Crystal River Flooded

In case you haven't seen the pictures and videos coming from Cedar Key and Crystal River, they had major flooding when the tide came in. In Crystal River, the sheriff's office began picking people up who were stranded by using an airboat!

Thankfully, a lot of the water receded when the tide rolled out yesterday afternoon and now it's a matter of cleaning up the mess left behind by Idalia.

Things are returning to normal here in Ocala. Schools are back in session today. The Open house night that was postponed due to the hurricane for most of the schools in the area will be held next week instead. Feel free to check with Marion County Schools for the full list of open house dates and times at MarionSchools.net

Great news is that it's back! That's right! The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, September through May from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s historic downtown. Event festivities include over 30 artist displays, monthly live entertainment, free family art activities provided by local arts organizations, and extended shopping hours.

Participating visual artists and buskers are located along the downtown sidewalks next to participating businesses. There are a variety of art mediums on display and for sale.

The main entertainment is located in the gazebo.

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 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 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.

New Southern Buffet!

A southern buffet has moved into new digs in Salt Springs, replacing the previous restaurant that operated in the space for a decade. Pop’s Southern Buffet cooks up authentic Southern cuisine in a relaxed setting and offers different specials and dishes across the week. All meals include access to the restaurant’s salad bar. On Tuesdays, the restaurant hosts Italian night. It also hosts wing night on Wednesday, meatloaf, and liver with onion night on Thursday, and a seafood buffet night on Friday and Saturday.

MARION COUNTY TROPICAL STORM IDALIA UPDATE

President Biden spoke with Gov. DeSantis yesterday and assured him that the federal government will fully support Florida in preparation of the tropical storm Idalia and its aftermath.

Declaring an emergency allows Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate relief and provide needed assistance.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management is now at a level 2 activation and is continually monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Idalia.

Here’s what you need to know:

Sandbag Locations: The following sandbag locations will be open today from 7:00 a.m. until weather conditions prohibit operation. Please note that all sandbag locations are self-service but bags will be provided.

- Belleview Sports Complex, 6501 SE 107th Street, Belleview FL

- Dunnellon Public Works, 11924 Bostick Street, Dunnellon, FL

- Ed Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth Street, Ocala, FL

- Jervey Gantt Park, 2200 SE 36th Avenue, Ocala, FL

- Martel Recycling Center, 296 SW 67th Avenue, Ocala, FL

- Tuscawilla Park (Reilly Arts Center), 800 NE Sanchez Avenue, Ocala, FL

Citizen information Line:

Please call 352-369-7500 with questions related to Tropical Storm Idalia. We are asking that citizens use this line for non-emergency inquiries only.

As always, please call 911 for emergencies.

Shelter Information:

Special Needs Shelter: The special needs shelter is open

- West Port High School, 3733 SW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34481

General Population Shelters: The following shelters will open to the public as of 8:00 a.m.
* Pet-friendly shelter locations:

- * Lake Weir High School, 10351 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL

- * Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28th Street, Ocala, FL

No pet shelter locations are:

- Forest High School, 5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL

- Horizon Academy, 365 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala, FL

- North Marion Middle School, 2085 W Highway 329, Citra, FL

Emergency Management officials encourage citizens to bring supplies to the shelters to last for 24-48 hours, such as clothing, bedding, medications, food, water, etc.

If you are bringing your pet(s) to one of the pet-friendly shelters, they must be caged and you will be required to provide recent immunization documentation. Please bring whatever supplies are needed for your pets to be self-sufficient, and please pick up after them as well.

School Closures: Marion County Public Schools has announced that all public schools will be closed today and tomorrow.

Evacuation Recommendation: The Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management recommends evacuation to citizens west of Interstate 75 who live in a mobile home, RV, or other substandard housing. This recommendation does not apply to site-built frame or concrete block homes unless there are existing structural integrity issues or the possibility of flooding as flash flooding is expected along the west coast of Florida, the panhandle, and areas of southern Georgia.

