Marion County Emergency Personnel Deploy Ahead of Hurricane Isaias
Marion County emergency responders are assisting Florida's preparations for Hurricane Isaias as the storm approaches the northern Gulf Coast.
Marion County Fire Rescue announced Thursday that members of Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 8 have deployed to the Florida Panhandle.
The deployment is part of a statewide effort to position emergency personnel and equipment ahead of potentially dangerous hurricane conditions.
Florida officials are preparing for significant storm surge, damaging winds and possible tornadoes in affected areas.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 25 counties in the Panhandle and Big Bend regions.
Approximately 5,000 Florida National Guard members and thousands of utility workers are being positioned to assist with emergency operations.
While the Ocala area is not currently expected to experience hurricane-force conditions, residents should remain alert to changing forecasts and the possibility of additional rainfall.
The hurricane's eventual track and intensity remain subject to change.
College of Central Florida Announces $19.4 Million Criminal Justice Institute
The College of Central Florida has announced construction of a new $19.4 million Criminal Justice Institute at its Ocala campus.
College officials held a groundbreaking ceremony October 1, with details of the project reported Thursday.
The new facility will be located at 3001 Southwest College Road and will encompass approximately 31,200 square feet.
The complex will include an academic building and a separate simulation training building.
Plans call for classrooms, defensive-tactics training areas, a fitness center and realistic training environments designed to simulate situations encountered by law-enforcement officers.
The facility will accommodate up to five law-enforcement academies and four corrections academies annually.
College officials expect the institute to train approximately 180 new recruits each year, while providing specialized instruction to more than 600 active officers from 14 regional agencies.
Construction is expected to be completed in time for classes beginning in January 2028.
Marion County Approves Road Project Property Settlements
Marion County commissioners have approved two property-acquisition settlements connected with the Northwest 49th Street road improvement project.
The agreements involve:
- $225,000 to acquire an entire residential property rather than only a portion needed for the project.
- $125,955 for another property settlement, including associated damages and legal expenses.
Both settlements still require final judicial approval.
Commissioners also authorized the county to pursue eminent-domain proceedings if negotiations fail involving two additional properties.
One involves a slope easement needed for Northwest 49th Street Phase 3.
The other involves right-of-way and temporary construction access for improvements along Southwest 80th Avenue.
County officials say the acquisitions are necessary to advance planned transportation improvements.
Jeeptoberfest Returns to Florida Horse Park This Weekend
Jeeptoberfest begins today, Friday, October 9, at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala.
The three-day event continues through Sunday, October 11.
The festival features Jeep obstacle courses, merchandise vendors, food trucks, music and raffles.
Visitors can watch participating vehicles navigate specially designed obstacles.
Location: Florida Horse Park, 11851 Southwest 16th Avenue, Ocala.
Dates: October 9–11, beginning at 9 a.m.
Spectator admission is listed at $10 for nonregistered vehicles.
The Forge Celebrates Grand Opening Saturday
A new dining and entertainment destination in downtown Ocala is celebrating its official grand opening Saturday.
The Forge, located at 343 Northeast First Avenue, will hold its Stage One grand-opening celebration beginning at 10 a.m. October 10.
The development combines food vendors, restaurants and a brewery in a shared gathering space.
Organizers say the first 200 guests will receive complimentary treats from participating food businesses.
The celebration will also include a raffle offering a year of free food.
Admission is free.
New PBS Kids Exhibit Opens at Ocala Discovery Center
A new interactive children's exhibit opens Saturday at the Discovery Center in Ocala.
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit is based on the popular PBS Kids television series.
The experience allows children to explore historical discoveries through interactive activities inspired by notable figures, including Marie Curie, George Washington Carver and Mary Anning.
The exhibit is designed to encourage curiosity, problem-solving and an interest in history.
Location: Discovery Center, 701 Northeast Sanchez Avenue, Ocala.
Opening: Saturday, October 10.
The exhibit will remain available through January 9, 2027.
Regular Discovery Center hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional Weekend Activities
Saturday, October 10: A free screening of Hocus Pocus takes place at the Marion Theatre at 2 p.m.
Saturday, October 10: The Gentle Carousel Black & White Gala and Concert begins at 6 p.m. at Circle Square Cultural Center, raising funds for miniature therapy horses.
Sunday, October 11: The Autumn Harvest Craft and Makers Market takes place from noon until 4 p.m. at the Ocala Downtown Market.
Sunday, October 11: Ocala Jesus Fest begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Reilly Arts Center's outdoor stage in Tuscawilla Park.
Outdoor events may be affected by the weekend's unsettled weather.
