Ocala Police Launch Internal Investigation Following Fatal Crash
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken announced Wednesday that the department has launched an internal investigation into officers' actions before Tuesday morning's deadly collision at Southeast Maricamp Road and Southeast 36th Avenue.
The crash killed two people, identified in subsequent reporting as a mother and her adult son.
Investigators discovered that officers had interacted with people involved in the incident shortly before the crash. According to the department, officers failed to adequately investigate indications of possible driver impairment.
One officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the department reviews the incident, including body-camera footage.
The internal investigation is separate from the ongoing investigation into the collision itself.
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Marion County Teenager Recovering Following Attack by Five Dogs
A 17-year-old Marion County teenager is recovering after an attack involving five dogs Monday evening.
According to local reporting, the teenager was walking with his father when the animals attacked. His father helped rescue him.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office confirmed it is investigating the incident, which was reported around 6 p.m. Monday in the South Ocala area.
Marion County Animal Services has taken custody of the dogs involved.
Investigators have not released a final determination concerning the circumstances of the attack.
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Federal Contract Support Announced for Ritz Veterans Village
New federal contract support has been announced for the Ritz Veterans Village in Ocala, a housing program serving veterans who have experienced homelessness.
U.S. Representative Kat Cammack announced Wednesday that her office had helped secure a Department of Veterans Affairs contract after concerns arose about the continuation of housing services.
The announcement addresses a potential disruption to the program, which provides residential support for veterans in the Ocala area.
Florida’s Voice
City of Ocala Celebrates Customer Appreciation Day Today
The City of Ocala is hosting its annual Customer Appreciation Day today, Thursday, October 1, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The event takes place at Citizens' Circle, 151 Southeast Osceola Avenue, behind City Hall.
Activities include food, music, bucket truck rides, face painting and opportunities to meet city employees.
Eligible city utility customers may receive bill-credit vouchers for qualifying services, including Ocala Electric Utility, Ocala Fiber Network, sanitation and water services. City employees will verify customer accounts at the event.
Admission is free. For additional information, call Ocala Electric Utility at 352-629-2489.
Ocala-News.com
School Superintendent Holds Public Town Hall Tonight
Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer will hold another community town hall tonight at Vanguard High School.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria at 7 Northwest 28th Street in Ocala.
The discussion will cover school referendum funding, district priorities, opportunities for improvement and ideas from parents and residents.
The meeting is open to the public. Another town hall is scheduled for October 15 at Lake Weir High School.
Marion County Public Schools
Ocala's First Pumpkin Patch Opens for October
Ocala First United Methodist Church opens its annual pumpkin patch today at 1126 East Silver Springs Boulevard.
The pumpkin patch operates throughout October, with weekday and weekend hours. Purchases help support the church's ministries and community activities.
Thursday hours are 4 to 7 p.m.
Ocala / Marion County Florida
Looking Ahead: First Friday and Weekend Entertainment
The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala tomorrow, October 2, beginning a new season of art and community activities.
On Saturday, October 3, the Ocala Civic Theatre hosts Fear Circus, an acrobatic production scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at 4337 East Silver Springs Boulevard.
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