Additional Information: All indicators are currently predicting that residents in the Dunnellon area will have an 82% chance of experiencing tropical storm conditions. Forecasters are expecting Hurricane Idalia to potentially reach Category 2 or 3 by landfall. Marion County Emergency Management officials are urging residents to prepare now for an expected impact this afternoon continuing on through early Wednesday morning.

We strongly recommend staying off the roads if at all possible, to avoid debris and to make way for emergency vehicles or linemen.

Stay tuned for more updates as this storm develops.

Ocala Woman Suing Edos.

A woman is suing an Ocala restaurant for over $50,000 for an explosion at a hibachi grill table that she claims left her “severely burned.” According to an incident report by Ocala Fire Rescue, crews arrived at the scene shortly after 5 p.m. on that day to find that staff had extinguished the fire. While the chef was performing tricks and holding a container with flammable liquid, the container appeared to ignite and explode, causing injuries to the woman and himself.  Thankfully both survived but the woman goes on to say that the business failed to “warn or adequately warn” her of the “danger” of the grill when the business “should have known” that said grill was “unreasonably dangerous. She will be represented by Orlando-based law firm Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys.

Boston Market Employees Are On Strike!

Employees at a Boston Market that has been temporarily closed say they haven’t been paid in weeks and the owner will not return their emails and calls. Before the closure, staff had dealt with food shortages for several weeks. Ingredients to some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, like its spiralized mac and cheese, were changed as cost-saving measures. Staff at the restaurant say they haven’t been paid for the last two pay cycles, equating to a month. “We are trying to reach out to the owners, but they are not answering. No emails. No calls,” said one of the employees. The employees and manager at the location decided that they would not open the store back up until they were paid.

Gas Leak at Ocala’s China Lee Buffet

Ocala Fire Rescue, Ocala Police Department, and TECO Gas Company were on the scene of a gas leak at China Lee Buffet on Silver Springs Blvd. The leak was reported Sunday, August 20th at 8:45 p.m. and prompted the restaurant’s precautionary evacuation. Ocala Fire Rescue units monitored the scene while TECO secured the gas leak provoked by an accidental puncture of the main line with an excavator.

Ocala’s First Rage Room!

Ocala residents who may be overly stressed, angry, or just looking to smash things will have the opportunity to do so at a new rage room that is opening later this month. When it opens, Smash Lab of Ocala will be the first and only rage room in the city and county. As its name suggests, a rage room, also known as a “smash room,” is a room where people can vent their emotions by destroying objects in a safe setting. As such, Smash Lab of Ocala says it will offer a “thrilling and unique experience” to its customers, with rooms that are constantly stocked and refilled with all types of breakable items which include ceramics, electronics, glass, dishes, toys, dolls, and a multitude of other smash-able items.

Ocala’s Biggest Night Club?

The owners of a popular billiards spot near downtown Ocala that closed in 2021 have opened a new nightclub on the shores that will feature Latin American, Country, Pop, and Hip-Hop music regularly. The nightclub is looking to position itself as a venue for fans of all music genres and will enforce a 21 years or older rule. Time Nightclub officially opened for business last Friday, August 11. Billed as the biggest nightclub in Ocala, the new venue features two floors and three bars, live DJs, and separate VIP sections.

After Years Of Renovation, It's Back!

On Thursday, August 10, the Publix at Churchill Square reopened its doors after a closure that spanned nearly a year and a half. The Publix at Churchill Square joins eight other current locations across the city of Ocala for the popular Florida grocer. The company currently operates over 800 locations in Florida, as well as 1,300 stores across the United States. The store was closed in March 2022 and was renovated from top to bottom. It is now open seven days a week, from 7 am to 10 pm.

Career and College Expo 2023

Middle and high school students and families have the opportunity to attend the Careers and Colleges Expo which takes place this Wednesday, August 23rd, in the Ewers Century Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala. The event is coordinated by counselors at all Marion County public high schools and the College of Central Florida and provides lots of information to students deciding their futures. Representatives from dozens of public and private colleges, universities, technical institutes, trade schools, and military recruiters will be on hand, sharing valuable information with local students. Expo time is 5 pm until 7 pm, and the event is free and open to the public.

