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
Hello Floridians! I am so honored to be your 38th Attorney General. This first week has been an amazing experience that I will never forget. I look forward to the many hard-working days ahead serving our great state.
Taking the oath of office this week was one of the most special moments in my life—to have my dad, James S. Moody, Jr., a Senior United States District Judge in the Middle District of Florida, swear me in on a beautiful January morning. It was even more special to take the oath of office on the same Bible that my grandfather, James S. Moody, Sr., took the oath of office on when he was sworn in as a judge over 60 years ago.
I also had my loving husband Justin and my wonderful nine-year-old son Connor by my side. Five days before the inauguration, Connor watched his older brother Brandon begin his service in the United States Army. I missed Brandon being with us, but I am so very proud of him. Continue reading
Marion County Board of County Commissioners has established an animal abuser registry, otherwise known as Molly’s Law. Molly’s Law requires any offender convicted of an animal abuse crime as defined in Marion County Code, Chapter 4, Section 4-15 to be placed on the animal abuser registry. This database will allow citizens, pet sellers, and rescues to verify that they are not placing and animal with an animal abuser.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. there will be a “Proclamation”
The dog “Molly” of Molly’s Law, Ambassador to the Marion County Animal Abuser Registry, is going to have a Proclamation made on her behalf in the Marion County Commissioners Meeting, next Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 9 a.m.. As a result, the month of January 2019 will be designated as “Marion County Animal Abuser Registry Awareness Month” in Marion County, Florida. Continue reading
This art exhibit will be on display Thursday, Jan. 24 through Friday, March 26.
Post Date:01/08/2019 8:52 AM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2019) – An opening reception for ‘ARC Expressions: ARC Marion’s 2019 Annual Art Exhibition,’ will be held Thursday, Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. This reception is free and open to the public. Beverages from Island Grove Wine Company and light hors d’oeuvres from Decadence a la Carte Catering will be served.
This art exhibit will be on display Thursday, Jan. 24 through Friday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall. This exhibit is free and open to the public. Continue reading
Volunteers will assist with cleaning headstones, raking leaves, picking up fallen tree limbs and cleaning up debris.
Post Date:01/08/2019 2:09 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2019) – The Friends of the Historical Evergreen Cemetery, Sons of Confederate Veterans Pvt. William R. Milton Camp 741 and the United Daughters of the Confederacy Marion Dragoons Chapter 2311, in partnership with the City of Ocala Public Works Department, will host a Greenwood Cemetery volunteer cleanup day Saturday, Jan. 26 from 8 a.m. to noon.
Volunteers will meet at Greenwood Cemetery located at 1393 NE Third St. at 8 a.m. Volunteers will assist with cleaning headstones, raking leaves, picking up fallen tree limbs and cleaning up debris. Continue reading
