Ashley Brace

Ashley is a student at the College of Central Florida and Editor-In-Chief of The Patriot Press, with experience in journalism, media and student leadership.

In the foreground is a light pole with autumn-colored leave and a sideways sign reading, "Ocala. Find your place." In the background are trees, buildings and multiple poles with similar leaves and signs reading rules. There are also tables with umbrellas and walking paths for public use.
Food & Drink
4 weeks ago
Dining Out in the 352: Eat at These Downtown Ocala Restaurants (Part 2)

Our series on dining destinations in the 352 continues. From casual patio bars and craft beverages to upscale cuisine, these local eateries highlight the variety of flavors and atmospheres available to diners looking for their next meal out.

Close-up of a decorated Christmas tree filed with ornaments, plush animals and festive lights.
Holiday Guide
4 weeks ago
These Ocala and Gainesville Restaurants Are Open on Christmas Day 2025

For those planning to dine out, several local restaurants will be open while many others close for the holiday.

A wooden case displays small trinkets stored in clear boxes.
Holiday Guide
4 weeks ago
Winter Wonderland Holiday Market Brought Festive Flavors to Downtown Ocala

The Winter Wonderland Market turned the Ocala Downtown Market space into, well, a winter wonderland for weekend shoppers and foodies.

Vintage promotional image advertising Weeki Wachee Springs Park.
Features
1 month ago
Defunct Ocala: Weeki Wachee Springs’ Fin-tastic Past

While the former version of the park may have moved on, the enchanting history of Weeki Wachee Springs ab-shell-utely lives on.

Front view of the in-progress Paddock Market at Paddock Mall in Ocala, featuring a modern dark brown exterior, large entrance doors, two white artificial trees, and two silver rearing horse sculptures on either side of the entrance.
Features
1 month ago
New-School Retail Space Paddock Market Begins Limited Operations at Paddock Mall in Ocala

Paddock Market has quietly opened with limited operations inside Ocala’s Paddock Mall, offering early access to a handful of vendors while many others prepare to open as the long-planned marketplace continues to take shape.

A ghostly figure in the background of a dark lit forest setting.
Features
1 month ago
Debunked Ocala: Examining Ocala’s Dark Man Legend

Long shared through local folklore, the Dark Man of the Ocala National Forest remains an enduring legend–despite the absence of any verified proof.

A display case filled with assorted donuts, showing multiple flavors arranged on shelves.
Food & Drink
1 month ago
352Eats: Sprinkle Up Your Routine with Go For Donuts in Dunnellon

Fresh donuts, easy breakfasts and friendly service make Go For Donuts a sweet stop for Dunnellon mornings.

A light up sign on a beige building reads, "Kilwins. Chocolate. Fudge. Ice Cream." A palm tree stands to the left of it.
Food & Drink
1 month ago
352Eats: Kilwins Brings the Sweets to a New Ocala Location

Kilwins has officially opened its new Market Street at Heath Brook location in Ocala, offering handmade chocolates, fresh fudge and its signature original-recipe ice cream.

A white sign reading, "The Gathering Cafe" is hung on a historic stone building.
Food & Drink
1 month ago
352Eats: The Gathering Cafe Blends Fresh Flavors and Community Vibe in Downtown Ocala

The Gathering Cafe brings fresh-made food, handcrafted drinks and a warm neighborhood vibe to downtown Ocala, offering a cozy spot for breakfast, lunch and lingering moments.

Color postcard-style image of Glen Springs showing the bright blue spring pool, surrounding greenery, and walkways leading toward the water.
Features
1 month ago
Defunct Ocala: How Glen Springs Slipped From Gainesville Icon to Hidden Ruin

Once one of Gainesville’s most popular swimming spots, Glen Springs has spent more than 50 years closed to the public as time, algae and property disputes have slowly obscured its past.