By TomL
Some years back I went to a senior fishing derby to take pictures for my Seniors Voice of Ocala newspaper.
It was being held at Lake Tuscawilla and seniors were out in force. Every body had a spot and they would maneuver to get where they wanted to fish. Here is what happened. The lady that was coordinating the fishing Derby back then was Mary Filer one of the Parks and Recreation employees. I started taking pictures and went to interview Mary Filer and as I ask questions she said this might be the last Senior Fishing Derby My sponsor for the Derby said they will not be doing it any more. I ask how much does it cost to put on a fishing derby. She explained different ways of feeding the seniors. I went out and priced a few things. I went to a restaurant supply place and price the big all beaf hotdogs, chips, drinks, worms for bait. Then I find out that the Florida Game Commission loaned the fishing poles over a hundred. The price fit my budget!
I called Mary and ask do you still need a sponsor? She said yes I said thats me! The first one we had I had so much fun that I ask how about having two per year. She got back to me and said as long as you want to sponsor it YES! I ask the members of Ocala Business Leaders for door prizes. BJ Trophy’s came in with three trophy’s, I would go to Walmart and buy three to six fishing poles for grand prizes We bought the fishing worms there also. After that I sponsored 17 Senior Fishing Derby. Dianne Leaf was the supervisor for thee Senior Center, she is also known for her work with Charity’s. When Mary Filer retired her super took over with the help of Grace Huff on the fishing derby. Continue reading
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Marion County Animal Servicesat 352-671-8727.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Marion by calling 352-629-0137.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Marion County Animal Servicesat 352-671-8727.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Marion at 352-629-0137.
Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center brought the magic of the 1950s back to life at this year’s vibrant Sock Hop fundraiser. From poodle skirts and saddle shoes to leather jackets and slicked-back hair, guests stepped into a night of pure nostalgia—all for a meaningful cause.
with casino tables, silent auctions, a Chinese auction, and raffles—all set to the timeless hits that defined the decade. Attendees filled the dance floor with swing, twists, the hand jive, and plenty of laughter. The energy was contagious, fueled by themed beverages (including the crowd-favorite Sour Betty), delicious treats, and an impressive array of auction items generously donated by community supporters.
But beyond the excitement, the heart of the evening centered on Stirrups ‘n Strides’ mission: empowering individuals with disabilities through the healing power of horses. For many riders, these horses offer more than a lesson—they provide balance, strength, confidence, and emotional connection. The rhythmic movement of the horse mimics the human walk, helping riders build core stability, while the bond between horse and rider fosters trust, independence, and joy. It’s a partnership that changes lives in ways no classroom or clinic can replicate.
Thanks to the incredible support from attendees, sponsors, and devoted volunteers, the event was a tremendous success, raising essential funds for the horses, programs, and riders who rely on Stirrups ‘n Strides every day. It was truly a Happy Days evening—one filled with joy, generosity, and community.
So many wonderful photos were taken during the event and are still being processed by Julie Bartoli, All About You Photography! The link below is from Rachel Doeberl Photography, Every Memory Matters Photobooth! She was a blast to work with and captured so many incredible moments. The photos are amazing, and her energy made the night even more fun. If you were a part of the event and would like to share photos, please send to Brandi at 352-286-2519.
Stirrups & Strides and Gala of the Royal Horses are joining forces for a very special collaboration!
On December 27th, our show will not only bring the magic and beauty of the horses you love — it will also help spread awareness and raise funds for the incredible work Stirrups & Strides does within our community.
This performance is filled with heart, purpose, and holiday spirit… and it also makes the perfect Christmas gift for the horse lovers in your life.
Join us for an unforgettable night that supports an unforgettable cause.
https://galaoftheroyalhorses.com/
Buy Tickets Now!
American families are being crushed by skyrocketing beef prices that have surged 14.7% in just one year, while ranchers face a devastating perfect storm of drought, soaring costs, and the smallest cattle herd since 1951.
Story Highlights
Beef prices jumped 14.7% from September 2024 to 2025, nearly five times the overall food inflation rate
America’s cattle herd has shrunk to its smallest size since 1951, creating severe supply shortages
Rancher input costs have exploded over 50% in five years, squeezing family farms nationwide
Drought conditions and international trade disruptions are worsening the crisis for consumers
65 Florida faith leaders have already signed up to support Donalds’ campaign.
NAPLES, FL – Today, the Byron Donalds for Florida Governor campaign launched a Faith Leaders Coalition consisting of individuals who lead their community in prayer, volunteer at their church or faith community, serve as clergy, or lead a faith-based organization. 65 faith leaders have already signed up to be a part of the coalition, which will hold weekly prayer calls led by rotating faith leaders.
“God calls us to pray for our leaders. This is not about politics. It is about standing in the gap and covering Byron Donalds’ leadership in prayer as we seek God’s best for our state of Florida,” said Pastor J, Jearlyn Dennie, Founder of She Leads Florida.
“We are called to pray for our leaders, and Congressman Byron Donalds is a fearless leader who shares our values and needs our prayers. In order for Florida to continue succeeding, common sense values of faith, family, and freedom must be reflected at the highest levels of state government in order to serve the public good,” said Anthony Verdugo, Founder of the Florida Christian Family Coalition. “Policy decisions impact the lives of everyday Floridians from vulnerable communities to houses of worship, and our state needs a proven leader like Congressman Donalds who listens and leads with the conviction of a man on a mission to strengthen our state. He respects the critical role faith institutions play in our state to help shape our culture and character, thus, this coalition exists to lift up Florida in prayer and support for a leader who shares and practices our values.” Continue reading
HARRISBURG – The Garrity for PA campaign announced the release of the trailer for the campaign’s upcoming web series “Twilight Justice,” a docudrama exposing the years of corruption and scandal surrounding Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. This will be the first time the litany of character issues associated with Shapiro will be fully unmasked for voters in Pennsylvania and around the country to see.
