10 Things: Symphony Under the Stars
TEN THINGS BY: DAVID MOORE 10Tips for Symphony Under the Stars Because Mom Said So Because I said so! It’s Mother’s Day and the mom in your life wants to go, so make sure it happens. Go play outside! You heard her. Get out and make plans to attend with your friends. It’s more fun […]
Mosaic Set | May 2026 | Stephen Perry
CULTURE ›› MOSAIC SET Mosaic Set: May 2026 Stephen Perry WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOSHUA JACOBS VIDEO BY PALMA PRODUCTIONS For Stephen Perry, music was never a question of how, but rather when. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br-KmmXboRU For Stephen Perry, music was never a question of how, but rather when. Born in Fort Lauderdale and raised largely in […]
May 2026 Issue
May 2026 – Arts Issue Welcome to the May 2026 “Arts Issue” of The Marion Mosaic, where art, community, and creativity take center stage. This month, we celebrate 25 years of the Marion Cultural Alliance and preview an exciting season ahead for Ocala’s performing arts organizations. Dive into the healing power of expression in Prescription: […]
A Quiet Voice on an Iconic Stage
A Quiet Voice on an Iconic Stage “She may not seek the spotlight. But she steps into it anyway.” The Carnegie Hall Experience In February 2026, sixteen-year-old Avani Josephine Chitumalla stepped onto one of the most prestigious stages in the world as part of the Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series. For many young performers, reaching […]
Mosaic Is Finalist for Eight 2026 Charlie Awards
The Marion Mosaic is a finalist for eight 2026 Charlie Awards The Florida Magazine Association’s statewide recognition highlights a standout first year for The Marion Mosaic.
Shelf Life
Shelf Life BY: BARBARA FITOS “THIS IS A HOME WHERE LEARNING HAPPENS.” These were the words of the lovely woman who purchased my Orlando condo for herself and her daughter, which I sold when given the opportunity to return home to Ocala. She had focused on the wealth of books that filled my home. That […]
Schrödinger’s Baby
SENTENCED A life-long lover of books—and especially, sentences—responds to ChatGPT’s answers to his questions about books—and especially, sentences. Schrödinger’s Baby WRITTEN BY RJ JENKINS ILLUSTRATION BY JOSHUA JACOBS THE PROMPT The following is a one-sentence short story by Lydia Davis: “At a certain point in her life, she realises it is not so much that […]
Mel Fiorentino: Modern Renaissance
ARTIST SEEN Mel Fiorentino: Modern Renaissance ARTIST SEEN PROFILE | APR. 2026 How has living in Marion County (or Central Florida) influenced your work? I moved here from NY in 1990. It was difficult in the beginning because there was nothing cultural going on, but being able to have Jack Thursby as a mentor made […]
Delva One Construction
NOTABLE › SMALL BUSINESS POWER Each month Small Business Power celebrates the innovation, resilience, and impact of entrepreneurs whose work shapes the heart of our community. This month we spotlight: Building it Right, From the Ground Up Photos by Avera Visuals Delva One Construction brings craftsmanship, discipline, and heart to Ocala’s evolving landscape Before there […]
Vision, Inhabited
Design: J Holland Interiors. Contractors: Ferrer Construction. Photo: Maven Photo & Video Vision, Inhabited Interior design begins with vision, but it’s shaped through collaboration. These four Ocala designers reveal spaces that embody both—and the insight that helps bring them to life. David Gadlage THIS DESIGN Both of these rooms are in the same house — […]
A Water Shortage in Our Future?
