Latin Dancing For Date Night

Looking for a date night idea for tomorrow night? 
The Crazy Cucumber has you covered!

Join them for an EPIC night as DJ Eric brings the heat kicks off the night at 10 PM and rocks it out until 2 AM with the best of today's Latin sounds!!! All the best music of Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata! This is the place to be!

This is exclusively for Ages 21 and up and will have a $5 Cover Charge

But if you Reserve a Table then the fee is waived

So get dressed up and get excited for a night of food, drinks, and dancing the night away!

New Year's Eve Celebration Downtown Ocala

Are you wondering how to ring in the new year this weekend? Not wanting to sit at home watching some far-off city celebration? Ocala Main Street has you covered!
Sunday will have live music and a countdown until midnight! From 6 pm to 10 pm, you can join in the fun for only $15!
The live music is just the tip of the iceberg as they are planning 15 different exciting entertainments including some jumping dancing robots! They will have dance performers, a 40’ light tunnel, disco ball dancers, and even some fire performers! Gobs of food trucks will be on hand to help you say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024!
For more information visit the Ocala Main Street facebook page.

Local artists from Marion County and nearby areas are invited to be part of the 2024 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series, adding their artistic flair through live painting. The live painting sessions will coincide with Friday concerts running from March 15 to May 17, 2024, at Webb Field, creating a dynamic fusion of visual and musical arts.

Selected artists will receive a $250 honorarium as a token of appreciation for their creative contributions. All artwork should be family-friendly, aligning with the event's spirit of community and inclusivity.

Application Deadline: February 18, 2024

Application Methods: Email (artinfo@ocalafl.gov) or mail

The painted panels will replace existing ones at the Ocala Skate Park, leaving a lasting artistic legacy within the community.

For application details and inquiries, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.gov.

The 2024 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series promises to be a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community spirit. Local artists are encouraged to seize this opportunity to make their mark on this exciting event.
 

Paddle Into The New Year!

Why not take a guided, small-group paddleboard tour of Silver Springs? Make new friends and have fun exploring some of Florida's most beautiful waterways.

This is an easy, beginner-friendly paddle and will be limited in size.

You’ll launch from Silver Springs State Park, and paddle for about 1.6 miles. This is a gorgeous river and a very easy paddle. Before you hit the water, they will get you familiar with everything and offer personalized instruction for everyone. If you’ve never been on the water like this before, your first time should be this Saturday at 9:30 am!

Enjoy the gorgeous Florida springs in a whole new way, you won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face. If you need certain accommodations, like a seat, or for those with knee or balance issues, we got you!*

Cost is $75/person and includes**:

~An appropriately sized paddleboard

~Paddle & Flotation device

~Instruction on how to paddle board from your friendly, Outsiders guides!

Sign up to reserve your spot! Kids under the age of 8 are welcome to ride on their parent’s board and must wear an appropriately sized personal flotation device.

Contact Outsiders Guides at (386) 785 6806

Ready To Swing In The New Year?
 

Shine up your saddle shoes and get ready to jump jive n’ wail with Becky Baby and Swing Theory. Join us in the NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center for a celebration of Ocala history on Saturday, December 30th at 7 pm. The Swing in the New Year Dance Social is a tribute to days gone by. Take a trip back in time to the 1940s when dances were a part of our local culture!

Originally, the Reilly Arts building was the Ocala City Auditorium – a WPA project that was completed on July 4, 1940. Over the decades the auditorium hosted countless Ocala dances, proms, graduations, concerts, and events. The Reilly continues this local legacy today.

Learn something new and meet new friends. Experience fun photo ops, specialty-themed cocktails, a swing dance jam circle, and featured dance performances. The evening will be set to the soundtrack of incredible vintage music from Becky Baby and Gainesville’s favorite little big band, Swing Theory!

