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This editor is proud of the Marion County culinary success story of the decade, Genesis is What's Up in Ocala!
Ocala Star Banner turns the corner financially as word leaks out that the Halifax Media takeover deal is complete. Editors
now can feel like the paper will survive. Lead reporter Bill Thompson on the new vitality among reporters at the Ocala
Star Banner, "We feel revitalized, and can concentrate on what we do best, that is world class reporting with no wasted
concern about the financial health of our parent company." It is a pleasure to be a part of the Ocala Star Banner
news team. The Marion Sun Times and the Villages News report. Halifax Media Group is a welcome new owner likely not to show the North East New York Time liberal bias
in news reports. It has long been thought that the Ocala Star Banner was distroying its customer base by political slant
reporting. Ocala councilman race
heats up as citizens line up to help manage Ocala's long standing problems. Environmental issues resulting from years
of storm water drainage to Silver Springs input underground water ways is high on the list of needed solutions. Dumping
into Silver Springs and Silver River is not a happy thought but the idea of saving a few dollars of underground pipe to feed
acid rain to the Silver Springs is long known as a prime candidate causing sink hole problems. Acid rain is known to
chemically melt CACO3 or Calcium Carbonate rock also know as limestone, the foundation rock formations that Ocala is built
upon. Lining the storm water Drainage Wells known as "outfalls" is a great way to help reduce sink hole formation.
Experts suggest thinking of the geology under Ocala as a giant antacid that fizzes when acid rain is directed under
the city. 60 years plus, of stormwater pipe drainage is having an impact that may be the downfall of buildings on the
surface.
Nest: (n.) a snug retreat or refuge; resting place; home. The Nest
is a six room cottage-style inn that provide guest with a boutique hotel experience amid Southern charms like majestic
Oak trees, starry nights, beautiful sunsets and waterfront views. The gated motel sits on two lush acres with 160 feet
of white sandy beach leading out to Lake Weir. This 5,000 acre freshwater playground is a popular destination for swimming,
kayaking, boating, skiing, fishing and sailing. Lake Weir is primarily surrounded by private residences, but can be accessed
publicly at Gator Joe’s restaurant, Hampton Beach and Carney Island Park. Each of our
cottages welcome guests through a private entrance and covered porch, but that’s just the beginning…
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Economic Action Leader of the Year, Jimmy Leeward Developer of the CP-35, Sunshine Lane Industrial Parks, and the Leeward Air Ranch Among many other Economic Development Promotions. Without Jimmy Leeward, tourism, and Economic Development would never be the same in
Central Florida. Aircraft arrive from around
the country, multiple times each year to visit Marion County and Visit the Leeward Air Ranch.
Marion County Commission changes name to Ocala Marion. Logos naming Marion County "Ocala" said to stay representing Marion County to the world.
Welcome!
TDC Marion official Don Browning prepares marketing suggestions
for Ocala Marion Workshop. Marion County residents rally around effort to promote
the region of Marion County in order to promote economic development. Browning volunteers for TDC OcalaBoard of Directors. Commissioners will have a choice between the billboard marketing system currently in
place and a more modern Tourist Development Program. "There is a time and place
for Billboard Marketing", declares Browning. "I recently spent my personal funds, thousands of dollars on
billboard advertising." Sometimes billboards are the absolute best way to get your message across, however for
a town to use bill boards to pull in tourist headed north or south on I-75 is uninspired. "As we take a step back
and view the larger picture, many opportunities appear." "We in the Tourist Development Council are beginning
to develop a dialog between Marion County and Ocala leaders." Ocala is seeking to repair a loss of political and
economic clout over the last few decades leading to an interest to link and benefit from the resources of Marion County's
large population. Founder of TDC Marion and EDC Marion Don has worked for several years developing industrial projects, to help slow the down hill economic problems that surround
the current Ocala TDC. We must stop the downhill trend of the Ocala tourist development program that began with an annual $1,500,000 and
are now well below a million dollars annually. Of 50 Google Searches using popular key words, privately funded tourism
promotion is showing a 4 to 1 first page Google Result. In a recent test, the Millions spent by Marion County delivered
not a single "page one" listing. The Browning Group privately funded with less than 1/100 of one percent of
County Tax Funded Ocala Visitors and Convention Center. Try it for your self. Google TDC Marion and see how effective government is at playing in the new "internet SandBox". Browning
points to the 2011 Marion County Budget to show the decline in tax income from the Ocala tourist tax. The move to Ocala Visitor and Convention Bureau branding has failed with a current income
of well under $900,000. Stand by for the Commission to join the Economic Action Team with an appointment of new
blood to the TDC Board. "Changing the name back to Marion County TDC will be my first recommendation if I am appointed," stated
Browning. Billions of Gallons of water saved from dumping into the Atlantic Ocean is also a priority for Browning, declaring an end to the wasteful
use of Silver and Rainbow Springs as runoff. Brownings sees a role for 10% of the spring water to return to the Aquifer. We must reduce water bills and provide
beneficial recharge if we are to keep the Springs as a vital tourist attraction.
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