1) True – Ocala and Marion County are home to a thriving equestrian industry, with a high concentration of thoroughbred farms. Ocala earned the title of “Horse Capital of the World” because of its thriving horse industry and numerous thoroughbred breeding and training farms.

 

2) False – Central Florida has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

 

3) True – Silver Springs is a famous natural spring attraction known for its crystal-clear waters and historic glass-bottom boat tours.

 

4) False – Ocala National Forest is actually the largest national forest in Florida, covering over 380,000 acres.

 

5) True – The American alligator is Florida’s official state reptile and is commonly found in the state’s wetlands.

 

6) False – While Spanish explorers passed through Florida in the 1500s, Ocala was officially established in the 1800s.

 

7) False – “Ocala” comes from the Timucua word meaning “Big Hammock,” referring to the region’s fertile land.

 

8) True – Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León arrived in Florida in 1513, searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth.

 

9) True – Sidney Colen purchased the grounds that Calesa Township and its sister community, On Top of the World, are situated on from the Norris family back in 1977.

 

10) True – The Florida scrub jay is a unique bird. That only lives in Florida’s scrub habitats.