Humane Society of Marion County Invites Youth to Play with Shelter Cats

The Humane Society of Marion County is thrilled to introduce its brand-new program, "Meeting New Furrends," specially designed for local youth aged 10 to 15!

At the Humane Society in Ocala, young animal enthusiasts can join in a delightful 30-minute session to socialize and play with adorable cats in a peaceful and private room. The Humane Society has all the essentials covered – treats, toys, catnip, and more to make it a purrfect experience. Plus, participants will be pampered with refreshments and comfy blankets for the ultimate cozy cat cuddling.

The program classes are divided into two age groups: children (ages 10-12) and teens (ages 13-15). So, whether a child is a young cat whisperer or a teenager is a feline fanatic, there's a spot just for them!

Mark the calendars for the upcoming sessions on Saturday, Feb 3, with limited spots available, so registration is a must. There's more fun to come with sessions scheduled for February 17, March 2, April 6, and May 4.

For all the nitty-gritty details and to secure a spot, interested individuals can reach out to the Humane Society of Marion County at 352-873-7387, ext. 202, or drop them a line at aryan@humanesocietyofmarioncounty.com. The Humane Society can't wait to share this pawsitively amazing experience!

24 yr old Man Arrested After Motorcycle Runs Out of Gas During Chase
 

In a not-so-speedy getaway attempt that could rival a Hollywood action scene, 24-year-old Nathan Guy Wetherington from Ocala found himself in a bit of a motorcycle misadventure. It all started when a Marion County Sheriff's Office deputy noticed that Nathan's motorcycle was missing a rear light and had a license plate that could win an award for "Most Illegible."

Nathan, clearly auditioning for a role in a high-octane movie, decided to give the deputies a run for their money. He zigzagged through a series of roads, briefly reaching speeds of more than 90 miles per hour!

Nathan's great escape came to an abrupt end when the motorcycle ran out of gas and sputtered to a halt, leaving Nathan in the hands of the law.

As if the plot needed any more twists, it turns out Nathan's driver's license was in timeout mode, and his motorcycle was living the wild, unregistered life. Now, Nathan's got a starring role in his

own legal drama, facing charges that include "fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer," "failing to register a motor vehicle," and "operating a motor vehicle without a valid license."

But this isn't Nathan's first time in the legal spotlight! He's got a previous arrest in September 2023 with charges related to a stolen motorcycle and possession of meth.

Live On Stage: THE SPITFIRE GRILL

Experience the musical "THE SPITFIRE GRILL" live on stage at Ocala Civic Theatre from February 8 to 25. Follow the story of Percy Talbott as she seeks a fresh start in the town of Gilead, Wisconsin, working as a waitress at The Spitfire Grill. The show explores intertwined lives and the mysteries of the town, featuring a folk-flavored score of songs.

Directed by Greg Thompson, this production promises a warm and generous heart, offering 15 performances on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets are available for $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger. Don't miss this captivating PG-13-rated show. Buy tickets through the OCT box office, by phone at (352) 236-2274, or online at www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

City Council Approves $600K land purchase for new fire station

The City of Ocala is excited to announce the approval of a 7.8-acre land purchase for $600,000, where a brand-new fire station will soon stand.
This land, situated behind the Dollar General store, just south of U.S. 27 and west of NW 44th Avenue, was appraised at $612,000. The City will contribute $523,599 in cash and offer $76,401 in future fire impact credits for the Heath Preserve development. This state-of-the-art fire station will benefit various properties in the area, including the Heath Preserve development and nearby commercial properties. Construction will begin on the northern part of the parcel.

According to the court records, between January 11, 2016, and April 10, 2023, Liles devised a scheme to defraud Silver River Mentoring and Instruction (SRMI), an alternative school for middle and high school students. During this time, Liles handled the payroll at SRMI and gave herself 137 unauthorized paychecks by logging false information into SRMI’s accounting software. Liles received her paychecks through Automated Clearinghouse Services (ACH) wire transfers. An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Education

From Zero to Pickleball Hero: Unleash Your Inner Smashmaster!
 