Don’t know how to swing dance? Here’s your chance to learn! Arthur Murray Dance Center will be leading the lesson at 7 PM! The instructors from the Arthur Murray Dance Center will have you rock-stepping in no time! If you’re a hep cat who already knows how to swing, cozy up with a cocktail and line up some dance partners in the lobby at cocktail hour. When the band starts playing, we’ve got just the place for you to strut your stuff! Get your tickets today! It doesn’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!

Don’t wanna dance at all? Grab a seat and watch the show! Wallflowers are welcome!

Pre-social Dance Lesson: 7-8 PM

Dance Social: 8-10 PM

If interested in both your total will be $25

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for purchased tickets so don’t be a square.

Ocala’s Third Chick-fil-A location is Now Open!

It’s my pleasure to tell you all about the new Chick-fil-A location that is located in front of Fore Ranch on Hwy 200. This location has some unique new features including a mobile order line that is separate from the regular drive-thru line. Those who have the app have a significantly faster experience with mobile ordering. When you enter the dining room each table has a feature where you can place your order, simply by tapping your phone on the table number! The new dine-in experience also has employees greeting you at the door and taking your order at the table instead of having you queue up in line. So while this is still a fast food restaurant, it has upgraded fantastic service, even more than what’s normally attributed to the brand. 

Student and Emerging Artist Competition

The City of Ocala is hosting the "Community" Student and Emerging Artist Competition from April 9 to October 14, 2024, at Ocala City Hall. Artists with up to six years of experience can participate in one of three divisions. Artwork must be completed within the last two years.

Awards include scholarships, art framing, free classes, and more. Artists can submit one piece by March 17, 2024, through various methods. Selected artists should drop off their work on April 8, and the exhibition opens on April 9, closing on October 14.

For details and submissions, contact the Ocala Cultural Arts Office at 352-629-8447 or visit the City of Ocala Cultural Arts webpage. Sponsored by the City of Ocala, Appleton Museum of Art, and others, this competition offers a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work and win prizes.

Reilly Arts Center Welcomes The CEP!

We will see a big change coming in January for Ocala. The extremely popular CEP monthly ExCEPtional morning breakfast held on the third Wednesday of each month is changing venues. The new location will be at the Reilly Arts Center! With this central location and plenty of parking, it will be easier to engage in this early morning networking event.
The CEP was a victim of its success in the last few years. With well over 400 members wanting to attend this event each month it became harder and harder to score a ticket. The last few months were sold out three months in advance!

With the new venue location, there will be seating for up to 700 members. 500 on the main floor and an additional 200 on the balcony. How the eating of breakfast will go in business attire but no tables…well, we will see what the Ocala CEP has up their sleeves on Jan 17th at 7:30 am!
 

Board Game Night at Goblin King Games

Looking for something fun to do tonight? Well, tonight Friday, December 22nd from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM you can meet at 2750 E. Silver Springs Blvd. #201-202 for Board Game Night! Participation in Board Game Night is FREE! Board Game Night will feature 1-2 games that anyone is welcome to join and have some fun. If those games aren't to your liking, you may pick from others in our game library or bring one of your own.

TENNESSEE MAN ARRESTED FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING; MORE VICTIMS SUSPECTED

On Sunday, December 10, 2023, 29-year-old Wesley Hurd was extradited from Sullivan County, Tennessee to the Marion County Jail to face fifty (50) felony charges related to his effort to abuse and exploit a 14-year-old girl he met online.

On the morning of November 19, 2023, (MCSO) deputies responded to a home in Southeast Marion County in response to a report that a 14-year-old girl had run away from home. Later in the day, the 14-year-old’s mother accessed her Discord account (Discord is an internet-based communications application) and learned that her daughter was having inappropriate conversations with Wesley Hurd, who was using the username “Vile.vil.” The child’s mother contacted MCSO to report this and that night, MCSO Major Crimes Special Victims Detective Henrik Osthed responded to investigate.

