Hurricane Irma has had an unprecedented impact on our state. She has tested our emergency systems, our state leadership, our utility companies, and our commitment to our communities. The preparation engulfed the news cycle for weeks, and now the recovery will do the same. This storm has revealed character within our local and state officials and reminded many Floridians why it is so important to listen to their direction. She tested our ability to prepare and obstructed power supply and fuel supplies in a way that many had forgotten a hurricane could. She caused the cancellation of a committee week of the Florida Legislature and of school in many areas. And yet she also forced us together in amazing ways; reminding us of all those things that matter most like life, health, safety, home, family, community, service, and liberty to go meet challenges with one another. As we begin to recover in our own communities and as a state, we must remember to continue to engage in our community and help those around us that are in need. Continue reading
by A.J.(Tony) Powell
First Amendment – Religion and Expression. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
But attacks on religious freedom have more than doubled in the last few years. Last year there were thousands of hostile attacks in the USA.
These days we are not safe even in public places, schools, churches or even the military.
Not all hostility is physical. People have been fired, refused employment, or fined for speaking out about their beliefs.
Even State Legislatures have been sued for starting their day with a prayer. A high school coach was fired for praying after a football game. He lost his lawsuit trying to get his job back. Continue reading
Publishers Note: I first met Glen when he attended a Select Business Associates meeting. I could see immediately the talent. I went to his Gallery in the Six Gun Plaza which is by appointment only. You would be amazed by his metal sculptures. Take the time to check this out, especially if you want something special or different or your trying to decorate your office with that special look. Many years ago I bought a sculpture of a fishing boat made of copper. It turns out it was a Glen Cove creation. I was please that I found that connection.
The following is information I saw on a brochure and a fair business profile.
Glen Cove Metal sculptures is an independently owned metal craft business owned by Air Force veteran, Paul Tester. Paul retired from the USAF as an aircraft structural repair technician who also trained many other Japanese and German military personnel in metal working techniques. He eventually resided in Florida and started teaching in the Marion County School system. Continue reading
By TomL
Humans and mold don’t get along too well in the same house. If you start sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, skin irritation, sore or irritated eyes, headaches, diarrhea, nausea or you just don’t feel right, they could be symptoms to mold exposure. What do you do? Well I looked it up on the internet. There is so much info there, even methods of getting rid of or “do it yourself” eliminating the mold.
One fix is household bleach, (internet formula) and to mix 1 cup bleach to a gallon of water, protect your eyes, nose and skin and apply with a spray bottle. Another fix is vinegar. It’s all natural and can’t really hurt you. It will kill 75% of the different types of mold, but never mix vinegar with bleach for it will create a toxic effect. But you can mix hydrogen peroxide and or baking soda, other mold deterrents with vinegar, but use the vinegar straight, no water, don’t dilute it. Spray it on and let it sit. It is actually better to leave it on if you can stand the odor, otherwise you can wipe it off after an hour using plain water or with some regular detergent. If you vacuum the mold wear a mask and use a special filter that is designed for that. It has a special real fine mesh filter.
If the mold comes, back repeat the process as many times as needed. You can use the same vinegar solution on clothes that you were wearing when spray and treating the mold.
Check all this information on the internet or consult with a specialist. I am not a chemist and not responsible for this information being wrong or misused.
Pictured are some of the business people at the Lady Lake Chamber Hob Nob event. What is a Hob Nob you say??? It is a group of local businesses assembled by the Lady Lake Chamber, getting together and visiting with each other and talking about their businesses, sharing information while enjoying the hospitality of Dempshar’s Restaurant in the Village. They are located in Spanish Springs on the Square. The sponsors for the event were Villages-News and Villages Plus. Continue reading
OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2017) – The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala Friday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include the following special performances and activities:
- 6 to 6:30 p.m. – The Arts District, a performing arts studio, will present a zombie-themed dance performance.
- 6 to 9 p.m. – The Appleton Museum of Art, Painting with a Twist and the Marion County Public Library will provide free, hands-on art activities for all ages.
- 6 to 9 p.m. – Textur Hair Studio will be doing a hair and makeup demo creating a live character in the window of Ocala Homes and Farms Realty, 108 E Fort King St.
- 6:30 to 9 p.m. – Live music by Adam Rountree on the main event stage.
OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2017) – Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) will host a Customer Appreciation Day Friday, Oct. 6 at Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola, Ave. from 6 to 8 p.m. This event will be held in collaboration with Public Power Week happening Sunday, Oct. 1 through Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017.
To show appreciation for its customers, OEU will be providing free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks on a first come, first serve basis. Entertainment will be provided, along with family-friendly activities and attendees can even take a ride in one of OEU’s bucket trucks! Educational items and giveaways will also be available while supplies last. Continue reading
Many Florida communities are trying to rebuild after Hurricane Irma ripped through their counties. Irma uprooted trees, destroyed homes and flooded streets—damaging vital infrastructure. In some cases, debris is making it impossible for utility workers to gain access to areas to restore power and causing other access issues. City and county leaders are trying desperately to remove this debris but are running into issues with their contractors prioritizing other, more lucrative jobs or demanding higher rates. Continue reading
OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2017) – Following Hurricane Irma, the City of Ocala is actively working to address mosquito control and areas of concern for residents. The City has deployed staff to immediately resume larviciding areas that are currently holding water due to effects from the hurricane. Along with Clarke Mosquito, the City is also spraying areas that have been investigated and determined to have a nuisance adult mosquito population.
“Larviciding is the best line of defense in mosquito control and kills the mosquito larvae prior to them reaching the adult, or biting, stage,” said Brian Herrick, Stormwater Manager, City of Ocala Public Works Department. “City staff is currently working to larvicide drainage retention areas (DRA), ditches, swales and low-lying areas. Since April 2017, the City of Ocala has addressed and treated a total of 16.6 acres in the City limits.” Continue reading