Hoggetowne Goes Downtown

Celebrating the 37th year of medieval merriment, the extremely popular Hoggetowne Medieval Faire will this year offer a condensed version. Transforming Gainesville’s Depot Park as “Hoggetowne Goes Downtown” for this one huzzah-filled weekend, Jan. 27-28 from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. Admission is free for this condensed festival that will still feature many of the beloved highlights such as talented artisans and craftspeople, olde world demonstrations, exciting stage combat, medieval music and dance, a living chessboard, royal knighting ceremonies with the King and Queen, food court favorites and — of course — turkey legs!
 

Marion County Public Schools Calendar For 2025/26 Available

We've got some great news for you. The Marion County Public School Calendar for the 2025 through 2026 academic year has been officially approved!
Now, you can confidently plan your family vacations, reunions, and special events without worrying about school absences. Whether it's a family cruise or a big reunion, you can get those dates set in stone. Simply head over to the Marion County Public Schools website, where you can download your advanced academic annual calendar today. It's your go-to resource for all your planning needs!
Happy planning and here's to creating beautiful family memories!

Tickets Are Now On Sale For The CEP Annual Luncheon!

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Annual Lunch presented by Cox Business! 

Wednesday, February, 28, 2024 

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Doors open at 10:30 am for Networking - Program starts promptly at 11:30 am

Each year this event grows bigger and better, much like Ocala. So if you would like to be a part of this epic event visit the Ocala CEP Facebook page today for more information.

The 2024 Annual Luncheon presented by Cox Business, sponsored by the College of Central Florida, Citizens First Bank, Horse Farms Forever, and Duke Energy is an event you don't want to miss!  With over 1,200 CEP partners in attendance, be the first to know what's to come in the Ocala Metro for 2024! Not a member of the CEP? That’s ok, you can still go to the luncheon. For details, and to get your tickets to this popular event, just visit the Ocala CEP Facebook page.

The Belleview CEP Launch Event

Speaking of the CEP, they are expanding. How does a city’s chamber of commerce expand? The City of Belleview had no functioning chamber of commerce so the Ocala CEP has opened an affiliate location there.
Don't miss out on this historic moment on February 1st, 2024 for the official Belleview CEP Launch Event Presented by Florida Credit Union!

The heart of Belleview CEP's mission is to be the catalyst for a prosperous community. Monthly events will provide a platform for dynamic interaction, bringing together professionals and businesses in an environment conducive to meaningful connections. The Belleview CEP is its own chamber entity that will provide monthly events, ribbon cuttings, networks groups, educational programs, and more!

Hoggetowne Goes Downtown

Celebrating the 37th year of medieval merriment, the extremely popular Hoggetowne Medieval Faire will this year offer a condensed version. Transforming Gainesville’s Depot Park as “Hoggetowne Goes Downtown” for this one huzzah-filled weekend, Jan. 27-28 from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. Admission is free for this condensed festival that will still feature many of the beloved highlights such as talented artisans and craftspeople, olde world demonstrations, exciting stage combat, medieval music and dance, a living chessboard, royal knighting ceremonies with the King and Queen, food court favorites and — of course — turkey legs!

Free Couch To 5K Run Encouragement!

Marion County Runs will be 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, just come a little later. Either way, come out to meet up with like-minded people who love running and are here 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, this group is there to help.

2024 OTrak Chalk Walk

Enjoy watching professional artists create unique chalk drawings along the OTrak for a chance to win Best in Show, Second Place, and People’s Choice. First Place will receive $500, Second Place and People’s Choice Award will receive $250 each. OTrak Chalk Walk is a new event and part of the Tuscawilla Art Park Series brought to you by Ocala Cultural Arts.

This event is FREE and open to the public! Alongside the chalk competition, there will be food trucks, local artisans and vendors, and live musical performances by Mike Abbott, The Mudds, Ecliff, Fareeza, and Becky Baby at the Art Park. Families and friends are invited to draw their chalk art with provided supplies for $10 (cash only) as well as vote for People’s Choice. Visit the Ocala Cultural Arts information tent to purchase chalk.

