. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocalafoundation] How It Serves the CommunityIt partners with the City of Ocala, Marion County, the Marion County Hospital District, and AdventHealth to offer a wide range of services to strengthen and support local nonprofits, including funding tools, team and board development resources, and technical capacity training. Community Foundation [https://www.ocalafoundation.org/nonprofits/] It also runs Give4Marion, a 33-hour giving campaign designed to raise money and awareness for the local nonprofit community. Community Foundation [https://www.ocalafoundation.org/nonprofits/] LocationIt is headquartered at 324 SE 24th Street, Ocala, FL 34471. Its website is ocalafoundation.org [https://www.ocalafoundation.org].

WHY the Slow Ocala Market Narrative is WRONG! // What's Up Ocala?

Andrea debunks the myth of Ocala's market being slow, and provides accurate information on current market trends with expert insight.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN 2026? // What's Up Ocala?

Andrea discusses the major changes and business openings coming up in 2026. You'll want to know these!

ENDING the Rent vs Mortage Debate... // What's Up Ocala?

Join me as I ask and answer the long-standing discussion: is it better to pay rent or to pay a mortgage? We'll also cover some other topics involving the market, and personal advice from a broker-owner with decades of experience!