SW 80th Avenue Widening Project Moves Forward

Marion County is moving ahead with another phase of the major Southwest and Northwest 80th Avenue widening project.

County commissioners authorized staff Tuesday to complete remaining property acquisitions needed for Segment 1B of the project.

The overall project covers approximately 10.5 miles and will eventually widen the corridor to four lanes from Southwest 90th Street north across State Road 40 to about a half-mile north of U.S. Highway 27.

Plans also call for a median, intersection improvements, drainage facilities, a sidewalk and a shared-use path.

County officials say the expanded corridor is intended to accommodate west Marion County growth while providing an alternative to State Road 200 and Interstate 75.

Firefighters Rescue Driver Trapped Beneath Semi-Truck

Marion County firefighters successfully rescued a driver whose vehicle became trapped beneath a tractor-trailer in Citra.

Marion County Fire Rescue responded at approximately 4:25 Wednesday morning to the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and U.S. Highway 301.

Crews arrived to find a red sedan wedged underneath the semi with one person trapped inside.

Firefighters began an extrication operation and freed the driver within minutes. Paramedics treated the patient before transporting the individual to a local hospital.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office and Florida Highway Patrol also responded to the scene.

Former Ocala Police Chief Sam Williams Dies at 79

Ocala is remembering former Police Chief Samuel "Sam" Williams, who died August 28 at age 79.

Williams became Ocala Police Chief in 2003 and served until 2011. He was the second African American to hold the position in the department's history.

During his tenure, Williams helped modernize OPD's technology, secured more than $1 million in grants and emphasized leadership development within the department.

Williams was also instrumental in launching Phoenix Rising YouthBuild, a program providing education, job training and workforce development opportunities for young adults.

A viewing is scheduled for September 11, followed by a celebration of life September 12.

Give4Marion Returns This Month

Marion County's annual Give4Marion fundraising campaign returns later this month.

The 33-hour online giving event begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, and continues through 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 16.

An early-donation period begins September 8.

The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County launched Give4Marion in 2020. The campaign allows donors to choose among participating local nonprofit organizations through a single online fundraising effort.

The campaign concludes with a celebration at the Reilly Arts Center on September 16.

Ocala Shrine Rodeo Opens Tonight

The Ocala Shrine Rodeo returns to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion tonight and Saturday.

The two-day event includes professional bull riding, barrel racing, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling.

Both nights begin at 5:30 p.m.

It's one of several events happening around Ocala this weekend. Ocala Civic Theatre is also presenting the opening weekend of "RENT," while the Downtown Vintage Market comes to Citizens' Circle Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with more than 50 vintage and handmade vendors, food trucks and live music.

Marion County Takes Up Data Center Regulations Today

Marion County commissioners will spend part of today discussing how the county should handle future large-scale data center proposals.

The Board of County Commissioners holds its regular meeting beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a special workshop scheduled for 2 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Campus.

County Growth Services staff says the goal is to establish direction for evaluating and managing potential data-center applications before an actual proposal is submitted.

The discussion will also consider new requirements contained in Florida Senate Bill 484 dealing with utility costs and water-use permitting.

The state legislation does not eliminate the county's authority over local zoning decisions involving data centers.

Ocala City Council Meets This Afternoon

The Ocala City Council holds its regular meeting today at 4 p.m. at City Hall.

The meeting comes as council members prepare for September hearings on Ocala's proposed $1.27 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The spending plan includes proposed fee increases and potential changes in city funding for nonprofit organizations.

City leaders are also considering eliminating Ocala's local business license fee.

The first special City Council hearing on the proposed budget and fire assessment is scheduled for September 9.

Boil-Water Notices Issued Following Marion County Water Main Breaks

Some Marion County residents remain under precautionary boil-water notices following two separate water-main breaks Monday.

A notice was issued for customers in the Silver Springs Shores area, while another affects customers in Spruce Creek South.

Residents covered by a precautionary boil-water notice should boil water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and other consumption until officials announce that testing has confirmed the water is safe.

Marion County issued both notices Monday morning.

Marion Oaks Residents Raise Concerns About Illegal ATV Riding

Residents in Marion Oaks are asking Marion County officials for help addressing illegal ATV and off-road vehicle activity.

Residents told county commissioners that what began as occasional off-road riding has become an ongoing neighborhood problem.

Complaints include late-night noise, litter, verbal harassment and concerns about riders creating dangerous conditions on neighborhood streets.

Residents are seeking increased enforcement and other measures to discourage illegal riding on public roads and private property.

Ocala Pursuing Major Air Show

Ocala is working toward bringing a major new air show to Ocala International Airport.

The city's plans include a new three-year air-show agreement and an effort to bring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Ocala.

The developing aviation event is envisioned as another major attraction for the city and surrounding Marion County.

Additional details about the event and future dates are expected as planning moves forward.

Looking Ahead

Marion County's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meets Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., while the county's Land Development Regulation Committee meets Wednesday evening at 5:30.

The City of Ocala's Municipal Arts Commission also meets Wednesday at 2 p.m.