Aldi vs. Winn-Dixie

Aldi has agreed to purchase the parent company of Florida-based grocery store Winn-Dixie and plans to convert some locations into the Aldi format. Southeastern Grocers Inc., the parent company of Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más, and Harveys Supermarket, will give all of its capital stock to Aldi in an all-cash transaction, according to the press release. That includes all SEG grocery operations which encompasses over 500 stores in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. For customers, there are no immediate changes planned for any of the stores. Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarket, and Fresco y Más stores will continue as normal until the sale is approved and closes, which isn't expected to happen until 2024.

World's Largest Buc-ees?

Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Marion County to announce the state is awarding a $4-million grant to help build a new interchange at Interstate 75 in Ocala. DeSantis said the new interchange — which has been in the works for years, according to the Florida Department of Transportation — will help traffic in the area. But really, the big announcement involved a massive gas station with an equally large cult following. DeSantis said the new Ocala location will be “massive” with 120 pumps, 720 parking spaces, and an 80,000-square-foot store which will now hold the name of being the largest Buc-ees worldwide!

Rabies In Ocala!

A rabies alert has been issued in Marion County after three raccoons tested positive for the disease, the Florida Department of Health announced Friday. Animals with rabies can infect other animals that have not gotten a rabies shot, officials said. That includes domestic animals who aren't vaccinated and other wild animal populations. Marion County residents are urged to be aware that rabies is active near them in the following areas: Silver Springs, Fellowship, and Blitchton.

Mobile Clinics In Marion County

The Marion County Health Department is aiming to make health more accessible for students of the county by offering vaccines needed for students heading back to public school. Currently, the mobile clinic is only offering the shots required for students going into the 7th and 12th grades. The administrator of the Marion County Health Department explains why it’s important to keep your students up to date on their vaccines, “The idea of the clinics was to be able to offer the shots in an area where it’s walkable, it’s close to every community in Marion County. We’re really trying to do some outreach and get out in the communities. It’s important to utilize the clinics because it can protect the community, your schools, and your children,”

Ocala Burger Makes The Top 10 List In Florida!

Ryker Brown is the director of culinary, food, and beverage at The Equestrian Hotel, which is part of the massive World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Brown, who has 26 years in the food service industry, said the chefs and crew at the Yellow Pony, located inside the hotel, take “pride and care” in building their half-pound burger patties are made from a blend of Angus, chuck, and brisket beef and short ribs and are served on a brioche bun from Douce France Bakery. Chef de Cuisine Jenny Polo said the restaurant serves about 2,400 burgers weekly.

Rental Electric Scooters In Ocala?

Over the past decade, cities across the country have opened their streets to a wave of companies offering electric vehicle rental services. These services allow riders to pick up an electric scooter or bicycle from any point around a city, ride it, and drop it off at or near their location. The services make use of mobile phone apps that allow the companies to track, charge, and collect vehicles around the city. The app helps to prevent riders from leaving a scooter in a prohibited place, like the middle of a busy street, or from riding it while not paid/registered. Lime, Wheels, and Spin are just a few of the businesses offering these services across the country. According to Lime’s website, the company currently operates in 27 states around the U.S.! Florida has already begun offering them in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and soon Ocala!

80,000 sq ft Shopping Complex In Ocala

The World Equestrian Center has announced plans to open a new 80,000-square-foot outdoor shopping venue at their facility. The new development will comprise 31 units, which will effectively double the property’s current retail footprint. Currently, WEC is home to multiple retailers, including Lugano Diamonds, John Craig Clothier, and Ariat International, among others. The new development is currently accepting reservations to secure retail spaces. A listing for the spaces indicates that they will be available by July 2025 and that they will cost $30/sf per year.

Ocala Downtown Bar Closes After Decades Of Business.