The theme for the 2024 OTrak Chalk Walk professional competition is “O, The Places We’ll Go.” A travel and transportation theme inspired by the OTrak pathway linking City Hall to the Tuscawilla Art Park. This competition is open to artists currently working and residing in the state of Florida. For more information or to apply as a participating artist, visit www.ocalafl.gov/chalkwalk or call 352-629-8447
 

unset Songs Series Downtown

Music lovers of all ages will enjoy the new Sunset Songs Series! This free concert series on the downtown square brings you the best local and regional artists performing funk, blues, reggae, and country originals as the sun goes down. Kick back and soak in the melodies with the perfect Wednesday night activity. If you love music and sunsets, the Sunset Songs Series is for you!
End your day on a melodic high note at these not-to-be-missed community concerts.

Monthly concerts from January through May featuring top-notch musical talent
All concerts are 100% free - just bring your lawn chair or blanket!
Unwind and discover great new music in a gorgeous outdoor setting
Grab a bite to eat at one of our many amazing local downtown restaurants
First Wednesdays Of The Month
Running from January - May - 6 - 8 PM - Downtown Square

Florida’s Youngest Person To Hike The Appalachian Trail!

Are you considering a family road trip or camping trip with your kids this summer?

This 8-year-old girl from Trenton Florida, definitely accomplished something amazing!

Isabella Ganley is the youngest person from Florida to complete the more than 2,000-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail.

Isabella Ganley started hiking with her parents on March 16 last year and reached the end on October 4! Each year hundreds of people attempt to complete the trail, but only 1 in 4 finish it.

   During the hike, they were given ‘trail names.’ Hers was a ‘mountain lion’.

   Her father finished the trail with her and his trail name was “Stryder.”

Alexis Sofield Diagnosed With Stage 4 Lung Cancer
 

Chief Banta of the Marion County Fire Rescue posted the following message on the MCFR FB page. “It is with a heavy heart that I share some difficult news about one of our own. Chaplain Alexis Sofield, a firefighter of 19 years and now a dedicated chaplain of MCFR, has been diagnosed with stage four adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. He is currently being evaluated for treatment options.

Alexis has been a pillar of strength, courage, and compassion in our department. As a firefighter, he braved flames and risked his life to protect others. As a chaplain, he has provided unwavering spiritual and emotional support to our crews and the people we serve.

This news has deeply affected all of us at MCFR. Chaplain Sofield is not just a colleague but a beloved member of our family. We are committed to supporting him and his wife Madeline and his two sons Jeremiah age 14 and Elijah aged 13 through this challenging time.

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to assist with the immediate needs and mounting medical costs. Your thoughts, prayers, and support mean everything during this time.

As Always, Stay Safe!”

Chief Banta
If you have ever met Alexis or his wife Maddy, you will know how warm funny, and genuine they are. Maddy was an elementary school teacher for many years and has since become a local real estate agent. Both Maddy and Alexis volunteer their time abundantly in this community and now it’s our turn to show support to them as they face some really big challenges. If you are interested in showing your support, visit our FB Page which has the GoFundMe campaign link.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-alexis-sofield-battle-Stage-4-lung-cancer

World Equestrian Center Hosts The CEP!

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 will be at the World Equestrian Center and shouldn’t be missed!
 

Registration is Open For CEP ExCEPtional Morning!

If you have been struggling to get a ticket for the wildly popular ExCEPtional mornings breakfast put on by the CEP every third Wednesday of the month, you will not have that problem anymore! The venue has changed to the Reilly Arts Center allowing for nearly double the occupancy as before. Not to mention a more central location and additional parking.

While there were issues earlier this month in the upgraded registration process, that has now been fixed and you can easily register online.
The new 2024 Series Sponsor: HCA Florida Ocala Hospital

With the January Monthly Sponsor: SMA Healthcare

The Speaker for January 17 will be Justin Garner from the World Equestrian Center. He will be giving an update as to what is currently happening at the WEC and what is coming soon! 

