Date:05/14/2025 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location:Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, Florida 34471
Sunset Songs Series
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
Headliner: Kash’d Out Continue reading
Marion County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC) opposition to CS/ SB 1080 (Reconsideration Attempt)
Seems to be an enormous amount of opposition to SB1080 in our communities through out our State, and even after it failed in final committee, there seems to be a move internally to reconsider the bill.
It is with some level of dismay and disappointment that the will of the electorate of the Marion County Republican Party is being ignored by this Bill’s sponsor. The Senator again is pushing for passage, despite a public “No” decision by the legislature, as well as prior numerous letters from a number of County Republican organizations. Some of the key factors are noted below, what is most distressing is the disregard of a legislator to support the will of the people.
So the following is our opinion on why we opposed the bill and the following is what we addressed to each Senator. Make up your own minds because this bill is not dead yet.
On behalf of the Marion County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC), representing more than 130,000 registered Republican voters we strongly oppose this bill and recent amendment. Continue reading
(NAPS)—Rachel Oh sat in an office at a military hospital, shifting in her seat and clicking the pen an American Red Cross representative had just given her. It was a day of much anticipation but at that moment, all she felt was nerves.
“I initially joined the Red Cross because I was interested in volunteering at the hospital where my mom worked,” said Oh. “It was straight out of COVID, and I was looking for something productive to do.”
The Red Cross, thanks to its Congressional Charter, which authorizes the organization to provide emergency communication services to deployed service members around the world, is granted unique access to U.S. military installations, military hospitals and veteran care facilities.
Oh lives in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Her mother is a doctor in the oncology department at the largest U.S. military hospital outside of the continental U.S.
“I was always interested in the hospital where my mom worked and wanted to be closer to her.”
But she was too young at the time, so they introduced her to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign (YAC) instead.
AC is an educational outreach campaign that promotes awareness of and commitment to humanitarian principles in times of war. Outreach like this holds special significance to children of active-duty military parents like Oh, who describes the military as being a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Continue reading
LADY LAKE — The Town of Lady Lake invites courageous moms and their adventurous sons to the second annual Survivor: Mother-Son Edition. This exciting, family-friendly event presented by the Town of Lady Lake Parks & Recreation Department, will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Snooky Park, located at 120 W. Lady Lake Blvd.
Inspired by the hit TV show Survivor, this action-packed day will challenge participants to outwit, outplay, and outlast opposing teams in a series of fun and engaging games. Teams will compete in age-appropriate challenges designed to strengthen bonds, create lasting memories, and have a blast.
“Our inaugural event was such a hit that we knew we had to bring it back,” said Amy Alicea, Events Coordinator for the Town of Lady Lake. “It’s a great way for moms and sons to team up and enjoy a day in our beautiful park filled with laughter, fun, and friendly competition.”
In addition to the games, each ticket includes a picnic-style lunch and a chance to win exciting prizes. Tickets are just $10 per person and must be purchased in advance by April 24 at Lady Lake Town Hall, the Lady Lake Library or by calling 352-205-2826. Space is limited to ensure an optimal experience for all participants, so early registration is encouraged.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a thrilling adventure and celebrate the special bond between mothers and sons. Join the fun at Snooky Park on May 3—and let the games begin!
For more, visit www.ladylakefl.gov and follow us on Facebook at @townofladylake.
The Town of Lady Lake is excited to present the Sounds of Spring Concert Series, a lineup of free live music bringing the community together for an unforgettable season of fun, food, and live entertainment.
Held under the oak trees of Snooky Park , located 120 Lady Lake Blvd., this three-part concert series will feature talented tribute and cover bands, food trucks, and beverages for all to enjoy. Mark your calendars for these performances:
Saturday, May 17 | 11 AM – 2 PM – The Rundown Band will close out the series with electrifying rock and pop favorites.
The concert will feature delicious food trucks and beer & wine for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the show.
“This concert series is a wonderful way for our community to come together, enjoy live music, and celebrate the beautiful spring season in Lady Lake,” said Events Coordinator Amy Alicea. “We invite everyone to join us for a great time with family and friends.”
The Town of Lady Lake recognized its wonderful volunteers on April 17 at a volunteer appreciation dinner.
Two of our long-time volunteers – Richard “Doc” Jones and Doris Turlo – were presented with personalized throws.
