Rotary Club Meeting

Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world. Its stated mission is to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders" Their weekly meeting is today at 12 pm at the Ocala golf club on East Silver Springs Blvd. For more information, visit their website: OcalaRotaryClub.com

Alligator Attack Temporarily Closes Alexander Springs

The month of July is alligator nesting season in Florida, and alligator mothers are highly alert and protective of their eggs and young. During this hot season, all reptiles have an increased appetite and are more active, even during the day. The U.S. Forest Service encourages everyone to use caution when in and around water, including on the shoreline. Last Monday, around noon there was an incident involving an adult male visitor and an aggressive alligator at the Alexander Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest. According to USFS, the man was snorkeling within the springs’ designated swim area when he was bitten by an adult alligator. During the attack, the victim suffered puncture wounds and lacerations. All guests were cleared from the swim area and it was closed until the alligator could be removed. Florida Fish and Wildlife has removed the nearly 8-foot alligator. However, this is actually the second alligator incident at the same park. Earlier this month, Alexander Springs was briefly closed for the removal of a different alligator, though that alligator didn't cause any injuries to people. The likelihood of a Florida resident being seriously injured during an unprovoked alligator incident in Florida is roughly only one in 3.1 million, according to FWC.

Tuesday Talks Sponsored by Rasmussen University

Join us in person or live on Facebook for tomorrow's Tuesday Talks on August 1st, 2023 Breakfast at 8:15 am, presentation at 8:30 am. Hear from Bill Ross, Hands Up Communications, and Cain Davis, Diversified Consulting Concepts, discuss Bridging Differences: Cross-Racial Mentoring which enriches the lives of both the mentor and the apprentice. Join us upstairs every 1st Tuesday of the month (excluding holidays), in the CEP Boardroom located at 310 SE 3rd Street, Ocala, FL 34471.

Peter Pan Is Now Playing At Ocala Civic Theater!

We’re off to Never Never Land! Peter Pan, the legendary boy who refuses to grow up, visits the Darling children’s London nursery late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust from his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, they take a magical journey across the stars to the land where dreams are born. The travelers meet a ticking crocodile, the Lost Boys, the Brave Girls, and the villainous Captain Hook and his pirate crew. Your heart will soar with this iconic musical! Friday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29 at 2:00 p.m. (*American Sign Language available) Sunday, July 30 at 2:00 pm.

Community Giveback Gives Thousands Of Free Backpacks

For the second consecutive year, Marion County Public Schools, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, and AdventHealth Ocala are teaming up to give away thousands of backpacks filled with supplies to local students. The second annual Community Giveback event will be held on Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 pm., and over 7,000 backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed at 10 locations throughout Marion County. The event is supported by Skanska, Thaddeus Bullard (a.k.a. WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil), and the Bullard Family Foundation. The first location will actually be tonight! Lake Lillian (Robinson Road in Belleview) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event’s main location will be at the AdventHealth Ocala Auxiliary Center (1542 SW 1st Avenue in Ocala), and additional satellite locations will also be open: Dunnellon Middle School (21005 Chestnut Street in Dunnellon). Fort McCoy School (16160 NE County Road 315 in Fort McCoy). Lake Weir High School (10351 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala). Liberty Middle School (4773 SW 95th Street in Ocala). North Marion High School (151 W County Road 329 in Citra). Friends Recycling Center (2350 NW 27th Avenue in Ocala). This site will be drive-thru only, and no registration is required. A student number for MCPS students is mandatory. If the student is attending a non-MCPS school, please enter the student ID based on the school location. The Back to School Community Giveback effort in Marion County is part of a larger event sponsored in the Tampa area by the Bullard Family Foundation.

Downtown Is The Place To Be Tonight!

The Marion Theatre presents Sit Down for Stand Up! This is for tonight at 8 pm! You won’t want to miss this LIVE stand-up comedy event featuring three talented and hilarious comics! Matt Fernandez, Kye Saunders, and James Hollinsworth will perform on the beautiful and historic Marion Theatre stage for one night only! This performance is for 21+ and tickets are only $15! For more info, visit MarionTheater.org Dueling Pianos at The Lodge / Every 2nd Friday at The Lodge 3 hours of non-stop dueling pianos at The Lodge in Downtown Ocala! Phone: 352.289.1390 | Web: www.TheLodgeOcala.com The Lodge Ocala (Downtown Ocala Square) 36 S. Magnolia Ave Ocala.

Farmer’s Insurance Leaves Florida

Farmers Insurance opts to leave Florida which will force over 100,000 policyholders to find alternative insurance coverage. On their website, it says: Our story began with the simple goal of insuring the vehicles of rural farmers but as the world changed, so did we. I would have to agree. The agriculture industry in Florida employs 2 million people and contributes more than $104 billion to Florida’s economy every year. Florida’s Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky sent a letter to Farmers Insurance. In the letter, he writes he’s “disappointed by the hastiness in this decision and troubled by how this decision may have cascading impacts to policyholders.” State regulators say that if you get a non-renewal notice, you should contact your “agent immediately to seek alternate coverage.” Now, if this is your insurance company, know that Farmers Insurance must give you 120 days’ notice before they drop you. Notices will start going out in October, so homeowners will have time to prepare for this transition. This announcement came only weeks after the new CEO Raul Vargas announced that the company had reversed its decision to allow employees to remain remote and instead require them to come back to the office a minimum of 3 days a week. Unfortunately, this announcement came after many remote employees had already sold their homes and moved based on the assurances from the prior CEO Jeff Dailey that they would remain remote. "While many employees are excited about the opportunities ahead, we recognize that not all business decisions will be supported by all employees." Said Vargas in a statement regarding remote workers. So the question is, what happens to all of the employees and exclusive agents here in Florida?

