LADY LAKE – The Lady Lake Police Department is proud to announce Corporal Lidia Maya as the 2024 Officer of the Year. This week, Corporal Maya was honored at the Leesburg Rotary Club’s 44th Annual Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Program with the “Service Above Self” Award.
This prestigious honor recognizes Corporal Maya’s steadfast dedication, leadership, and exemplary service to the department and the community.
Corporal Maya has consistently demonstrated a high standard of professionalism throughout her career. As a field training officer, she has played an essential role in the development and success of more than a dozen new recruits. Her guidance has helped shape the next generation of officers, earning the respect and admiration of both trainees and colleagues.
“Corporal Maya represents the very best of what it means to serve,” said Chief Steve Hunt. “She leads with integrity, mentors with compassion, and carries out her duties with an unwavering commitment to excellence. It is a privilege to recognize her contributions with this well-deserved honor.”
In addition to her work in training, Corporal Maya regularly steps into a supervisory role, maintaining a calm, focused, and collaborative environment. Her trusted judgment and integrity make her a vital part of the department’s decision-making processes.
By TomL
The senior Fishing Derby went on without a hitch. The weather was great. Hundreds of people showed up, all show up checked in, got their fishing pole their bait and went and found their favorite spot. The largest cat fish I saw was 16 3/4”.There was one caught later over 20”. All the fish were catch and release. The City Parks and Recreation Senior center furnished a box lunch and drink and made sure everyone got plenty healthy air and sunshine. It was truly a beautiful day. I would like to thank LaToya Artis and Grace Huffman for all the work they did to make this happen. Thank you to all the volunteers.
The biggest fish Joe London [20 inches]
Most Fish Lois Langford
Oldest Fisherman Mary Reynold 97 yrs old
SOME HISTORY….
I recall some of the past Senior Fishing Derby’s:
A Lady fell into the pond, several of us got wet. She was in knee deep water. She was later she was observed purposely sliding into the pond for attention. Another time I was watching a guy with a cowboy hat fishing, I heard the women next to him saying pull. He was blind and the lady next to him told him when his bobber went under. He caught a couple of fish. This a person that never thought he would never fish again and thanks to the City Senior Center he did just that.
Thank you City of Ocala, Parks & Recreation Department & The Senior Center and all the volunteers for making this happen.
Ocala, FL (April 22, 2025) — The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tamara Fleischhaker as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
This appointment follows the departure of Kevin Sheilley, who served with distinction for over 12 years, advancing the organization’s mission of driving economic growth and prosperity in the Ocala Metro area.
Fleischhaker brings a wealth of experience in leadership and institutional knowledge to this transitional role. Her expertise ensures continued stability and momentum as the CEP moves forward with its strategic initiatives.
“Tamara brings the steady hand and trusted leadership our organization needs during this important transition,” said Charrisse Rivers, Chair of the CEP Board of Directors. “Having worked closely behind the scenes with our previous CEO, she knows the heart of the CEP and the momentum we’ve built. Her deep roots in economic development and her calm, capable presence provide the confidence and clarity we need as we move forward. This is a season of continued growth, not pause — and under Tamara’s guidance, we remain fully committed to serving the Ocala Metro with strength and purpose.” Continue reading
“I’m thrilled to have relocated our Ocala District Office back to its original location in the McPherson Government Complex,” said Rep. Cammack. “Centrally located with other useful local and state offices for constituents in Marion County, our office is a one-stop shop for folks seeking assistance with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security Administration, and IRS, along with economic development opportunities, internships for local students, and more. Our team continues to deliver the same excellent service we always have in this new location. We hope constituents will visit us soon in-person or contact us via phone at (352) 421-9052.”
The Ocala District Office is located at 2630 SE 3rd Street, Ocala, FL 34471 and is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. No appointments are necessary to visit with staff.
Spring is in full swing as we begin to look towards all the fun summer has in stored for us at the fort.
We have an exciting line up of programs and events going on. We still have room in our Sculpt-A-Mug class with Samantha Ingram, Sing Ceramics. Ms. Shar will be at the fort for two weekends for drop-in classes on Friday, May 16 and June 13 and Historic Homesteading classes the following Saturdays. Be sure to register early to make sure you get a seat at the loom table.
The Ocala Park Rangers will be hosting two full moon hikes at Fort King National Historic Landmark. No registration required. Just bring bug spray, flashlight, and good hiking shoes.
Our weekly Summer Night Lecture Series will kick off on June 26 with Hurricanes & History: Fort King’s Hidden Bottles. We will also be unveiling our new archeological exhibit highlighting the glass bottles unearthed during archeological digs at Fort King National Historic Landmark.
Click/tap to view or download
Click/tap to view or download
Lady Lake Chamber Lunch Business Meeting held at GlennView Coun try Club. Every third Thursday of the month the lady Lake Chamber has their monthly business meeting. Businesses meet each other, present their business to all attending. Usually over 40 business attend. Some brinbg door prizes, they draw business cards and the winner IS? A lot of great gifts.
On pages 8 & 9 you will usually see your picture if you attended thanks to Lady Lake Magazine. To see your pictures look for the lLady Lake Blast every month that says to see Business Lunch picture click here! Otherwise search ladylakemagazine.com click read online and the papers for two years will pop up. Choose the month issue you want to read or look at pictures.
41st Parade of Senior Services was held at the Ewers Century Center at Central Florida Community College. Hundreds attended there were approx 40 vendor. The Parade is put on by the City of Ocala Recreation and parks. Weather was good, people were friendly, lots of free goodies on the tables. Lots of good information shared.
TomL
I would rather that Trump not use the term “You better do this or else!” I believe in what he is doing. I think he can say, “ you need follow the Federal Law,” meaning female sport are for women only and no males in the woman’s locker room or women’s sports. I know some men can’t compete with other men and they want a place to participate but professional sports is not it! Go to another country or play shuffle board.
You men professional athletes out there should protect women’s sports.
Maine should say no men in women sports also go along with deportation of what is describe in the Constitution as illegals. You can’t start out with Citizenship by breaking the law.
THE ENEMY!
The enemy has done wrong, they come at us through some of our leaders greed and things like Jeffery Epstein! Once they made that trip the second time, they knew what was going on and they are probably there to participate then they have compromised themselves and our country. But they have come at us through our food shortages, EGGS, through our WATER (Contamination?), setting fires? How much one match cost? There is a army of illegals in our country thanks to the Democrats. When I was a kid a hundred years ago my grandmother and us three kids built a chicken coop with sticks, crap one by twos, a handful of roofing nails and cardboard. Once we built the coop we painted it with outdoor paint. It lasted two years. We had eggs and chicken. Continue reading
