Interesting Things to Do Near Ocala, Florida

Ocala is named after the extinct Timucuan tribe, who called their village Ocali. This was commonly known as “Big Hammock”. Many streets in Ocala have historic Native American names today, while others are Spanish-named from old land grants. Most likely, the Timucua Indians were the first to settle in Marion County, Florida. They occupied the area they called “Ocali”, near present-day Ocala. According to legend, Hernando De Soto of Spain established a temporary camp in North Central Florida for a group Native Americans around the middle of the sixth century. In 1715, the Carolina Yamasee conquered the Timucua Indians. They were then followed by the Seminoles by 1750. After a brief period under British occupation, Florida was returned to Spain. Land grants were then sold to Spanish citizens who settled in Florida. Eleven land grants were made to Marion County between 1817 and 1818. The population of Marion County was dominated by Native Americans and African Americans when the United States seized Florida in 1821. After the 1823 treaty that limited Native Americans to the southern part of Florida, settlements by white European Americans were not possible. Fort King, located just east of Ocala in 1827, was built. It was occupied up to the 1840s. On March 25, 1844, Marion County was created. Fort King was designated its county seat. Florida became a state one year later. David Bruton (Marion County Engineer) created the first plat for Ocala in March 1846. Ocala was the county seat at that time. In its original form, the city consisted of 80 blocks that were located around a square. This square was used for the construction of the county courthouse. Marion County was granted its first post office in 1847 and began publishing the first newspaper. According to the census taken in 1850, 38% of Marion County’s population was African Americans. This percentage had increased to 62% by 1860. The antebellum plantation economy was supported largely by slaves. African Americans lived on large plantations. The main crops were cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, and corn. Florida seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861. Marion County was a major production center that supplied food, clothing, and arms to Confederate Army soldiers during the Civil War. Because many enslaved people did not know about the Emancipation Proclamation, it didn’t lead to the mass exodus from plantations. The war ended in 1865, and African Americans continued to live free in Marion County. Reconstruction 1866-1879 Lawlessness and chaos reigned immediately after the war. The Federal government sent troops to the area due to intimidation tactics used by Confederate soldiers throughout Florida and sympathizers. To assist former slaves, the Freedman’s Bureau was established in 1865. Many of the former slaves remained on the plantation and received compensation for their work. Many left the plantation and moved to Florida’s most populated areas. Although efforts were made to ensure the rights of African Americans, these efforts were undermined by the “Black Codes” laws that were specifically aimed at African Americans. Vagrancy laws, regulations of weapons and provisions that schools be funded by a tax on African American men were some of the restrictions placed upon the ex-slave population. These actions led to the Federal government putting Florida again under military control until July 25, 1868, when it was officially re-admitted to the Union. Former slaves were encouraged by the Freedman’s Bureau to apply for land under the Homestead Act of 1866. This law prohibited all-cash sales of land in five South public land states and reserved the land for homesteaders. Ex-Confederates weren’t eligible. More than 3,000 African Americans made claims in Florida but were often intimidated and abandoned by the white population. The Bureau opened 87 schools throughout Florida and promoted education among former slaves. James H. Howard, an ex-slave owner, donated land at the corner Osceola & Third Streets to Ocala for the first African American school. The north provided financial support and teachers for Howard Academy. 1867 saw the opening of a Freedman’s Bureau branch in Ocala. Voter registration for freedmen included the surnames Alexander and Hampton, Taylor, Taylor, Gadsden. Gardner was also available. Soon after the war, Ocala’s African Americans started to form their own churches. The entire black membership of Baptist Church, which included 90 members, resigned in 1866 to form the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. Samuel Small, a former slave on Osceola Plantation, was the first pastor of the Church. Mt. Tom Long, a circuit rider and a horseback rider through Florida to the A.M.E., organized Zion Church during this time. Ocala hosted a meeting of 1,000 ex-slaves on April 20, 1867. Reverend Small encouraged the crowd to learn and to use their freedoms wisely. Edward Barker, a Republican appointee, was elected Judge of Probate in 1869. He also became the head of the local Freedmen’s Bureau. Barker established a black militia company to enforce his rulings. Former slaves were quickly elected to county offices. The Reconstruction period saw significant progress for