Two New Fire Stations For Marion County
Marion County Fire Rescue is celebrating the start of construction for a new $8.4 million emergency medical services facility, EMS Central, set to replace the old one built in 1960. Located at 1400 SW Sixth Ave. in Ocala, the 19,400 sq. ft. facility will feature 12 vehicle bays, accommodations for 21 personnel, and other essential amenities. The existing station, previously a juvenile detention center, is now inadequate for the EMS team's needs.
Additionally, a $4.6 million fire station is planned in Citra, replacing the station at Northeast 180th Lane and U.S. 301 S. Contracted to Charles Perry Partners Inc., it will feature a 4,386 sq. ft. vehicle bay and 3,737 sq. ft. of living quarters. This project, like the EMS Central, is funded by the county's penny sales tax.
While the Citra station's groundbreaking date is pending, operations will continue at the old site until the new one is ready. The Citra project includes a "Safe Haven Baby Box" for safe, anonymous infant surrenders. Both projects are part of the county's long-term development plan, with the Citra land being a donation from the Citra Improvement Society.
Ocala Man Dies In Alachua County Crash
An Ocala man, aged 31, died on Tuesday night October 31st after his SUV crashed into two trees in Alachua County. The accident occurred around 11:45 p.m. on County Road 234, near County Road 2028. The man reportedly didn't stop at a stop sign, causing the SUV to cross County Road 2082 and collide with two trees. Following the crash, the vehicle caught fire. The driver, who wasn't wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the SUV and died at the scene, as confirmed by Alachua County Fire Rescue. His identity has not been disclosed by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Coffee, Cake & Community
NOMA Gallery cordially invites you to Coffee, Cake, and Community hosted EVERY Thursday from 1 to 4 PM. It's a no-pressure get-together for artists and art gallery guests.
No charge!
The whole community is welcome. Artists often bring their current projects to work on or sketch our silly still life, and business people do all the business-type things on their laptops while sitting on our comfy couches.
To make CCC even more fun, we will have a live clothed model for figure drawing on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month if you would like to participate for only $10. Please note, payments must be made in person via cash.
