This week, I spoke to journalists from across the state at the 2019 Associated Press Legislative Planning Session. We discussed our priorities and important legislation we will be pursuing during the upcoming legislative session.
We must end the opioid crisis. While running for office, I talked about the devastating reality that Florida lost 14 people a day to opioid overdoses. Today the death toll has risen to 17.
According to the latest Medical Examiners Report, Fentanyl analogs contributed to more than 1,500 overdose deaths in Florida alone—THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. That is why, before I even took the oath of office, we began working to create a Statewide Opioid Abuse Working Group.
Our working group is already meeting to address the crisis, but we need to do more. During the upcoming legislative session, we will work with house and senate leadership to establish the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse. Continue reading
The 2019 Art Park Series continues Friday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park located at 213 NE Fifth St with a concert by cellist, Ben Sollee.
Post Date:01/30/2019 3:30 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 30, 2019) – The 2019 Art Park Series continues Friday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park located at 213 NE Fifth St with a concert by cellist, Ben Sollee. Prior to the performance, a downtown public art stroll and reception, Art Outside the Lines, will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. beginning at City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave.
Art Outside the Lines is a special event providing the community an opportunity to celebrate and support public art. Attendees are encouraged to visit Ocala’s downtown public art with a self-guided walking tour and learn more about each piece from the artists or docents. This event will begin at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments and a public art map will be provided.
Following Art Outside the Lines, guests are invited to head to the Tuscawilla Art Park to enjoy the Art Park Series concert featuring Ben Sollee. Guests of the Art Outside the Lines event will have access to a VIP tent with complementary appetizers. Admission for Art Outside the Lines is $25 per person and includes admission to the concert. Tickets can be purchased at www.ocalafl.org/performingarts.
The Art Park Series concert will feature live music by cellist and composer Ben Sollee on the Tuscawilla Art Park stage from 7 to 9 p.m. The musical performance will incorporate banjo, guitar, and mandolin along with percussion and unusual cello techniques. His songs exhibit a mix of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and R&B elements. Tickets for the concert only are $10 and can be purchased in advance at www.ocalafl.org/performingarts. Concert gates will open at 6 p.m.
The Tuscawilla Art Park is an outdoor venue that provides an open area for seating. Those planning to attend the concert are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs, however, large cushioned ottomans will be available throughout the event space for additional seating. Outside food, drinks and/or coolers will not be permitted, unless required for medical reasons.
The concert is sponsored by 100.5 The Buzz and will include curated indie craft vendors. Blue Highway will also be on-site providing craft beer, wine and specialty pizzas available for purchase. All VIP guests will enjoy a private tent inside the park that will include appetizers and beverages.
The 2019 Art Park Series features a diverse lineup of high-caliber performances on select Fridays this spring from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park. Admission for each event will vary. For a full list of upcoming events, please visit www.ocalafl.org/performingarts.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org or visit www.ocalafl.org/performingarts.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Cabinet accepted the State Board of Administration’s recommendation of placing Airbnb on the Scrutinized Companies List. Please see the below statement from Governor Ron DeSantis on this decision:
“Israel has had to face scrutiny like no other country in history has ever had to face. Airbnb made a conscious decision to discriminate against the Jewish people and as Governor I have an obligation to oppose policies that unfairly target the world’s only Jewish State and our greatest ally in the Middle East. Our action today solidifies the State of Florida’s resolve to stand with Israel and if Airbnb does not denounce their previous policy of discrimination we may be compelled to explore additional action.”
By TomL
On January 23 the normal Lady Lake commission was called to order and the floor was opened to public discussion. Before anyone from the public could respond, Commissioner Hannon asked for the floor.
Mayor Richardsons said it was highly unusual but gave approval. Commissioner Hannon said he was saddened that Chief McKinstry quit. He said he had heard from many constituents asking him to do all he could to rehire the Chief.
Betty Salas then approached the podium with a petition of 168 names requesting the Chief be reinstated.
