TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In recognition of this National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging Floridians to be safe and never drive impaired. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s latest nationwide data reveals that someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 39 minutes — that’s about 37 people every day. During December, drunk driving accidents increase. Last year, there were 507 alcohol-impaired crashes in Florida during that month alone — more crashes than any other month. Attorney General Moody is sharing tips with Floridians on how to stay safe this holiday season.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “In December, there is an increase in drunk driving accidents. These accidents ruin lives and can destroy families. The good news is they are 100% preventable. It’s simple, never drink and drive – instead, designate a driver, or use a ridesharing service. Follow this simple advice and we can all enjoy a happy, safe holiday season.” Continue reading
- Date:01/08/2025 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location:Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, Florida 34471
Music lovers of all ages will enjoy Sunset Songs Series! This free concert series on the downtown square brings you the best local and regional artists performing funk, blues, reggae, and country originals as the sun goes down. Kick back and soak in the melodies with the perfect Wednesday night activity. If you love music and sunsets, the Sunset Songs Series is for you! End your day on a melodic high note at these not-to-be-missed community concerts.
- Monthly concerts September through May featuring top-notch musical talent
- All concerts are 100% free – just bring your lawn chair or blanket!
- Unwind and discover great new music in a gorgeous outdoor setting
- Grab a bite to eat at one of our many amazing local downtown restaurants
Step into the 1800s at the Festival at Fort King! This two-day event featured historic themed crafts, games, workshops, activities, living historians, vendors, food, drinks and much more. The pinnacle of the festival is a re-enactment of the event that fueled the start of the Second Seminole War.
This year it occurred Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. Watch for the next event…
Admission is free!
Event Activities: Cast iron cooking; Canoe carving; Archery (Saturday Only); Leather tanning; Combat demonstrations; Seminole Artisans; Craft vendors; Pine needle basket weaving; Living historian re-enactors; And more!
Parking Information: Free shuttle parking was available at the Duke Energy power line field, approximately a quarter mile east of the fort.
Cannon Firing Notice
During the event, artillery volunteers conducted live cannon firing. Residents in the area may have heard a series of rounds fired multiple times throughout the day during the event.
Jan 1
Happy New Year Hike
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Wolf Branch Sink Preserve in Mount Dora
Ring in the New Year with a hike at Wolf Branch sink. Hiking intensity : vigorous.
Jan 3
Exploration Hike
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ferndale Preserve in Montverde
Join staff on a morning exploration of habitats and species at Ferndale Preserve. Hike intensity: Vigorous. Reservations required.
Jan 4
Umatilla Garden Club
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Connect with local garden enthusiasts and cultivate your green thumb!
Jan 4
Big Sit
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM McDonald Canal Boat Ramp in Mount Dora
A “Big Sit” is a semi-competitive birding event where participants count all the birds they can see or hear within a 17-foot circle.
Jan 5
Exploration Hike
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM P.E.A.R. Park (Gateway) in Leesburg
Join staff on an early evening hike to get some exercise while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park. Hike Intensity: light Reservations required
Jan 6
Take Flight, Birds of Winter
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake May Reserve in Eustis
Many bird species use Florida in the fall, winter and spring as a stop to rest and refuel on their way to some place else. Hike with staff to see if you…
Jan 8
Choo-Choo Babies
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/81/151/221/29 Plus More
Bring your baby, aged 0-15 months, to the library for a sweet and simple lapsit program featuring Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy.
Jan 8
Toddler Train
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/81/151/221/29 Plus More
Quick-moving storytime for quick-moving toddlers aged 16-36 months featuring Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy.
Jan 8
Water Wednesday
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Hickory Point in Tavares
Learn about wetland mammals and the ecosystems they call home. Sustainable activity: Identify and match wetland mammals with their adaptations. Reserva…
Jan 8
Kids Crafts
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Relax with crafts. After-school enrichment for KG-5th.
Jan 9
Storytime Station
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/91/161/231/30 Plus More
Ride the reading train into Storytime Station. This literature rich experience will bring books to life through story and song. Storytime Station is b…
Jan 10
Umatilla Literary Society
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
In Literary Society book lovers get together and discuss whatever they are reading. They compare notes, make lists of new titles to try, and encourage e…
Jan 11
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM PEAR Park – WCA in Leesburg
Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.
Jan 11
Paddling Adventure – Lake Norris
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lake Norris Conservation Area in Eustis
One of the best paddles in Lake County, join staff for a guided tour of the Black Water Creek, part of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System.