The Keep Downtown permanently closed its location in downtown Ocala at the end of July. Owned by husband and wife Mark Sykuta and Megan Whittaker, the business operated as Ocala Wine Experience for two decades before rebranding itself as The Keep Downtown in 2019. The couple purchased the business in 2016. Located just off the main downtown square, The Keep Downtown was known for its gothic style and events and played host to hundreds of networking events over the years. The business offered an extensive list of wines, beers, meads, and other craft brews, as well as small plates, pizzas, and other treats. Visitors to The Keep would encounter a change of pace from other bars in downtown Ocala, as the business would stream music videos from the 80s while hosting acoustic jam sessions, karaoke nights, and trivia in the upstairs bistro.

Furry Friends Deserve A Home!

A four-year-old dog that spent 527 days under the care of Marion County Animal Services staff has finally been adopted. On Saturday, August 5, Murphy’s lengthy stay at the shelter – the longest in Animal Services’ history – officially came to an end when his adoption was finalized! Murphy is happy to trade in life at the shelter for a new home with a pool and nearby lake. “It’s Murphy’s DREAM LIFE!” stated Animal Services in the social media post.

Event Raises $1,800 For Marion First Responders

A two-day weightlifting competition was held in Ocala last week to bring awareness to mental health issues that are faced by first responders. The annual “Bear the Burden” event, which was hosted by the Professional Firefighters of Marion County and Marion County Fire Rescue, focused on the total weight that each competitor could lift while performing the following three moves: back squat, bench press, and deadlift. The two-day event raised a total of $1,840 from competitor fees and merchandise sales. These proceeds will be utilized by the Marion County Benevolence Fund – the charitable arm of the Professional Firefighters of Marion County – to support first responders and their families who may face issues with mental health, unforeseen emergencies, or major medical expenses.

Got A Light?

Which lightbulbs are banned under the new rule that went into effect on August 1?

The policy establishes a new minimum energy-efficiency standard of 45 lumens per watt, meaning bulbs under that efficiency level will not be permitted on the market. While thankfully the lightbulbs you already own are not illegal, you will not be able to buy incandescent lightbulbs in the US anymore. Why is the government banning incandescent lightbulbs?

Newer forms of lighting provide a more energy-efficient way to light your home. According to the Department of Energy, LED lightbulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 to 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

The Energy Department estimates consumers will save nearly $3 billion a year on their utility bills now that the rule is in place.

In addition to saving money, the rules are expected to help the environment.

Ocala Orthodontist Goes Viral On TikTok!

Dr. James Jones, who owns and operates Dr. Jones Orthodontics in Ocala, has garnered millions of views on TikTok and Twitter. In the recent viral video, Dr. Jones can be seen descending into his office from the ceiling after one of his patients is asked to guess which door he will emerge from. Dr. Jones and his team operate a “one-of-a-kind orthodontics practice” that was taken straight out of a Willy Wonka movie. The walls, furniture, and furnishings at the practice are all larger-than-life and full of vibrant colors and fantastical quotes. “Brace yourself for the unexpected. Everywhere you look, you find something odd, yet somehow interesting. All of it comes from the bold, unique mind of your orthodontist. Is this all…a dream?” reads a quote from the company’s website.

The Gap Between Art and Life

The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery presents this new exhibition Aug. 7-Sept. 7. It is the gallery’s first competitive exhibition of installation art. "After reviewing 89 submitted entries, the jury panel selected eight diverse artworks by four different artists that will allow visitors to interact with the gallery space in new and unique ways," CF said in a news release. An opening reception will be held during the exhibition on Aug. 25 from 5-7 p.m.

Forever Everly: The Everly Brothers Rockumentary

This is a glorious blend of film and live music. Get to know the ins and outs of the famous duo in a beautifully crafted documentary, with plenty of room to get up and dance to the incredible music of The Everly Brothers, Paul Simon, The Beatles, and more! This is for tonight at the Reilly Arts Center at 7:30 pm!

