Post Date: 10/23/2020 4:12 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Oct. 23, 2020) –SunTran will be offering free bus rides for citizens to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Free ridership on Election Day will only include the seven regular SunTran routes and not the paratransit service provided by Marion Transit. Citizens should plan their trip by identifying their polling location with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections and then utilize the SunTran bus route system at www.suntran.org.
Regular bus fares will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
For more information, please contact the SunTran at 352-401-6999.
Post Date: 10/23/2020 4:15 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Oct. 23, 2020) – The First Friday Art Walk will take place in downtown Ocala Friday, Nov. 6, 6 to 9 p.m. The First Friday Art Walk occurs on the first Friday of each month, September through May. The following activities will be included in November’s event:
- Hands-on art activities and demonstrations for all ages provided by local non-profit arts and cultural organizations, local artists selling their works throughout downtown and participating businesses with extended hours.
- 20 artists throughout the downtown area, including My Uncle’s Friend playing ambient music
- Art organization booths will be located around the downtown square and Marion Theatre
Hands-on art activities, which are provided by the participating community arts organizations, will be a one-use, make and take item. Sanitation protocols will be in place at each art station, and each activity provided will be health and safety conscious. Continue reading
OCALA, Fla. (Oct. 15. 2020) – The City of Ocala, through its Cultural Arts and Sciences and Parks Divisions, announces the installation of new sculptural seating at Tuscawilla Art Park, 223 NE Fifth St., on Friday, Oct. 16.
“The newly installed structural seating’s design contributes to the aesthetic and functionality, while communicating the purpose of the art park as a creative space for visual and performing arts,” said Jennifer Normoyle, Grants and Outreach Manager, City of Ocala.
The customized sculptural seating will provide an integrated look for the Art Park and replaces the temporary seating installed during the construction of the park three years ago. The new seating will complement the existing shade structure and complete the overall look of an artist’s palette from an aerial view.
About the Artist
Local fabricator and artist, Mike Zeak has over 30 years in custom welding, fabrication and restoration. Though his company, Zeak Technique, he has worked on both private sector and local government projects and has learned that his true passion is developing unique solutions and creating custom designs. Continue reading
~Popular winter holiday event cancelled~
DUNNELLON, FLA. – The Friends of Rainbow Springs has announced that Santa Over the Rainbow, a popular event held in December each year, has been cancelled for 2020.
The annual event provides family-friendly activities focused on the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at Rainbow Springs State Park. The couple typically arrives by boat.
The event is hosted by the Friends of Rainbow Springs, an organization of volunteers who support the park year-round.
“The Friends of Rainbow Springs group enjoys the Santa Over the Rainbow event more than you will ever know. We spend many months planning and working to make this event happen,” said President Connie Santoro. “This year, for the health and safety of everyone in our community, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our event until 2021.”
Due to COVID-19, the Friends of Rainbow Springs have evaluated events normally held this time of year. Santa Over the Rainbow is one of the largest. For the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff, the organization made the hard decision to cancel the event for 2020.
Hopefully this event will continue in December 2021. We thank everyone for your continued patience and support as we navigate our way through this crisis.
About Friends of Rainbow Springs: The organization raises money to purchase equipment, make repairs and improvements to the property, and to create programs that can presented at the park. The organization provides volunteers to take part in park maintenance, operations and other projects as well. The business affairs of Friends of Rainbow Springs are managed by a 13-member Board of Directors who are elected by the voting members of the organization.
Serving Since 1885
MEDIA
R E L EA S E
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 1, 2020
Contact: Ashley Lopez, Public Information Officer Telephone: (352) 629-8306
Mobile: (352) 817-5914
Ocala Fire Rescue Launches the Ocala Recovery Project
(OCALA, Fla.) Oct. 1, 2020 – Ocala Fire Rescue is launching the Ocala Recovery Project (ORP), a complimentary program for addiction rehabilitation.
Funded by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant and the Marion County Hospital District, the ORP was designed to reduce opiate overdose deaths and dependency. Through a systematic approach comprised of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, and counseling, the ORP addresses participants’ emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being.
The program aims to help recurring overdose patients, new and expectant mothers suffering from substance dependency, Substance Exposed Newborns (SEN), and anyone ready to begin the path toward recovery.
