Port Manatee executives and business leaders from Ocala are exploring possible commercial ties to bridge the 120 miles between the port and Central Florida. The interest was sparked by a recent trip to Ocala by consultants from the International Trade Hub at Port Manatee and further fueled by a visit to and tour of the port last week. The representatives from Ocala included members of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, which was created to act as a one-stop hub for the community’s business attraction, creation and retention efforts.