Ocala Downtown Bar Closes After Decades Of Business.

 

The Keep Downtown permanently closed its location in downtown Ocala at the end of July. Owned by husband and wife Mark Sykuta and Megan Whittaker, the business operated as Ocala Wine Experience for two decades before rebranding itself as The Keep Downtown in 2019. The couple purchased the business in 2016. Located just off the main downtown square, The Keep Downtown was known for its gothic style and events and played host to hundreds of networking events over the years. The business offered an extensive list of wines, beers, meads, and other craft brews, as well as small plates, pizzas, and other treats. Visitors to The Keep would encounter a change of pace from other bars in downtown Ocala, as the business would stream music videos from the 80s while hosting acoustic jam sessions, karaoke nights, and trivia in the upstairs bistro.

 

Furry Friends Deserve A Home!

 

A four-year-old dog that spent 527 days under the care of Marion County Animal Services staff has finally been adopted. On Saturday, August 5, Murphy’s lengthy stay at the shelter – the longest in Animal Services’ history – officially came to an end when his adoption was finalized! Murphy is happy to trade in life at the shelter for a new home with a pool and nearby lake. “It’s Murphy’s DREAM LIFE!” stated Animal Services in the social media post.