Detectives quickly learned that the victim had not simply run away from home. They learned that Hurd had driven from Tennessee to Florida, where he had arranged to pick her up from her home and then return with her to Tennessee.
While I will not recount the disturbing details of the investigation, you can review it on the MCSO facebook page if you are concerned.
Sheriff Billy Woods had this to say: “I am incredibly proud of my detectives and the deputies from the Sullivan County Tennessee Sheriff’s Office, who worked together to locate and arrest this sick individual within four (4) hours of learning he had abducted this child.” Sheriff Woods continued, “The actions of this sick individual are truly among the most disturbing things I have ever heard of in my 32 years in law enforcement. It is a reminder that true evil exists in this world and that the internet is the chief means by which these predators try to gain access to children. Parents and our children rely upon us to keep them safe, so please be aware of what your kids are doing online. Their lives may depend on it.”

Due to Hurd having numerous photos of children with his Discord username “VIL” self-inflicted brand on them and by the nature of the conversations he was having with these children, the MCSO knows he has more victims. If you or someone you know may have had contact with Hurd, please contact Detective Osthed at (352) 351-4710.
As one parent to another, please, immediately go to your children's internet devices and remove all access to Discord. It is known for being one of the main sources predators use to access and groom your children. Despite their claims otherwise, I promise, they do not need it in their lives. It’s just not worth the risk.

Former Mayor Presented With An Official Key To The City

During Tuesday night’s Ocala City Council meeting, elected officials and city staff acknowledged former Mayor, Kent Guinn, for his years of public service.

Mayor Marciano presented the former mayor with an official key to the city, while Peter Lee, City Manager, provided a service award to Mr. Guinn for his long-term commitment to the City of Ocala.

I saw Kent Guinn at the CEP exceptional morning breakfast yesterday and just could not bring myself to address him as anything but “Mayor Guinn.”

We appreciate the leadership, dedication, and service he has provided to our community throughout the years.

Sheriff’s Office Has Free RAD Classes!

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is hosting a FREE Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Program at our Training Building (692 NW 30th Avenue, Ocala). In this comprehensive program, women and girls 13+ will learn realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. The course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance while progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training. Again, this is a FREE 12-hour course taught in four 3-hour sessions, each session begins at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m.

Our January course consists of the following sessions:

January 9, 2024

January 16, 2024

January 23, 2024

January 30, 2024

Your attendance is confidential, and this class is a safe place for women to learn how to protect themselves against threats in a variety of situations. This class is suitable for ages 13 and up, and wearing comfortable/workout clothing is recommended.

To register, email Cpl. Shelby Kinsey at skinsey@marionso.com.
 

Have You Been To Mellow Mushroom Yet?

Well, we have been waiting for years for the Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones, and creative stone-baked pizzas to open. Now that it has opened in downtown Ocala, we want to hear from you. Was it worth the wait? They are open every day from 11 am to 10 pm so there are plenty of chances to pop in for some pizza or how about their pretzel bites served with melted beer cheese to dip them in? It goes great with 24 different craft beers that they serve. The salads are enlightened and elevated. The burgers and calzones look great so if you have had them and want to tell us all about it, please hit us up on our Facebook page!

Ocala’s Third Chick-fil-A location is Now Open!

For every one that waited in line to be the first 100 customers, congratulations! According to company tradition, the first 100 customers received gift cards for free Chick-fil-A for a year!

The new location that is located in front of Fore Ranch on Hwy 200 has some unique new features including a mobile order line that is separate from the regular drive-thru line. Those who have the app have a significantly faster experience with mobile ordering. When you enter the dining room each table has a feature where you can place your order, simply by tapping your phone on the table number! The new dine-in experience also has employees greeting you at the door and taking your order at the table instead of having you queue up in line. So while this is still a fast food restaurant, it has upgraded fantastic service, even more than what’s normally attributed to the brand. 

The College of Central Florida tradition, the annual train exhibit has returned to the Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida. The annual exhibit presented by the college and the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society features modular train layouts and railroad memorabilia. Many of the layouts are inspired by historic Ocala landmarks.