Open Play Pickleball at Downtown Market!

They’re back at it again!!! Pickleball is coming back to downtown Ocala on July 27th from 6-9 pm!! The event is free but you MUST register at www.popcitypickleball.com

Man Drowns At Rainbow River

Officials are investigating the death of a Morriston man found by a diver on Friday in the Rainbow River. Family and friends of Eric Michael Roberts 33 of Marion County are asking for answers regarding his death. Eric had been kayaking and drinking with friends on Thursday. Around 5 pm that night they had pulled their boats up to Blue Run Park to exit the river and get something to eat. Witnesses say that Eric began climbing the bridge and fencing and jumping into the water. His friends warned him of the danger and repeatedly asked him to get down. When he refused to stop, the rest of the group went to dinner at Swampy’s. Eric had given his cell phone and wallet to one of the friends so that the items wouldn’t get wet. He never joined them for dinner. The group returned and went looking for him, but could not locate Eric. They put their kayaks back into the water and went up and down the river but still did not locate him. They decided that he must have gotten a ride with someone else or maybe was hanging out with someone and didn’t call them as he didn’t have his cell.

The next morning, one of his friends grew concerned as she still hadn’t heard from him, and after contacting his family and none of them had heard from him either, she came back to the river only to find law enforcement investigating and Eric being taken to the hospital where he was officially declared deceased.

Gordon Hayles, a diver, had been diving in the river that Friday morning and came across Eric at the bottom of the river around noon. Gordon had to shout for help to get Eric on shore, no one having any idea how long he had been down there, CPR was administered and the police and paramedics arrived.

Eric was a local favorite with his funny videos on TikTok under the name Slim Country. His family and friends, know him better as "Bubba" and are heartbroken at the loss. Eric was a single father and a hard worker but was vocal about his prior struggles with addiction and his subsequent recovery journey. Boaters, tubers, and swimmers alike are encouraged to play it safe this summer when visiting the Rainbow River and to adhere to posted signs asking people not to jump from the bridge as the water is way too shallow and there are large rocks and tree stumps beneath the water.

Youth Wet-n-Wild Wednesdays

Youth Wet-n-Wild Water Wednesday is FREE for Marion Oaks Residents. What to bring: towel, swimsuit, sunscreen and lots to drink. Plan on getting wet! All youth under the age of 9 require adult supervision to stay at the splash pad area. You are welcome to bring your own snacks. Sponsored by Marion Oaks Recreation Department. 

Marion County Awarded Over $40 Million To Expand Broadband         

Governor Ron DeSantis has recently unveiled plans to allocate over $247 million in funding from the Broadband Infrastructure Program to various counties and municipalities across Florida. Marion County is among the recipients, set to receive a significant portion of nearly $42 million.

The primary objective of this program is to establish internet connectivity for more than 59,000 businesses, homes, and farms, as well as vital institutions like hospitals and libraries that currently lack access to reliable high-speed internet.

In a press release, Governor DeSantis emphasized the significance of high-speed broadband internet as essential infrastructure for Florida communities. He highlighted its potential to stimulate economic development and cultivate a skilled workforce. The state takes pride in investing in broadband internet infrastructure to benefit all Floridians and foster lasting advancements in communities statewide.

The allocation of funds is a direct outcome of Marion County's engagement with the community through the eCheckup questions shared in 2022. The expansion of broadband services resulting from this funding will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide for unserved and underserved residents throughout the county.         

Fabulous 50's Market & Food Truck Party!      

Today, from 1-4 pm stop out at the Ocala Downtown Market. This month you are invited to our Fabulous 50's Party!

Entertainment by Ray & Kay and bounce around with Ocala Knockerball! Bring the family and shop at our vendor booths and view classic cars!

The Ocala Downtown Market is located on the corner of SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue.

Sponsored by Advent Health Ocala.

Self-Care Initiative EXPO      

Today from 5 pm - 8 pm Located at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

Discover the endless possibilities for improving your self-care at our empowering Self-Care Expo! This event is dedicated to providing you with valuable insights into the incredible resources available within our community. From mental health and medical care to various self-care techniques, we've got you covered.

Explore a wide range of activities, including playful games, artistic painting sessions, rejuvenating yoga sessions, and much more! Pamper yourself with free chair massages (tips are encouraged) that will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Excitingly, we will be hosting a massive raffle with numerous prizes to be won, including a fabulous GRAND PRIZE in our 50/50 draw! Purchase your raffle tickets and even if you can't be present during the raffle drawings, you still have a chance to win. However, don't miss the opportunity to be present and claim the cash grand prize, as you must be there to win!

Mingling With Margaritas At Sayulita Taqueria         

Come learn about the Junior League of Ocala and meet some of our amazing members all while enjoying a cold margarita on a summer evening.

Two New Large Hotels Coming Soon

Everhome Suites, a relatively new member of the Choice Hotel Group is building its first Florida extended stay hotel here soon. They will be building East of I75 and South of 27 Rimrock of Jacksonville and expects to be operational in late 2024.

