By Matt McCormick
It is a true honor to join the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership as your new president and CEO. During my visits to Ocala and my conversations with members of this remarkable community, one thing has become abundantly clear—this is a place defined by excitement, growth, energy, and collaboration. My family and I are beyond thrilled to make Ocala our new home.
The CEP’s mission is to be “the catalyst for a prosperous community.” At its core, our work is about helping businesses do business—and thrive—in a vibrant, growing region. We are also a “convener of collaboration,” because economic development never happens in isolation. It takes partnerships among business, government, education, and the broader community, all working toward shared success.
The CEP has a proud history of supporting businesses, driving growth initiatives, and serving as a strong advocate for this region. I’m eager to build on that legacy while staying partner-focused and mission-driven. Over the coming months, my focus will be on listening and learning—hearing directly from you about what matters most. What challenges are you facing? What opportunities excite you? And how can the CEP be a part of helping you achieve success? Continue reading
By TomL
I received a call one day that a veteran just outside the Villages Sumter County side needed help. Apparently this veteran managed to buy a new mobile home. The mobile home company set up the mobile home put a regular pair of stairs in the front and left. The veteran was in a wheel chair. Someone got him in the home but he had no way to get out. I was ask to help because I had run into this problem before. I called the mobile home company and they refused without the vet paying money. I called a guy I met that helped Veterans and they went to the church and got a volunteer group together. We got the lumber company to donate four sheets of plywood and some 2 by 4’s and they went to work. It was a smart the way to make the ramp 3 sheets of plywood long 24 ft ramp and the top deck was the fourth sheet of plywood. The Veteran was happy he could get in and out without any trouble. Here comes code enforcement, the volunteers did everything wrong and was not being very co-opertive. I told the volunteers to go to the next Board meeting which I attended with my camera, it was not long the approval came through. It seems as though there was just a couple of minor adjustments and the Veteran was good to go. Continue reading
By TomL
This a disclaimer that this is what I think happened, not anyone else’s Ideas.
What should Marion County do next? It needs to rebuild and strengthen the Republican National Committee. I noticed that politically we are being skipped by, by many leaders in our state. I noticed that the Governor gave money out to county (Small) town’s but skipped Marion County and by the way I told him about it, if my email ever got through. The Republican Party got split in half some year’s back in Marion County and has not pulled back together YET! Let me tell you a story, I will leave out some names because to some the story still hurts. By the way the sheriff of today had nothing to do with all this, it was before his time..
Some years back the Sheriff was training his replacement so when he retired his second in command could just step in and take over. It was not that easy, he had to win an election! But to make a long story short he ran and won the election. Before he could be sworn in a scandal hit and he was no longer eligible to be Sheriff. Continue reading
The Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park serves as a place of honor for our service men & women. Events are hosted at the park throughout the year including Quarterly Memorials, Memorial Day, & Veterans Day to name a few. Memorial bricks & benches are available to commemorate one’s service to our great nation. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Please contact Marion County Veterans Services at 352-671-8422 to purchase a brick or bench, or to volunteer.
Rider from all over compete at the Florida Horse Park. This picture was taken by CK Johnson. She is seen around the horse Park frequently. The park hosting horse shows, polo matches, trail rides, and an array of special events. Public restroom · Dogs allowed 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala, FL 34480
500-acre ocalamarion.com Phone: (352) 307-6699
LADY LAKE — The Town of Lady Lake will host a new signature event, the Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy, on Friday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Lady Lake Library. The 21-and-over event is part of a weeklong celebration marking the town’s 100th anniversary. Guests will enjoy samples from local restaurants and caterers, a cash bar, and live music by Sofia and The Speak EZ Band. Tickets are $20 in advance and are on sale through Nov. 5. Four VIP sit-down tables that seat six are available at $180 per table.
A portion of proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization that supports Lady Lake Library programming.
The 1920s themed evening celebrates Lady Lake’s century-long journey from its early days as a citrus and watermelon hub along the railway to the vibrant community it is today. The library, which has become a cornerstone for residents, will serve as the backdrop for the celebration.
