Ocala News
50 YEARS! Wow! Thank you to those who celebrated 50 years with us. The outpour of love and support that was in the room that night is such a testament to the community that we are so fortunate to be a part of. The work of our mission is only made possible by the generosity and compassion of those who support us, and for that, we cannot thank you enough!
Thank you CKJphotos13 for capturing these beautiful moments! Thank you Tom James, Commissioner Craig Curry, Dr. Hank Harrell, AARP Florida’s Jeff Johnson, Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham, United Way of Marion County’s Bob Haight, our Staff, Volunteers, and everyone who made this night so incredibly special.
We look forward to the next 50 years!
Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
Each Wednesday | 5 – 6 PM
June | Fort King National Historic Landmark |3925 E. Fort King St.
July | Scott Springs Park | 2825 SW 24th Ave.
August | Heritage Nature Conservancy | 2005 NE Third St.
September | Fort King National Historic Landmark |3925 E. Fort King St.
October | Heritage Nature Conservancy | 2005 NE Third St.
November | Scott Springs Park | 2825 SW 24th Ave.
December | Wetland Recharge Park | 2105 NW 21st. St.
Join the Ocala Park Rangers every week for Wildlife Wednesdays. Each week discover different native animals and explore their unique Florida habitats.
Saturday, Sept. 30 | 6 – 9 PM | Ages 5+ | $10 per person
How does an entire command go missing on their way to Fort King? Who was really to blame for the attack in 1835? Hear from the legends who witnessed the event at Legends of the Fort.
This guided lantern tour takes you back in time at Ocala’s Seminole War historic site. Meet the legends and hear the tales of a time gone by during this unique event.
Tours last approximately one hour with groups starting every 30 minutes. Each group is limited to a maximum of 20 people per group.
Tickets MUST be purchased in advance so reserve your time slot today!
For additional information, please visit our website or call 352.368.5533.
Art of Aging is an annual collaborative partnership of Marion Senior Services and MCA that celebrates aging through art, stories, and education.
Marion Senior Services, participating artists, La Casella Catering, all the sponsors, and attendees made the Art of Aging opening reception a success. Art of Aging: The Golden Age artwork was from artists that know about the Art of Aging. Be sure to stop by during gallery hours to see exhibits from local artists. Marion Cultural Alliance gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm. Location: 23 SW Broadway St Ocala, FL
517 NE Ninth St.
Open daily | Sunrise – 10 PM
The Ocala Skate Park is 6 acres with a dedicated parking lot, murals, benches, and most importantly, plenty of surfaces for skaters!
Pursuant to Florida Statute, 316.0085, the skate park is only for skateboarding, in-line skating and freestyle bicycling only. No other recreational activity is permitted in this designated area. Mountain bikes and off-road biking are not permitted.
Please exercise caution and follow all recommended guidelines. Failure to comply with all rules and regulations may prohibit your future use of the park. Your understanding and cooperation will benefit all users. No modifications to the riding surface or features are allowed.
Rules to Ride at the Ocala Skate Park
Children ages eight years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or another adult authorized to be responsible for the minor by the minor’s parent or legal guardian.
Get more information: https://www.ocalafl.gov/government/
The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park allows the City of Ocala to efficiently use its water resources. By developing and operating this park, the City of Ocala has created a wetland ecosystem, is improving water quality, and boosting regional groundwater supplies, by utilizing treated wastewater. The park sits on a 60-acre site, located near Lillian Bryant Park. The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park is home to educational exhibits and kiosks, boardwalks, two and a half miles of paved walking trail, and wildlife overlooks.
Hours: Monday through Sunday – Sunrise to Sunset
Address: 2105 NW 21st Street, Ocala, FL 34475
Contact: 352-351-6772
Price: There is no fee to enter the park
https://www.ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-i-z/water-resources/ocala-wetland-recharge-park
Date: 10/21/2023 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Square
1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, Florida 34471
A free and encouraging event full of music, the art of worship, art, baptism, and prayer. For details, please contact Chris Dolan of Chris Dolan Music, Inc. at 352.304.1659.
Date: 09/30/2023 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fort King National Historic Landmark
3925 E Fort King St., Ocala, Florida 34470
Step back in time and explore Ocala’s history with a guided lantern tour at the fort. Meet the legends of Fort King’s past as they tell you of a time gone by. Enjoy pioneer games and food while you wait for your tour to start. Guests should arrive 30 minutes before their tour time starts to ensure prompt transportation to the fort. There will be no parking onsite, parking will be available at the Klein lot. $10 per person. For details, please contact Kathleen Ramirez, Outdoor Historical Resource Archaeologist, at Fort King National Historic Landmark, at 352.368.3355.
A veteran of VFW McCullough-Mixson Post 4209 Ocala has won the top award for feature articles in the 2023 Veterans of Foreign Wars National Publications Contest.
Michael P. Mauer, a Desert Storm veteran, won the Grand Award for his article, ‘VFW Motorcycle Riders.’ The submission appeared in the August 2022 edition of the South Hills – Mon Valley Messenger, and placed first in competition after a judges’ review by two non-VFW affiliated journalism professionals.
Mauer wrote the article while assigned as the VFW PA District 29 public affairs officer. This is his fourth VFW writing award in seven years. Continue reading
OCALA, Fla. —Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham were joined by local leaders, advocates, and caregivers in Marion County to celebrate recent budget funding to support Florida’s advancements in service and care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. During the 2023 Legislative Session, Governor DeSantis proposed and secured record funding for Alzheimer’s care.
“With Governor DeSantis at the helm, Florida has put our seniors first when they needed it most,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “The Framework for Freedom Budget included over $65 million for Alzheimer’s support, an increase of more than $12.5 million over the last year. We will continue to fund, support, and fight for those who live with Alzheimer’s disease, their families, and caregivers.”
The state budget, signed by Governor DeSantis in June, included $12.5 million in additional funding to expand the work of the state’s 17 Memory Disorder Clinics and the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, which assist residents and caregivers affected by the disease. This also includes nearly $500,000 in support for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Brain Bus, a mobile outreach unit that helps educate Floridians on early warning signs and available resources. Continue reading