Staybridge Suites will be built North of 27 and West of I75 near Publix. While some of this development may be for the new UF hospital that is currently under construction and its proximity to nearby distribution centers they are both probably hoping to get some of their guests from the World Equestrian Centers as well.

"Come Fly With Me Mommy!"

The Ocala International Airport will hold a dedication ceremony for its newly built kids playground. The ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place at 10 a.m. this Saturday, July 29 at the airport's location on 1770 SW 60th Avenue.

The playground, known as the Aviators' Playground, is designed with an aviation theme. Children can enjoy exploring ropes and ladders that are woven into an airplane-shaped structure. The play gym itself is set against a blue-sky background, giving the sensation of floating through the clouds on a plane. There are also spring riders shaped like airplanes, adding to the imaginative play experience. The rubber playground surface features a printed compass, and aviation history panels line the fenced area.

The playground offers a view of the airport apron, allowing visitors to watch planes coming and going. Matt Grow, the Airport Director for the City of Ocala, expressed excitement about the addition of the playground, noting that it enhances the airport's family-friendly atmosphere. He hopes that the play area will entertain children while sparking their interest in aviation and inspiring them to explore the field further.

Go Take a Hike

The Marion Oaks Community Center is hosting their Free Hike with Dave tomorrow morning at 8:30 am Join in on their monthly hikes exploring new areas every month. Your guide Dave and his sidekick from VIP will take you on a wonderful walk/hike on a paved trail. Space is limited to ride on our van so sign up early or feel free to follow us in your own transportation. Either way advance registration is needed. For more information call 352-438-2830 This month's trail is the Withlacoochee Trail starting at the South Citrus Springs Trailhead. This path is paved, but expect to walk between 6-8 miles so where comfortable shoes. Also bring a light snack and water.

Monday Evening Track Run (Brick City Adventure Park)

If you have been looking to get fit, Marion County Runs will begin meeting weekly on Mondays from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Brick City Adventure Park (1211 SE 22nd Rd, Ocala, FL 34471). Need to leave early come early, have to battle your way through traffic, come a little later. Either way come out to meet up with like minded people who love running and are there to support you in your training goals. Monday evening runs will be dedicated to conducting speed work to improve your running efficiency, and to assist new runners in achieving their running goals. If you need a "Couch to 5k"training plan, or ideas on how to become a faster runner, they are there to help.

Shuttle Launch on Sunday     

Look to the skies Sunday night around 11 pm. There will be a launch of Jupiter-3 Falcon Heavy from SpaceX. This launch will be from Kennedy Space Center Launchpad 39A. They are launching a Geostationary communications satellite built by Maxar Technologies for EchoStar. Its purpose is to relieve broadband capacity constraints in the Americas. The booster will attempt to land on ASDS JRTI after its flight. JRTI is an ocean-going vessel derived from a deck barge, outfitted with station-keeping engines and a large landing platform. Construction of such ships was commissioned by aerospace company SpaceX to allow for recovery of rocket first-stages at sea for high-velocity missions which do not carry enough fuel to return to the launch site after lofting spacecraft onto an orbital trajectory. JRTI stands for Just Read The Instructions. If you are wondering about the name, well so was I. According to Steve Baker, a Senior Software Engineer with a degree in Cybernetics all of the barges are named after the giant, artificially intelligent spacecraft in the Ian M. Banks “Culture Series” of Science Fiction books. In the books, these spacecraft choose their own names before their intelligence is fully formed - and because of that, they tend to choose random phrases that they hear said around them often. Hence “Just Read the Instructions”, “A Shortfall of Gravitas” and “Of Course I Still Love You”. If you haven't seen a shuttle launch from Ocala before, this one should be a good one as you can really see the engines fire on a clear night! Find some elevation without a lot of trees and houses in the way and look to the East. You can follow along on the Space X YouTube channel and see and hear everything going on with the rocket in real-time.

Girls “Summer” Night Out!   

Tomorrow night from 6-10 pm there is another By Women, For Women event at the downtown square!

Bringing you a high-energy experience with amazing vibes, shopping, music, drinks, food trucks, photo ops, and 90+ local central Florida women-owned businesses..offering all things women!

Grab the girls & come celebrate each other while enjoying a curated summer night out!

This event is sponsored by: Salon Bliss, Karishma Boutique, Forevermore Permanent Jewelry, Lajealle Art Works, Bleached by Britt, and Abelo’s Sun Shop, who will all be on-site offering the best products and services!

Music By: DJ Rae Bae

The Oddities Market Tonight

It’s time to get weird again at the downtown square! Tonight from 6-10 pm. Stop on out for over 85+ Oddities vendors! Everything from taxidermy, bug art, bone art, wet specimens, vintage clothing, antiques, curiosities, and more!

Live music! Food trucks! Entertainment and more!

Admission is free! Parking is free! 

CEP After Hours

Named Ocala's "Premier Networking Event", Business After Hours is a signature event that hundreds of our partners enjoy every third Thursday of the month from 5:00-7:00 pm. Each month is hosted by a different partner at their place of business to showcase their products and services. This is a free event for partners that includes food, drinks, incredible networking, and a great return on investment. This month’s event is hosted by Nirvana Medical Spa Located at 3020 SW 27th Avenue Ocala FL 34471 Nirvana Medical Spa is THE spa for your skin therapies in Ocala! Personalized, professional pampering at a convenient location.    

