MISSING ENDANGERED JUVENILE – KAYLEE SHEFFIELD

Kaylee Sheffield just turned 15 in December and according to the MCSO she is missing and in danger. Kaylee was last seen yesterday Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at around 2:00 a.m. Kaylee was at her residence, located at 3918 NE 16th Court, Ocala, where she removed a small A/C unit in her room to exit the home. She is believed to have left on foot in an unknown direction. Kaylee’s phone was found and concerning images were located that have caused her family and law enforcement to be concerned for her well-being. If you have any information that can help us find Kaylee, please call 911 immediately.

#MCSO #Missingchild

If you have children in the Marion County Public Schools, just a reminder: They have early release tomorrow! They will be getting out of school two hours earlier than their usually scheduled release time.

Marion County Shelter Dogs Enjoy Expanded Play Area

Marion County Day 2024 Tomorrow!
 

Food trucks, local arts & crafts, fun activities, and more — come join us as we celebrate Marion County's 180-year history at Marion County Day! Saturday, March 23, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Admission is completely free, so bring your friends and family listen to presentations from local historians, and view artifacts from Marion County's history. Kids of all ages will enjoy multiple bounce houses, a petting zoo, archery, and other fun activities throughout the day.

So please come out and celebrate everything that makes Marion County a great place to live, work, & play!

Were you aware that we don’t have snow in Ocala? But we still have hockey! If your kids were in a league up North and are missing the ice, Skate a Way South has you covered!

Youth roller hockey! Join their Olympic Roller Hockey program. Practices are currently in effect. In-house leagues will be for ages 10 & under, 12 & under, and 14 & under.
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Skate A Way South: 2008 E Silver Springs Blvd
$6 per youth

If you are thinking for even a second that it is not the same or shouldn’t be taken seriously…I will remind our listeners of the names: Erin Jackson, Brittany Bowe and Joey Mantia they grew up learning to skate at our local roller rink and ended up competing in the 2018 Beijing Olympic Winter Games. They are Olympic gold medalists and have broken numerous national records. 

Be A Part Of The Plan!

Are you concerned about changes you have seen in Ocala recently?

Are you interested in things like:

Economic Development

Downtown Expansion & Redevelopment

Tourism & Sports Areas & Events

Housing Solutions

Workforce Development and Talent Retention

Specialty & Advanced Manufacturing

Logistics & Distribution

These are just a few of the topics that will be discussed during the upcoming annual sister city trip. Join business and community leaders on the Quest Trip-Intercity Visit to this year's location: Savannah Georgia to gather best practices and to generate ideas to make the Ocala Metro an even better place to live, work, and play. This is an incredible way to make key connections with the area's most influential civic and business leaders. CEP's Quest trips provide numerous interactions among attendees to build relationships with each other, fostering opportunities and addressing local challenges.

You'll learn how Savannah earned the nickname "Hostess City" and hear about revitalization and initiatives to address the downtown riverfront. Additionally, the group will discover how tourism has driven growth at their airport and been enhanced by the efforts of their sports commission.    

Additionally, exploration of manufacturing, growth issues, and how Savannah is addressing tomorrow's workforce challenges. As always, you'll also get a taste of the area's history and culture.

The dates for this trip are: April 30th-May 2nd

For more information, be sure to contact the Ocala CEP today!

Ocala CEP Exceptional Mornings

Join the Ocala CEP on Wednesday, March 20th 7:30 AM -9:00 AM at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Street for their monthly exCEPtional Mornings breakfast!

You won’t want to miss this Panel Discussion to learn about the Development and Economic Vitality of downtown. Ocala Main Street (OMS) is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization for improving and maintaining the heart of our community and working to revitalize downtown Ocala.

The 2024 series sponsor for exCEPtional Mornings breakfast is presented by HCA Florida Ocala Hospital?. The March monthly breakfast sponsor is Geo-Tech, Inc.

RSVP today at the Ocala CEP Facebook page for this incredibly popular and informative event.

If you have children in the Marion County Public Schools, this is a great time to remind you that it is nearly the end of spring break for them. Spring break started Saturday, March 9th and the kids go back tomorrow Tuesday, March 19th.

Pack Walk At Silver Spring State Park

Join the Marion County Animal Shelter at the historic Silver Springs State Park and help a shelter dog! This will be on March 24th from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

A busload of Ocala’s homeless dogs get to enjoy a nice Sunday morning at their favorite State Park. Attendees can walk these dogs through the park or just sit and socialize with them. All are welcome!

