Ocala Police Respond to Reported Armed Suspect at Downtown Hotel

Ocala Police responded to reports of an armed suspect at the AC Hotel by Marriott in downtown Ocala on Tuesday afternoon, November 10.

Officers established a heavy police presence around the hotel and temporarily restricted access to the surrounding area while investigating the report.

According to an update from WCJB TV20 Tuesday evening, officers located the person involved and reported that no weapons were found.

Police subsequently indicated there was no continuing threat to the public.

The incident initially caused concern among downtown residents, businesses, and visitors.

Additional information about the circumstances surrounding the reported threat was not available in the latest confirmed report.

Historic Ocala Preservation Society Launches Campaign to Save Bryant House

One of Ocala's oldest historic homes is in need of significant repairs.

The Historic Ocala Preservation Society has launched a fundraising campaign called Bring Back the Bryant to restore the 134-year-old Bryant House.

Built in 1892, the house is located at 712 Southeast Fort King Street.

The property has a historical connection to former Florida Governor C. Farris Bryant, who served from 1961 to 1965.

The home currently serves as headquarters for the Historic Ocala Preservation Society and houses local historical archives.

According to the organization, years of severe weather have caused significant deterioration.

The restoration campaign will focus on several priorities:

• Stabilizing the second floor.

• Repairing the building's foundation.

• Restoring the historic front porch.

• Repairing original windows.

• Protecting the exterior against future weather damage.

The society is seeking donations from residents, businesses, and community organizations.

Supporters can learn more through the Historic Ocala Preservation Society's restoration campaign.

Marion County Launches 17th Annual Bring the Harvest Home Food Drive

Marion County is asking residents and businesses to help families in need during the holiday season.

The county has launched its 17th annual Bring the Harvest Home food and supplies drive.

Donations will support four local nonprofit organizations: Interfaith Emergency Services, The Salvation Army in Ocala, Brother's Keeper, and Veterans Helping Veterans USA.

Organizers are requesting nonperishable foods, including rice, pasta, canned vegetables, canned meats, cereal, and peanut butter.

Baby supplies and personal hygiene products are also needed.

Collection sites include public libraries, city and county fire stations, sheriff's district offices, Marion County recycling centers, tax collector offices, and Ocala City Hall.

Donations will be accepted through Thursday, December 3.

The campaign concludes with a collection event on Friday, December 4, from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the downtown Ocala square.

Residents can visit MarionFL.org for county information.

Marion County Students Lead Veterans Day Ceremony Today

Hundreds of students from Marion County Public Schools will honor military veterans during today's official Veterans Day ceremony.

The program begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

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This marks the twentieth consecutive year that the school district has presented the county's student-led ceremony.

Students representing 19 public schools are expected to participate.

Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer will open the program, followed by student performances and tributes.

Musicians from several Marion County schools will perform, and students from Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary will read essays recognizing veterans.

The program is also expected to feature a ceremonial 21-gun salute and vintage aircraft flyover.

The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Location: 2601 Southeast Fort King Street, Ocala.

Organizers recommend arriving early because parking and seating are limited. Visitors may wish to bring lawn chairs.

Marion Oaks Lottery Ticket Worth More Than $48,000

A winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket worth $48,204.53 was sold in Marion Oaks.

The ticket was purchased at Marion Oaks Quick Stop, located at 287 Marion Oaks Lane, for the Sunday, November 8 evening drawing.

The winning numbers were 9, 10, 18, 26, and 32.

According to Florida Lottery information reported Tuesday, the ticket matched all five numbers and remained unclaimed as of Tuesday morning.

The winning ticket was one of two sold statewide for that drawing.

Lottery players who purchased tickets at the store are encouraged to check their numbers.

Paddock Mall Restaurant Fined Following July Health Inspection

A restaurant inside Ocala's Paddock Mall food court has been fined following a health inspection earlier this year.

Pei Wei Express, located at 3100 Southwest College Road, received a $400 fine from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

The disciplinary action followed a July 7 inspection in which inspectors found two dead rodents on a sticky trap near the front counter.

The restaurant was temporarily closed following the inspection.

It passed a follow-up inspection on July 8 and was permitted to reopen.

The disciplinary order was dated October 19, with the fine reported locally on November 10.

The fine concerns the earlier inspection and does not establish that the same conditions are present today.

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