This tax is used to fund public safety and transportation infrastructure only, not recurring costs or salaries.
Post Date:12/17/2018 2:54 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 17, 2018) – In an effort to make the community aware of City of Ocala initiatives funded by the Marion County penny sales tax, residents and visitors will begin noticing new road signage and vehicle decals throughout the city limits to identify such projects and purchases. The City is using its portion of the one-percent sales tax dollars to maintain the high standards our citizens have come to expect for safe roads, a safe community and more.
Public Safety
In order to increase the presence of public safety personnel in residential neighborhoods and decrease response times during emergencies, two new Ocala Fire Rescue fire stations and a police district office have been constructed for a total of approximately $5,196,242.88. Continue reading
Marion County, Florida (December 14, 2018) – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies arrested 46-year-old Donald Buie for Battery by Strangulation (Domestic) and Simple Battery (Domestic) following an investigation into allegations of domestic violence.
On December 10, 2018, MCSO detectives received information that Donald Buie had been accused of committing domestic battery by strangulation. The victim described multiple incidents of this occurring. Following and in-depth investigation, Donald Buie was arrested and charged with False Imprisonment, 2 counts of Battery by Strangulation, Simple Battery (Domestic) and Simple Assault (Domestic) with no bond. Continue reading
(OCALA, Fla.) Dec. 14, 2018 – Seventeen children from Wyomina Elementary School, who were selected to participate in the Cathy’s Kids program, spent a morning to remember with Ocala Fire Rescue firefighters.
For years, members of the International Association of Firefighters Local #2135, comprised of Ocala Fire Rescue firefighters, have honored the tradition set forth by Cathy Fender, Cathy’s Kids Founder, of gifting a child a morning of shopping, followed by a trip to the park with undivided attention. Though inclement weather diverted the group from the park, the shopping experience was nothing short of great.
At 10 a.m. a school bus, filled with children identified by school personnel as members of families in need, arrived at Walmart Supercenter on 19th Avenue Road. There, each child was paired with at least one adult and treated to the shopping experience of a lifetime. Clothes, shoes, and of course toys for the children and their family members were purchased. Continue reading
(OCALA, Fla.)-Families expecting a new child soon have some additional good news; Marion County’s World’s Greatest Baby Shower is back for the third year in a row. Organized through the Healthy Start of North Central Florida Coalition and Well Florida Council, and brought to the public by Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Tobacco Free Partnership of Marion County, Staywell Medicaid, Alpha Center for Women and AdventHealth Ocala, the county’s World Greatest Baby Shower is a free, educational event for expectant and new parents.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Purpose Room (3300 NW 10th St., Ocala). The Baby Shower will be offered in two sessions to accommodate the more than 300 families expected. The first session will run from 3-5 p.m.; the second will run from 6-8 p.m. Families can attend either session – the content will be the same in each one. There is no cost to attend and pre-registration is not required. Fathers are encouraged to join; an exciting activity just for dads will be held during each session. Continue reading
(OCALA, Fla.) Dec. 3, 2018 –Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) is no stranger to lending community support, but there’s one cause that is especially close to our hearts – Cathy’s Kids.
Honoring the tradition started by former OFR firefighter, Cathy Fender, Ocala firefighters – members of the International Association of Firefighters(IAFF) Local #2135 – are slated to complete a shopping trip with 20 Wyomina Elementary School students.
WHO: Ocala Fire Rescue firefighters / IAFF Local #2135
WHAT: Cathy’s Kids Shopping Trip
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 14 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Walmart Supercenter, 2600 SW 19th Ave. Rd., Ocala, FL 34471
WHY: Founded in 1995, Cathy’s Kids is a program that allows children of households in need to experience an unparalleled shopping excursion with hometown heroes. During the trip, each child has the undivided attention of at least one adult focused on making their holiday wishes come true.
For more information about this event, please contact Public Information Officer Ashley Lopez at 352-817-5914.
Florida Unemployment Rate Continues to Drop, Lowest Since January 2007
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses have created more than 1.64 million jobs since December 2010, including 21,200 private-sector jobs in October. Over the past year, 241,500 new private-sector jobs were created in Florida. Florida’s annual job growth rate has outpaced the nation for 78 of the past 79 months. The only month that Florida did not exceed the nation was due to Hurricane Irma. Florida’s unemployment rate continued to drop in October, down from 3.5 percent to 3.4 percent, and is now the lowest since January 2007.
Governor Scott said, “Over the last eight years, we have recovered from a recession and rebuilt a strong and resilient economy that attracts businesses from all industries to create great jobs for Floridians. Every Floridian can be proud of our state’s incredible success, which has now driven down unemployment to just 3.4 percent – the lowest it has been since January 2007. Today, with more than 1.64 million jobs created since December 2010, we all see the importance of continuing to cut taxes and attract companies to Florida so people can live their dreams and support their families in the Sunshine State.” Continue reading
From the Governor’s Desk
Today, following a request from Governor Rick Scott to ensure all counties impacted by Hurricane Michael are receiving the federal assistance needed to fully recover, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved additional Public Assistance (PA) for 10 counties. Please see more information on FEMA’s PA approval below:
- Okaloosa and Walton counties are approved for Public Assistance categories A-G.
- Franklin, Holmes, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington counties are approved for Public Assistance categories C-G (already designated for Individual Assistance and PA categories A and B).
Working with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office this week, we stopped a massive smash and grab theft ring responsible for nearly one million dollars in property loss. Members of the crime organization face charges connected to burglaries of at least 14 businesses, spanning several Florida counties.
According to a multi-agency investigation, the crimes occurred from May through September and followed a similar pattern. The method of operation involved members of the ring smashing a hole in the wall of a business, rushing inside, disabling the security system and fleeing with thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise.
The investigation estimates the ring is responsible for more than $830,000 in stolen goods and property damage. Businesses targeted include boating, discount, liquor and tire stores among others. The burglaries occurred in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Polk counties. Most of the defendants reside in Miami. Stolen items include cigarettes, liquor, tires, a hand gun, boating and fishing equipment, and a digital video recorder system. Continue reading
Attorney General Pam Bondi
Black Friday is the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season. This week, just in time for the shopping frenzy, I released my 2018 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide. The guide is full of great advice for making secure purchases online and tips on avoiding identity theft and charity scams. It also includes safety information about toys and recalled items to better prepare shoppers to make wise purchases this holiday season.
Consumers should make sure they are using a secure web browser before submitting financial information when shopping online. Using a credit card to make an online purchase adds another layer of protection for online shoppers. It is also important to keep all receipts and understand a retailer’s return policies and deadlines.
In addition to smart online shopping tips, the guide includes a list of items recalled by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission during the past year. It specifically focuses on children’s toys and items that pose a threat to children and teenagers. These products have been recalled by a manufacturer because of safety and health concerns. Recalled items include clothing, furniture, sporting goods, toys and other home products that may be unsafe for children. You can find more information on recalls and a comprehensive list of recalled items year-round at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ww.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls.
The holidays are a time to be grateful for what we have and enjoy the company of family and friends. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels for those visiting family this week.
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers
1607 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
352-622-3544
Center Hours
Monday, Thursday and Friday ~ 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday ~ 9:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.
Saturday and Sunday ~ 9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.
SEE SCHEDULE…
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