From the Ocala Star Banner archives: World Equestrian Center stories and photos

The World Equestrian Center, on Northwest 80th Avenue between State Road 40 and U.S. 27, has quickly become a destination not just for the horse community but for local residents, as well. High schools have graduation ceremonies at the WEC. People go there for fine dining or just a burger . The Wall Street Journal cited the WEC as one of Marion County's biggest bragging points.

The latest news came in May 2024, when the WEC's second hotel opened.

Here is a look at some of the Star Banner's coverage of the World Equestrian Center through the years.

Education at the World Equestrian Center

Upper Echelon Academy started offering services in 2023-24.

Retail expansion at the World Equestrian Center

In summer 2023, WEC announced a significant expansion of its retail footprint.

Fine dining at the World Equestrian Center

Is Stirrups the best restaurant in town? The Star Banner's reviewer gave his thoughts .

High school graduation ceremonies at the World Equestrian Center

Many schools choose the WEC for graduation. In 2022, just to cite one example, Forest High School had graduation there.

The posh Equestrian Hotel at the World Equestrian Center

There is nothing else quite like it in Ocala.

The World Equestrian Center is for everyone

That was the message organizers had in 2021 as the massive complex began taking its place on the local map.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: From the Ocala Star Banner archives: World Equestrian Center stories and photos