Friday Date Night Idea

Why not treat him or her to a chic retro date at the Ocala Drive-In? Ocala Drive-in is Open 7 Nights a week. Rain or Shine. Adults $6 Children (6-12) $3 Children 5 and Under FREE! Not only do you get two movies for the price of one, but they also have the absolute best muffuletta sandwich in Florida! Not to mention some great pizza, wings, fried green tomatoes, and burgers! No joke, I would go just for the incredible food! This week they are playing: Barbie, Sound of Freedom, Disney's Haunted Mansion, and Insidious The Red Door. So get out there and have a great time, your date doesn't have to know that you saved a bunch of money!

Reading Between the Lines

Tonight from 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm you can visit the Marion Theater as the power of literacy is celebrated and funds are raised for the Marion County Literacy Council, Inc. This unique event features inspiring speakers who will share their stories on Stories of Transformation, The Importance of Access to Education, The Role of Literacy in Building Strong Communities, and The Impact of Literacy on our Lives.

ATTN: ALL KIA AND HYUNDAI OWNERS

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has noticed a recent increase in auto theft and vehicle burglary cases involving 2011 to 2021 Hyundai and Kia models. Due to a lack of an immobilizer on their turn-to-start ignitions, a social media trend has made many of these vehicles a target for criminals. If you own a Hyundai or Kia manufactured between 2011 and 2021 with a turn-to-start ignition, MCSO encourages you to take extra precautions to prevent yourself from becoming a victim! To help safeguard your vehicle, MCSO recommends that you: • Contact the manufacturer regarding anti-theft options for your specific vehicle (steering wheel lock, ignition immobilizer, etc.) • Install quality video surveillance cameras and alarms • Install a GPS tracking device • Park your car in a well-lit area • Close and lock all windows and doors • Never leave your car running while unattended • Keep information, such as the make, model, model year, license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) accessible in the event your vehicle is stolen.

Billy Woods Hoping For Reelection

Before assuming the role of sheriff, Woods was an Ocala Police Department officer for more than 25 years. When he ran for office several years ago, he was a lieutenant. At the OPD, Woods was an officer, traffic homicide investigator, and watch commander. Woods is the recipient of the Medal of Valor and Medal of Distinction, two of the highest awards an officer can receive from the police department. Woods first became Sheriff of Marion County when he took the oath of office in January 2017 If he is reelected for another 4-year term he will have been in office for just a little over half as long as Marion County’s longest-serving sheriff which was Don Moreland. Sheriff Moreland was in office from 1972 to 1992.

Ocala Getting Another Chick-Fil-A

Chick-fil-A lovers here in Ocala have a reason to get excited! The popular chicken hub is building a new restaurant in southwest Ocala. The land has been cleared and construction is underway for the city’s third Chick-fil-A, which will be located on SW 48th Avenue and State Road 200, next to the carwash and kind of in front of the West Marion hospital. Since we are speaking about Chick-fil-A, the franchise owner Jeromy Williams will be the guest speaker at an Event by Young Professionals Ocala and Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership tomorrow! This event is free, and it includes lunch thanks to sponsor Tri-Eagle Sales and is open to any young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40. If you ever get the chance to listen to Jeromy Williams speak, you will never forget it, so this is a fantastic opportunity for our youth here in Ocala! This will be tomorrow from 11:00 am to 1 pm and while it is free, you do need to register, so get ahold of the CEP right now to reserve your seat!

Tonight Is The Last Chance For 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 was primarily held on Saturday, July 29, and over 7,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were 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 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. But it is not over yet! The last location will be giving away the school supply-filled backpacks tonight at Frank DeLuca YMCA Gymnasium (3200 SE 17th Street in Ocala) tonight Tuesday, August 8, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ocala Couple Plead Guilty to Jan 6 Riot

