Dear Friends,
As this column is being prepared, we are a few weeks in to the COVID-19 scare that has taken up much of our focus in the U.S. and most parts of the world. In Senate District 12, we have been very fortunate thus far, with only one reported virus case in the tri-county area of Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. So far, just over 200 cases have been reported statewide but that number is expected to be bit higher by the time this column reaches you. The response by our Governor and emergency management directors has been exceptional. In a state of 22 million people, that number could be much higher had it not been for their great leadership and quick response.
As we continue to monitor the situation, my message today is simple. Use caution. Not panic, fear or anxiousness but ordered and intentional caution. CDC guidelines for avoiding getting sick aren’t much different than those that are given for the common flu and that’s important to remember. Enduring these necessary precautions should help the risk to recede in the coming weeks. We should remain thankful, patient and resolved. Continue reading
by A.J.(Tony) Powell
Just so you know: Corona Virus Disease = “CO VI D-19″ – Get it?
Q-Who is most at risk?
=Older people with severe/chronic medical conditions including heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.
=Also 80% of Covid deaths were over 65 years with many over 85.
=Overall, most infections were very mild or even no reported symptoms.
Q-Are you at risk?
=Scientists claim that the virus can last for three hours on any surface. Four hours on copper; Twenty-Four hours on cardboard and TWO or THREE DAYS on plastic or stainless steel (Like Your Fridge!). It is also detectable in the air for three hours. Continue reading
Leesburg commissioners approved ordinances that opens the door for Villages to expansion of their massive retirement community Leesburg. It’s about Tax revenue!
Ordinances for annexation, rezoning, a comprehensive plan. They affect parcels in the Villages of West Lake of 2,845 acres generally located near County Road 48, County Road 471 and the Florida Turnpike area.
Commissioners approved development agreements for the 1,382-acre parcel. The agreement for Area A establishes procedures for both the city and The Villages Land Co. as the development moves forward. It calls for the area to be fully developed over the next 30 years and it sets design standards, land uses and processes moving forward.
The agreement also calls for up to 7,900 residential homes and 535,000 square feet of retail space. Some of the property also can continue to be used for agricultural. Continue reading
CORA Physical Therapy 8768 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages. CORA Mulberry Lane provides state-of-the-art treatments with licensed clinicians laser-focused on superior outcomes, and passionate about personal care. The highly trained staff specialize in Pre- and Post-op Rehabilitation, Vestibular Treatments, Fall Prevention and Hands-On Manual Therapy.
COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus; coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Other coronaviruses include the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is believed to have emerged from an animal source and is now capable of spreading from person-to-person. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can mirror illnesses such as influenza. Patients with COVID-19 typically display symptoms such as fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, and/or shortness of breath within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Approximately 80% of those affected with COVID-19 report mild to moderate illness and experience a complete recovery. Some experience more severe illness. People who are more vulnerable to the illness include individuals who are over age 65 with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised, ill or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Personal prevention measures are fundamental in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. The department recommends that individuals:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
Cracker Days is put on by the Friends of Rainbow Springs the volunteer group for Rainbow Springs State Park. Once a year the event shows Life in Florida in the 1800s. They set up a settlement in the back of the park and shuttle people back and forth. It is a great experience for the whole family.
Let me tell you about my Habitat Ocala 2020 Strawberry Festival experience. First the support team was awesome. There were students from Marion County schools that helped with everything. There were two volunteers who saw my wife and I struggling with our pop up tent so they walk right over and pitched in. I was walking to registration a guy in a golf cart said get in. I must have looked really beat. I was!
The Vendor area was well mark and well thought out. I was pleased to see the preparation that went into this festival. My contact person was Joann Black. Thank you Joann and Habitat of Ocala for putting this on.
They were selling Strawberry short cake. I heard one lady that they served 4,000 short cakes. Actually I think they sold out of food between 3 and 4 pm. Truckloads of strawberry flats sold out.
Some 34,000 people attended. There was not a shortage of people. They would stroll by our booth, asking questions or say yes I read that paper. A couple asked my view of our up and coming race and of course I responded.
Many thanks to my wife Phyllis and Karen Nicely of “Writing Nicely” for helping me get through the day. Karen is a copy editor she will edit your book and give helpful hints if you want it. A very talented lady.
We know most of you are practicing social distancing by staying at home, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some FUN. Our Recreation & Parks staff is here to help! Throughout the week we’ll bring you a variety of live and pre-recorded videos of engaging activities, most of them you can do with us right from your own living room. Meet the critters and perform science experiments from the Discovery Center, get active with our quick fitness routines, explore the Fort King National Historic Landmark and learn about public art!
All you have to do is “LIKE” and “FOLLOW” us on Facebook at Ocala Recreation & Parks @OcalaRecPark
For more information, call our office at 352-368-5517
Post Date: 03/16/2020 5:20 PM
OCALA, Fla. (March 16, 2020) – The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department has begun closures of community facilities in the interest of public health and safety caused by the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of today, Monday, March 16, the following recreation facilities will close until further notice.
- Eighth Avenue Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave.
• Barbara Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12th Ave.
• Fort King National Historic Landmark Visitors Center, 3925 E Fort King St.
• Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave.
• Citizens’ Circle Splash Pad, SE Osceola Ave.
• Lillian Bryant Splash Pad, 2200 NW 17th Pl.
• Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St.
The following closures will go into effect beginning Tuesday, March 17. Continue reading
Post Date: 03/16/2020 1:55 PM
OCALA, Fla. (March 16, 2020) – The City of Ocala recognizes the financial impact of COVID-19 on our customers and believes that no one should lose service during this critical time. We have temporarily suspended service disconnections for the next 30 days and will reevaluate the policy and timeframe as the situation develops. While billing for usage will continue during this time, we are committed to the reliability of essential services to all our residential and business customers.
Customers are encouraged to maintain their accounts. Customer service representatives will be available by phone at 352-629-2489, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions.
Payments can be made at self-service kiosks, Fidelity Express and MoneyGram locations. Additional payment options and online tools are available at www.ocalafl.org. Customers have the option to start and stop services, transfer residential services, request a payment extension, update contact information, view rate and fee information and sign up for auto-pay and electronic billing. Customers can make phone payments via the automated phone system at 844-286-1785.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Municipal Services at 352-629-2489 or email OEU@ocalafl.org.