Dunnellon Man In His 30’s Hiding Ohio Teen He Met On Discord!

Thanks to the Attorney General and the diligence of the FBI a Lima Ohio teen is now back with her family. She was found in the home of a Dunnellon resident in his 30s after he found her on Discord and discussed video games. Thomas Ebersole drove to Ohio and picked up the minor. She was found when the MCSO was asked to check out his residence since the World of Warcraft account of the missing teen had logged in using his IP address. When MCSO made contact with Thomas Ebersole, he lied about knowing the teen, but deputies persisted. He produced the teen and confessed to deputies that he had been sexual with her.

MCSO stated that the messages between Ebersole and the victim on Discord “further outlined his plans to meet the victim in Ohio and engage in sexual activity despite knowing that he was committing a crime.”

We ask residents to please delete this app from their child’s devices. It is one of the most frequently used methods predators have to begin grooming your child.

This girl's mother had absolutely no idea that she was in contact with this man, much less that she had been in Florida since her disappearance on December 28th. Thomas Ebersole has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies.
 

Alexis Sofield Diagnosed With Stage 4 Lung Cancer
 

Chief Banta of the Marion County Fire Rescue posted the following message on the MCFR FB page. “It is with a heavy heart that I share some difficult news about one of our own. Chaplain Alexis Sofield, a firefighter of 19 years and now a dedicated chaplain of MCFR, has been diagnosed with stage four adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. He is currently being evaluated for treatment options.

Alexis has been a pillar of strength, courage, and compassion in our department. As a firefighter, he braved flames and risked his life to protect others. As a chaplain, he has provided unwavering spiritual and emotional support to our crews and the people we serve.

This news has deeply affected all of us at MCFR. Chaplain Sofield is not just a colleague but a beloved member of our family. We are committed to supporting him and his wife Madeline and his two sons Jeremiah age 14 and Elijah aged 13 through this challenging time.

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to assist with the immediate needs and mounting medical costs. Your thoughts, prayers, and support mean everything during this time.

As Always, Stay Safe!”

Chief Banta
If you have ever met Alexis or his wife Maddy, you will know how warm funny, and genuine they are. Maddy was an elementary school teacher for many years and has since become a local real estate agent. Both Maddy and Alexis volunteer their time abundantly in this community and now it’s our turn to show support to them as they face some really big challenges. If you are interested in showing your support, visit our FB Page which has the GoFundMe campaign link.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-alexis-sofield-battle-Stage-4-lung-cancer

Spice Up Your Life: Salsa Dancing Classes Await!

SALSA WITH TONY "STEP N DANCE" BEGINNERS at the Marion Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center.

If you're thinking about learning Salsa, need a refresher, or consider yourself a beginner - this class is for you. Tony will charm you with his personality and magical feet.

Join Tony on Thursday nights at 6 pm at Marion Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center located at 280 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala - no membership is required to participate in his class, just pay for the class as you attend! 

Suspected Mall Shooter Arrested!

The Ocala Police Dept received hundreds of tips on the whereabouts of the Paddock Mall murder suspect, Albert Shell Jr. 39, was arrested by Ocala police officers with the help of the United States Marshals Service, specifically the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Albert was located at a home about 20 miles SW of Ocala late Sunday night. After confirming he was inside the home a 2-hour standoff occurred and Albert was taken into custody about 2 am Monday without further incident. A police body cam video has been published on the OPD Facebook page showing a shirtless Albert Shell Jr. being arrested.
If you hadn’t heard, Albert Shell Jr. allegedly went to the Paddock Mall gunning for the now-deceased victim, David Nathaniel Barron, age 40. This was at the start of the Christmas holiday weekend, which is one of the busiest shopping times of the year. Because the mall was so packed when Albert opened fire on his target, several people were also injured during the panic he caused.
 

Free Couch To 5K Run Encouragement!

Marion County Runs will be 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, just come a little later. Either way, come out to meet up with like-minded people who love running and are here 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, this group is there to help.