Jamie Buteau and his wife, Jennifer, entered the U.S. Capitol building at 2:25 p.m. through a broken door in the Senate wing. Jamie Buteau is accused of throwing a chair at two Capitol Police officers, striking one of them. They left the building at 2:46 p.m. Jamie has pleaded guilty to felony charges while his wife Jennifer has pleaded guilty to misdemeanors. There were a total of 6 Marion County residents that took part in the riot that day at the capitol. Kenneth Kelley an internal medicine Doctor was sentenced in January 2022 to one year of probation including 60 days of house arrest. Kelly and Connie Meggs, of Dunnellon Prosecutors say Kelly Meggs was the Florida leader of the Oath Keepers paramilitary group and helped organize the assault on the Capitol. He and his wife, Connie, are accused of being among those inside the building on Jan. 6, 2021. Kelly Meggs was Found guilty at trial in November 2022; sentencing is still pending. Connie Meggs was Found guilty at trial on March 20, 2023. Sentencing is still pending Michael Curzio, of Summerfield Served six months behind bars and paid $500 in restitution But this was less than two years after he was released from a Florida prison in 2019 after serving an eight-year sentence for attempted murder. Court records show that he shot the boyfriend of his former girlfriend in a fight at her home.

CEP Networking University

Check-in with the CEP to see if you can still register for the in-person quarterly Networking University tomorrow Tuesday, August 8th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm upstairs in the CEP Boardroom. Learn the secrets to effective networking from experts who do it well! Sponsored by the Vines.

Reading Between The Lines

Thursday night from 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm you can visit the Marion Theater as the power of literacy is celebrated and funds are raised for the Marion County Literacy Council, Inc. Tickets for the event are on sale at MarionTheater.org

This unique event features inspiring speakers who will share their stories on Stories of Transformation, The Importance of Access to Education, The Role of Literacy in Building Strong Communities, and The Impact of Literacy on our Lives.

Clothing Swap at Citizen Circle

On August 4th (4-9 pm), a group of friends is coming together to host the Ocala Clothing Swap at Citizen Circle in downtown Ocala, Florida. This event is entirely free and open to the public. As friends, they recognized the rising costs of living, as well as the essential need for clothing. Additionally, Ocala Clothing Swap was inspired as a response to the overwhelming environmental impact of the modern clothing industry. Their mission is to foster community connection while also reducing strain on the wallet and environment.

The rules are simple:

1] bring gently used clothing, washed and folded (not required)

2] pick out new-to-you clothing provided by your community.

This clothing swap is perfectly timed for Back-to-School shopping, so when browsing your home’s closets for items to bring, emphasize school-appropriate options for students, teachers, and staff.

And it's not just clothing:

* Live music

* DIY clothing workshops

* Kid’s crafts

* Pop-up Fashion Shows

Appleton Museum Free First Saturday

Visit the Appleton on August 5 for Free First Saturday! Enjoy free admission all day to see our permanent collection, and special exhibitions, or to make art in the Artspace! Scuba Steve's Snack Shack will be on-site throughout the day. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., artist Charles Eady will tour his solo exhibition, "The Unscene South." Tours are free as part of Free First Saturday and will meet in the exhibition on the second floor. Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Back To School Bash

Friday, August 4, 2023, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Marion Oaks Community Center FREE SPLASH PAD FUN FREE YARD GAME FUN FREE DANCE PARTY Food trucks on site unlimited bounce and slide band $10.00

Cone Receives Special Recognition From DBPR Secretary

Melanie Griffin Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation visited several surprised businesses throughout Marion County last Tuesday. Those businesses were just some of the thousands of licensees that are regulated by the DBPR. 1,864,295 licenses are regulated by the DBPR throughout the State of Florida. Marion County accounts for over 4,000 real estate licenses, over 4,000 barber and cosmetology licenses, nearly 1,200 construction-related licenses, over 1,000 alcohol and tobacco-related licenses and 700 food service establishments, over 300 lodging establishments. While speaking at the CEP's monthly exceptional morning breakfast on Wednesday, Secretary Griffin congratulated Ocala on its recent growth and on its continued high levels of service to the public throughout the various industries. Special recognition was presented to Cone Distributing for outstanding service to their customers, employees, and community.

Summer Nights Lecture Series

Fort King National Historic Landmark and Visitor Center Summer Nights Lecture Series is tonight from 6 pm-8 pm Tonight's lecture will be on the Prehistoric Waters of Florida Dr. Bruce MacFadden, FL Museum of Natural UF This talk will tell the story of Florida’s marine and freshwaters over the past 50 million years using evidence from fossils. From beautiful coastal ecosystems to rivers, lakes, and springs, water is part of Florida’s identity and fundamental to life. Dr. MacFadden is a Distinguished Professor at the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. He is the author of more than 200 scientific publications on fossils, paleontology, science, and society. This program is free and open to the public.

