SW 80th Avenue Widening Project Moves Forward
Marion County is moving ahead with another phase of the major Southwest and Northwest 80th Avenue widening project.
County commissioners authorized staff Tuesday to complete remaining property acquisitions needed for Segment 1B of the project.
The overall project covers approximately 10.5 miles and will eventually widen the corridor to four lanes from Southwest 90th Street north across State Road 40 to about a half-mile north of U.S. Highway 27.
Plans also call for a median, intersection improvements, drainage facilities, a sidewalk and a shared-use path.
County officials say the expanded corridor is intended to accommodate west Marion County growth while providing an alternative to State Road 200 and Interstate 75.
Firefighters Rescue Driver Trapped Beneath Semi-Truck
Marion County firefighters successfully rescued a driver whose vehicle became trapped beneath a tractor-trailer in Citra.
Marion County Fire Rescue responded at approximately 4:25 Wednesday morning to the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and U.S. Highway 301.
Crews arrived to find a red sedan wedged underneath the semi with one person trapped inside.
Firefighters began an extrication operation and freed the driver within minutes. Paramedics treated the patient before transporting the individual to a local hospital.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office and Florida Highway Patrol also responded to the scene.
Former Ocala Police Chief Sam Williams Dies at 79
Ocala is remembering former Police Chief Samuel "Sam" Williams, who died August 28 at age 79.
Williams became Ocala Police Chief in 2003 and served until 2011. He was the second African American to hold the position in the department's history.
During his tenure, Williams helped modernize OPD's technology, secured more than $1 million in grants and emphasized leadership development within the department.
Williams was also instrumental in launching Phoenix Rising YouthBuild, a program providing education, job training and workforce development opportunities for young adults.
A viewing is scheduled for September 11, followed by a celebration of life September 12.
Give4Marion Returns This Month
Marion County's annual Give4Marion fundraising campaign returns later this month.
The 33-hour online giving event begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, and continues through 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 16.
An early-donation period begins September 8.
The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County launched Give4Marion in 2020. The campaign allows donors to choose among participating local nonprofit organizations through a single online fundraising effort.
The campaign concludes with a celebration at the Reilly Arts Center on September 16.
Ocala Shrine Rodeo Opens Tonight
The Ocala Shrine Rodeo returns to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion tonight and Saturday.
The two-day event includes professional bull riding, barrel racing, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling.
Both nights begin at 5:30 p.m.
It's one of several events happening around Ocala this weekend. Ocala Civic Theatre is also presenting the opening weekend of "RENT," while the Downtown Vintage Market comes to Citizens' Circle Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with more than 50 vintage and handmade vendors, food trucks and live music.
