Child-Welfare Case Manager Arrested in Investigation Connected to Paisley Brown's Siblings

The Marion County Sheriff's Office has arrested a child-welfare case manager accused of failing to report suspected abuse involving a sibling of three-year-old Paisley Brown, who died earlier this year.

Cristina Feliz, 35, a case manager employed by Kids Central Inc., was arrested Tuesday, November 3. Details of the arrest were reported Thursday.

Kids Central is a contractor working with the Florida Department of Children and Families.

According to investigators, Feliz was responsible for overseeing the foster-care placement of Paisley Brown's surviving siblings.

The children had been removed from their mother's care following Paisley's death in February.

Authorities previously arrested the mother's boyfriend, Jeroen Jarrel Coombs, in connection with the child's death.

In September, foster parent Vanessa Pawlicki was arrested on a child-abuse charge involving one of the surviving children.

Investigators allege that Feliz had received information about suspected abuse but failed to report it to the appropriate authorities.

According to the arrest report, Feliz described the information as coming from a third party and indicated she did not want to become involved.

Florida law requires certain professionals, including child-welfare workers, to report suspected child abuse.

Feliz was released from the Marion County Jail after posting a $5,000 bond.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

911 Recording Released Following Marion County Alligator Attack

A newly released emergency recording provides additional details about a serious alligator attack that occurred in Marion County in August.

WCJB TV20 reported Thursday that a recording of the 911 call captures a witness urgently requesting emergency assistance after a woman suffered severe injuries to her arm.

During the call, the witness described the extent of the injuries while asking dispatchers to send help.

Family members later reported publicly that doctors had to amputate the woman's arm.

The release of the recording provides new information about the initial emergency response, although the attack itself occurred several months ago.

Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise caution near waterways where alligators may be present.

Ocala Crafting Club Donates Thousands of Handmade Items to Veterans and Children

A group of volunteers from Ocala's On Top of the World retirement community is receiving recognition for its charitable work.

The Happy Hookers knitting and crocheting club has spent more than a year producing handmade items for veterans, patients, and children experiencing difficult circumstances.

The effort began when retired Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Brown asked his mother, Becky Brown, whether the group could make 20 lap blankets for veterans at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in St. Petersburg.

The project quickly expanded.

The club has now produced 168 afghans and 36 quilts for the VA facility, along with 161 red, white, and blue caps for patients.

One member, Elaine Fitzpatrick, has crocheted 645 small stuffed creatures for veterans and their visiting family members.

The group has also produced more than 2,000 warm hats for local organizations.

Closer to home, volunteers have donated more than 300 afghans to Hospice of Marion County and the Bears and Blankets program.

Some blankets are provided to law enforcement officers to help comfort children experiencing traumatic events.

The group welcomes donations of yarn and craft-store gift cards to support its continuing work.

First Friday Art Walk Returns to Downtown Ocala Tonight

Downtown Ocala will welcome artists, musicians, and visitors tonight for the monthly First Friday Art Walk.

The event takes place Friday, November 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. around the Historic Downtown Square.

Local artists will display their work along downtown sidewalks.

Activities include live music, street performers, art demonstrations, and hands-on creative activities.

Several downtown businesses will offer extended hours.

The event is free and open to the public.

For information, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at 352-629-8447.

Ocala Wind Symphony Presents Disney's Aladdin in Concert

The Ocala Wind Symphony is presenting a special musical event this weekend at the Reilly Arts Center.

The production features music from Disney's animated film Aladdin, performed live by the orchestra in conjunction with the movie.

Performances are scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, November 8, at 3 p.m.

The performances will take place at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 Northeast Ninth Street in Ocala.

Tickets are listed from approximately $35 to $85, depending on seating.

The concert provides a family-friendly entertainment option for the weekend.

Ocala Fall Festival Coming to Downtown Market Sunday

The Ocala Fall Festival Holiday Market will take place Sunday, November 8, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The event will be held at the Ocala Downtown Market in downtown Ocala.

Activities include local craft and holiday vendors, food trucks, live music, bounce houses, and children's entertainment.

DJ Matt Gray will provide music and entertainment.

Admission and parking are free.

Light Up Ocala Announces November 21 Holiday Celebration

Ocala's annual holiday lighting celebration is returning later this month.

Light Up Ocala is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, from 3 to 8 p.m. throughout historic downtown.

The free event will feature three entertainment areas, a downtown parade, more than 100 vendors, and family activities.

The ceremonial lighting of the downtown Christmas tree and thousands of holiday lights is scheduled for approximately 6 p.m.

The city is planning free shuttle transportation from several parking locations to help accommodate visitors.

Additional event information is available through the City of Ocala.