African Americans in Ocala, Florida, and elsewhere. The black population accounted for 73% of Marion County in 1870. This established an unquestioned majority. In 1872, Marion County had 65% black registered voters. In 1868, African Americans held public office. M. A. Clouts was elected Sheriff in 1868. By the end of Reconstruction, 1879, Marion County had sent seven black members to the Florida House, including Singleton Coleman, Birch Gibson, and Scipio Jasper. Tom Long, a distinguished representative who had helped to organize Mt. Zion, introduced a bill to establish free public schools in Florida. Ocala, without railroads or telegraph, was quite isolated during the first half century. In Florida, steamboats were introduced in 1820s. By the 1870s, they had become the principal mode of transportation. During this time, most of the Ocklawaha River steamboat pilots were African Americans. The Ocklawaha River served as a major commercial shipping route and brought tourists to Marion County. Tourists visiting Florida should see the famous Ocklawaha Run to Silver Springs. Visitors began to move to Florida as other tourist destinations in Florida grew in popularity. Post-Reconstruction, 1880-1897. The Atlantic Gulf West India Transit Company built a railroad connecting Waldo and Ocala in 1876. This created a boom in commerce and made it easy for tourists to get around. The steamers were losing business to the railroads by the 1880s. Marion County saw a rise in population and railroad towns were built near railroad stops. This was a huge benefit to the entire state. Between 1880-1885, there was a 25% increase in population. The citrus industry, which boomed between 1870-1895 was another area that developed. Farmers began to diversify their crops after the freeze. Other industries like tourism, phosphate, and real estate also pumped money and people into Ocala County. Ocala was hit hard by the yellow fever epidemic that erupted in Tampa and Jacksonville in 1888. The city was closed to visitors. In 1883, Ocala was hit by a devastating fire that destroyed many of its major buildings. Buildings were rebuilt in brick, granite, and metal by 1887. Ocala was dubbed “The Brick City” within five years.

Marion County and Ocala Florida are home to many famous people and celebrities.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if your home protection system was "smarter" and had features like regulating room temperatures from an app, switching on or off lights, or viewing video footage of the goings-on around your house? Do you wonder why you're still paying high monthly costs and getting not-so-good customer service from your present alarm system monitoring company? You deserve better and it's out there. Depending upon the manufacturer of your security equipment, other companies may have the ability to monitor your alarm even if they weren't the original installers. This article will direct you through the process of switching home alarm monitoring services. When Can You Reuse Your Current Security Equipment?

What is a Smart Home? You can have peace of mind with a smart home security system. Smart security systems are designed to alert you when something is amiss in your home. These systems can detect many types of threats, including burglaries and suspicious movements. Shopping for a home security system or camera, there are many factors to consider. Your Welch Security representative can give you the details Smart home is about syncing devices throughout the house, as well as systems that have responsive sensors or schedules. Smart home technology can be used if you have modern devices such as smartphones and wireless internet. Smart devices are those that require a switch to turn off or on, a timer, remote control, or other functions. Smart devices activate according to the program or input it receives via a wireless device. Google Home is a smart speaker that allows you to use voice commands via Google Assistant, the personal assistant software of Google. How to Make Your Home Smarter With plug-and-play technology, almost anyone can make their house a smart home. A smart home is possible for any home What is a smart house? It's a home that is equipped with electronic devices. These devices can be controlled remotely via an app (an "app") on a tablet or smartphone. A smart assistant like Alexa can control the same appliances or devices from within the home. This smart speaker/microphone uses artificial intelligence (AI), which allows you to control many devices in your home using voice commands. You can place smaller devices with microphones inside on walls and even carry them on your person for voice control. All appliances can become smart appliances These are just a few of the functions that can be controlled remotely via the app from anywhere in the world via an internet connection, data or a wireless network.  When you get home, turn on the oven so that dinner is ready.  The thermostat can be controlled to adjust the heating temperature.  Close or open drapes, curtains, and blinds.  When you arrive home, have music on.  You can feed your pets according to a set schedule and with pre-determined food amounts.  Voice commands allow you to open doors.  A smart door lock allows you to remotely allow a friend or family member into your home.  