Phone Scam Going Around

Marion County Sheriff’s Office reported a phone scam in May involving scammers who pretended to be “Sergeant Chapman” or "Captain Joe Van Gorder" with MCSO, and they would call victims to advise that they missed jury duty. The fake “deputy” would then threaten to have the victim arrested if they failed to pay a fee to rectify the situation.

It seems the Ocala Police Dept is now receiving calls from victims claiming the same thing. One victim stated that the caller had a thick southern accent and gave the victim's old address as proof of where the "lost" jury summons had been sent. The victims were then directed to provide proof of payment over the phone but to go straight to the Sheriff's department to "turn themselves in" so that it could all get removed from their records. The fake deputy or officer was helpful enough to provide the address of Marion County Sheriff's dept main offices. I am now going to play a voicemail from this caller.

“This is a scam! Just hang up,” MCSO stated on its Facebook page. “If you call the number back, it may seem like a legitimate call. However, MCSO will never accept payment or proof of payment over the phone for any reason!”

To verify if you actually missed jury duty, contact the Marion County Clerk of Court.

Scammers will try to create a sense of panic and urgency to force individuals to take action, such as sending a payment. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens to “trust their gut” because “if something seems wrong or suspicious, it probably is.

Paint Night at Brooklyn's Backyard

Join us for some adult fun in the Backyard! Includes a glass of house wine, all supplies, step-by-step instructions, and door prizes. Don't miss out! Bring a friend or come make new ones. Beginners welcome! Tickets can be purchased on their Facebook page for $35 and because of the wine, this event is limited to 21 and over.

Midtown The New Hotspot For Ocala      

You won't believe what's going on over at the old WMOP radio station building and Turnipseed Chevrolet showroom. They've started renovations on something called The Forge. Four restaurants and six bars, plus a brewery! It's gonna be epic for downtown! The Chevrolet showroom is being turned into the Hammock, a sit-down restaurant with a full bar. Then at The Forge, we have "The Blind Eye." They're going all out with a speakeasy theme. It's gonna be like taking a step back in time, you know we love our hidden speakeasies here in downtown. Then there is "Ignite" it's going to be a restaurant and a nightclub all rolled into one. Sushi and Asian fusion dishes, how they can do that while in a nightclub? Well, I guess we shall see.

Now, if you're looking for some tapas, you gotta check out "The Alloy Kitchen." You can either grab your food to go or head over to the outdoor seating area. Oh, and don't forget, they're plannin' a pizza place too, but they're still looking for a name and theme for that one. Any suggestions Ocala?

Midtown Eateries LLC said this whole project's taking up over 30,000 square feet! They're going all out with several outdoor bars, a beer garden, and games for all ages.

Right next door, they're setting up a brewery called Blue Anvil Brewery. It's gonna be in this 7,000-square-foot building that's been there since 1898.

If you are wondering about the timeline, The Forge is hoping to be open before the year's out. But that's what the mellow mushroom thought and that was a few years ago, so maybe don't make your new year’s reservations quite yet. We are super excited to see such amazing plans for an area downtown that's been a bit lost for a while.

Would You Buy A Sun-Powered Car?

The engineering design team at the University of Florida is victorious after their solar-powered car won first place in the 2023 Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix.

UF’s Solar Gators, a student-run engineering design team, won first place in the Grand Prix.

The Formula Sun Grand Prix is an annual closed-course race where solar cars compete for endurance. This year’s race was held at the Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas from June 27 to July 2.

Solar Gators’ vehicle, named Sunrider, came in first after completing the most laps, totaling 707.5 miles, powered only by the sun.

Rex The Squirrel

The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host Rex’s Birthday Bash tomorrow afternoon, that's Thursday, July 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. Rex the Squirrel is the official community ambassador for Ocala Recreation and Parks.

This family-friendly event will feature free admission to the Discovery Center during party hours and free cupcakes. Rex will make appearances throughout the event including photo opportunities. 

Line Dancing in the Forest Tonight 

Youth & Adults Welcome - Yee-haw! Everyone can learn to line dance. Music ranges from country to modern pop music, and anyone of any age can learn to side-step and sway. 

Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park

Ocala's New Mayor      

Well, it is officially official. Ben Marciano will be Ocala's next mayor. Current Mayor Kent Guinn had announced that after 12 years he would not be looking for re-election. Ben Marciano is the owner of Zone Fitness. His campaign was completely unopposed and drew a lot of financial support for his mayoral seat. The firemen and police agreed on something during this election, they both endorsed his candidacy. As no opposing candidate stepped forward to run, and July 14th was the cut-off for the qualifying period, Marciano won by default. The term will begin December 5th. City Councilperson Kristen Dreyer also ran unopposed and so will continue for a second term on the City Council. There will be an election for the third seat on the council which will be between Ire Bethea and Reginald Landers. The election for that will be on Sept 19.       