PERSONALITIES BY: BRAD ROGERS A Water Shortage in Our Future? Currently, about 90 percent of the state is suffering drought conditions. Here in Ocala, we are in a declared “extreme drought.” The U.S. Census Bureau just announced last week that the Ocala is the fastest growing metro area in the United States. For the second […]
Closet Detox
WRITTEN BY: YERALIN FELICIANO PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MAHAL IMAGERY Closet Detox Reimagining the most personal room in your home through color, clarity, and intention When we think about our homes, we often think about the spaces we share. The living room, the kitchen, and the areas designed to welcome others. But there is one space that […]
All Hail The Neighborhood Market
LITTLE MAN, BIG MOUTH All Hail The Neighborhood Market WRITTEN BY DAVE SCHLENKER In a town eager for something good, sometimes joy shows up in the dairy aisle. Make no mistake, Ocala’s new Walmart Neighborhood Market looms large in our lives. From the day the “Coming Soon” sign appeared, the WNM – as the cool […]
Ways to Know Your Home is in Ocala
TEN THINGS BY: DAVID MOORE 10 Ways You Know Your House is in Ocala You use your air conditioning and heat in the same day. Go figure. Golf carts roll through your neighborhood even though you don’t live in a country club. Perhaps you live in the Ocala Historic District or in Woodfields? Your roof […]
The Anatomy of a Poke Bowl at Big Hammock
WRITTEN BY:KENDRA BRAZZEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOSHUA JACOBS The Anatomy of a Poke Bowl A marriage of raw Hawaiian tradition and delicate Japanese influence creates a dish layered with fresh crunch and savory depth. Today’s poke bowls have evolved, shaped by global influences and creative interpretation, and this bowl was no exception. It’s a gorgeous Friday […]
New School Boss
WRITTEN BY: BRAD ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARION COUNTY SCHOOLS New School Boss Marion County’s new superintendent brings lived experience—and a clear vision—to help every child succeed. When Danielle Brewer says she understands what struggling students and their families go through, she isn’t just speaking as an educator with three decades of experience. No, she […]
Apr 2026 issue
April 2026 – Home Issue Welcome to our first home issue! The April 2026 issue of The Marion Mosaic steps room to room through the many ways we shape, style, and share “home.” From inspired interiors in Vision, Inhabited to the deeply personal reset of Closet Detox, and the small but mighty touches in Home […]
Mosaic Set | April 2026
CULTURE ›› MOSAIC SET Mosaic Set: April 2026 Becky Baby WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOSHUA JACOBS VIDEO BY PALMA PRODUCTIONS After years of balancing music with everyday life, Becky has stepped fully into her calling. https://youtu.be/f–69htcbFM Ocala native, Becky Baby has always felt at home here in Central Florida. After a period living in Gainesville […]
Sentenced March 2026
SENTENCED A life-long lover of books—and especially, sentences—responds to ChatGPT’s answers to his questions about books—and especially, sentences. A Very Handsome Piece WRITTEN BY RJ JENKINS ILLUSTRATION BY JOSHUA JACOBS THE PROMPT This setting description appears in Jane Austen’s beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice: “The park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. […]
Miller And Sons Plumbing
NOTABLE › SMALL BUSINESS POWER Each month Small Business Power celebrates the innovation, resilience, and impact of entrepreneurs whose work shapes the heart of our community. This month we spotlight: WRITTEN BY: CHRIS CAHILL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSHUA JACOBS Miller & Sons Plumbing What began as one man in the field has grown into one of […]
Hogs, Steers, and Tomorrow’s Leaders
PERSONALITIES BY: BRAD ROGERS Hogs, Steers, and Tomorrow’s Leaders The Southeastern Youth Fair is a community treasure. “It teaches the kids,” Sackrider said. “It turned my life around when I went to the Youth Fair.” For 85 years, the SEYF has showcased Marion County’s agriculture heft and, over that time, has grown into a remarkable […]
The Sound of My Own Voice
LITTLE MAN, BIG MOUTH The Sound of My Own Voice WRITTEN BY DAVE SCHLENKER The problem with having so many great stories to tell Amy and I sat at the kitchen table, rubbing our temples, sighing and discussing how — as in how in the freakin’ world?? — will we pay for the private, out-of-state […]