The exhibit will be open daily during special gallery hours from 10 am – 2 pm. through Dec. 29, 2023; it will be closed Dec. 24 -25. For more information call 352-854-2322 ext. 1664 or visit CF.edu/Webber.

Marion County Schools Gets a “B”

It’s not just students that are taking home their grades this time of year, the grades for the school in the Marion County Public Schools have been released.
Several schools received an A but the average grade for the entire district is a “B” Those schools that received an ‘A’ are Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary, Eighth Street Elementary, Ina A. Colen Academy, Madison Street Academy, and Ward-Highlands Elementary. Notably, Ward-Highlands Elementary improved from a "B" to an "A" grade.
There are currently no failing schools in Marion County according to these grading standards. The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) introduced Florida's Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) as a new test aligned with the B.E.S.T. standards. FAST provides real-time data throughout the school year to support student improvement.

For a unique Christmas tradition, consider cutting down your own Sand Pine Christmas tree in the Ocala National Forest. Available until Christmas Eve during daylight hours, you'll need to purchase a permit from Recreation.gov/tree-permits/ocala, where you'll also find tree-cutting tips and a harvest area map. Remember to print and carry your permit, and note that chainsaws are not permitted. For more information, contact the Lake George Ranger District at (352) 625-2520 or National Forests in Florida at (850) 523-8500.

Litter Patrol Catches A Felon

A Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy was conducting a litter patrol and found a pawn receipt amongst the strewn trash. The receipt led to Bearce's residence on SW 50th Court.
At the residence, the deputy learned that several items, including jewelry and electronics, were missing. Among these were an engagement ring set, a wedding ring, a Playstation 4 console, and a Nintendo Switch with controllers. Investigations revealed that 18-year-old Ambyr Rose Bearce stole the items from her parents and pawned items on different dates at a pawn shop in exchange for small amounts of money.
Bearce confessed to the thefts, stating she saw it as a way to make money without working. She also intended to use the proceeds to pay court fees from a previous theft incident. Bearce was arrested and held at Marion County Jail on a $12,000 bond. 

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police, Florida Highway Patrol, and Homeland Security Investigation swiftly responded to a reported active shooter situation at the Horizon Academy campus. This has to be every parent's worst nightmare and hundreds of parents were holding their breath waiting for an update. Following the alert, law enforcement teams conducted thorough sweeps of the campus multiple times but did not find any evidence of a shooter or even a firearm. In the wake of the situation, a total of 1,134 students and faculty were evacuated from the campus as a precautionary measure.
Recently an 11-year-old boy was arrested as he was identified as the one who made the 911 call from his cell phone. He didn’t want to be in school that day. Well, I have a feeling that going to school won’t even be an option for him for the foreseeable future.
 

Take home the best U-Pick Strawberries you’ll ever taste – they’re juicy, sweet, and the most local you’ll get your hands on. Bring family and friends to create lasting memories together!

Due to the popularity of Brown’s Strawberry U-Pick last year, and how DELICIOUS this variety of strawberries were, they have expanded their U-pick operation with more acres!

Entry to the U-Pick field is free; please wear appropriate shoes as you will be walking on dirt.

U-Pick cost per lb – $4

The U-Pick strawberry fields and parking lot are located just south of Brown’s Country Store on HWY 301 (third field gate past the store.)

Please check their Facebook page or call (352) 303-1550 before you head to the farm for open hours and important updates on availability.

Sheriff Billy Woods Needs Your Help!

"I'm going to hunt you down, and I am going to put you in my jail.”

Sheriff Woods stated about the individual he is hunting down who shot one of his deputies outside Club Time this last weekend. Deputy Kenneth Warner was keeping the peace in the parking lot of the club at 2 am when there was a gathering of more than 100 people standing around outside.