69 Acre Housing Development at i75 & Hwy 484

A permit application on file with the Southwest Florida Water Management District says that the company seeks permission to clear and grade 65 acres to make way for “a future planned unit development.” A company representative told the Star-Banner that the plan is for “mixed-use, multifamily property.” 484 Investment LLC paid $8.75 million for 69 acres total in December. At the time, a company representative said there were no firm plans for the land. Area residents are concerned about the morning traffic jam at i75 and 484 which is a daily nightmare for morning and evening commuters. To add 69 acres of additional homes would be difficult until such time as the infrastructure at that particular bottleneck has been remedied. Many wonder what is taking so long, but because much of the required changes involve i75 it takes monumental effort on a national level to get any major changes approved and completed. 

Monday Evening Track Run (Brick City Adventure Park)

If you have been looking to get fit, Marion County Runs meets weekly on Mondays from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Brick City Adventure Park (1211 SE 22nd Rd, Ocala, FL 34471). Need to leave early, come early, have to battle your way through traffic, come a little later. Either way, come out to meet up with like-minded people who love running and are there to support you in your training goals. Monday evening runs will be dedicated to conducting speed work to improve your running efficiency, and to assist new runners in achieving their running goals. If you need a "Couch to 5k" training plan or ideas on how to become a faster runner, they are there to help.

Grand Opening of Big Lee’s Barbeque

Even with a heat advisory warning for our above 100-degree temperatures, it didn’t slow down the turnout and community support for the Grand Opening of the Big Lee’s Barbeque location at 2611 SW 19th Avenue Road.

They’ll be open all week from 11-9 pm.  That’s right! No more having to hunt down one of Big Lee’s trucks for lunch and dinner! The owner of Big Lee’s Rashad Jones was just featured on the JULY 6TH episode of BBQ Brawl on @foodnetwork with Bobby Flay!  Chef @bobbyflay is out for revenge since Rashod was the first pitmaster to take him down on BBQ Brawl!

Magnolia Art Xchange

Tonight you are invited to the annual meeting of the Magnolia Art Xchange where they will be reflecting on the past year and unveiling their exciting plans for the future!

This event is open to the public, and all art enthusiasts, community members, and supporters of the Magnolia Art Xchange are welcome. It's an excellent opportunity to connect, engage, and be inspired by the power of art in our community.

6:00 pm on Monday, July 17th, 2023, at the Magnolia Art Xchange 531 NE 1st Ave.

Go Downtown Tonight To Celebrate 125 Years!

Join the party downtown tonight celebrating 125 years with the City of Ocala Municipal Government Electric Utilities at the Downtown Square!

The festivities will get kicked off with a ribbon cutting at 5:45 p.m. But the party will be from 6-8 pm. Don't miss it!

Get ready to groove to the electrifying tunes featuring Left on Broadway!

 Meet and greet the beloved mascot, Theodore the Electric Bear!

 Let your imagination run wild with fantastic face painting, the photo booth, and Experience the thrill of bucket truck rides!

There will be food trucks including the Kona ice truck.

 Play games, win prizes, and have a blast!

 This event promises loads of fun for everyone and it's free!

 Remember to bring your own chairs for maximum comfort!

MCA Is Bringing Back The Art In The Attic Event!

Back by popular demand, MCA will hold its annual Art in the Attic Yard (yart?) Sale from July 15 - 22, 2023, with a Pre-Sale 'Sip & Shop' event tonight Friday, July 14 from 5-7 pm (tickets available at mcaocala.org). The sale runs for a full week during gallery hours with free admission and the best daily deals!

Marion Cultural Alliance’s annual y-ART Sale is a fundraising event that features previously enjoyed art at yard sale prices! Hundreds of works will be for sale including paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs, and ALL will be sold at affordable prices!

Work Out With Your Kids 3 Times A Week!

Join iStroll Ocala with your little ones every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:30 am over at Brick City Adventure Park. A great way to exercise, build relationships and get the kids out of the house. $7 for a single class but your first istroll fitness class is free!

Lectures at the Historic Fort

Summer Nights Lecture Series

Thursdays | July 13 - Aug. 17 | 6 - 8 PM

All Ages | Free

Become immersed in history as we explore Ocala and Florida history. Different topics each week with presentations by professionals in the natural and historical resource fields.  

Jammin' At The Junction

Jam night at Morgan’s Music Junction is every Thursday night at 7pm and something you have to experience. There are no rehearsals, no auditions. It is the best jam around. Suzanne Morgan has been running this jam for over 16 years now and it is highly structured and more of a “Show” than a Jam and one you will be proud to be a part of, not to mention just a great opportunity and one fun night!!  If you feel you have a talent, come prepared to share it and you will have the opportunity to get up on stage and be backed by the Morgan’s Music Junction Band. For years people have been traveling thousands of miles to be a part of this fantastic Jam Night. You don’t have to be just musically inclined. They have had ventriloquists and comedians. 6981 SE 147th St. Summerfield

Planet Fitness Free For Teens This Summer

Now through August 31st, teens between the ages of 14-19 can work out for free all summer long at both Ocala Planet Fitness locations. Plus, they’re giving away $200,000 to high schools and students! With the permission of a parent or guardian, Teens can get signed up completely for free online at: planetfitness.com/summerpass It's a fantastic opportunity for our local teens to get exercise while beating the summer heat.

Ocala West Coast Swing Dance

Join our every Wednesday West Coast Swing group classes at:

PM Respiratory

3306 SW 26th Ave, Suite 402

Ocala 34471

The cost for each lesson is $10 At 7 pm learn a New Dance or drill your Basics to continue building that muscle memory to improve your foundation.

