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In today's Digest:
🥪 Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli closes after 12 years on SW 1st Avenue
🛒 BJ’s opens its Ocala club on SW 60th Avenue
🍽️ First Avenue Opens in Downtown La Cuisine Space
At 48 SW 1st Avenue, First Avenue Bar & Bistro is open in the former La Cuisine space downtown. It serves American dinners and cocktails Tuesday through Saturday.
The menu includes deviled eggs with bacon lardons, venison tenderloin and Brick City Chicken. The bar runs a 4:30 to 6 p.m. happy hour with $7 cocktails, glasses of wine and bar bites.
Read more here.
🥪 Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli closes after 12 years
The Gist: Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli announced November 1 that it is closing after 12 years at 1010 SW 1st Avenue. The owner cited rising operating and product costs and said a new business is coming to the space.
Why It Matters: The produce stand was also a lunch stop for sandwiches, wraps and soups. A flyer on its Facebook page says its soups and sandwiches will be served at Ocala Downtown Diner, but gives no date. Call the diner before going for a favorite order.
Read more here.
🛒 BJ’s Wholesale Club opens on SW 60th Avenue
The Gist: BJ’s Wholesale Club opened its Ocala store October 23 at 7351 SW 60th Avenue. The club has groceries, a deli, bakery, gas station and tire center.
Why It Matters: Southwest Ocala shoppers now have another place to buy groceries and fill up on the SR 200 side of town. BJ’s requires a membership to shop at the club and use its gas station.
Read more here.
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🏛️ 2026 Ocali Country Days Festival | Silver River Museum | Ocala | Sat-Sun, Nov. 7-8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | More | Tour pioneer cabins, watch syrup made, meet craftspeople. $10; under 6 free.
🌶️ 45th Annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off | Southeastern Livestock Pavilion | Ocala | Sat, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | More | Sample chili, vote, catch the car show. Adults $5; children and seniors $3.
🐎 $75,000 Wheels Up National Grand Prix | WEC Grand Arena | Ocala | Sat, Nov. 7, 7 p.m.; start time may change | More | Watch show jumping under the lights. Admission and parking are free.
🧞 Disney's Aladdin in Concert | Reilly Arts Center | Ocala | Sat, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Sun, Nov. 8, 3 p.m. | More | The Ocala Symphony plays the 1992 film's score live. Tickets $35-$85.
🍷 Ocala Food & Wine Festival | World Equestrian Center | Ocala | Fri-Sun, Nov. 6-8; Grand Tasting Sat, 1-5 p.m.; Jazz Brunch Sun, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | More | Saturday's Grand Tasting is $150; Sunday's jazz brunch is $135. Ages 21+.
🎨 First Friday Art Walk | Downtown Square | Ocala | Fri, Nov. 6, 6-9 p.m. | More | Browse more than 40 artist displays and hear live music downtown. Free.
🎤 Gary Puckett and The Union Gap | Circle Square Cultural Center | Ocala | Fri, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. | More | Hear 'Young Girl' live. Resident tickets start at $37 plus tax.
🏎️ Legends of Stuttgart | World Equestrian Center, Expo Center 2 | Ocala | Sat, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | More | See vintage and custom Porsches, plus automotive art. $15; under 13 free.
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