You can view arriving guests remotely from your backyard in the summer or anywhere else in your home. Smart home functionality is a feature of many new homes. Hardwiring is expensive for older homes. Plug and play devices are a cheaper option. These devices can be found in most electronics stores or big box shops and are easy to set up, and almost any old home can be made smart. What security systems are available for a smart home? Smart home security connects entry sensors and sirens to Wi-Fi networks and wireless security protocols such as Z-Wave and ZigBee to link devices. These devices include smart door locks, smart thermostats, and smart lightbulbs. These devices can be connected and integrated with your security system, making your life easier and safer. Smart Home works by remote control. Remote control of these devices and systems can be accomplished via the internet, SMS, IR transceiver, or other methods. Which dependents vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Smart Home Security System can integrate your existing security systems such as access control, CCTV, and video door phones to provide better home security. Smart interface products are the simplest and most cost-effective way to automate basic tasks in your home. Most smart devices can be installed if you are able to install a cable modem and plug in a lightbulb. Plugin sensors can be used to make ordinary appliances smart. The sensor plugs into a power outlet, and the appliance plugs into the sensor. There are also very simple remote control outlets units that you can use to turn any appliance connected to a power socket on or off. Smart thermostat Smart thermostats can be a great way to save energy. You can remotely control your home's temperature. They can use AI to learn your preferences, lower your AC or heat while you are away and then reactivate it when you return home to the desired temperature. There are many smart standards on the market. If you're price conscious and choose to go non-hardwired, most of your time will be spent choosing the right plugin system. You can find many websites, such as Tom's Guide, where you can do your research. Z- Wave, a wireless communication standard that allows smart devices and each other to communicate, is an example of wireless technology. Zwave was created by Zensys, Inc., an American start-up, and is widely used. Software: You will need software to manage your system, regardless of whether you use it via your smartphone, tablet or desktop. This software can be purchased as a dedicated device (A Hub), or you can use open-source software. Some solutions allow you to subscribe for an annual fee. The Hub: To communicate with your devices and appliances, your commands require a master control that includes software. The hub, or "brain", is a device that transmits wireless commands over your network. The most common devices are small, self-contained units which often include some software. Although there are many affordable products available, be aware that many of the cheaper USB devices do not come with software and may require an annual or monthly subscription. Sensors, switches, peripherals: A signal must be transmitted from the hub to any device that can receive it. You may need smart wall switches or smart doors to automate your tasks. There are many options for peripheral devices, from inexpensive to very expensive. The basic software doesn't mean you have to use it. There are many options for smart home software and hardware that can be used to extend your smart home network. Your Welch Security Consultant can help you determine if your home is wired for smart appliances. Home automation is here for the long term. Both home and business owners are looking for ways to make their lives easier and more secure. Consumers continue to look for ways to control their home and access information through home technology. It's not easy to predict the future of home automation technology. But here are some possibilities. Voice command technology will become more common in homes. Smartphone apps that allow you to speak commands and complete tasks are increasingly popular. This technology will allow users to control lighting, security, privacy, heating, cooling, lighting, privacy, and entertainment using voice commands. The remote control, smartphone, and tablet apps are gone. Automation is about convenience, comfort, and energy savings. Imagine if this all happened without the consumer even realizing it. The future of home environments will be able to change automatically using sensors in the home, on mobile devices, and on individual behavior. Maybe homes will be able to sense when people are sick and adjust their heating and cooling to make them feel better faster. Smart homes will make life easier Consumers have many options when it comes to home tech in the future. The future of home tech will bring new opportunities for interaction with each other and improve our lives. The future of home automation is bright and exciting, whether it's home security, voice command technology or wearable electronics. For more information or a free quote, call Welch Security at (352) 209-6011. For Additional Resources and Ideas, we Recommend:  Top 100 Must Read Smart Home Automation Articles https://smarthomesschool.com/top-100-must-read-smart-home-automation- articles/

