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.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
September 24 – October 25
Tickets are on sale now for Tickets are on sale now for Pump Boys and Dinettes, our 70th anniversary season opener! Set at the Double Cupp Diner on North Carolina’s Highway 57, this high-octane musical is a down-home good time. The show runs from September 24 – October 25. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger. Stop on by for a fill-up of pure fun!
Call the box office at (352) 236-2274 to get your tickets, or buy online any time at www.ocalacivictheatre.com. And a special thanks to our show sponsors: Blanchard, Merriam, Adel, Kirkland, & Green, P.A., and 352 Preview Magazine.
Post Date: 09/02/2020 10:46 AM
OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 2, 2020) – The Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., will reopen to the public Saturday, Oct. 3. In response to COVID-19, the Discovery Center will offer modified hours. Tuesdays through Fridays will offer two sessions, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Saturdays, there will be three sessions available, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 4.pm. Admission prices apply per session.
The new exhibit, Astronaut Academy, will open Saturday, Oct. 3. General admission to the Discovery Center is $8 per person, $7 for seniors or veterans, and free for children two and under. A family four pass is $28. Memberships are available which include free admission as well as discounts on many programs. Saturday programming like Sing-a-long Science, STEAM Saturday and Star Lab Planetarium will be available at limited capacities for an additional fee. Information and pricing are available at www.mydiscoverycenter.org. Continue reading
Youth Ages 2 – 17
Science Classes at the Discovery Center
Ages 2 – 15
Classes start Sept. 15
?? These fun, hands-on learning classes range from ages 2 to 12 with topics like LEGO Robotics, Junior Zookeepers, Create Scientists and more!
Learn More
Start Smart T-Ball
Ages 4 – 5
Oct. 21 – Nov. 18
Wednesdays | 6 – 7 P.M.
Hey batter batter! Mini-athletes will learn to bat, catch, throw and run bases in a safe and encouraging environment.
Register Now Continue reading
Mayor Kent Guinn was a guest speaker at Ocala Business Leaders August 5th breakfast meeting.
He shared information about the current state of affairs in the City of Ocala. A lot of discussion about the COVID-19 problem. Quinn speaks from the heart. He started a good conversation and supplied the business people with good information.
Kent Guinn assumed the office of Mayor in December 2011 after serving the City of Ocala for 12 years as the Councilman representing District 4.
Mayor Guinn is in the financial services business and is a representative of the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America as well as owner of the firm Guinn & Company, LLC.
Thank you for the good information Mayor Guinn.
Doctor Thomas Harter speaker at the Ocala Business Leader Breakfast was explaining how he can now help children with Sleep Apnea and Sleep Apnea in Grown ups.
