The biggest growth and development moves so far in 2023 for Ocala/Marion County
Jim Ross2023 is almost half over. Here's a look some of the year's biggest business and development stories so far:
Stronach sells thousands of acres in NE Marion
Multiple limited liability corporations controlled by the Rudnianyn family paid $37.55 million for more than 12,000 acres in northeast Marion County. What are the plans? Read the full story.
Danny Gaekwad makes major move in downtown Ocala
The hotelier and residential developer paid $6 million for prime downtown land. Read the full story.
Interesting list:The restaurants Ocala gained, and lost, in 2022. Plus a peek ahead at 2023
Be vigilant:Despite a 'slow' hurricane season forecast, warmer waters mean danger lurks in Atlantic
Florida Crossroads Commerce Park
The Dollar Tree distribution center near Marion Oaks is getting neighbors. Who's coming?
Downtown Ocala restaurant move, Part I
Feta's out. The Gathering Cafe is in. Here's how it happened. And here's how it's going.
Downtown Ocala restaurant move, Part II
Katya Vineyards is moving its restaurant operation a few doors down and transforming its existing space into something new. Read more.
Locally owned coffee store makes big Ocala play
OLA plans four stores.
HDG Hotels making major moves
The fast growing, Ocala-based hotel company appears to be moving toward a downtown Ocala location. It also is building near the Foxwood section west of Interstate 75 and north of U.S. 27.
Ma Barker House gets a prominent neighbor
The Roberts family, developers of Golden Ocala and the World Equestrian Center, bought 86 acres on Lake Weir. The parcel is adjacent to the Carney Island Recreation & Conservation area and near the relocated Bradford-Ma Barker House. What's the story?
Progress at the former Pine Oaks golf site
A Rhode Island company bought land and will be developing a residential community.
Buc-ee's makes it official
The massive gas station/convenience store paid $8.62 million for Ocala land and won the county commission's blessing. Gov. Ron DeSantis even joined in the fun.
Kmart out. Ocala Mall in.
The former Kmart building at 36th Avenue and Silver Springs Boulevard has taken on a new purpose.
Room to grow
Toys 'R' US is out. Rooms to Go is expanding.
New health facilities near I-75/U.S. 27
UF Health's neighborhood hospital is taking shape just east of I-75 and north of U.S. 27. And HCA is expanding its network of standalone emergency departments with a facility on the other side of I-75.
Former Lincoln-Mercury dealership land in downtown Ocala sold
No plans have been formally announced yet. The property is bordered by South Magnolia Avenue to the west and Southeast First Avenue to the east. One parcel is south of Southeast Fourth Street and two are north of that street.
jross@gannett.com