With technology constantly evolving, it is not surprise that home owners in Florida are upgrading their homes to a smart home. There are many who believe that a Smart Home is absolutely unnecessary since it is a luxury and nothing more But there are so many benefits. It adds a layer of comfort and security that helps reduce stress and carbon footprint. We at Rob Welch are Smart Home Experts and Alarm Guard ADT Authorized Dealers. We offer a range of solutions and have a professional team that will help you integrate your home. We understand that your home is your sanctuary. While it should be well-protected so you feel safe, it should also be comfortable so that you and your family enjoy your lives. How many times did you forget to lock the door? Even if you went out for 20 minutes, you may worry. With a smart security system, you do not have to, because you can lock your door remotely. Our Features and Benefits : Mobile App: We solve problems, our app is simple to use and gives you remote access and control for lights, locks, and thermostats, to your garage door, cameras, and, of course, your security system. With our ADT Smart Home Security System and ADT mobile, you have full control whether you are home or away. Keyless Entry : Add a new layer of security that is convenient and reliable. Security Cameras : Keep your home secured with our ADT outdoor cameras. Life Safety : Our Monitored ADT sensors can detect fires, carbon monoxide leak and medical emergencies and we send help quickly so that you and your family receive immediate help. Intrusion Detection : We ensure the safety of your family, your home and your valuables—with our advanced Smart Security System and reliable service. Integrated Smart Home : Conveniently create one-tap systems, for example; adjusting the time for your lights to turn on or off.

Smart home security is not really a luxury. Not anymore at least. Smart home security is part of a convenient technology that automates your home with mobile one-tap adjustments. You can control the temperature, music, locks, cameras and even your hot tub with just a few taps on your cell phone. You may at times forget to turn off the lights when you leave for work, with a smart home, you can take out your smartphone and turn them off or better yet, set a time for the lights to automatically turn off or turn on. We at Rob Welch offer these features and a lot more. We help integrate homes or upgrade them with smart technology. Our system is simple and integrates all the features into one simple system that is operated remotely and is compatible with Alexa. With our system in place, you won’t be needed switches and remotes, you will control of your home in the palm of your hands. You also save a lot of energy because automated lighting can be adjusted easily. Your lighting and HVAC uses a lot of energy and our Smart Home Tech let’s make sure that energy is not being wasted. For example, motion-sensing lights can detect if someone is not in the room and can turn off by itself or you can time the lights to shut off at certain times of a day. We are an Alarm Guard ADT Authorized Dealer and use ADT security products. Smart Technology is a great investment for your home. You will enjoy your home and be safer, giving you comfort and peace of mind. The internet of things are on the rise and more and more people in Florida are opting for smart technology. Our Features: Mobile App Keyless Entry Security Cameras Life Safety Intrusion Detection Integrated Smart Home

Lot of people in Florida realize the convenience and safety features of a smart home. The technology has been utilized more and more for many reasons. Homeowners are taking advantage of the many benefits that smart security systems have to offer. Choosing the right provider is also important. An honest home security expert will help you upgrade your home and make it safer and convenient. At Rob Welch, we do exactly that, we help our customers protect their loved ones, homes and valuables. Our solution is simple and very reliable. With our mobile app, you have remote access that lets you control lights, locks, thermostats, garage doors, cameras and your security system. It is one of the most convenient benefits of having a smart home. We are Alarm Guard ADT Authorized Dealers and known in Florida to be honest, helpful and reliable. Our keyless entry feature allows you to lock and unlock doors remotely. For example, if you want to let someone in, you can unlock the door and keep it locked for those who you do not want to get in. With our security cameras, you can always keep an eye outdoors, whether you are on the kitchen table, the bedroom or in your office. Our sensors are monitored and can detect fires, carbon monoxide leak and medical emergencies. We send help immediately so that you and your family remain safe. Whether you are looking for a security system or want to upgrade your home to a smart home, it is vital that you collaborate with a reputable Smart Security expert. We at Rob Welch provide great value and exceptional customer service. And when paired with high quality and effective products and our quick response time, your home will be safer and you will have peace of mind.