At some point, someone shot Deputy Warner in both legs along with one other individual, Mr. Richard Brown. While both victims are expected to make a full recovery, Sheriff Woods wants justice. MCSO is combing through surveillance video from nearby businesses, but there were a lot of cell phone cameras and witnesses to the event as well.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help to find the person responsible for opening fire on a crowd and for shooting a deputy. The Florida Sheriff’s Association and Attorney General are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for a tip that leads to an arrest. You can call: 352-732-9111

If a person wishes to remain anonymous, a reward of up to $3,000 is available through Marion County Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP

Have You Been To Mellow Mushroom Yet?

Well, we have been waiting for years for the Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones, and creative stone-baked pizzas to open. Now that it has opened in downtown Ocala, we want to hear from you. Was it worth the wait? They are open every day from 11 am to 10 pm so there are plenty of chances to pop in for some pizza or how about their pretzel bites served with melted beer cheese to dip them in? It goes great with 24 different craft beers that they serve. The salads are enlightened and elevated. The burgers and calzones look great so if you have had them and want to tell us all about it, please hit us up on our Facebook page!

Manatee Season In Full Swing!

Manatees are the official marine mammal of Florida and for good reason. These sweet, gentle giants move slow enough to make it easy to capture awesome photos— and you don’t need to be near the coast to see them! A visit to Silver Springs often means a visit with the manatees.

During the cooler winter months, manatee sightings are frequent, as they take a liking to the springs’ warmer waters. If you see one of these mammals, please remember you are permitted to look but not touch.

An excursion on one of the famous Glass Bottom Boats lets you see right into the underwater world of the springs without even getting wet. If you are looking for a bit more adventure, rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard and paddle down the river.

Keep your eye out for the manatee’s noses popping up out of the river for a breath and you may be able to get a closer look at them.

Whispering Oaks Wine Run 5k!

Want to get a jump on those New Year's resolutions, but still want to have some fun?

Love Wine? This race is for you!

Get Registered at RunSignUp.com for this Sunday, December 17, 2023, at 11:00 am for an exciting event that features the scenic views of Whispering Oaks Winery!
According to Whispering Oaks:

"Our wines are created with fresh blueberries harvested and fermented with care to create a unique table wine that is far from ordinary. This great blend of delicious nectar tantalizes and teases the taste buds!"
Whether you are looking to run, walk, or just enjoy the wine this race is a sure thing for a great time and an incredible experience! This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted.

The Duck Derby Is Back!

It is quacktastic! The 5th Annual Marion Rotary Duck Derby hosted by the Marion County Rotary Club event will be held on Saturday, February 17, with the race at 11:30 AM at Tuscawilla Park.

The funds from your participation in the Duck Derby will support the Discovery Center, a family-friendly science center that promotes interactive learning and encourages individuals to expand their knowledge, and other charities supported by the Marion County Rotary Clubs. Over the past few years, this event has happily raised almost $30,000 for charity.
 

The Duck Derby will race 5,000 Rubber Ducks with huge prizes, including the Grand Prize of $2000 in cash.
 

The Duck Derby combines with the Ocala Cattle Drive, the annual festival celebrating Central Florida cattle history, plus a compilation of exhibitors, a sampling of food vendors, and more.

Get Your Tickets!

8th Annual Black Tie Event   

Mark your calendars for The 8th Annual VOCAL Furball 'Paws & Pearls' presented by Lugano Diamonds. This event will be on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 6 pm.
Celebrate and fundraise for the animals in Marion County. The Furball is their signature event and is black-tie optional. Tickets are $150/person and provide access to a cocktail hour, silent auction, live auction, live entertainment, and a 3-course dinner. Tickets are now on sale and you can buy yours at: VOCAL - Voices of Change Animal League, Ocala Facebook Page.

Snow In Florida

If you are feeling nostalgic this time of year and missing the snow or watching those hallmark movies and feel like you are missing out, don’t worry, Kirby Family Farms has you covered! It’s almost time for  Kimberly’s 5th Annual Snow Party!
On Saturday, January 13th from 11-4, You can brave the Snow Slides on Real Sleds with Real Snow, Ride a Bull, Ride the Historical Train, take a Pony Ride, go round and round on the Historical Ferris Wheel, ride the Carousel, bounce in the Bounce Houses, play at Fort Kirby, or ride one of the other kiddy rides.

