Crime Scene & Biohazard Cleanup Near Ocala Highlands Estates Ocala, FL

Ocala grew up around Fort King, a U.S. Army post established in 1827 that became a flashpoint of the Second Seminole War, and the city is the county seat of Marion County.

Ocala earned its nickname 'Brick City' after a fire on Thanksgiving Day 1883 destroyed much of the wooden downtown, which was rebuilt in brick, granite, and steel.

Ocala had a population of 63,591 in the 2020 census, up from 56,315 in 2010, and its metro is among the fastest-growing in Florida.

Ocala and Marion County hold the official 'Horse Capital of the World' trademark, granted in 2007 in recognition of the area's hundreds of Thoroughbred farms set on limestone-rich pastureland.

The World Equestrian Center, which opened in Ocala in 2021, is the largest equestrian complex in the United States, with multiple indoor arenas, stadiums, and a luxury hotel.

Just east of Ocala, Silver Springs - one of Florida's largest artesian springs - has been famous since the late 1800s for tours in glass-bottom boats over its crystal-clear water.

The College of Central Florida, a public state college serving the region, has its main campus in Ocala.

Ocala is home to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, founded by drag racing pioneer 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits, a Tampa native who made Ocala his base.

The surrounding Marion County countryside is one of the world's great Thoroughbred breeding centers and has produced numerous Kentucky Derby winners, including Triple Crown winner Affirmed, bred at Harbor View Farm near Ocala.