The park entry fee is just $2 per person.

The walk is for shelter dogs only. All dogs there are adoptable!

The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series Is Back Tonight!

The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is a joint partnership with the City of Ocala to bring free, accessible music to citizens and residents in our community. Each year we provide 10 shows with 20 performing artists, 10 cultural arts non-profit intermissions, and one public art project, all complete throughout the 10-week Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. In addition, we celebrate and activate Webb Field, a central public green space within the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex.

For some, the series is the only opportunity to access cultural arts programming. Through the series, attendees access ten genres of music with national, regional, and local artists as well as learn about ten not-for-profit local organizations that are providing year-found programming for our community. Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is a safe community space that transcends barriers and unites our community with the love of free live music.

Website: www.ocalafl.org

Rain can’t stop the music! Inclement weather will move the concert series indoors to the E.D. Croskey Center. We have new sound panels to improve the sound indoors and need your support to help keep music in public spaces. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for a rain relocation announcement.

Free Monthly Kids' Workshops at Lowes!

Did you know you can bring your young do-it-yourselfer on Saturday, March 16, 2024, 10:00 am -  1:00 pm to any of the Lowes Locations here in Ocala to participate in a Free monthly Kids' Workshop with your mini-DIYer Register your mini-DIYer for upcoming workshops.

Not only that, but if they

- Complete 6 workshops they become a Junior Builder

- Complete 12 workshops and become a Senior Builder and get a FREE tool bag

To register and find out more visit their Website: www.lowes.com

According to Indeed.com the starting salary for an average general contractor here in Florida is $20-$30 per hour. Depending on the area they work in and their experience level, your child could make a six-figure salary. You never know what may spark their interest.

Both CF and MTI offer some amazing educational opportunities for vocational fields in plumbing, electrical, and contracting, so if your child loves to work with their hands, they may have an amazing career and get ahead of their peers who will still be spending years in college before they can even get started.

If nothing else, you both may just have a wonderful Saturday morning activity together that will probably teach you both something new.

The Levitt AMP Music Series Is Back!

The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is a joint partnership with the City of Ocala to bring free, accessible music to citizens and residents in our community. Each year we provide 10 shows with 20 performing artists, 10 cultural arts non-profit intermissions and one public art project, all complete throughout the 10-week Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. In addition, we celebrate and activate Webb Field, a central public green space within the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex.

For some, the series is the only opportunity to access cultural arts programming. Through the series, attendees access ten genres of music with national, regional, and local artists as well as learn about ten not-for-profit local organizations that are providing year-round programming for our community. Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is a safe community space that transcends barriers and unites our community socially and civically with the love of free live music.

Website: www.ocalafl.org Contact Phone: 352-629-8447

Rain can’t stop the music! Inclement weather will move the concert series indoors to the E.D. Croskey Center. We have new sound panels to improve the sound indoors and need your support to help keep music in public spaces. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for a rain relocation announcement.

Appleton Artspace Spring Break

All day today Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 10:00 am -  5:00 pm

At the Appleton Museum located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

The Artspace engages adults and children in hands-on art experiences through colorful activity stations and projects that promote the understanding of art. Make a mosaic with magnets, build with Lego®, or draw on our glass wall — there’s something for every age and ability! The Artspace, supplies, and activities are free for Appleton members and included with the museum admission fee for nonmembers.

Adults: $10 |Youth (6-17): $5 |Children 5 & under: Free |Members: Free

Website: www.appletonmuseum.org

Contact Phone: 352-291-4455

Pop, Lock, and Dance

(Ages 13+) at Mary Sue Rich Community Center

Wednesdays and Fridays in March  6:30 pm -  7:30 pm

Location: 1821 NW 21st Ave, Ocala, FL 34475

The best news is this is completely Free!

This is for ages 13+.

Get ready to groove, master moves, and discover your unique style.

- Fundamentals

- Choreography

- Hip Hop, Jazz & Contemporary Styles

Website: www.ocalafl.gov

Contact Phone: 352-401-6980

Live Oak International March 14-17

From March 14 to 17, the Horse Capital of the World will showcase international combined driving teams and show-jumping individuals during the 33rd annual Live Oak International.