Then at 8 pm learn fundamentals to bridge the basic concepts in our Beyond the Basics lesson.

Casual Attire and low or flat heels (but not flip flops) are best for this dance. No partner is needed.

Impact Fees May Return Soon

The Marion County school district will need to spend about $459.4 million over the course of the next 15 years to build new schools and expand existing schools to accommodate the projected growth in the county’s student population. Broken down that's an average of over $30 million dollars per year.

The Marion County School Board is poised to recommend that the Marion County Commission reinstate the Educational System Impact Fee on new construction to raise funds to help offset the district’s needs. Impact fees were first introduced in 2006 but have been suspended since 2011. At the time, the fee was about $4,000 for each new single-family home being built. The fees are one-time charges that local governments impose on builders and developers to offset the costs of expanding schools. Recent studies indicate that if impact fees are brought back, they may need to be higher than before to sustain the growth that the school district expects, according to the board. Increasing impact fees is restricted but with the amount of continuous growth that the county is experiencing, Marion might fall under the “extraordinary circumstances” that exempt governments from these restrictions and limitations. The school board will have two mandatory workshops, on July 6 and July 13, to discuss whether they will recommend bringing back impact fees, and how much they will be. Many residents are surprised that the builders and developers that are from other areas have not had to contribute anything towards the schools that are fast becoming overcrowded if not past that point already. While no one likes to pay taxes, in this particular instance the question isn't whether to have impact fees charged, but more so, why wasn't it done already?

Breakspot Meals Times and Locations

Food and Family Fun for FREE! Are you wanting to make memories all summer long but are concerned about how you can make ends meet while doing it? Bring your family to one or all of these library locations, do something fun, and let your kids, 18 years of age or younger, enjoy delicious BreakSpot meals. Tuesdays at 10 am in Belleview and Reddick Public Library, Wednesdays beginning at 10:30 am for the Main Library HQ and Fort McCoy, Thursdays is 3 pm in Dunnellon and 4 pm at Freedom Public Library, and Fridays at 11 am at Forest Public Library.

AJ Owens Children Can Now Buy Any Field To Play In      

On Friday, June 2, 2023, Ajike "Aj" Owens, was tragically shot and killed by her neighbor Susan Lorincz. Sheriff Woods described a “neighborhood feud over time” involving kids playing on a vacant field and “being children.” Owens, the mother of four children, ages 3 to 12, was shot and killed while standing outside the neighbor’s locked front door right in front of her children. That neighbor was Susan Lorincz. Law enforcement described an ongoing feud between the neighbors that escalated to a confrontation at the time of the shooting. The Sheriff's dept came under intense scrutiny for not arresting the shooter immediately. Sheriff Woods explained the legal ramifications of working within the parameters of Florida's unique Stand Your Ground law. The shooting took place on Friday night and Lorincz was officially arrested Tuesday morning after her children were able to give witness statements to counselors at Kimberly's center on Monday. The judge granted Lorincz bond because she is legally entitled to it. The charges she faces are not life felonies. She is charged with manslaughter, not murder despite pressure on the State Attorney's office to upgrade her charges. One woman went so far as being arrested for actually giving death threats if it wasn't done. Prosecutors asked the judge to set her bond high.

"She does not have a job. She does not have any real property. She doesn't have a spouse or children," said prosecutor Rich Buxman. "Based on all of that information, the state's requesting a $200,000 bond." The judge ordered that if Lorincz does get out of jail, she cannot contact the victims, have any weapons, or leave the state of Florida. She will also have to wear an ankle monitor. During Friday's hearing, prosecutors made sure Lorincz was aware she had received an eviction notice from the owner of her unit. Her arraignment is set for July 11. But more importantly, out of all of this, what happened to AJ Owen's children? A go fund me account was set up to cover funeral costs and the children's needs, and the nation responded. So far about $350k dollars have been raised. This means that even though AJ Owens is no longer here to see it, her children can buy any field they want and play and be children to their heart's content without harassment from a neighbor ever again. They are being raised by their family and the entire community has come forward to support them.       

Calling All Ages To Master The Possibilities This Week!

Master the Possibilities Education Center designs classes that build on our active adults’ knowledge and experiences to stimulate and challenge them to become more engaged in education. Starting today Monday, July 10th kicks off Ageless Adventures it is a week-long family program that blends generations and enables grandparents (or parents) to participate in a class with a youthful partner. Classes are for kids as young as 4 but check online at MasterThePossibilities.org for details on ages, prices, and times for each fun class.

Loritos Pizza on E. Silver Springs Blvd Closed

The iconic candle-holding chianti wine bottle will be disappearing soon. The wine bottle sign is an iconic part of Ocala. It's a landmark. Loritos's has been Ocala's favorite authentic Italian restaurant for 53 YEARS and it has now closed its doors. Lorito’s Italian kitchen was opened in September of 1970. Many Lorito's customers tell their story’s of growing up going to Lorito’s with their grandparents or parents and now they are the grandparents and parents bringing their own kids. The kids that grew up in the area would sometimes skip school to head over and hang out at the pizza parlor and grab a slice, while Gaspard Lorito was watching out and sending them out the back door when an authority figure came around looking for truants. Gaspard immigrated to the U.S. from Italy as a teenager with his parents and two younger sisters. He went straight to work at an Italian bakery in New York and later at a pizzeria in Brooklyn. Eventually, he opened his own pizzeria in New York, but a visit to an uncle in Florida changed the course of his life.

