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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 split-screen photograph comparing the old Homosassa Springs sign (left) with the new Homosassa Springs sign (right). Foliage and trees surround the sign on both ends.
Features
4 months ago
Defunct Ocala: Homosassa Springs’ Roadside Roots and State Park Revival

Once a kitschy roadside attraction complete with underwater observatories and animal actors, Homosassa Springs has evolved into a Florida state park where echoes of Old Florida tourism now coexist with conservation and native wildlife protection.

A building sits in the background while in the foreground, a metal fence blocks off the store with a banner hanging off of it, reading "Store Closed."
Food & Drink
4 months ago
Gainesville Restaurants That Closed in 2025

Several Gainesville restaurants closed in 2025, marking a year of continued turnover due to rising costs, competition and changing consumer habits.

Holiday Guide
4 months ago
Ringing in Luck: Common New Year’s Superstitions and What They Mean

From lucky foods to midnight rituals and age-old superstitions, New Year’s traditions across cultures continue to symbolize hope, prosperity and fresh beginnings as the calendar turns.

Cars lined up by a blue building with a drive-thru.
Food & Drink
4 months ago
Dutch Bros Coffee Soft Opens in Ocala

Ocala’s awaited Dutch Bros Coffee shop located in Six Gun Plaza in Ocala has commenced its soft opening.

Features
4 months ago
The Roller Barn in Inverness to Close After More than Four Decades

After more than four decades, the Roller Barn in Inverness will close at the end of the year.

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 months 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 months 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 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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.

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