Our Planning & Zoning Board are volunteers, too, and we thank members Robert Galloway, John Brinson, James “Tim” Saunders and Ronald Auger, and Chairwoman Dorilynn Furch.
A huge thanks also goes to volunteers Fred Weber, Betty Cantelmo, Chryle Lowery, Leonard Cieciak, Daniel Russell, Bern Case, Priscilla Hazlett, Don Hollenbeck, Marsha Brinson, Lori Miller, Sharon Edwards, Dina Brown, Lily Kliot, Dana Stone, Shirley Schley, Myra Mervine, Sue Boulais, Anitha Christiansen, Ed Dickinson, Daisy Hodges, Sandy Lauer, Barbara McCarthy, Sharon Prihoda, Frank Dudinski, Rodney Schilling, Jim Knight, Reverend Dr. Paul Harsh, Reverend Debbie Casanzio, Pastor Keith Johnson, Minister Matt Malott, Pastor James Keough, Pastor Tony Omerzu, Pastor Ellen Pollock, Reverence Derick Dimry, Reverend Pat Bromberek, and Pastor Jeff Hosmer.
Also in attendance were Mayor Ed Freeman, Mayor Pro Tem Treva Roberts, Commissioner John Gourlie, Town Manager Bill Lawrence and several department directors.
On April 24 in celebration of Arbor Day, the town planted a Live Oak tree, funded by the Orange Blossom Gardens Lions’ Club, in front of the Lady Lake Town Hall. Students from the Heritage Christian Academy helped with the planting, along with the Town Manager Bill Lawrence, Mayor Ed Freeman, Commissioner Ed Regan, and Police Chief Steve Hunt. ????
This year is particularly special as we celebrate 20 years as a Tree City USA and our Centennial.
Welcome to Standard441, your dream community where comfort, leisure, and entertainment are designed with your lifestyle in mind. With a prime location and top-tier amenities, our brand-new apartments in Lady Lake, Standard441, have everything you need to feel right at home.
LADY LAKE – The Lady Lake Police Department is proud to announce Corporal Lidia Maya as the 2024 Officer of the Year. This week, Corporal Maya was honored at the Leesburg Rotary Club’s 44th Annual Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Program with the “Service Above Self” Award.
This prestigious honor recognizes Corporal Maya’s steadfast dedication, leadership, and exemplary service to the department and the community.
Corporal Maya has consistently demonstrated a high standard of professionalism throughout her career. As a field training officer, she has played an essential role in the development and success of more than a dozen new recruits. Her guidance has helped shape the next generation of officers, earning the respect and admiration of both trainees and colleagues.
“Corporal Maya represents the very best of what it means to serve,” said Chief Steve Hunt. “She leads with integrity, mentors with compassion, and carries out her duties with an unwavering commitment to excellence. It is a privilege to recognize her contributions with this well-deserved honor.”
In addition to her work in training, Corporal Maya regularly steps into a supervisory role, maintaining a calm, focused, and collaborative environment. Her trusted judgment and integrity make her a vital part of the department’s decision-making processes.
By TomL
The senior Fishing Derby went on without a hitch. The weather was great. Hundreds of people showed up, all show up checked in, got their fishing pole their bait and went and found their favorite spot. The largest cat fish I saw was 16 3/4”.There was one caught later over 20”. All the fish were catch and release. The City Parks and Recreation Senior center furnished a box lunch and drink and made sure everyone got plenty healthy air and sunshine. It was truly a beautiful day. I would like to thank LaToya Artis and Grace Huffman for all the work they did to make this happen. Thank you to all the volunteers.
The biggest fish Joe London [20 inches]
Most Fish Lois Langford
Oldest Fisherman Mary Reynold 97 yrs old
SOME HISTORY….
I recall some of the past Senior Fishing Derby’s:
A Lady fell into the pond, several of us got wet. She was in knee deep water. She was later she was observed purposely sliding into the pond for attention. Another time I was watching a guy with a cowboy hat fishing, I heard the women next to him saying pull. He was blind and the lady next to him told him when his bobber went under. He caught a couple of fish. This a person that never thought he would never fish again and thanks to the City Senior Center he did just that.
Thank you City of Ocala, Parks & Recreation Department & The Senior Center and all the volunteers for making this happen.
