Moffitt Cancer Center Opens First Ocala Office
Moffitt Cancer Center has expanded its presence in Marion County with a new patient-access facility in Ocala.
The Moffitt First Connect office is located at 11115 Southwest 93rd Court Road, Suite 600.
The facility began serving patients September 14, with additional details reported last week.
The office provides initial evaluations for patients with breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and lung cancers.
Moffitt says patients can receive an initial appointment within three business days.
The office is designed to help patients obtain specialist consultations, coordinate diagnostic testing and establish treatment plans.
Cancer treatments are not performed at the Ocala office. Patients requiring treatment are referred to other Moffitt locations.
The facility operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For appointments, call 813-745-8044.
Ocala Approves 15 New SunTran Bus Shelters
Ocala City Council has approved construction of 15 new bus shelters throughout the SunTran public transportation system.
The contract was awarded to Ocala-based Genesis Construction & Management.
The project has a maximum authorized cost of $317,515, including a contingency allowance.
Each shelter will include seating and solar-powered lighting.
Planned locations include City Hall, the Marion County Veterans Services office, the Ritz Veterans Village, medical facilities and several shopping destinations.
The shelters have already been purchased, and construction will begin after the city completes the required contract and preconstruction procedures.
Once construction begins, the contractor will have 210 calendar days to complete the project.
Federal transportation funds will cover the cost, with no local operating-budget contribution required.
Road Closures Scheduled Throughout Marion County This Week
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced several construction-related lane closures affecting Marion County motorists from October 12 through October 16.
Interstate 75: Overnight lane closures are scheduled in both directions. Northbound restrictions between State Road 200 and State Road 326 generally run from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.
State Road 200: Beginning Tuesday, October 13, the eastbound right-turn lane onto Southwest 60th Avenue will close through Friday for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
U.S. Highway 441: Single-lane closures begin today between Summerfield and Belleview. Work is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Southwest 66th Street Bridge: The bridge over Interstate 75 remains closed for reconstruction, with reopening currently projected for 2027.
Motorists should allow additional travel time and watch for construction crews and temporary traffic-control devices.
The Forge Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Ocala
Downtown Ocala has welcomed a new multi-restaurant dining and entertainment destination.
The Forge, located at 343 Northeast First Avenue, celebrated its grand opening Saturday, October 10.
The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, local officials and business owners.
The development brings several dining concepts together in one location.
Restaurants include The Hammock, featuring coastal Spanish cuisine; Ignite, offering Asian fusion dishes; and The Blind Eye, specializing in Southern-inspired food.
Additional vendors offer pizza, coffee, desserts, salads and other selections.
The grand opening attracted visitors from throughout Marion County and surrounding communities.
Gentle Carousel Celebrates Therapy Horse Magic's 20th Birthday
Gentle Carousel Miniature Horse Therapy celebrated a special milestone Saturday evening during its annual Black and White Gala.
The fundraising event at Circle Square Cultural Center honored Magic, the organization's miniature therapy horse, on his 20th birthday.
The evening featured dinner, auctions and performances by Nashville songwriters Brent Maher, Billy Montana and Leslie Satcher.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano participated in the celebration.
Gentle Carousel provides animal-assisted therapy visits and programs involving miniature horses. The gala raised funds to support its continuing work.
Marion County Tax Collector Offices Closed Today
All Marion County Tax Collector offices are closed today, Monday, October 12, for countywide employee training.
The closure affects all branch locations.
Residents needing vehicle registration renewals, driver's license services or property-tax information can use available online services.
Offices are expected to resume regular business hours Tuesday.