Betty Salas, a local business person standing up for Chief McKinstry, is holding a petition of 166 names of residents asking the Town Council to consider reinstating him. The meeting that followed blew everyone away. It was so much that a second meeting was set to discuss the issue and to discuss reviewing the Ex-Chief and Town Manager Kollgard’s actions. Two Commissioners were not happy about the Chief being forced out! The others knew in advance and let it happen. Go to the meeting on the Feb 4 at 1 pm to watch and listen!
Ms Salas also said that she knew the previous chief and that when the commission hired chief she was assured he was the right man for Lady Lake. She got to know him as did the businesses and residents of Lady Lake as well.
Town Manager Kris Kollgaard then read a statement that said she and the Chief have had professional differences in management styles for the last 6 years and that this was the last time. She contact the commissioners the night before and said the morning meeting would have only one of 2 outcomes. Up until this meeting the general public was told no one at town hall knew why the Chief quit, just that he did. Now we are finding out the truth. Continue reading
The First Friday Art Walk occurs from 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month from September through May annually.
Post Date:01/14/2019 2:11 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2019) – The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala Friday, Feb. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include the following special performances and activities:
- 6 to 9 p.m. – Live music by Macey Mac on the main event stage located at the downtown square near the gazebo.
- 7 p.m. – Live dance performance by West Port High School’s MCCA Dance Program at the downtown square.
- Free hands-on art activities for all ages will be provided throughout the event by the Appleton Museum of Art, Discovery Center, Painting with a Twist, Art Army of Ocala and the Marion County Public Library. Members of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra will also conduct a special musical activity for guests of all ages in front of the Marion Theatre.
MARION COUNTY, Florida (January 10, 2019)- Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)
Major Crimes detectives are currently investigating the discovery of possible human remains found at a residence located at 18760 SW 47 Street in Lake Tropicana. The couple who lived at the residence have been reported missing by their family, and detectives are investigating their disappearance.
On Sunday, January 6, 2019, MCSO deputies received a phone call from a family member requesting a well-being check on 75-year old Layton Underwood and his wife, 69-year old Donna Underwood. The reportee could not make contact with the couple and requested our assistance. When deputies arrived at the Underwood residence, the couple was not there.
During the investigation, deputies found possible human remains on the property and they immediately requested additional crime scene assistance. MCSO Major Crimes detectives, MCSO forensic technicians, the Medical Examiner’s Office and the University of Florida C.A. Pound Lab responded and are actively conducting an in-depth investigation on the property. Investigators are in the process of recovering the remains and will then begin the identification process. Continue reading
Construction will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will not occur during any City-recognized holidays.
Post Date:01/11/2019 1:55 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 11, 2019) – Due to construction for the City of Ocala’s Osceola Multi-Modal Trail, or Osceola Trak, SE/NE Osceola Avenue, from SE Third Street to NE Fifth Street, may experience partial lane closures during the duration of construction taking place now through Wednesday, Oct. 23.
All necessary devices will be in place to redirect traffic. Construction will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will not occur during any City-recognized holidays. Construction may occur on select evenings weekends as requested by the contractor. During construction times, travelers may experience delays, noise, dust and heavy equipment within the project area.
For more information, please contact the City Engineer’s Office, Capital Projects Division at 352-629-8419.
- Date:01/18/2019 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location:Scott Springs Park
2825 SW 24th Avenue
Ocala, Florida 34471
Free movie with popcorn, hot dogs and drinks available for a small fee. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets! *Movie titles subject to change. For details, please contact the Recreation and Parks Administration office at 352.368.5517.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis formally announced the appointment of Gregory Tony as Sheriff of Broward County. Tony, a former Coral Springs Police Sergeant, will serve as Broward County’s first African-American Sheriff.
“The people of Broward County deserve accountable, competent leaders who can safeguard our communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Gregory Tony will be a champion for Broward County who will work tirelessly to safeguard our schools and our streets while ensuring accountability within the Sheriff’s office.” Continue reading