Scared of Public Speaking But Have a Lot To Say?

Improve speaking professionally and/or personally with Tiffany Gunter! This is an outstanding class that is new to the Ocala area.
Ms. Tiffany will be offering her class at the Marion Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center located at 280 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala 34473 on Saturdays at 11 a.m. You do not have to be a member to participate. Class is open to the public and a class fee of only $5 per class is paid directly to the instructor.

Got Plans For Tonight?

It’s a great time of year for the drive-in movie theater! With the cooler weather and the earlier screen times, it’s my favorite time of year to sit in the most comfortable seats out of the house, our cars. Not to mention the food available at the Ocala Drive-In rivals any restaurant in town. Don’t believe me? Order the muffuletta sandwich, it’s amazing! Kid-friendly screens tonight! Aquaman, Wonka, Migration, and Trolls! How can you miss some awesome family fun?

For The First Time, Florida Is Attempting To Execute A Man For Child Sexual Abuse.

Lawmakers in Florida passed a bill last April that could see people convicted of child sex offenses given the death penalty.

The bill was given the green light after DeSantis backed the proposed legislation in order to clamp down on sex crimes against children under the age of 12.

The bill will enable juries to hand down death sentences with a vote of only 8-4 in favor of the death penalty. Previously, the death sentence required a unanimous vote.

Joseph Andrew Giampa of Leesburg is the first one to test this new law. In November Giampa was arrested on multiple felonies and was found to have in his possession several videos of him performing horrific acts with a young child. One of his intentions was to sell the videos for monetary gain.

The kid gloves have come off for these unspeakable acts in Florida. Not only is Giampa facing the death penalty, but court records show his wife almost immediately filed for divorce as he awaits trial for capital punishment. What are your thoughts? Do you agree with the death penalty at all, do you feel as some States do that it should only be utilized when there is loss of life, or do you agree with Desantis and the Attorney General that this punishment fits this crime? Let us know on our Facebook Page!

High-Speed Driver Loses Control & Damages Local Businesses
 

Around 11:30 pm on New Year's Eve, 36-year-old Kyle Last of Citra was a suspect in a reported burglary in Silver Springs Shores. When a deputy with MCSO attempted to stop Kyle Last’s vehicle, the deputy stated that Last proceeded to ram his truck into the deputy’s patrol vehicle, disabling it. Last he fled from the scene, and the deputy was unable to pursue him as his vehicle was badly damaged.

The Ocala Police Dept sent out officers to find Kyle Last, but what they found instead was a large hole in a business on E. Fort King St.

Judging by the tire skid marks on the road, Kyle Last attempted to stop or slow down and instead, lost complete control of his truck and plowed into the Berkshire Hathaway building that is also leased to Edward Jones. The truck left a sizeable hole down the center of the building. Beginning at the front and ending at the back. The building has been posted as unsafe to enter for structural reasons for the time being. The driver died at the scene.

Reward Raised To $15,000!

$15K REWARD! The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is still actively searching for the Paddock Mall murder suspect, Albert Shell Jr., and they're now offering a $15,000 reward to anyone who provides information about his location that will lead to his arrest. We urge the public to call 352-656-6137 with any information that could help locate and apprehend Shell Jr. The murder suspect is easily identifiable as he is a black male with a tattoo of a cross at the bottom of his forehead, just between the eyebrows. He also has a tattoo of teardrops beneath his eyes and a tattoo of a chain necklace around his neck. With the name “Erica” within the chain tattoo located at the base of his throat.
The victim of the targeted shooting at the Paddock Mall has been identified as David Nathaniel Barron, 40.
The Florida Crisis Response Team, at the invitation of the Ocala Police Department, has organized an informational session for anyone affected by the traumatic shooting incident that took place on December 23 at the Paddock Mall. The session will be held tomorrow January 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room located at 402 S Pine Ave., Ocala.

It is free of charge and designed to help participants understand their reactions to the tragedy, learn effective coping methods, and access local resources to help themselves and their loved ones.