Preschool Parenting Program with ELC

Tonight Tuesday, March 12, 2024,  5:30 pm -  8:00 pm

At the Lillian Bryant Community Center-2200 NW 17th Place for the grand price of Free, you can join a new parenting program! It's a FREE Preschool Parenting Program for families with children 3-5 years old. Does your preschooler have challenging behaviors such as whining, temper tantrums, or struggles sleeping? Join the early learning coalition where you will receive resources and education to address these issues, plus many others.

Child care and dinner are provided. Receive a $50 bonus when you attend at least 11 sessions. Space is limited. Contact Phone: (352) 369-2315

Contact Email: ParentingPrograms@ELC-Marion.org

The ultimate Romantic Ballet, Giselle is the tragic story of a beautiful young peasant girl who falls in love with a prince disguised as a commoner. Ultimately dying of a broken heart, she becomes one with the ‘Wilis’, ethereal ghosts of unmarried girls. Giselle features DANB Principal Dancers Carla Amancio as Giselle and Roberto Vega as Albrecht.

The performance will be this Thursday at 7:30 pm at the Reilly Arts Center

Marion County Animal Shelter At Capacity

Imagine for a moment, you are placed in a cage so small that you can not stand up, you can not stretch out. You are to remain sitting or lying down for not days or even weeks, but months.

During those months, you are fed sporadically, if at all. You start losing weight so much that your bones are seen everywhere and anyone could easily count your ribs. You are no longer able to get a shower, and there is nowhere to defecate so your feces gets all over you and the small cage you are confined to. You are surrounded by the sounds and smells of others in similar cages around you who are just as miserable and depressed. So many months pass that your teeth get sore so it hurts to eat when you are fed and some of your teeth are rotten now. You are stuck like this until you inevitably die.

This is the actual scenario that Animal Control walked into last month. 53 dogs in deplorable conditions in a 2-bedroom home right here in Ocala. They rescued those dogs from that. In as much as they are getting food and medicine, these hard-working people are completely overwhelmed with the 350 animals already in their care. Adding another 53 with severe neglect and considerable emergency health needs is too much.

Our animal shelter can not sustain over 400 pets. Just picture that for a moment. Not ten, not twenty, not even one hundred. FOUR HUNDRED ANIMALS. Not only that but what about any animals that are lost or wandering the streets or nuisances right now? Can they answer your call about a wandering aggressive dog, when they have nowhere to put him if they do come and catch him? Considering that in 2023 animal control handled over 23,000 calls for service, the chances are pretty high that they will be needed or are needed right now and there is no room left to bring these animals. The situation has been steadily getting worse, but it is now getting dire.

I know you want to help. I know because the people in Ocala have kind hearts and we love our pets here. If you are not in a position to adopt a pet right now, can you foster one? Just one? If a few people can answer this plea today and foster some of these dogs that have had such a miserable existence the last few months and show them the love that humans are capable of, I know that we will all be better off for it. Please contact the Marion County Animal Shelter and look into adopting or fostering at: Animalservices.marionfl.org/home-animalservices

If you can’t have a pet or foster one but still want to help, you can volunteer at the shelter or you can contact your county commissioner about building a new facility for these furry Ocala residents. Our current animal shelter is much too small and is over 40 years old. Having a larger more updated facility with plenty of play areas won’t take away the trauma, and isn’t the same as having a home, but it will make their little lives a little more bearable as they wait to be found by their future family. Until then, today, like every day, they wait in the Marion County Animal Shelters' slightly larger cages.

If you have children in the Marion County Public Schools, just a reminder: They are out of school until the 19th starting this afternoon!

There is a teacher workday scheduled for Monday the 18th so again, the kids are due back at school March 19th! Hopefully, you will be able to do some fun activities as a family and get the most out of the school break!

Senior Resource Foundation at Paddock Mall

Seniors, stay active in the workforce! Join the Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala at the Paddock Mall from 11 am-2 pm on March 14th to explore part-time and full-time job opportunities in our community.

Employers, you can secure your spot in the fair and connect with talented job seekers for only  $25 a table by contacting the Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala

Don't miss this amazing, free-to-the-public, networking opportunity!

Marion County Day 2024
 

Food trucks, local arts & crafts, fun activities, and more — come join us as we celebrate Marion County's 180-year history at Marion County Day! Saturday, March 23, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Admission is completely free, so bring your friends and family, listen to presentations from local historians, and view artifacts from Marion County's history. Kids of all ages will enjoy multiple bounce houses, a petting zoo, archery, and other fun activities throughout the day.