“Addiction can affect anyone, at any time,” said OFR Captain Jesse Blaire. “With a hands-on approach, including emotional support and comprehensive medical care, we are certain that participants will achieve program success.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids are currently the main driver of drug overdose deaths. Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2020, first responders in Marion County received 1,101 calls resulting from overdose or poisoning. Moreover, 1,022 doses of the opiate blocking drug, Narcan, were administered in Marion County during this period.
For details about the ORP, contact Captain Jesse Blaire at 352-266-4769.
Lady Lake Area Chamber’s yearly event that is usually held in June. Business to Business was held at Water Oak located at 106 Evergreen, Lady Lake. Executive Director Leslie DiCesare along with Janet Fraley made this event their best one yet. All participants were given 2 – 3 minutes on stage to share information about their business. Breaks were given throughout the event to let everyone visit the booths.
Lady Lake Chamber has the Farmers Market every Tuesday. Pictured are Garden Fresh Vegetables “Fruits of the Villas” by Leo, also “Kera G. Jewelry” Quality Hand made jewelry by Kylee Craine and “La Petite Ferme, llc” Farm fresh Goats Milk, soaps & natural skin care
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is securing more than $11 million in relief for Floridians harmed as a result of Ocwen’s alleged improper mortgage servicing practices. The proposed final consent judgment, pending adoption by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, resolves the lawsuit brought by the state of Florida through the Attorney General’s Office and the Office of Financial Regulation against Ocwen Financial Corporation, Ocwen Mortgage Servicing, Inc., Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC and PHH Mortgage Corporation.
The agreement between Florida and Ocwen will provide at least $8.6 million in consumer relief, including $2.1 million to Floridians who were harmed as a result of Ocwen’s alleged servicing failures, including untimely payments of borrowers’ insurance premiums, improper imposition of lender-placed insurance and overcharging for property preservation inspections. Other benefits obtained for Florida borrowers include at least $1 million in mortgage loan modifications and approximately $5.5 million in late fee waivers for eligible borrowers. Ocwen will also pay more than $3 million in civil penalties and reimbursement for the Attorney General Office’s fees and costs.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This resolution is a continuation of our efforts to correct harmful deficiencies in mortgage servicing practices and ensure that distressed homeowners who have been impacted by servicing errors receive much-needed relief—relief that is especially important in these challenging times.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by reminding victims of domestic violence that help is still available to them amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With many Floridians limiting social and professional interactions to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, domestic violence can be even harder to detect—and victims may not know where to turn for help. Victims do not need to isolate with their abusers and abuse counselors have adapted to the pandemic to provide more communication resources for victims. Advocates can be reached 24/7, 365 days a year through the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1(800) 500-1119.
Attorney Ashley General Moody said, “With signs that domestic violence cases may be on the rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for victims of domestic violence to know they have our support and that help is available. Domestic violence shelters across the state are open and advocates are available 24/7 to provide safety to victims and their families with protocols to protect against COVID-19 in place. If you or someone you know are a victim of domestic violence, know you are not alone. Please reach out for help.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence centers have worked tirelessly to ensure that services remain available to survivors and the community. These services not only meet the needs for safety from violence but also incorporate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Domestic violence center outreach and shelter services remain operational and advocates are available 24/7 to develop safety plans for survivors and families based on specific needs throughout the pandemic. Survivors, as well as their friends, family members and other community members can contact any domestic violence center through its 24-hour hotlines. Local certified domestic violence centers have increased the ability to communicate with survivors through the use of various applications. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody, along with 27 other state attorneys general, obtained a judgment against Tennessee-based Community Health Systems, Inc., and its subsidiary, CHSPSC LLC. This judgment resolves an investigation of a data breach that impacted approximately 6.1 million patients, including more than 430,000 from the state of Florida.
At the time of the data breach, CHS owned, leased or operated 206 affiliated hospitals, including 37 located in Florida. Information exposed in the breach included the addresses, birthdates, names, phone numbers and Social Security numbers of patients. The judgment, agreed to by CHS, requires a $5 million payment to the states and provides that CHS agrees to implement and maintain a comprehensive information security program reasonably designed to safeguard personal information and protected health information that will include specific information security requirements.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Health care patients are routinely asked to reveal personal information in the course of treatment. The added stress surrounding a data breach exposing personal information can be overwhelming. I’m glad we were able to provide relief to the more than 430,000 Floridians impacted by the negligent actions of this health care company.” Continue reading