“This event is a chance for our community to come together in a fun, lively way to celebrate 100 years of Lady Lake,” said Events Coordinator Amy Alicea. “We’re proud of our history, from our roots in agriculture to becoming the birthplace of The Villages, and we invite everyone to raise a glass to our next century as a strong and vibrant community we are proud to call home.” Continue reading
Nov 01
Wetland Excursion – Wolf Branch Sink
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Wolf Branch Sink Preserve in Mount Dora
Join us for a fast paced, guided hike at Wolf Branch Sink Preserve to explore the diverse ecosystems within the Preserve, including the plants and animals.
Nov 01
Burn in the Burg Chili Cook-Off
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Town Square Downtown Leesburg in Leesburg
Join us for our Burn in the Burg Chili Cook Off at Town Square in Downtown Leesburg! Live Music by Soundforge All you can eat Chili samples
Nov 01
Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire
10:00 AM – 5:00 AM Open-air Property in Tavares in Tavares
The 24th anniversary of the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire features dozens of vendors and merchants in addition to more than 100 performers
Nov 02
Exploration Hike
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM P.E.A.R. Park (Gateway) in Leesburg
Join staff on an early evening walk while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park. Hike Intensity: Light. Reservations required. Continue reading
LADY LAKE — The Lady Lake Police Department has once again achieved reaccreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), marking continued recognition for professionalism, accountability, and excellence in law enforcement practices.
Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes a department’s commitment to the highest standards of law enforcement. Under the leadership of Accreditation Manager Lt. Robert Tempesta, the Lady Lake Police Department first earned accreditation in October 2016, with subsequent reaccreditations in October 2019, December 2022, and now again in October 2025.
The CFA assessment, conducted Aug. 19–20, 2025, found the department in full compliance with 100% of 191 standards.
“The reaccreditation process is more than just maintaining compliance. It’s about continuously improving how we serve our community,” said Chief Hunt. “This honor reflects the hard work and dedication of every member of the Lady Lake Police Department and reaffirms to our community that their police department is operating with transparency, integrity, and excellence. I would like to recognize Lt. Tempesta’s daily work and dedication to ensuring Lady Lake meets and exceeds the accreditation standards.” Continue reading
(NAPSI)—Good news: According to a recent report from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), discoveries across basic, translational, and clinical research as well as population sciences are driving advances in cancer medicine and early detection, leading to a steady decline in the overall U.S. cancer death rate, and allowing more people to live longer and fuller lives after a cancer diagnosis.
From the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025, here’s a look at some recent breakthroughs.
Between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 20 new anticancer therapeutics, including:
- the first T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapy, approved for patients with soft tissue sarcoma;
- a new therapeutic antibody targeting a novel protein on stomach cancer cells, which helps those with gastric or gastroesophageal cancer;
- the first IDH-targeted therapy for treating brain tumors, which is bringing new hope to young adult patients who have a mutation in this gene; and
- two new antibody-drug conjugates, both of which were approved to treat lung cancer and one that was also approved to treat breast cancer.
At the same time, FDA also approved:
- new uses for eight previously approved anticancer therapeutics;
- a wearable device that uses low-intensity electrical fields to slow the growth of lung cancer cells;
- two new minimally invasive early detection screening tests, including the first liquid biopsy test and a next-generation multitarget stool DNA test for colorectal cancer screening;
- a device for at-home sample collection for cervical cancer screening; and
- several AI-powered devices and software tools for aiding in cancer risk prediction, diagnosis, and early detection.
(NAPSI)—In most of the United States, respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal disease consistently show increased activity between October and March. That’s in part because during the fall and winter, people spend more time indoors and close to one another, making it easier for respiratory illnesses to spread.
These infectious diseases can cause more than just a few days of sickness or missed work. In some cases, they can disrupt your life, cause a financial burden, or even lead to complications such as long-term health issues or hospitalization—and infants, older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
That’s why vaccination is an important step to help stay protected this fall. Getting vaccinated can mean the difference between a mild infection and a severe illness.
Respiratory Vaccines Help Protect You and Those You Love
Vaccination is the best protection—helping to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses in your community, especially to those most vulnerable. Continue reading
