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.

A long wooden table has a variety of fruits, cheese, vegetables, meats and other goods.
Food & Drink
4 weeks ago
Sip, Savor and Saddle Up: World Equestrian Center’s Ocala Food and Wine Festival

The World Equestrian Center of Ocala hosted its annual 2025 Ocala Food & Wine Festival.

A hawk perched on a power line against a cloudy sky, its feathers showing shades of brown and white.
Features
4 weeks ago
Defunct Ocala: From Raptors to Rodeos: The Evolution of Florida Adventureland

Decades before theme parks defined Florida tourism, a stretch south of Ocala hosted John Hamlet’s Birds of Prey and its carnival-style successor Florida Adventureland.

A man in a chef's outfit stands in front of a bar with a TV screen above him in the background. The bar behind him is full of glasses on wooden shelves and wooded surfaces around it.
Food & Drink
4 weeks ago
352Eats: Live Fire Chefs Brings Upscale Flavor and Local Passion to Downtown Ocala

Live Fire Chefs, owned by Chef Patrick Cahill, brings a new flavor and energy to downtown Ocala’s restaurant scene.

Actor in flight gear walking on runway, promotional still from Top Gun: Maverick.
Entertainment
4 weeks ago
Always a Panther: Actor Miles Teller Returns Home to Lecanto High School

Lecanto High School alumnus and Hollywood actor Miles Teller will return to his hometown for a special invitation-only event celebrating his achievements and inspiring students with reflections on his journey from Citrus County to the big screen.

A tan colored building in a outdoor shopping plaza. Window clings are advertising a new Planet Smoothie.
Food & Drink
1 month ago
Planet Smoothie Coming to Bring More Fruit-Powered Choices to Ocala

Ocala’s food-and-beverage scene continues to expand with a new Planet Smoothie preparing to open in Market Street at Heath Brook.

A group of people walk on a sidewalk toward a two-story gray house with white accents and a dark gray roof. Grass and trees surround the property with other houses in the background.
352 Fall Guide
1 month ago
352 After Dark: Ghosts and History Highlight Historic Ocala Preservation Society Tour

Stories stirred during the Historic Ocala Preservation Society’s annual Ghost Tour, where history and hauntings intertwined through downtown’s most storied homes.

An enclosed mall with a white tent canopy covering and brick walls. Palm trees decorate the entrance with antique cars in the parking lot leaving for the day. The white tent is illuminated against the night sky.
Features
1 month ago
Defunct Ocala: Crystal River Mall Closed Chapter on 30-Year Retail Era

Once a bustling retail hub and community gathering place, the Crystal River Mall’s rise, decline and demolition reflect the broader shift from traditional mall culture to modern mixed-use living and commerce in Citrus County.

Guests seated at round tables in a spacious, well-lit hall with white decor and soft purple lighting.
Food & Drink
1 month ago
Tickets on Sale for Fifth Annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival at World Equestrian Center

The World Equestrian Center in Ocala is preparing for its upcoming Ocala Food & Wine Festival, a three-day event of food-filled festivities.

A large alien head facade stands tall in front of a building with an open mouth for guests to walk through. There are canopies in the background with writing on a wall reading, "Homestead Haunt."
352 Fall Guide
1 month ago
352 After Dark: Cosmic Terror Meets Community Fun at Homestead Haunt in Williston

Prepare to face extra-terror-estrial horrors at Williston’s Homestead Haunt.

A wooden red and white ticket booth with "Admission" written at the top and a woman in a costume stands at the end of a line queue. In the background is a dark and dense forest.
352 Fall Guide
2 months ago
352 After Dark: A Nightmare on Pine Street Offers A Unique Haunt Experience in Ocala

Blending small-town spirit with spooky ambition, “A Nightmare on Pine Street” delivers a community-driven haunt that showed plenty of heart despite some hiccups.