So please come out and celebrate everything that makes Marion County a great place to live, work, & play!

Marion County Master Gardener’s Spring Festival

Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10, 9:00 am - 4:00pmAre you feeling spring fever yet? Are your green thumbs aching to clear away the winter and dig into the dirt?

Don’t miss the largest plant sale and educational expo in the region! Around 100 plants, food, educational, and non-profit vendors, including a large Kid Zone area of interactive activities and crafts. From native plants to houseplants, edibles, and more, you won't want to miss this event. Always the second weekend of March. Only a $3 admission!

Updates To Getting Licensed From the State of Florida

The Florida Department of Business and Regulation (DBPR) is reaching out to let people know that effective immediately, candidates seeking to schedule an exam may only reserve appointments for testing at a physical test center. In the interest of maintaining the integrity of examinations for DBPR-issued professional licenses, OnVUE online proctoring is no longer available for new reservations.

The DBPR is a government agency in the state of Florida responsible for licensing and regulating various businesses and professionals. It oversees a wide range of industries, including hotels and restaurants, real estate, construction, cosmetology, and many others, with the goal of ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations to protect consumers and promote a fair and competitive business environment in Florida.

Candidates who have previously scheduled online exams for test dates after March 7, 2024, will receive a cancellation notice from Pearson Vue. Pearson Vue will provide instructions and assistance with rescheduling exams to occur in person at a testing center.

Manatee Camera Program launches at Silver Springs State Park 

Silver Springs State Park is now home to a new set of innovative underwater and above-water webcams, designed to livestream the daily lives of manatees and other local wildlife. This exciting addition is part of an initiative by the Save the Manatee Club, expanding on their existing webcam network which already includes Blue Spring State Park and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
These webcams are not only a tool for research and education but also provide a unique window for millions of viewers around the world to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The installation at Silver Springs State Park, located at 5656 E Silver Springs Boulevard, is a collaborative effort involving Save the Manatee Club, Explore.org, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, aiming to raise awareness and foster a deeper connection between the public and marine life conservation efforts.

If you have children in the Marion County Public Schools, this is a great time to remind you that it is nearly spring break for them. Spring break starts Saturday, March 9th and the kids don’t go back until Tuesday, March 19th.

There are all sorts of activities at the parks, the discovery center, and the libraries that week, so check out some of the area's Facebook to find some fun in the sun while they are out of school.

Ocala Symphony Orchestra Concert

The Supreme Court recently appeared skeptical of laws in Florida and Texas banning social media companies from making editorial judgments on which messages to allow. Justices seemed to side more with the companies, accusing the laws of First Amendment violations. The court's final decision, expected in June, will likely be its most significant statement on free speech in the internet era.

A ruling favoring the states could expose users to diverse viewpoints but may also amplify hate speech and disinformation. A ruling favoring social media platforms seems probable, but justices may return cases to lower courts to address moderation questions for other websites like Gmail for example.

Supporters argue the laws combat California-based company censorship of conservative views. This debate was sparked by social media platforms banning Donald Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Ocala Strawberry Festival

Ready for a “Berry” good time? The 10th annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival is coming to the McPherson complex this Saturday, March 2, 2024. The festival begins at 9 am with FREE admission and ends at 5 pm. Proceeds collected from parking ($5 per vehicle) will benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

The festival starts with over 230 unique and exciting vendors, a kid’s zone with a petting zoo, strawberry food items that melt in your mouth, a bigger-than-ever car show with cool cars, trucks, and motorcycles, a pie-eating contest, a BMX show. Top-notch entertainment will be with performances from the Petty Experience Band, and Chris Patti, a Great Crooners and Frank Sinatra Tribute Artist.

Many nonprofits will have vendor booths, and Several photo booths will be available. The festival offers fresh Florida grown strawberries to purchase with many delicious strawberry treats. Come watch the strawberry pie eating contest.

The festival is for all ages, there is food for all tastes and fun for all generations of festival-goers. Habitat for Humanity could not host this event without the over 700 dedicated volunteers who have donated their time, efforts, and knowledge to assist.

All proceeds raised at the annual Strawberry Festival will be used to build a new home which will be called the Strawberry House for low-income families with an affordable mortgage and a safe and secure environment to raise their children.

For more information visit: https://habitatocala.org/strawberry/