By TomL

I did not know Charlie James Kirk, but what I had heard and what I saw made me curious, so I started researching him. I was watching TV the day he got assassinated. While combing the internet, I was very surprised at what I found. He and his team of believers help Trump get elected by motivating young people into voting and voting for Trump. Millions of people heard him before I did, then I saw him on TV with Trump. I think at the first time I saw him on TV there was doubt that he could deliver the youth vote, HE DID! TRUMP WON!

He was born October. 14, 1993. He grew up in Chicago suburbs. He attended Harper college. He dropped out after the first semester.    He wanted to pursue a full time political career. Its was not long before he was considered an American right Wing Activist, he was also an entrepreneur and a TV / media    personality. Charlie’s co-founder of Turning Point USA was Pastor Rob McCoy in 2012. That was when he created Turning Point Faith and was talking about Christian nationalism. He became the executive Director of Turning Point until he died. Charlie was quit accomplished, he published books. He hosted the “Charlie Kirk Show” He became a prominent voice of the Republican Party and Prominent Voice of the MAGA movement as part of the Republican Party! He was considered an icon of American contemporary conservatism.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO THANK CHARLIE KIRK IN PRINT!  (IT’S FREE!) Send me a short note and I will use your first name only unless you request otherwise.  tloury@att.net  subject line “Charlie Kirk”

Following a comprehensive national search led by the CEP’s Executive Committee, McCormick was selected for his proven leadership, deep expertise in business and community development, and strong commitment to advancing the Ocala Metro.

McCormick brings 27 years of chamber and economic development leadership experience, most recently serving as President and CEO of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce in Columbia, Missouri. During his tenure, he championed workforce development initiatives, strengthened advocacy efforts at both the local and state level, and expanded the economic impact of the business community.

“On behalf of the board, we are thrilled to welcome Matt McCormick as the next leader of the CEP,” said Charisse Rivers, Chair of the Board. “What excites us most is not only his vision and energy, but his heart for people and community. We believe Matt will inspire collaboration, champion innovation, and carry forward the CEP’s mission of making Ocala and Marion County a place where families, leaders, and businesses can thrive for generations to come.”

In his new role, McCormick will lead the CEP’s strategic initiatives, partner engagement, advocacy efforts, and economic development programs to support businesses across the region.

“I am honored to be named President and CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership and to have the opportunity to serve this organization, the business community, and the region,” said McCormick. “The CEP has a tremendous foundation of supporting business growth and development, and I look forward to working with our team, partners, and community leaders to build an even stronger economic future for the region.”

The CEP also extends its deep appreciation to Interim CEO and Chief eXperience Officer Tamara Fleischhaker for her leadership and guidance throughout the transition.

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Photo by Mabe Media

Ocala, FL The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership’s (CEP) Equine Initiative, presented by Pyranha Animal Health, is proud to announce the All-Breed Horse Capital of the World® Parade, taking place Saturday, October 4, at 10 a.m. in Downtown Ocala.

Presented by Pat Myers Electric, the parade will bring together horses of all breeds and disciplines to showcase the heart of the community and highlight one of the many reasons why Ocala/Marion County is recognized as the Horse Capital of the World®.

Spectators are encouraged to line the official parade route—which will include the Downtown Square and Citizens’ Circle—to enjoy a unique and family-friendly celebration of the equine industry.

“Being the only Chamber in the world that we know of that has an initiative like this is pretty special and we believe that this All-Breed Horse Parade through the downtown of ‘the horse capital’ best showcases the diversity of breeds who call Ocala/Marion County home. While always keeping the goal in mind of introducing non-horse people and the next generation to as many of the over 70 breeds in our community, who make up a 4.3-billion-dollar industry, we are almost certain to also provide the best in equine edutainment,” said Louisa Barton, Director of Equine Engagement at the Ocala Metro CEP.

The Ocala Police Department is partnering with the CEP to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

The All-Breed Horse Capital of the World® Parade is part of the CEP’s Equine Initiative, presented by Pyranha Animal Health, which works to strengthen the region’s position as a global equestrian hub. The CEP would also like to thank

Wilmek Construction for their support of this event. Continue reading

On September 19th, House Republicans voted to keep the government open and spending flat. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats made the choice to shut down the federal government.

While the political blame game plays out on national television, the facts are clear:

  • Senate Democrats are pushing an alternative funding bill that includes $200 billion in healthcare coverage for illegal immigrants (which can be found on page 57, section 2141 of their proposal).
  • They also want to roll back $50 billion in direct rural healthcare investments and redirect $400 billion in subsidies that go directly to insurance companies.

Keep in mind—these insurance subsidies are set to expire at the end of this year. Democrats are holding critical programs for working families hostage over a provision that doesn’t even take effect for months.

