School Board Approves Five-Year Facilities Plan
The Marion County School Board voted 4–0 Tuesday evening to approve its Future-Focused Operations Plan, including changes to Wyomina Park Elementary, Oakcrest Elementary, Bridgeway Academy and Fordham Early Learning Academy.
The plan calls for many Wyomina Park students to move to Oakcrest by August 2027, Bridgeway Academy to relocate to the Wyomina Park campus, and Fordham to expand to include grades three through five. The district projects approximately $150 million in avoided deferred-maintenance costs and $2 million in annual operating savings. Attendance-zone decisions will require additional action.
Marion County Public Schools+1
Deputies Search for Missing Summerfield Woman
The Marion County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about 29-year-old Amber Elouise Wiggins, who has been missing since Friday, September 18.
Wiggins was last seen walking toward Happy Dave's gas station on U.S. Highway 441 in Summerfield. She is approximately five feet four inches tall, weighs 130 pounds and has green eyes and blonde or blonde-and-brown hair. She was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and gray leggings.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Sheriff's Office at 352-732-9111.
Ocala-News.com+1
Pedestrian Killed in Ocklawaha Crash
A 32-year-old Ocklawaha man died Tuesday morning after being struck by a pickup truck on State Road 25 near Southeast 102nd Terrace.
The Florida Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred around 6:35 a.m. The pedestrian was walking in the westbound lane when a pickup driven by a 43-year-old Ocklawaha man struck him. The driver was not injured.
Ocala Gazette
Ocala Considers New Downtown Business Grants
Ocala is considering a $500,000 grant program intended to attract and retain downtown retail businesses and restaurants.
The proposed program would replace the existing $50,000 downtown commercial grant with awards of up to $150,000 for individual businesses. The Community Redevelopment Agency Board must formally adopt the proposal before businesses can apply.
352Today
Ocala Film Derby Begins Today
The fourth annual Ocala Film Derby begins today, bringing together Marion County student filmmakers for five days of workshops, production and career-development opportunities.
Friday's competition challenges teams to write, film and finish an original short film in approximately eight hours. The finished films will premiere Sunday, September 27, at the Marion Theatre, followed by awards and scholarship announcements. The public screening runs from 2 to 5 p.m., with general admission priced at $10.
352Today
World Equestrian Center Seeks Tourism Grants
The World Equestrian Center is requesting more than $110,000 in tourism grants for its 2027 Winter Series, which organizers project could generate approximately $23 million in economic activity for Marion County.
The Marion County Tourist Development Council is scheduled to review the requests on Thursday, September 24.
Muck Rack