What's Being Built on SW 60th Ave and SW 52nd St

Full steam ahead on the previously approved townhome development. 360 townhomes on 36.13 acres. The parcel is outside the Farmland Preservation Area and inside the Urban Growth Boundary. The staff report shows proposed entrances on SW 60th Avenue and one on 52nd Street. This PUD for 288 homes was previously approved unanimously by the BOCC in October 2021. The plan now has been approved for a total of 360 townhomes. Both the Development Review Committee and Planning & Zoning staff recommended approval on consent. The board passed 4-0 on this item with no discussion per its placement on the consent agenda with no opposition received.

Morse Home For Sale

Whitney Morse has listed her home at the family compound for $2.9 million. Morse, the daughter of Mark Morse, has put on the market the home located at 260 Oak Hammock Path, just north of County Road 466. The 3,716-square-foot home is located on a 10-acre lot. It has three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Morse is the artistic director of The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center and its sister space, The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. The home was Listed with Agent Jenn Carlisle of LPT Realty.

Youth Wet-n-Wild Wednesdays

Youth Wet-n-Wild Water Wednesday is free for Marion Oaks Residents. From 1 pm-4 pm at the Marion Oaks Community Center. 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're welcome to bring your own snacks. Sponsored by Marion Oaks Recreation Department.

Teen Driver Challenge Supported By STATE FARM!

State Farm has generously granted $50,000 to the Teen Driver Challenge, an educational course that provides training to teenage drivers. This program has been a vital contribution to protecting Florida’s teen drivers and everyone else on the roadway. At the request of the Florida Sheriffs, the Teen Driver Challenge was created in 2007 to lower the high crash and fatality rate of young drivers. It’s the largest commercial driving school in Florida and is offered to teens at no charge. The cost to run this program is covered by grants from State Farm and contributions from local sheriff’s offices. Instructors are certified law enforcement officers with accreditations from the State of Florida Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, under the Florida Sheriffs Association’s State of Florida Commercial Driving School License. The program is currently available in more than 42 counties including right here in Marion County. For more info visit: https://www.marionso.com/teen-driver-challenge All classes are currently full, but check for future dates!

10 Yr Old From Ocala Going To Junior Olympics

A Marion County 10-year-old is getting ready for one of the biggest competitions thus far. Daniella Wray is from Ocala. She's set to compete at this year's AAU Junior Olympics in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The track star just started running in May of last year. Her coach says she's a blessing to work with not only because she wins in the sport, but also in the classroom. "Academically, she's going to be more than a track star. We know that already. And I am so proud to be part of this journey," said her coach, Tony McCall. If you are interested in supporting her in her endeavors to get to Cedar Rapids, there is a go fund me set up for her.

Will Katya Vineyards Re-open?

Katya Vineyards is closed temporarily due to family health issues. But there was a bit of confusion as their website had said that the well-known restaurant was permanently closed. Katya Vineyards, which is located at 101 E. Silver Springs, Suite 102, announced this week that it would permanently close, according to a statement posted on its website. The restaurant posted this message: "Our family wishes to thank all our patrons for your patience at this time. You are all ‘family’ to us!"

Boynton Beach FL Realtor Finds Hand Grenade

A real estate agent in Boynton Beach found a hand grenade inside a home she was cleaning up Tuesday morning, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said. The sheriff’s office bomb squad was sent to the home in the 4800 block of Boxwood Circle around 11:30 a.m. to remove the small explosive device, the agency said in a statement. Teri Barbera, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office, said the Realtor placed the grenade on the kitchen counter before calling the police. While praising the person for calling the authorities, Barbera stressed that anyone who finds what could be explosives should leave the area immediately, then call the police. “No one should ever touch anything. Retreat, then call law enforcement,” Barbera said.