Marion County School Board Approves $52.5 Million Belleview Elementary School Merger

The Marion County School Board has unanimously approved a $52.5 million construction plan that will combine Belleview Elementary School and Belleview-Santos Elementary School into one campus.

The new facility will be constructed on the existing Belleview Elementary property.

The project includes demolition of existing school buildings, construction of a replacement school, infrastructure improvements, renovations to two existing buildings, and additional covered walkways.

After the current school year, Belleview Elementary students and staff are expected to relocate temporarily to the Lake Weir Middle School campus while construction proceeds.

District officials anticipate completing the new school by July 2028, in time for the 2028–2029 school year.

Some parents have expressed concerns about the transition, particularly the effects of a larger campus on younger students.

The School Board has scheduled a workshop for November 19 to discuss potential attendance-zone changes that could affect students at both schools and elsewhere in Marion County.

Ocala Considers Up to $15,000 in Mobile Home Repair Assistance

Ocala City Council will consider expanding the city's affordable housing assistance program to include certain manufactured and mobile home residents.

The proposed changes would establish three forms of assistance:

• Up to $10,000 in relocation grants for eligible residents displaced by mobile home park closures.

• Up to $5,000 in lot-rent assistance, covering as much as six months of payments.

• Up to $15,000 in rehabilitation and emergency repair loans for qualifying mobile home owners.

Repair assistance would be provided through zero-interest deferred loans, with forgiveness after five years if the owner continues occupying the property as a primary residence and meets program conditions.

The proposed program would primarily serve qualifying low-income residents living in mobile homes manufactured after June 1994.

The changes follow new Florida legislation affecting the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program.

City Council is scheduled to consider the amendments Tuesday, November 17.

The proposed benefits have not yet been approved.

Tesla Proposes 16-Stall Charging Station Near I-75 and County Road 484

Tesla has submitted plans to install a new electric vehicle charging facility near the Interstate 75 and County Road 484 interchange in southern Marion County.

The proposed location is the existing Cracker Barrel restaurant property at 13561 Southwest 17th Court, near Exit 341.

Plans call for 16 V4 Supercharger posts, charging equipment, utility connections, and lighting.

Tesla is requesting a waiver that would allow the project to proceed through a simplified site-plan review process.

However, the Marion County Development Review Committee previously recommended denying that waiver.

County staff identified concerns involving parking availability, drainage requirements, and landscaping buffers.

The proposed charging station would replace 17 existing parking spaces with 16 electric vehicle charging stalls.

Marion County commissioners are scheduled to consider the waiver request Tuesday, November 17.

The proposal has not received final approval.

Ocala Homebuilder Wilmek Acquires Oswald Exterior Improvement Company

Two Ocala-based construction businesses are combining operations following a newly announced acquisition.

Design and construction company Wilmek has acquired Oswald, a business specializing in exterior home improvements.

Oswald designs, fabricates, and installs aluminum structures, including screen rooms, patio covers, and carports.

Wilmek's existing operations include custom home construction, remodeling, and commercial construction.

The acquisition expands Wilmek's range of residential construction and improvement services.

The companies announced the transaction Wednesday, November 11.

No information has been released about possible staffing changes.

Ocala Holiday Craft Show Opens Today at World Equestrian Center

The fourth annual Ocala Holiday Craft Show begins today, Friday, November 13, at the World Equestrian Center.

More than 350 artists, crafters, and specialty vendors are expected to participate.

Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, jewelry, home decorations, artwork, holiday items, and specialty foods.

The event also includes appearances by Santa Claus and the Grinch.

Event schedule:

• Friday, November 13: Noon–4 p.m., with a special preview shopping session from 10 a.m. to noon.

• Saturday, November 14: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Sunday, November 15: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The show takes place in Expo Center 1, 1284 Northwest 87th Court Road, Ocala.

Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Adult admission is charged, with separate pricing for the Friday preview event.

Parking is free.

Marion County Horse Farm Preservation Remains Focus of Conservation Summit

Horse Farms Forever is continuing its efforts to protect Marion County's agricultural heritage and horse farms.

The nonprofit's seventh annual Conservation Summit brought attention to the importance of protecting agricultural land from development pressures.

The organization says Marion County's identity as the Horse Capital of the World depends in part on preserving the farms and open spaces that support the equine industry.

Speakers announced for the event included National Geographic explorer and conservation photographer Carlton Ward Jr. and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

Organizers hope to encourage greater community participation in conservation efforts.

Ocala Weekend Forecast Calls for Sunny Days and Chilly Nights

A cool and mostly dry weekend is expected across Ocala and Marion County.

According to the National Weather Service forecast reported Thursday:

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 69 degrees. Overnight temperatures around 42.

Saturday: Sunny and cooler, with a high near 62. Overnight temperatures around 41.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 70 degrees. Overnight low around 51.

Residents attending outdoor events should prepare for chilly morning and evening conditions.

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