“Twilight Justice,” features an investigator who works in the shadows searching for evidence, including from experts, victims, and previously undisclosed documents, that bring to light the troubling actions of Shapiro.
For his entire career, Josh Shapiro has presented a sanitized and distorted story regarding his actions and his record. “Twilight Justice” will expose the truth.
It’s time for Josh Shapiro to buckle up!
Stay tuned… “Twilight Justice” is coming early 2026. To stay up to date on “Twilight Justice’s” upcoming releases, visit: https://www.twilightjustice.com/.
TAMPA, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $112 million in grants to improve water quality and quantity across Florida. The funding includes $50 million in funding to support 14 alternative water supply projects, $50 million in funding to support 23 projects aimed at restoring Florida’s natural freshwater springs, and $12 million for 16 innovative technology projects that will help detect, prevent, and mitigate harmful algal blooms.
“My administration has made historic investments in protecting our water resources,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is a leader in water resource protection, and we will continue to deliver results and act as responsible stewards of our resources.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, our decisions are driven by science and long-term stewardship,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “The funding announced today will help communities secure reliable water supplies, improve water quality and better respond to environmental challenges. These investments reflect our commitment to protecting the resources that support our economy and our way of life.”
Alternative Water Supply Investments – $50 Million
Governor DeSantis awarded $50 million to support 14 projects that will collectively produce more than 94 million gallons of new water supply per day once fully operational. These projects expand reclaimed water, enhance aquifer recharge, and promote conservation—ensuring Florida’s communities and natural systems have adequate supplies for generations to come. Continue reading
LOXAHATCHEE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis announced proposal to protect puppies in Florida. In partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state will develop standard practices to ensure ethical dog breeding. Through this proposal, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation will be directed to license dog breeders and hold accountable puppy mills that abuse dogs, whether by overbreeding them, leaving them out in extreme weather, cramming them into small cages, or limiting their access to water.
“In Florida, we will always fight to protect man’s best friend,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The proposal we announced today will end unethical puppy mills, hold accountable abusive breeders, and help shelter dogs find loving homes.”
Additional proposal actions includes:
- Establishing a hotline for individuals to call and report abuse by breeders to better crack down on these bad actors.
- Requiring pet stores to offer their space to local shelters for adoption before they use that space to sell dogs from puppy mills. As shelters across the state face overcrowding, offering animals for adoption at pet stores will help save them from being euthanized.
- Developing additional legislation that provides for increased penalties for individuals who abuse or torture animals in front of a minor.
THE VILLAGES, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis announced a proposal to protect consumers by establishing an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights for citizens. Additionally, Governor DeSantis announced a proposal to protect Floridians from footing the bill for Hyperscale AI Data Centers and to empower local governments to reject their development in their communities.
“Today, I proposed new legislation on artificial intelligence and AI data centers to protect Floridians’ privacy, security, and quality of life,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our AI proposal will establish an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights to define and safeguard Floridians’ rights—including data privacy, parental controls, consumer protections, and restrictions on AI use of an individual’s name, image or likeness without consent.”
The Artificial Intelligence proposal will establish an AI Bill of Rights to provide consumers with protections.
- Reenact protections Florida has already passed against “deep fakes” and explicit material, including those depicting minors.
- Prohibit any state or local government agency from utilizing DeepSeek or any other Chinese-created AI tools to protect American data.
- Prohibit AI from using an individual’s Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) without their consent – tie it to harm or sale of a product (political ads, schemes to defraud already in law).
- Require a notice to consumers when interacting with AI (Company chatbots).
- Prohibit entities from providing “licensed” therapy or mental health counseling through artificial intelligence. This can be expanded to include use of AI to imitate a licensed professional.
- Provide parental controls for minors which will allow parents to access the conversation their child has with a large language model, set parameters for when the child can access the platform, and notify parents if their child exhibits concerning behavior.
- Ensure data inputted to AI is secure and private.
- Prohibit companies from selling or sharing personal identifying information with third parties (deidentified) and mirror data privacy protections in current law.
- Limit insurance companies from using AI for insurance claims. Require that AI cannot be used as the sole determination in adjusting or denying a claim. Insurers that use AI for claims must detail the use and allow the Office of Insurance Regulation to inspect the AI model to ensure it does not violate unfair insurance trade practices.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $20 million across eight projects through the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program to bolster continuing efforts to improve water quality in the bay. The Governor also announced $9.5 million across 11 projects that advance the state’s long-term strategy to restore Florida’s Coral Reef—the only living barrier reef in the continental United States.
“It was great to be in Miami this morning to announce new investments of almost $30 million to improve Biscayne Bay water quality and support the long-term recovery of Florida’s Coral Reef,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Protecting and restoring Florida’s waterways is essential to our way of life. To-date, my administration has awarded over $3.5 billion to over 1,000 local projects aimed at protecting Florida’s water resources. Now, we are building on those historic investments to ensure that our state’s natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.”
“Biscayne Bay is Florida’s largest estuary and home to an array of important species of plants and wildlife,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “By making strategic investments in the bay’s water quality, we are revitalizing waters that support not only our wildlife but also our economy and way of life.”
Governor DeSantis has prioritized revitalizing Biscayne Bay since taking office, and since 2019, the state of Florida has invested $90 million for targeted water quality projects in the bay. Biscayne Bay plays a key role in Florida’s economy and the health of the state’s waters. In 2021, Governor DeSantis signed legislation to expedite water quality improvements to Biscayne Bay. This legislation established the Biscayne Bay Commission, which ensures that objective and sound science informs decision-making regarding the bay. Continue reading
