Deadline for Nominations September 27, 2020
Now in its fifth year, the MCA Arts Awards will honor those individuals and organizations who enhance our quality of life through outstanding service, vision, and commitment to our creative community.
Award Categories
Service: Recognizes an exceptional individual for their dedicated volunteerism in the arts and contribution to the arts community as a whole.
Vision: Recognizes an individual or organization in Ocala/Marion County for
their outstanding advocacy of the arts.
Education: Recognizes an arts educator who utilizes the arts as a tool for achieving excellence.
Self-nominations are welcome. The online nomination forms can be found at mcaocala.org. Click here for more information about the awards process and Applaud the Arts.
For more information contact Jaye Baillie, MCA Executive Director, 352.369.1500 or at jaye.baillie@mcaocala.com.
Are you new to the Sunshine State or just curious to know more about Florida’s water? Watch this video to learn a few tips about conserving water.
Rooting caused by feral hogs can disrupt our natural systems and change the vegetative structure of wetland systems. Watch this video to learn more.
Staff are replacing non-native plants in this ground cover restoration project. To learn about the importance of restoring this area, watch this video.
CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
Staff Explain Minimum Flows and Levels Process for Lakes in the District
Minimum flows and levels (MFLs) are set to protect our natural resources and provide water to the public. But have you ever wondered how the District sets MFLs for a lake? District staff explain the process for Lake Allen in Hillsborough County. Watch this video.
OCALA, Fla.—Marion County is reporting 8,881 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. This is an increase of 22 cases since yesterday (Sept. 7). Of Marion COVID-19 tests from Sept. 7, 2.98% were positive; the county’s cumulative positive test rate is 13.5%. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 tests in Florida on Sept. 7 was 5.97%; the state’s cumulative positive rate is 13.48%.
From cases reported Sept. 1 to Sept. 7 (7-day rolling average), Marion saw:
– Number of new cases per day: 46
– Daily positivity rate: 5.43%
– Cumulative positivity rate: 13.5%
– Number of COVID-19 related deaths per day: 5.6
For more information
Visit DOH-Marion online at Marion.FloridaHealth.gov and follow the agency on Twitter (@FLHealthMarion) for the latest on COVID-19 in Marion County. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov. For general questions about COVID-19, call the state hotline (866-779-6121), local hotline (352-644-2590), or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Continue reading
Post Date: 09/08/2020 5:00 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2020) – The City of Ocala, through its Cultural Arts and Sciences Division, announces the launch of the mural Life Cycle, inside the courtyard at the Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway Street. Nationally recognized artist, and Ocala native, Drake Arnold began painting the new mural Tuesday, September 8.
“Drake Arnold, a local artist and member of both Magnolia Art Exchange and Marion Cultural Alliance, is gifting this mural to the community,” said Laura Walker, Cultural Arts and Sciences Division Head. “This piece will provide a dramatic backdrop to an arts space that all community members may enjoy.”
The concept for this mural was inspired by Arnold’s homestead that he began creating with his family last year. After developing an intense passion for gardening, a variety of animals including chickens, ducks, turkeys, a rabbit and a pig were added to the thriving farm, creating his own paradise.
While working with his easel on the back porch, Arnold was inspired by the beauty of watching the fruits of his labor grow. Seeing the transformation of the flowers pollinated by the insects, then experiencing the growing fruit and seeing the life cycle start all over again, the concept for the mural was born. Continue reading
Post Date: 09/04/2020 4:55 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2020) – Due to inclement weather, the First Friday Art Walk will move to the Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., 6 to 9 p.m. The event was originally scheduled to take place throughout the downtown area.
The covered market will provide the necessary weather coverage, while allowing patrons to interact with artists and local art organizations and maintain social distancing practices.
(The original release, distributed Friday, Aug. 14 is below for reference)
OCALA, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2020) – The First Friday Art Walk is scheduled to return to downtown Ocala Friday, Sept. 4, 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 September’s event:
- 6 to 9 p.m. – 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.
Post Date: 09/03/2020 3:06 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 3, 2020) – The City of Ocala, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Marion County and Feed the Need Garden, Inc., will host a West Ocala Wellness Community Garden Day Saturday, Sept. 12, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the community garden located at 2200 W Highway 40, between SW 21st and SW 23rd Avenue.
Community members are encouraged to attend and replant their crops for the fall or start a new garden plot. Plots are available for $10 per year.
The goal of the West Ocala Wellness Community Garden is to educate and provide an opportunity for citizens to plant, cultivate and harvest vegetables for their families.
For more information, or to reserve a plot, please contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5540 or follow the West Ocala Wellness Community Garden on Facebook.
(OCALA, Fla.) Sept. 2, 2020 – Ocala Fire Rescue units responded to a vehicle fire at the 2500 block of East Silver Springs Boulevard at 4:04 p.m. Engines 2, 3, and 5, Rescues 2 and 3, Squad 7, a Safety Officer, and Battalion Chief 11 were dispatched to the call.
Post Date: 09/02/2020
Crews arrived to find a pick-up truck, with its engine compartment engulfed in flames, parked a few yards away from a fuel pump at a gas station.
Firefighters secured the scene and began battling the flames. The fire was completely extinguished within five minutes. No injuries were reported.
Knowing what to do in case of a vehicle fire can save your life. If you suspect your vehicle is on fire, please stop the car, turn off the ignition, step away from the vehicle, and call 9-1-1.
The Ocala Police Department and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded.