Meanwhile, our troops are serving without pay, federal law enforcement officers are risking their lives uncertain of their next paycheck, and millions of women and children who rely on WIC are seeing their nutritional benefits run dry.

This reckless shutdown is hurting everyday Americans and putting livelihoods in jeopardy. It’s time for Senate Democrats to stop playing politics and join House Republicans in passing a clean, bipartisan funding extension—the same bill they’ve supported four times before. Continue reading

As Democrats continue playing politics with your hard-earned tax dollars, let’s be clear on why we’re here.

Democrats are blocking House Republicans’ plan to keep the government open because they’re demanding radical carve-outs, including free health care and special benefits for illegal immigrants. In Subsection E of their counterproposal, they’ve explicitly requested:

  • Medicaid coverage for illegal immigrants, even paying more for their emergency care than for American seniors, children, or disabled patients;
  • Reinstating Obamacare subsidies for non-citizens that low-income American citizens cannot access;
  • Preserving California’s gimmick to funnel Medicaid dollars into its “illegals-only” program.

That’s the real fight: Democrats are willing to shut down government services for you and your family in order to guarantee taxpayer-funded benefits for people here illegally. This is unacceptable.

Here’s what a shutdown means for Florida families, seniors, students, veterans, and small businesses.

  • Social Security & Medicare

Social Security checks will still go out. Applications, appeals, benefit changes, and card replacements will continue.

Some services—like benefit verifications, third-party requests, and corrections unrelated to benefits—will pause.

Medicare and Medicaid payments will continue, but it may be harder to reach someone for help due to staff furloughs. Continue reading

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Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill opened their restaurant to accommodate the Lady Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and its members. Everything was excellent, from the many delicious menu options to the fast & friendly service. If you’re looking for a beautiful view, a delicious menu, and excellent customer service for your next event, look no further than Eaton’s Beach.

 

Villages Community Watch was instrumental in helping LLPD make these two arrests. It is another great example of the positive working relationship we have with Community Watch.

A man and woman were arrested for felony charge for visiting a construction Site. The two in there 50’s arrested had different last names. That is all the information at press time.

The next meeting of the Lady Lake Garden Club is Wed October 1st at the Lady Lake community Building 237 W. Guava St, Lady Lake, FL. Members and guests share in refreshments at 1 PM and the meeting begins at 1:30 PM. The program will be presented by Horticulturist Elly Carroll on “How to Grow and Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids” All interested gardeners and prospective new members are welcome. If you would like more information, contact Teri Mallory, President at 781-630-2108 or terinp@verizon.net.

The Lady Lake Police Department issued 91 warnings and 59 citations during a weeklong traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speed-related crashes.

From July 14–20, officers dedicated approximately 80 hours to traffic enforcement as part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s annual Operation Southern Slow Down. The campaign is a multi-state initiative involving law enforcement agencies across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee.

During the enforcement, Lady Lake police issued 39 citations and 91 written warnings for speeding, 13 citations for aggressive driving, and seven citations for seatbelt violations. No DUI arrests were reported during the campaign.

The goal of Operation Southern Slow Down is to curb dangerous driving behaviors that continue to be a leading factor in traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities across the state. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, speeding and aggressive driving contributed to 437 traffic deaths in Florida in 2023.

“This campaign gives us an opportunity to remind drivers that speeding and aggressive driving put everyone at risk,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “Enforcement is just one piece—awareness and personal responsibility are just as important.”

The Lady Lake Police Department encourages all motorists to drive within posted speed limits, wear seatbelts, and avoid aggressive behaviors behind the wheel.

A 53-year-old man was arrested on Friday after he forced his way into a 78-year-old woman’s home, attempted to steal her purse, and injured her during the struggle.

Lady Lake Police officers responded to a home on St. Andrews Boulevard around 3:28 p.m. on Aug. 8 after the victim reported that a man had knocked on her door asking for her vehicle keys. Police say he then pushed his way inside, grabbed her purse, and tried to find the keys.

The victim bravely fought to hold on to her belongings, stating  “You’re not getting my car keys.” She was able to push the suspect back outside and call 911. Police responded quickly and located the suspect nearby on St. Andrews Blvd. The victim was able to identify the suspect at the scene.

The victim suffered swelling and redness to her hand.

Craig Steven Johnson, 53, who is listed as homeless, was taken into custody and charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery, robbery by sudden snatching, and battery on a person 65 years or older.

Johnson told officers he had been fleeing from law enforcement when he broke into the home.

The victim sent a letter to the Lady Lake Police department thanking all five officers involved in making the arrest. “Because of their fast response and my detailed description of this person, he was apprehended within 20 minutes or so…” she wrote.

“This was a frightening and unacceptable attack on one of our senior residents,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “I am proud of the quick response from our officers, which ensured the suspect was apprehended before anyone else was harmed.”

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