Jan 15
Kids STEM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Fun after-school enrichment for grades KG-5th.
Jan 16
Wildlife of Pine Meadows
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Pine Meadows Conservation Area in Eustis
Pine Meadows is composed mostly of wetland habitats which attracts a number of species which rely on these ecosystems to survive.
Jan 17
The New York Rockets – Mount Dora Music Hall
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Mount Dora Music Hall in Mount Dora
The New York Rockets are coming back to MOUNT DORA THEATER Quite possibly the best 120min of 50’s, 60’s music
Jan 17
Zeroing in on Specific Soft Skills for the Workplace
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
In this training we cover communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, customer service, conflict resolution, respect & civility.
Jan 18
Tracks and Scat
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Ellis Acres Reserve in Paisley
Who goes there and who left that? Join staff on a discovery of what animals left their signs, from bears to bugs.
Jan 19
Flatwoods of the Green Swamp
10:30 AM – 12:30 AM Pasture Reserve in Groveland
Join Parks’ staff on a hike and learn about the fire, flora, and fauna of the pine flatwoods ecosystem. Hiking intensity: Light. Reservations required.
Jan 24
Stories of Water – Scrub Point Preserve
10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Scrub Point Preserve in Clermont
Join us for a casual hike as we share the Story of Water at Scrub Point Preserve. Hiking intensity: moderate. Reservation Required.
Jan 25
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM Ferndale Preserve in Minneola
Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.
Jan 27
Growing Tomatoes IFAS/Master Gardener
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
pre-register
By TomL
MY VIEW! I keep hearing our politician’s say we paid into social security….Our employers matched the same amount we did for our SS so don’t decide that is yours!!! Now you are saying we are living longer than we use to, today on the news they say we are not eating healthy and dyeing young. I want to ask a question of Washington DC. politicians, everyone of you are trying to attach a rider to every bill for things you want for yourself & your state, not all the people of the United states (THE MAJORITY) so you can have something that you can brag about I DID THIS! I PASSED THIS!. Continue reading
The Lady Lake Library had Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus greeting children. My favorite picture is this one. It is always touch when you see and infant and a young child in a Christmas setting. They are all excited about Santa coming to town. (Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas) Thank you Lady Lake Library
In partnership with Target and the Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake, the Lady Lake Police Department brought holiday joy to 62 children in the community through the annual Santa’s Heroes and Helpers event on Saturday at Target in Lady Lake. Local schools played an essential role in identifying families who could use a little extra help this holiday season.
The Lady Lake Police Department provided 14 dedicated helpers, including both sworn officers and support staff, as well as two incredibly generous Town of Lady Lake volunteers who stepped into the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake and Target contributed more than 50 $100 gift cards, while additional funding was covered by unused cards from last year’s event. PetSmart also joined in the spirit of giving by donating stuffed animals for all participating children.
Again this year, the Lady Lake Police Department was honored to be joined by the Fruitland Park Police Department, which contributed funding, staff, and participants. The two departments work closely together, not only in public safety efforts but also in community-focused events that bring joy to area families.
By TomL
Interesting while everyone is scrambling to get their CPA or accountant or take the time to follow the very easy to use a 25 page instruction sheet on how to file the BOI, because most of us received warning that if you don’t comply before January 1st you will be fined $500 per day. One company made out pretty good they had a word smith create and send out a notice that really put concern into business peoples minds and lives. They only wanted $256 by December 6th to file. Continue reading
The Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) announced today that its first CEO, Kevin T. Sheilley, CCE, has submitted his resignation after 12 years. It was simultaneously announced that he has been hired as the new President & CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce in Charleston, SC.
Sheilley was hired by the CEP shortly after it was formally created in late 2012 with the merger of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation. Over the last dozen years, the organization led the community’s incredible economic rebound and was named national Chamber of the Year in 2020, a finalist for this award in 2017 and 2019, and Florida’s Chamber of the Year in 2018. Continue reading
Pictured is the Select Business Associates of Ocala handing a check to Corporal Gary Miller who is in Traffic division. The person that runs the canine division is Sargent Jeremie Nix. Nix was out of town that day. Sgt Nix explain they have 12 dogs and they do three different job. Six dog are in apprehension that catch the bad guys up close and personal. 2 dogs work at the jail sniffing for drugs, and 2 dogs are for detecting firearms at the schools and public places. When we heard last year we lost a dog we were hoping we could help so we donated $400. I know it’s not much but maybe we can come up with more later. If you want to help, make a check out to Marion County Sheriff Foundation note at bottom left Canine unit.