Tickets are $15 in advance and will be $20.00 at the gate on the day of the event.

Not into rides then visit one of the 50+ Craft Vendors or various Food Trucks! Live Entertainment includes the Irish dancers from the Gainesville School of Dance at various times throughout the day. What does your ticket include? Free parking, all rides including the train, bounce houses, pony rides, snow slides, Fort Kirby, and live entertainment. The only thing you will need additional money for is the vendors and food trucks.
 

Take home the best U-Pick Strawberries you’ll ever taste – they’re juicy, sweet, and the most local you’ll get your hands on. Bring family and friends to create lasting memories together!

Due to the popularity of Brown’s Strawberry U-Pick last year, and how DELICIOUS this variety of strawberries was, they have expanded their U-pick operation with more acres!

Entry to the U-Pick field is free; please wear appropriate shoes as you will be walking on dirt.

U-Pick cost per lb – $4

The U-Pick strawberry fields and parking lot are located just south of Brown’s Country Store on HWY 301 (third field gate past the store.)

Please check their Facebook page or call (352) 303-1550 before you head to the farm for open hours and important updates on availability.

Music’s Best Decade

What was the best decade in music? We would love to hear what you think on the Ocala Classic Hits Facebook Page!

Personally, I loved the music from the 80’s! The Ocala Civic Theater agrees as they have the 80’s Revolution playing there on Saturday, December 16th at 7:30 pm

The 80’s Revolution is the ultimate party show band highlighting the hits that drove people to the dancefloor in the incredible, decadent 80s. No detail is missed, from the neon to the leg warmers, 80’s Revolution takes you back in time, when Pat Benatar, Def Leppard, Journey, The Outfield, Michael Jackson, ABBA, Loverboy, Cindi Lauper, Rick James, Madonna and Van Halen ruled the airwaves. From Dance Pop to New Wave to Hair Band Rock, 80’s Revolution covers the era like no other band.

Tickets run from $23-$45 so go online today to get yours at: ReillyArtsCenter.com

A Holiday Cabaret

A festive holiday cabaret performed by a talented teen cast is set to bring holiday cheer with a program full of solos, duets, and group numbers. This event at the Ocala Civic Theater offers a lively mix of music and festivity, complemented by free hot cocoa, and cider included with admission.
The cabaret runs December 9-10, 2023, and will have performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and a 2 p.m. show on Sunday, all at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Tickets are affordably priced at $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

For more details, call (352) 236-2274.

Manatee Season In Full Swing!

Manatees are the official marine mammal of Florida and for good reason. These sweet, gentle giants move slow enough to make it easy to capture awesome photos— and you don’t need to be near the coast to see them! A visit to Silver Springs often means a visit with the manatees.

During the cooler winter months, manatee sightings are frequent, as they take a liking to the springs’ warmer waters. If you see one of these mammals, please remember you are permitted to look but not touch.

An excursion on one of the famous Glass Bottom Boats lets you see right into the underwater world of the springs without even getting wet. If you are looking for a bit more adventure, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and paddle down the river.

Keep your eye out for the manatee’s noses popping up out of the river for a breath and you may be able to get a closer look at them.

Thamester James Robinson Jr., a 29-year-old found himself in a bit of trouble. He was arrested for shoplifting more than $650 worth of goods from the Walmart on SW Highway 200. On November 24th, he swiped a "Spider-Man bundle PlayStation 5" and a couple of other video games. The very next day, at the same Walmart he made off with a Roku device, earbuds, and some food.

It seems Robinson caught the attention of the store's loss prevention team, who grabbed him at 7-11. After a post-Miranda interview, he confessed to the thefts. They also searched his vehicle and found the stolen video games, and he was forthcoming about the whereabouts of the PlayStation 5.

