12/08/2017
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit wrapped up a two-month operation yesterday evening that targeted illegal gambling establishments throughout the county. During the investigation, which detectives dubbed Operation Jackpot, detectives obtained search warrants for 10 business and made 4 arrests on various charges.
The investigation was initiated after receiving multiple citizen complaints about several of the businesses possibly being illegal gambling establishments, as well as similar tips received through Central Florida CRIMELINE.
As the investigation progressed, detectives were able to establish that all 10 locations were engaging in illegal gambling activities, and as a result, search warrants for each location were obtained. Continue reading
The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala Friday, Jan. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m.
OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2017) – The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala Friday, Jan. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include the following special performances and activities:
- 6 to 9 p.m. – Live music by Jeff and the Jarretts on the main event stage located at the downtown square near the gazebo. Jarrett is a singer/songwriter who was recently named “Best Local Musician” by Ocala Magazine.
- 7 p.m. – Contemporary dance performance by West Port High School’s MCCA (Marion County Center for the Arts) Dance Program.
- Free hands-on art activities for all ages will be provided throughout the event by the Appleton Museum of Art, Painting with a Twist, Marion County Public Library, Karate America Ocala, Animis Foundation and the Discovery Center.
Local artists will be working throughout this event creating artwork and portraits at Ocala Homes and Farms Realty located at 108 E Fort King St. Live caricatures will be available near Gause & Son Jewelers located at 14 SE Broadway St. Continue reading
Did you know Cirque Italia has TWO traveling shows?! For the first time ever, The NEW GOLD UNIT IS COMING TO OCALA, FL with the state of the art water show you DON’T WANT TO MISS!!!
Cirque Italia has grown to the point where the next logical step can only be to expand operations and double our presence at the national level. In response to our wonderful fans all over the U.S., and with over 90% of shows being sold out, NOW is the perfect time for a substantial investment.
Beginning in 2017, Cirque Italia, the first traveling Water Circus, introduced a second unit, the Gold Unit: a luxurious experience where technology and preforming arts are mixed to create a one-of-a-kind show. Now for 2018, a brand-new performance has been created.
This new performance will feature an ultra-modern water curtain that controls every droplet of water meticulously. Audience members can expect to see words and beautiful patterns as the water falls to the ‘lagoon’ below. Cirque Italia is ready to provide a breathtaking experience. This new stage by itself is enough to amaze the most demanding audience, and synchronized with the most creative display of superhuman talent – the result is simply out of this world! Continue reading
The Racial Harmony and Cultural Awareness Task Force will host “REACH Across the Table,” a gathering of community members, Thursday, Jan. 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd.
OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2017) – The Racial Harmony and Cultural Awareness Task Force will host “REACH Across the Table,” a gathering of community members, Thursday, Jan. 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd. This event will provide information on community concerns that impact our ability to accept each other’s differences and come together as one. The theme for this inaugural community event is “trust.” Continue reading
Birding is the fastest growing new activity and January is peak birding time in central Florida so join Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society for a field trip and start 2018 off right. On Friday, January 5, 2018, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm they will be doing Golf Cart Birding with the Villages Birding Club which is free. On Sunday, January 14, 2018, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm they will be going to Circle B Reserve Birding and the cost is $10 for members and $15 for non members. Both trips will have expert guides and everyone is welcome no matter what your level of experience. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, cameras, hats, water, snacks and wear comfortable hiking clothes and shoes. Email rayesm105@aol.com or call/text 609-553-0757 for details to register in advance.
Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society (OVAS) presented Lavon Silvernell of Astatula with the Conservationist of the Year award at their Holiday Luncheon on December 3rd. OVAS was founded in 1966 and has been a conservation advocate in Lake County for over 50 years. They presented their first Conservationist of the Year Award in 2008 to recognize someone who had significant conservation achievements in Lake County. Last year, Welton Cadwell, former Lake County Commissioner, received the award, recognizing him for a “Lifetime of Conservation”. Continue reading
Date:12/15/2017 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Tuscawilla Park
829 NE Sanchez Avenue
Ocala, Florida 34470
Join us for Let’s Skate Ocala’s Friday night theme night, “Santa’s Workshop” with this favorite holiday movie! Ice rink admission is $5/person, n fee for movie. Popcorn and drink will be available for a small fee. Please bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, call 352-368-5517.
This week, I had the honor of thanking law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families at the Gold Shield Annual Luncheon in Tampa. Our law enforcement officers and firefighters cannot do their job without the support of their loved ones—and that is why we also honored the immense sacrifices made by the families of our first responders. We want those who serve and protect us, to know that their families will be taken care of should anything happen in the line of duty.
The Gold Shield Foundation not only provides financial assistance to ensure families of fallen heroes receive the help they need directly after their loss, but also works to ensure their children and spouses can go to college. The work of this foundation brings hope to brokenhearted families, and it is an inspiration to see the foundation serving families in Florida. Continue reading
Effective Monday, Dec. 11, the parking lot at the SE 31st Street Start! Walking Trail located at 2025 SE 31st St. will be closed for resurfacing.
OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2017) – Effective Monday, Dec. 11, the parking lot at the SE 31st Street Start! Walking Trail located at 2025 SE 31st St. will be closed for resurfacing. This resurfacing project is expected to be completed in approximately two weeks.
During construction, the walking trail will remain open to the public, however due to space limitations, there will not be a temporary parking lot available during this time.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.