His uncle talked him into opening a restaurant in Florida. From the start, the restaurant was a family affair. One of Gaspard's sisters, Marie Lorito Sapia, worked side-by-side with him for decades. When Gaspard passed away in January 2019, the restaurant came under new management, but that abruptly ended last week when after the weekend specials were posted, they closed the doors instead. According to some of their employees, the restaurant closed not because of the ownership, but because the cost of rent, the cost of food, and the cost of hiring new employees has exceeded the income.

District Bar and Kitchen is Now OPEN with limited hours   

If you were wondering when that restaurant that replaced Pi on Broadway would actually open...wait no further. District Bar and Kitchen has begun a series of soft opening weeks leading up to a grand opening this fall.

They stated on their FB page: "While this has been a trying process, we will be opening with limited hours to ensure that we’re able to give the amazing service that the beautiful city of Ocala deserves."

Those hours are:

Sunday/Monday: Closed

Tuesday/Wednesday: 4 pm – 11 pm

Thursday: 4 pm – 12 am (kitchen till 10 pm)

And today on Friday: 4 pm – 2 am (kitchen till 11 pm)

Saturday: 4 pm – 2 am (kitchen till 11 pm)

They also said their plan is to introduce Saturday & Sunday Brunches in the coming weeks building up to full service, 7 days a week, in the coming months.

Friday Food Trucks

If you aren't really wanting to try a new restaurant but want some ideas for dinner tonight, Friday Food Trucks will be at the Marion Oaks Community Center Complex. Different food trucks each week so just swing in and check out who is there. Begins at 4 pm-7 pm

Sounds of Summer Outdoor Concert        

"Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and dancin' shoes for our SOUNDS OF SUMMER CONCERT & FIREWORKS at Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park!

This is a family event so bring the kids! They get in for FREE! There will be a water slide, a dunk tank, cornhole, ladder golf, face painting, vendor giveaways and so much more!

If you don't want to lug a chow basket, never fear because Big Lee's BBQ will be on deck dispensing the galaxy's tastiest BBQ! Other mouth-watering delicacies will be offered by The Krafty Kettle, Jeremiah's Italian Ice, Sonic Drive-In and Kona Ice!

This is a Community-oriented, family-friendly event! Ages 17 and under are FREE! Bring the family! Live entertainment will be rocking the Park Pavilion from 3:30 pm until it's time for some Fireworks!

Gates open at 3 pm! Local favorite and one-man band Sparky Seymour will be entertaining the crowd from 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm, followed by Atlas from 4:40 pm- 5:20 pm, and then headliner Radlin' Rootz takes the stage at 5:30 pm! I will be there, along with the Classic Hits 104.7 crew!

Tickets for 18 & up are $20; 17 & under are FREE! Get your advance tickets at https://www.marionvetpark.com/sounds-of-summer-concert...! Free parking for all in the large parking lot between the Park and Library!

Ageless Adventures Kicks Off July 10th

Master the Possibilities Education Center designs classes that build on our active adults’ knowledge and experiences to stimulate and challenge them to become more engaged in education. Monday, July 10th kicks off Ageless Adventures it is a week-long family program that blends generations and enables grandparents (or parents) to participate in a class with a youthful partner. Classes are for kids as young as 4 but check online at MasterThePossibilities.org for details on ages, prices, and times for each fun class.

Farmers market on Thursday at Circle Square Commons 

Today at Circle Square Commons from 9 am-1 pm you will Find a wonderful selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade products, and much more!

Free and open to the public. Well-behaved leashed pets are permitted outside at The Town Square.    

Jammin' at the Junction

Jam night at Morgan’s Music Junction is every Thursday night at 7 pm and is something you have to experience. There are no rehearsals, no auditions. It is the best jam around. Suzanne Morgan has been running this jam for over 16 years now and it is highly structured and more of a “Show” than a Jam and one you will be proud to be a part of, not to mention just a great opportunity and one fun night!!  If you feel you have a talent, come prepared to share it and you will have the opportunity to get up on stage and be backed by the Morgan’s Music Junction Band. For years people have been traveling thousands of miles to be a part of this fantastic Jam Night. You don’t have to be just musically inclined. They have had ventriloquists and comedians. 6981 SE 147th St. Summerfield

Karaoke Thursday Nights The Crazy Cucumber Eatery

If you were looking for a place to enjoy some Karaoke the NEW & IMPROVED Karaoke Night @ Crazy cucumber eatery and Bar ???? from BLUES BROTHERS ENTERTAINMENT might be just what you are looking for! THURSDAYS 6-9 PM

Wine Down Wednesday 

If you are looking for a place to meet friends tonight, the Corkscrew has drink specials. Wine Down Wednesday is here! Buy one glass of wine get one glass of wine free of equal or lesser value from 6 PM - 8 PM every Wednesday at Corkscrew Ocala Located at 16 SW Broadway St, Ocala

Student Loan Forgiveness Decision

The Supreme Court has struck down President Biden's plan to discharge some or all federal student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans.

In a 6-3 decision, the high court ruled that the Biden Administration did not have authority under a 2003 federal law to forgive hundreds of billions of dollars of student debt.