This isn't Robinson's first run-in with the law, especially when it comes to stealing. He's facing charges of second-degree petit theft and marijuana possession due to his prior theft convictions. He's currently being held on a $4,500 bond, and he's got a court date set for December 27th.

Louis Carmona, a 26-year-old resident of Ocala, found himself in a spot of trouble recently. He was arrested for attempting to steal Pokémon cards valued at $200 from the Walmart on Southwest Highway 200.

This incident was captured on surveillance video by the store's loss prevention team, clearly showing Carmona failing to scan the cards at a self-checkout station. Marion County Sheriff’s deputies arrested him and charged him with retail petit theft.

If there are any more 20-something-year-old men here in Ocala looking for a way to get Pokemon cards and video games, Marion County Public Schools hopes to fill vacant positions in many different fields.

The district has more than 250 jobs posted on its website. Positions range from teachers to technicians. Bus drivers to food service workers. They’re searching for carpenters, plumbers, receptionists, support staff, mechanics and more. Give them a call at 352-671-7787

Live Video On FB of Crash Sending 15 People To The Hospital

A new dashcam video has been uploaded to Facebook showing the Nov 28th crash that involved a pickup truck and a bus filled with adults with special needs that hit an ambulance while it went through an intersection with its lights and sirens on.

The video showed that with the impact of both vehicles simultaneously hitting the ambulance it went airborne and landed on the sidewalk.

The owner of the dashcam video that captured the accident said that the ambulance landed a mere foot from where he was stopped. Fifteen of the accident victims were taken to the hospital with minor injuries or for monitoring including 2 MCFR firefighters, 11 special needs adult students, the bus driver, and the pickup truck driver. Eight students were transported just as a precaution, and three sustained minor injuries. The MCFR firefighters also had minor injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. MCFR reminds citizens to yield to emergency vehicles.

Symmetry In Downtown Ocala

Festival at Fort King

Immerse yourself in the 1800s at the Festival at Fort King, a two-day event happening this Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This historical festival brings the past to life with an array of themed crafts, games, workshops, and activities, complemented by living historians, vendors, and a variety of food and drinks. The event's highlight is a dramatic re-enactment of a significant event that ignited the Second Seminole War.

Admission to the festival is $5 per person, but veterans and children under the age of 5 can attend for free. For convenience, free shuttle parking is available at the Duke Energy power line field, situated a quarter mile east of the fort, between NE 43rd Avenue and NE 44th Avenue on the north side of E Fort King Street. The festival ensures accessibility for all guests, with free shuttles and trams running continuously, including an ADA tram for handicapped or disabled visitors. The Festival at Fort King is a perfect blend of education and entertainment, offering a unique chance to step back in time and enjoy a weekend filled with historical insights and fun.

The Fort King National Historic Landmark is located at 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34470. This significant site is a key part of Ocala's rich history and offers a glimpse into the past. For more information about the landmark, events, or other inquiries, you can contact them at (352) 368-5533

Ocala Leaders OK Plan For More Surveillance Cameras

The Ocala Police Department is set to install 10 new pole cameras around the city to enhance public safety and combat crime. These cameras will provide continuous 24-hour surveillance that is not possible with human monitoring. They are designed to be always on alert.
This technology is seen as a more effective alternative to having officers stationed for prolonged surveillance.
The initiative also aligns with broader challenges. Acknowledging the complex factors influencing crime, such as economic conditions and the presence of sophisticated criminals, the police department views these cameras as a crucial tool in their strategy to improve city safety. This move reflects an increasing reliance on technology in urban safety measures.

Ocala Police employees donated their bonus 'Thanksgiving checks' to feed 50 families in need. Each year, the City of Ocala gives their employees a $30 check to help pay for their holiday dinner. This year, about 100 OPD employees donated their money so other families in need can enjoy a nice meal.

Families received: a turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, rice, rolls, cranberry sauce, and a pie. How did they know who to donate to? Our School Resource Officers and other community partners helped identify families in need of a meal and then the employees hand-delivered the dinners to their homes.