These hatchlings were taking over one of my Bell Pepper plants. It was so unusual I had to take a picture and share. It would not have been long and they would have devoured the rest of the plants. All I can say is Sevin Dust! I am Tom Loury Publisher and know no one sees me as a Gardener, but I am really having fun with my garden. And the bell peppers and tomatoes are delicious.
The CEP/Ocala Chamber celebrated the opening of Columbia Bank with a Ribbon Cutting and open house. Pictured is the Ribbon Cutting and as you can see everyone was excited and having fun.
Columbia Bank formed in Lake City (Columbia County) in 1911 and has remained a true community bank for 105 years. Up until 2017, the only branches were in Lake City until Ocala and Gainesville joined the ranks for a total of six locations in three counties. Columbia Bank believes “slow & steady” is the best path, but hopes to add another Marion County branch in the next two years.
Columbia Bank is led by CEO K.C. Trowell. The Ocala branch consists of Teresa Stephens (Market President), Felecia Judge (Branch Manager), Lakisha Carpenter (Asst. Branch Manager), Britany Harrell (Head Teller), Katie Ragdale (Loan Assistant), Sarah Fern, Jared Shorb and Debbie Muir finish the team as Personal Bankers.
Welcome to Ocala!
Florida lawmakers filed more than 3,000 bills in 2017 and fewer than 250 passed both chambers of the Legislature before it adjourned its annual session. I filed 39 bills this session. Of those, 8 passed both chambers in their entirety, a few others were passed with language in other larger bills.
We passed SB 312 this year which will require state, county, municipal, or other law enforcement agencies that conduct lineups to follow specified procedures. This provision will minimize cases of misidentification and strengthen cases that have used best practices. The Governor signed this into law on June 14th.
I was able to pass SB 436 this year, which will protect all students and school personnel in their choice of religious expression. This legislation makes it clear that the Legislature supports the constitutional rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion for everyone associated with our public school system. This bill protects the expression of all religious beliefs, and protects a student’s decision not to express any religion. The Governor signed this bill into law on June 9th. Continue reading
I am having a terrible time understanding why all of the Republicans are not rallying around the Trump Team. They don’t have to like the man to get things done for the people of our country. Furthermore the Left is committing borderline Treason. The BIG SYNDICATED NEWSPAPERS owned by the Left are printing Fake news. Also the big networks are producing Fake news. I believe when they do that it should be considered Treason because of the intent. It is being done to disrupt our country and even cause someone to kill our representative in the Republican Party. The election is over! One Congressman decided he did not sign up to be threatened and has decided to get out.
I was talking to a retired nurse and the conversation came around to the babies that are in trouble at birth. As I understand it, a mother that is on Crack Cocaine comes to the hospital in Ocala to give birth because where they live they will be arrested and the baby will be taken to Child Services. As it looks like to me, the baby beginning life under these circumstances, doesn’t have a chance. Continue reading
Tallahassee, FL- With the conclusion of the 2017 Legislative Session, Representative McClain is proud of the unified approach House members took with their fellow House members to solve important issues that affect every day Floridians. He helped to pass meaningful tax cuts including an increase in the Homestead Tax Exemption, which is projected to save Floridians about $644.7 million, because Floridians are better stewards of their dollar than the government. Representative McClain also stood against corporate welfare and supported Florida’s future by voting to increase K-12 spending.
“At the end of Session it was good to see Tax Exemptions and a budget passed that we can work from without causing unnecessary debt, as a fiscal conservative, I can stand behind that.” Continue reading
We are #1 (or at least a finalist)! I am very excited to share that the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) has been named a finalist for the 2017 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The CEP along with the other three finalists for the award will be celebrated at a special event on Tuesday, July 18, in Nashville, Tenn., with the winner to be announced that evening.
This is an incredible testament to the success of our partners and leadership in implementing their vision with our Moving Forward campaign. We are excited for this recognition and to shine a light on the great work being done in this community.
Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing the leadership role chambers have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life.
Chambers of commerce interested in competing for the award must first qualify by participating in a vigorous, multi-stage process. Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention. Continue reading
YOGA IN THE PARK
Tuscawilla Park | 500 NE Sanchez Ave. Saturday | July 15 and Aug. 12 | 9 a.m. Sunday | Sept. 10 | noon Celebrate summer with Yoga in the Park instructed by Power Yoga Ocala. Bring some water, a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. Meet under the large oak trees next to the pavilion.
BACK TO SCULPTURE WALK AND EDUCATIONAL SCAVENGER HUNT
Tuscawilla Park | 500 NE Sanchez Ave. Now through Sept. 17th | Sunrise-Sunset Take a stroll in Tuscawilla Park and enjoy the sculptures on display. Complete the sculpture scavenger hunt (sponsored by Family Times Magazine and Philip D. Breske Photography) and receive your complimentary family admission to the Appleton Museum. Download your brochure at www.ocalafl.org/ outdoorsculpture or pick up a copy when you start your walk at the Discovery Center (701 NE Sanchez Ave.), Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center (830 NE Eighth Ave.) or at the Recreation and Parks administration building (828 NE Sanchez Ave.) Continue reading
By A.J.(Tony) Powell.
Are you tired of all the ranting broadcasters, TV personalities and ‘reader letters’ which are dominated by a lot of heat but very little light?
The Democrats, under President Obama, tried and failed to come up with a workable Health Care Plan.
Now, Trump admits that he can’t do as he promised – Lower premiums and Full Coverage for all.
Why do working tax-payers have to subsidize politicians and government workers? Why do we need Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, and so many other Government run fiascoes?
Why are our veterans pushed off into over-crowded, second-rate facilities often many miles from where they live? Our military should have a ‘Front-Door-Pass’ to the best medical facility they can find.
Trumps Republican opponents in the House & Senate have failed to pass their ‘Robbing Hoods’ plan. Continue reading
Second Annual Business to Business Expo A Great Success. Pictured from left Chrissy Thibodeau, Jaclyn Searcy and Laura Schenck of Community Bank and Trust of Florida. Some 56 businesses made it into the expo, though some did not. Only 56 businesses would fit the then large room that housed the Expo. Many contacts were made; business transactions were set up. Each business there had time to talk to all 56 other businesses in attendance. All remarks that were passed around were positive and all were looking forward to 2018 expo. The great food was furnished by Eaton Beach Catering, Too Jays Catering, Water Oak, Sam Club, Honey Bake Ham and Chick-fil-A the Villages.
As our thoughts turn to relaxation and family fun this summer, keep in mind that thieves and burglars don’t take vacations from criminal activity. Stay vigilant about protecting yourself, your home, your belongings and your identity. Don’t let crime or weather ruin your summer fun.
The best advice is to stay alert. Be aware of what’s going on in your neighborhood. Never hesitate to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. If you notice activity at your neighbors’ house when you know they are away on vacation, call 911 immediately. Your tip might be the one that helps the Lady Lake Police Department catch a burglar. If you notice someone lurking around cars in a parking lot, phone in that tip. Teaming up and keeping the lines of communication open between law enforcement and observant residents is the best defense against criminals. Continue reading