The court's decision comes after federal student loan borrowers were told in August by President Biden that the U.S. government would cancel up to $20,000 of debt for anyone who had received a Pell Grant to attend college, and up to $10,000 for the vast majority of remaining borrowers. Biden's plan would have provided relief to most federal student loan borrowers – that’s over 40 million people. That's roughly one in eight Americans. Many adults that have student loan debt, signed up for it while still teenagers and didn’t even know how to balance a checkbook yet. While many felt strongly that taxpayers should not have to pay for the debt of others, I think we can all agree with the statement from NPR this week: “Whatever you think of Biden's proposal, at this moment, the collective disappointment and disillusionment of so many Americans are palpable and should be acknowledged.”

The student loan payments and interest that were previously on hold will begin again on Sept 1 of this year.

Tomorrow The Hispanic Business Council Is Meeting

Meet up tomorrow July 6th at 9:30 am for our monthly meeting at the Power Plant Business Incubator! Everyone is welcome! The Hispanic Business Council will be meeting at 405 SE Osceola Ave in downtown Ocala. Great place to connect and network! 

Line Dancing In The Forest Tonight

Youth & Adults Welcome - Yee-haw! Everyone can learn to line dance. Music ranges from country to modern pop music, and anyone of any age can learn to side-step and sway.  

Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park.

Update on Baby that was placed in the Safe Haven Baby Box        

You may have heard about the newborn baby, her umbilical cord tied off with a shoelace, that was left in a Safe Haven Baby Box back on January 2nd here in Ocala. Would you like to know how she's doing? If you aren't sure what a Safe Haven Baby Box is, it is a box where someone can surrender their child anonymously, and more importantly SAFELY with no questions asked. On Jan 2nd at 2 am the alarm let the firefighter on duty know there was activity in the box. Thinking it was probably a mistake, he opened it up to find the newborn. She seemed healthy and content and locked eyes with the firefighter. This particular firefighter and his wife had been struggling for over 10 years to have a child and had decided to adopt. They had gone through all of the classes and were all registered and approved. The only thing missing was a child. The firefighter had to say goodbye to the baby at the hospital to get checked out, but after asking his wife what she thought of adopting the baby, well she answered by bursting into tears. Baby Zoey as she is now named got to go home just two days later. Mayor Guinn was a strong advocate of installing the Safe Haven Baby Box and recently put up a picture on his Facebook with Baby Zoey to let us know that she is adorable and is happy at home with her loving parents the firefighter and his wife.     

Family Fun Today at the Aquatic Fun Centers

Aquatic Fun Centers in Ocala on 255 NW Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. & 2390 SE 36 Ave.

Public pool facilities include a water slide and waterfalls at both locations. Trained lifeguards are always on duty and each location is officially set to be open from 11 AM – 5 PM on July 4th.

The Springs Are Open Today!

If you are looking for some fun in a natural setting Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon on 19158 SW 81st Place Rd.

A historically significant park that offers many activities, such as Canoeing, Kayaking, and Tubing. Also acknowledged for its supreme sights, gardens, hiking trails, and waterfalls. It is set to be open to the public on July 4th.

Another amazing natural local wonder is Juniper Springs located in Ocala at 26701 FL-40, Silver Springs

Subtropical springs have been designated for public swimming & recreation since 1930. Open to all visitors on Independence Day. It also offers picnicking outside the springs from 8 AM to 8 PM.

The Scalloping Season Has Begun!  

Can you believe that it's scalloping season already? This exciting season runs from July 1st to September 24th, and for those who have yet to experience it, it's like an adult scavenger hunt! But what if you don’t have a boat, well if you want to rent a boat over at Plantation Adventure Center located next to the Plantation Inn, they have several boats to choose from for an awesome day out with friends. Not only will that but Plantation West 82 Bar & Grill, located on the property cooks your fresh catch! Why not book your next adventure with the Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours and discover the thrill of scalloping for yourself?         

Citizens From 7 Countries Are Now Banned From Buying A Part of Florida

The new Florida real estate law that went into effect July 1 now prohibits citizens of 7 countries from buying real estate. The countries specified are Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. But Chinese citizens and those selling property to them face the harshest penalties.

It will now be a felony for Chinese people to buy property in restricted areas or for any person or real estate Company to knowingly sell to restricted people. For the other six specified nations, the penalty is a misdemeanor for buyers and sellers. Primarily the law affects areas in and around infrastructure like airports and seaports, water and wastewater treatment plants, natural gas and oil processing facilities, power plants, spaceports, and telecommunications central switching offices. While you may be thinking this won't really affect Marion County, agricultural land is also specified. What about the Foreign Citizens that already own property near critical infrastructure? They must register with the state or face fines of up to $1,000 a day. They're also prohibited from acquiring additional property. The law has provisions to allow the state to seize property from violators that fail to register.

Monday Evening Track Run (Brick City Adventure Park)

If you have been looking to get fit, Marion County Runs will begin meeting weekly on Mondays from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Brick City Adventure Park (1211 SE 22nd Rd, Ocala, FL 34471). Need to leave early come early, have to battle your way through traffic, come a little later. Either way, come out to meet up with like-minded people who love running and are there to support you in your training goals. Monday evening runs will be dedicated to conducting speed work to improve your running efficiency, and to assist new runners in achieving their running goals. If you need a "Couch to 5k" training plan or ideas on how to become a faster runner, they are there to help.